Hallo! A gentleman I met online greeted me that way in a special version of hello. I thought it was just odd enough to include here.
Sometimes, that’s how scientific content creation for The Letter can be. And the title usually leaps out at me when I’m writing. I take what comes without question. Somehow it’s always right when it does.
I digress.
Over the five-or-so years I’ve dated online (don’t feel sorry for me, please), I’ve received many gifts literally, figuratively, and in human form.
Be it pickleball with Alex (two “dates” and I’m a pro), this Jackie Greene song from Ryan, or a dining table, a trip to Tahoe, and a portable speaker from Matthew. The gifts vary, as do the quality of men. With my eyes open, I take in something new each time.
It’s hellish and fruitful. Try it.
Disrobed
A story worth sharing is one that ends with me wrapped in this rad bathrobe.
While doing research for a client, I ended up down an online rabbit hole (as one does) and landed on a darling striped robe that I wished I were draped in.
The next day, a package arrived at my door. Inside, the very same bathrobe I spied the day before. The exact one. Same brand. Same everything. My stepmom had seen it in a shop in Los Angeles and thought of me (Simone = stripes). Graciously, she shipped it without knowing I had wanted the very same one the day before.
LIFE!
High and Mighty
Do you care about the British royal family? Me neither.
On a recommendation from a friend, I dove into Harry & Meghan documentary on Netflix and found it quite lovely.
Their love story is fantastic. It’s barf-worthy in the best way possible. Their bravery and commitment to integrity are remarkable. I highly recommend the 6-episode series on Netflix.
It’s Not You, It’s MElon
I’m not one to spread hate, but I will shame a dirty diaper when I smell one. Elon didn’t like the results of a poll where 10 million users voted to oust his weird face from Twitter. I wouldn’t like the results either, but polls don’t lie.
Rather than step down, he changed the rules—only people who pay for the blue dust cloud (above) can vote. That’s one way to do it.
Consider dropping T from your line-up. If it’s an integral part of your life (and it may be), do what suits you, but think about whether the values on the platform align with yours. Decide from there. Good luck, and thanks for taking a moment.
The Rest
A writer friend shared this definition of rest in his newsletter. I hope you like it as much as I do. Thank you, Vishal.
“Rest is when you don't associate your self-worth with what you have to do next. Whenever you’re thinking of something you have to do next, you are no longer resting. Rest is ultimately about doing things that have nothing to do with the furthering of your place in society.”
Letters to Paul
With Brittany Griner home from Russia, that leaves Paul Whelan, an American jailed in a Russian labor camp. I learned I could write him a letter. I thought I would.
I’m pasting this here to remind both you and me to write a note to Paul to keep him company (if you’re moved to join me).
Paul N. Whelan
C/o American Citizen Services Unit Consular Section
5430 Moscow Place
Department of State Washington, DC
20521-5430
Only one stamp required. The mail goes through Washington.
If not Paul, perhaps you’re compelled to write a letter to someone this week. 📪
Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas
Enjoy your holidays.
The kids come back tomorrow. I’ll get pics. I know you’re dying for them.
Do you have any idea what this issue’s title means? I hardly do, so it would be great if you did :)
Hallo, definitely European. Like the others loved the bit on rest. Have to disagree on the Netflix bit though. They "step away" for privacy, yet dish on the family and take millions to appear in a mini series? A little contradictory at least. My two cents.
Merry Christmas and along with the theme, Tschuss!
My best friend spells it as "hullo" (a New Zealand thing maybe?? I should ask Laila) and it's become our inside joke to greet each other "hullo"