Editor's Note:

Theming the Rat is a tricky business, more like squinting the eyes to see a pattern in something bright & shiny than like strategic planning. So this Ratsalad is the one called "what if?" because I see questions all through the work. What if music is composed for a shared & living space? What if contemporary paintings about mystical experience decide to keep a sense of humor about themselves? What if the woods are haunted by cute animals in naughty drag? What if old wedding dresses take on new life long after the princess bride is gone? What does it mean when the 4 Seasons Restaurant is closed till spring? Will the Country Mouse and the City Mouse ever get along?

Seven months since the last issue, I offer you: a mixed-question-salad, with love.

JP