Oh, hi. Hello. Greetings.
Every “public figure” (and, yes, today, after 90 newsletters, I’m a public figure) wrestles with how much to reveal and how much to conceal.
For example, do I tell you I’m writing this issue naked? Most people would default to no, and believe me, I considered it. Butt, I’m revealing the naked truth to you after asking myself these questions, “What image does this conjure up in the minds of my readers? Am I being inappropriate? Why bother saying anything at all?”
I can’t control the answer to my first question. The second question is subjective and not answerable by anyone, and the third is me! I care.
Listen, reader, you’re so accustomed to wearing clothing you feel wrong when you’re not. Or you’re cold. Or embarrassed. Or uninterested in seeing yourself as you are. How absurd. In the privacy of your home, alone or amongst those you trust, undress and do something you would never do naked (like write a newsletter :)
I dare you.
Fresh as a Flower in Way Less Than an Hour
When you want to freshen up an article of clothing, toss it in the dryer for 5-10 minutes with a few ice cubes, and you’ll have a whole new garment in no time. Dinge and wrinkles be gone! You’re welcome. ✨
Just a Word Tip
Which is it, distinct or distinctive?
Distinct: Easily separable or discrete.
Distinctive: A unique feature or quality belonging to a person or thing.
With these definitions, I used distinctive often and distinct rarely. You?
She Works Hard for the Money
Emma said, “What kind of work are you doing these days?” I chuckled and answered with an explanation of my projects. She half-listened, but it gave me a chance to listen to myself. I learned I’m lucky to have a smattering of fulfilling brand and copywriting projects with people and companies I admire.
A few of them are DuMOL Winery, Heath Ceramics, Marin Foster Care, acting as editorial director on a book by a big-wig psychotherapist, and I’m working on me (yes, I’m constantly improving, and I’m a client).
Finally, special thanks to my “agent,” creative partner, and friend, Craig Frazier, for all he does to support and complement my career.
My soul is sweetened by those who choose to work with me now and those who eventually will.
Bring. It. On. 🙋♀️
A Letter Inside The Letter
My last letter to John was my most personal. I acknowledged his crime and the childhood leading up to it. In response, his letter was his shortest yet. Concise and legible-ish. He acknowledged his past by saying:
“I won’t make excuses for my past. Yes would I like to confront my youth, my past self face to face, you bet. I seek to deal with good people and where I am its hard to find. But the one thing I can do is demand better of myself.”
Friends, we’ve completed 90 straight weeks together.
At whatever issue you joined me, and whether you read them all or seldom any, your presence is appreciated, greatly. Thank you! Simone 🙏
(I’m saving my speech for Issue 100.)
*adds to to-do list: 'write naked'*
With you since edition 1!