Many of you already have heard the sad news that we lost Old Man Guinnias this weekend. He was nearing twenty and came to Apifera at age 15. I am sad beyond sad, but I know he had the best life an old guy could have had here. What a soul he was, and we were very bonded. He was the first old creature to arrive in the barnyard. His stall feels huge and empty. There is much life here to care for and love - but losing this gentleman is probably the saddest day in my time at Apifera.

You can read his memorial here http://www.apiferafarm.blogspot.com/2012/04/old-man-guinnias-has-gone-on.html

and more here

http://www.apiferafarm.blogspot.com/2012/04/letter-from-giuinnias.html

Getting the stories of the "Misfits" out to a wider audience is even more important to me now. As I write, my literary agent is at The London Book Fair with several of my book proposals including "Misfits". I'm hoping Guinnias has time to float over there and help her find a publisher for us. Toes, hooves, tails crossed.

I wanted to share the new piece of art that will grace the chapter on Matilda, the old donkey of Apifera. I am so pleased with this piece - I think it captures her so well. Some of you have met her so I hope you feel her essence and soul in her eyes. Matilda has unique ears - very different than Pino and the mini donkeys [she is a standard size donkey]. She often lays her ears flat out at the sides. She also has white in her eye corners, which most equines don't. When people meet her - they never forget her eyes.

Some of you know this - but my literary agent who i signed with in January is based in Paris. She is busy pitching my memoir, "Raggedy Love" [also illustrated] and is going to take "Misfits" along to her London book fair. Who knows, it might find a home - either way, i continue to paint and write for this book - thanks to everyone who helped make this possible.

Hi everyone!

I'm excited to share a presentation with you - it is the working table of contents [first spread] introduction [6 spreads] and first chapter which is Old Man Guinnias. Each chapter will follow the format of chapter one with an intro narrative and photo[s] and then a 'conversation' between me and the animal written in a fable-part fiction style [with art].

http://tinyurl.com/872h27h

Of course I'm open [with my agent] to talk to any editors, but am focusing on what I do best- painting and writing. I think the text is hard to read but I wanted to upload it at 72 dpi. I especially love the art of Guinnias.

I feel really good about this.

YOUR REWARDS: I will be contacting you next week about reward updates!

I also want you all to know how important having the funding is to my psyche. It really is allowing me to focus on this project! Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

~ Katherine and Apifera ~

Once again, thank you all. I've had a week to rest - well, at least from fund raising - and am so excited to really dive into my Misfits.

The project officially funds Monday, 1/30, so you'll get an email from Kickstarter stating that your money will now be charged to your credit card.

I will  be working on this project just as if it were a client job, rest assured. I will be posting updates monthly for now, unless I feel there is something you might want to know- updates about animals, videos, new art, new stories- stay tuned.

I have so many ideas to keep promoting the project as I work on it- like narrating some of the stories and making pod casts, or having a photo show of some of the images. I encourage all of you to share the updates if you want. I hope to get PR anyway I can to generate interest in my work with the animals - for instance, Mark Lipinski just interviewed me about the project on his radio show.

Some have asked when they will get to hold the book! OK, book making is a long process, and I can't tell you when a real book will be birthed. There is always the chance a publisher will pick it up as I'm in the midst of it- but even then it's a year out. I do have a goal to have 'dummies' in my hand in 6 months [this might be optimistic]. A 'dummy' is a mock-up of the book to show what it looks like. My dummy will have all the stories, art and photos, so I am a ways from this.

Your rewards will be honored and I think most will be coming to you in spring.

Your pledges brought me so much confidence that this project needs to be set free for the world. Thank you. I just really hope Old Man Guinnias can be at the first book signing....

I am verklempt. I've been using that word all day. I underestimated how emotionally satisfying, and moving it would be to reach this goal. Perhaps because I see these faces I write about every day - either in the barnyard or as a misted form around their graves.

I held Old Man Guinnias extra close tonight. I listened to the ocean in Matilda's giant ears. Stevie seemed extra beautiful as he crept to me on his crippled legs. Rosie, well Rosie was Rosie. Nad then I just sat on a hay bale...and held a chicken, catching my breath from the last months of constantly asking for money.

I am going to just say for now - thank you. I consider you all a crucial part of this first stage of this future book. There is much to do, my head swims.

But right now, I'm going to savor this feeling of accomplishment, and take a night off to dream.

People can still pledge through the next days until the final deadline. I've written a note on the front page, in the Q&A's about how additional money might be used- trust me, money is always needed on a book project, and it would be used wisely. But I won't be emailing any of you again about money.

Once the final deadline date comes - Jan 30, I will be in touch with Kickstarter and funding will happen. You'll get an email saying when your card will be charged. Then I will begin getting your rewards out too.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

~ Katherine and Apifera ~

"And you really do have worth...
And you learn and learn...
With every good-bye you learn."

Last lines of "You Learn" by Jorge Luis Borges