Failure to Launch
Issue 99
Greetings, dear ones. I trust you're curious to discover your purpose in this life—I am. Here's a thought: People create businesses, ideally to contribute to society (a minor detail often lost). Yet you and I were born not so much to contribute to society but to fulfill a desire for procreation by our parents (or by accident, let’s be honest).
The days of having children as a legacy mechanism are fewer now that we do less work as a family (farming, shopkeeping, restauranteur-ing). Therefore, our purpose is fuzzier. What are we here to fulfill?
Somebody dropped us here on earth without understanding why and didn't specify when they'd be back to pick us up—90 minutes to 90 years. We didn’t ask for this, we were selected. Now what? Our job is to contribute.
We live together as roommates on planet Earth. What is each of us doing to make this sometimes-feels-like-a-hellhole better and better?
I’m asking myself this question. If it resonates, give me an amen. There’s much to explore here. I’ve only dipped a toenail in.
Topic change.
The title of this week’s newsletter has nothing to do with much. Now and again, I think of a phrase that’s just good! It says a lot in a few words, and failure to launch is one of those phrases, God damn it!
You can visualize a failure to launch. That’s a powerful phrase.
Gatos
🐈 Consider naming your two cats, who don’t already have names, Uno and Dos.
🐈⬛ You’re welcome.
Zip It
Did you know the zip in zip code stands for Zone Improvement Plan? How boring. Did you know there’s a new budget airline traveling to Japan? Zipair.
Better Call Manny
You may remember from Issue 11 (as if!)—I have a pickle guy named Manny. He makes epic pickles that he sells on his IG side-market (buuut, he’s on a pickle break—sorry to break it to you).
No matter if you’re looking for a personal, private, or event chef for an upcoming soiree, call Manny. He’s skilled. His food is out of this world, and his character is rock solid. Two thumbs way up!
He’s based in the Bay Area, but he will travel (to far-flung tropical islands, as will I ;).
PS: Tell him Simone sent you.
A Letter Within the Letter
I owe you an update on John, the man I communicate with at San Quentin. We became penpals after I inherited a painting after my mom passed away. She bought it at the SQ Hobby Shop, where prisoners sold their art for a profit.
Becoming the owner of the painting, I wrote to John, the artist, and we’ve struck up a friendship of sorts since.
That’s the backstory.
The current story is we’re communicating electronically. Texts/emails instead of snail-mail letters. Shorter notes, more frequently. It’s different. I’ll fill you in next issue.
Until then, a note from John.
Basil Bomb
Last week, I shared a tip about store-bought basil plants, and I’d like to retract my statement (not to worry, it’s not too late).
Most store-bought basil plants are grown in unnatural environments (duh). They’re made to look delightful yet destined to fail. After last week’s recommendation (simply place the plant in its pot in a dish of water near a window), I’ll add this: separate it, replant it, offer it some fertilizer, and keep it well hydrated.
Say what? Yes, producers plant multiple plants in each basil plant to make it more attractive to our eyes. Each basil plant within the mama basil plant vies for resources, and they all die. So when you replant, you can separate the basil into multiple plants, thin the bunch by plucking dying stalks, or cut a stalk mid-way and propagate it in a glass of water until it grows small roots, and then plant it.
Net/net: You have options!
Another net/net: there’s too much basil in that pot!
And another: Here’s a cute guy with a cool accent telling us what to do.
Annnnd another: You can still buy the basil in the package. I won’t tell.
Team Swim
There’s a swimmer amongst us! Following in my footsteps, this little lady is now a Scott Valley Sea Serpent—and showing promise already!
Don’t mess with 88! My guy is a committed, competitive, and cool footballer.
He’s a defensive-something. I’ll learn football by the time he graduates high school—I have four years. 🏈
I’m so curious how the inmates are able to communicate electronically? I assume it’s very monitored. Can they have communication devises (phone,computer) in their cells? Do tell!
Also amen about what we are doing here…
Have a great week,
That other Simone
I love your email EVERY week! And I have a freshman footballer at redwood. Charlie Burlingame #6 😃 can’t wait to see you at a game. Across the field but I will make my way over to see you! Love, Kristi