The Letter: Aged Like Fine Wine

Issue 103

Sep 28, 2023

Greetings, Dear Ones. You’ve been on my mind a lot this week. The whirlwind that was my birthday has almost come to a close (one more event tomorrow). You needn’t feel sorry for me. I’ll survive.

I just returned from Mendocino with Stephen. He surprised me with 36 hours of wonderful on the craggy cliffs of Northern California. The sea crashed. The mist kisses us. The roads winded through cypress and over seafoam. A few hours later, we arrived. A cottage by the sea. Just enough. With excellent company.

“I don’t have a lot, so I appreciate it even more.” Stephen’s words may not be referring to time, but they shed light on what it’s like to be with him. Thirty-six hours may not be long. When you’re with someone present, it’s an eternity. ❤️ 🙏

Listen, folks: 47 is coming in hot. There’s little chance this won’t be a banger year. By banger, I don’t mean good; I mean significant. Good and significant? Could be. As I find you, you’ll be the first to know.

Until then, let’s get into this week’s content…

Everything Is Alive

If you haven’t already, it’s time to listen to a podcast like no other: Everything Is Alive is an unscripted interview show in which the host interviews inanimate objects—a can of Coke, a party horn, a sock, a vending machine.

It’s nothing like the true crime series you’re binging or the 400th self-help episode you just finished (guilty). It’s grounding, witty, and asks nothing of you except a smile. In each interview, the object tells us its life story.

Interview, inanimate, and unscripted—sign me up!

Sally O’ On-the-Go

The credit for these pants goes to my friend Julie, who showed up to my birthday festivities wearing the On-the-Go Wide Leg Pant from, get this, Spanx!

The On-the-Go Pant! At 47, am I ever on the go!? So, I copied Julie, and now we’re both bopping around town in our Sally O’Malley pants.

*Sally O’Malley, the SNL character, played by Molly Shannon, who’s 50 and damn proud. She wears similar red on-the-go pants—because she’s 50!

E-waste of Space

Hey, Mill Valley, there’s a free E-waste Day at the Community Center on Friday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get in there and deposit your crap. 🔌

Here’s a link to what they’ll accept and not accept. Spoiler alert: Batteries not included. Still, get rid of your shit.

Boots

The very same Julie that turned me onto the On-the-Go Pant from Spanx asked for my recommendation on a pair of waterproof, knee-high boots for her upcoming jaunt in Italy (you needn’t feel sorry for her).

She thought I’d have a recommendation. I don’t.

But here are some brands to hit up for quality, comfortable boots for the 50-year-old in all of us: Gentle Souls, Taos, Nisolo, Born, and Will’s Vegan Store.

And, oh, how I love my Blundstones.

Painted Sister

Last week, I told you about my sister Mia’s art opening in Oakland, CA.

Here we are on September 23, one day after my birthday. One hour in, I threatened to turn off the lights, take down her paintings, and bring out my birthday cake, singing “Happy birthday to me.”

I didn’t follow through, but imagine if I had. :)

My sissy and me at the opening of her solo painting show. So proud of her! (Our relationship: my mom was married her her dad when I was 5.)

Guess what? She doesn’t just paint. She sings.* If you’re local, follow her band, Sausalito, on Instagram. Yes! She also started a band a few years ago, and their next show is on Friday, October 6, at Rigger’s Loft wine bar in Richmond.

Be there or be square. 🟦

PS: She also writes! We share a career—copywriter extraordinaire. When we start our agency, Sister Sister, you’ll be the first to know.

When Dating Is On the Line

Stephen and I met on Hinge.

If you’ve been in a committed relationship, you’re probably thinking, “I’ve never heard of Hinge.” To which I’d say, “Duh! You’re not dating.” If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I’d be rich.

For a peek at Stephen’s online dating profile, check this out. You’ll quickly see why I swiped right.