“I don’t know much about creative writing programs. But they’re not telling the truth if they don’t teach, one, that writing is hard work, and, two, that you have to give up a great deal of life, your personal life, to be a writer.” — Doris Lessing

I found the quote mentioned above from my little journal I acquired at one of the stores at the mall and it has been a landing ground for quotes that stop by in some shape or form.

Tuesday I had encounter with Frank Razidlo in a Northfield coffee shop down near the location of the Jesse James business (robbing the bank). That cost the life of some of his men but when all was said and done he and Frank traveled south again and made life new.

This was almost the same route I took Tuesday morning to get to Northfield and meet with Frank. Somehow I think Frank Razidlo and I have a link going back to the days of Jesse and Frank James.

James is my nickname and that draws us closer. It didn’t take as long to get to Northfield for us as it did for them getting there. I think I’ve mentioned before that Jesse and Frank along with his pals crossed the Cedar River south of town where the Cedar River still runs by old 105.

We spend about an hour in the coffee shop drinking coffee and eating tasties before roaming down the street a ways to visit the used bookstore. One of the remaining bookstores in Minnesota.

Frank acquired a book and I used the bathroom. Then I happened to see a single book sitting on the corner of a table by itself. It had an unusual title and then I began to pan through. It was the most hilarious work of writing and art I’ve seen, distorting words and meanings. It was $9 plus I held back.

When I got home and sat in the back yard thinking: “I’ve got to get that book before it’s sold.” Later I tried to get a hold of Frank… no answer.