mid term slump

My friend Ellen from the book exchange laid down this gauntlet of post-a-day for the month of December and I'm not sure why I took it up. (I'll bet you're wondering as well.) What is my fascination with these one-a-day challenges? In my real life--as opposed to my completely-made-up-in-my-head life -- pretty much the only things I do every day are the things that support metabolism. But every time one of these notions wanders across my sight line I think: "that sounds like fun. maybe I'll try it." And so here I am, up well past midnight during the work week casting about for something to say. And not doing very well.

If I were to take the tagger's "7 fun facts" and spread it over a week, I could begin with: I write, and send, fan letters. Not often, but every now and again. I never expect any kind of reply, although I did once get back an actual letter -- typed on a typewriter that had clearly seen hard use, and signed by hand -- from Eileen Atkins. But collecting is not the point. I enjoy articulating what I appreciate about someone else's contribution to the world, and I send them off with the old-fashioned notion that it's always nice to hear nice things about yourself from strangers. Whether the letters actually find their way to the intended recipient is also not the point, I like the feeling of contributing to well-being. Some of the letters are to everyday folks, others are to famous people. For example, I've sent 2 notes of appreciation to police officers in the local precinct, and I wrote to the now-retired Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina because I was so impressed with the elegance and artistry he brought to his work. This intermittent practice grew out of a New Year's resolution to focus on and acknowledge positive things. New Year's being a good time for reflecting and amending.


[image from http://www.levenger.com/ -- where this handy little pen-holding brownie is For Sale.]