I’ve been a very neglectful blogger, I apologize.

This summer, I’m unable to work on the next issue of GUS because I’m in Korea, working on myself and some other projects. And getting out that first issue ended up being quite a bit more work than anticipated, and costing more than expected, as well.

I’m entering my last year of college this fall, and I have a lot of things I’d like to accomplish before I leave Oberlin. So, I will be putting the next issue of GUS on hold until after graduation, and also until I can find help with the project. It’s a huge undertaking, particularly to make it truly sustainable, and I just don’t have the time/resources at the moment.

I apologize…I really would like to gain some momentum with all of this, but I also don’t want to half-ass it. So, I hope that in a year or so I can come back to it (with help) and really make it into something good.

Thank you all for your support! Please keep in touch if we’re not already buds!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

It’s been a lot of work, but the final product is beautiful. I hope that you all enjoy it, and continue to support this project.

Don’t forget to submit your stories, poetry, art, reflections, etc for our next issue!

Additionally, I have met lots of new and beautiful faces, spent time with old ones, and reminded myself of my committment to this fantasic community.

I also recieved some feedback about Grinding Up Stones, and continued to spread the word.

Thank you to KAHI and all the wonderful folks here at the Gathering!

Additionally, I would really love to get some submissions coming out of the Gathering. So, if folks have photos, reflections, poetry or other things they’d like to share with the community, please pass them along! I’m going to be printing a limited number of pages in color.

Mahalo again, and I hope to see you all at future events!

As you may have noticed, things have slowed down a bit. I’m now in my junior year here at Oberlin, and, as usual, I am way overextended. I know some people think that college students have it easy – and in some ways, it’s true, but really, you should ask me about my schedule sometime, because between class, two paying jobs, one volunteer job, student organizations and co-op hours, I’m booked over thirty hours a week before I can even think about doing homework (which is, at a minimum, 500 pages of reading/week, and yes, I do it all).

But, that said, I am finding time to work on the ‘zine. The website, unfortunately has come to a halt as I have reached the limit of my HTML knowledge, but I’m working on tracking down someone to help me with that. Submissions are closed and I am currently in the editorial/layout process. If you’ve submitted and haven’t heard back from me, shoot me another email, it may have gotten lost in the back-to-school shuffle.

The Hawai’i Gathering is fast approaching! I will be there with information about the project as well as a suggestion box and sign up sheet if you’d like to receive the first issue. I look forward to connecting with all of you headed to Waikiki next weekend!

Thanks for your continued support!

Juli

I know that there are lots of Asian adoptees out there with something to say. Well let’s hear it! The submission deadline for Grinding Up Stones is extended to September 15. And I’m shooting to print in November. I’m also in search of cover art – I was hoping to have something silkscreen-able (I can take care of the silkscreening) but I’m really interested in seeing what *you* want.

Anyway, submissions can go to: strangerswomb [AT] gmail {dot} com or info {AT] grindingupstones {dot} com

Spread this widely!

I just wanted to let y’all know that I am in Nia Oxette King’s latest ‘zine on mixed/multiracial and transracial adoptee identities, Borderlands 2. It’s printed and wonderful! My piece examines the relationship between mental health and adoption through memory and trauma. I hope that you will check it out. Get in touch with Nia by emailing oxette [AT] riseup [DOT] net.

it’s not that i don’t love you, oomah
indeed, it’s fear that binds me to
a permanent state of hesitation
the woman who gave me life
still holds some power in me.

it’s that i fear your judgment
because what i have become
in body, face and mind may be
aberrant, or abhorrent
an abomination in the eyes
of she who made me of this earth.

yet, your hands too are not clean.
you gave me up. gave up on me.

have i returned the favor
placed a value on your actions like
the value on my head
was it altruism or just a case
of saving face.
and if you didn’t have a choice
is it still love.

if you met me, would you be
ashamed. would
there be panic in your eyes.
am i the ghost that haunts your nights.
the stigma you have worn
beneath your clothes for
two decades of nothingness.

i am mourning you today though
i know not the state of your pulse
breath here is irrelevant
as you are lost to me all the same.
what might have been i’ll never know
as what remains of family
is all i’ll ever see.

(c)julijeongmartin, 2008

Check it out at:
http://www.grindingupstones.com/forum

Spread the word!