Dear Friend [For Steve]

[theycalledmeacurse]

September 1st

Dear Friend,

That's how you're supposed to start these things, isn't it? I hope so. I've never done this sort of thing before, so I'm not-- Well, it doesn't really matter, does it?

My name is Marie, and I moved to the city a few years ago after spending most of my life in Mississippi. If you could hear my voice, you'd be able to tell in a second that I'm a southern girl. How long have you lived in our fine city, dear friend? I may be a newer arrival than most, but I love it here. This is home now, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

What made you decide to start this pen and paper adventure, friend? I wanted something to take me out of the rush of my daily life, something that involved connecting with another person in a way that's been almost forgotten. And there's just something... almost soothing, about putting pen to paper, don't you think?

I hope to hear from you soon, dear new friend.

Fondly,
Marie

Comments

[on_ur_left]

9.03

Hello, Marie. I'm Steve.

I'm not really sure how you're supposed to start something like this, truthfully. I vaguely remember being taught how to write them, but not well enough to feel confident duplicating it. I'll answer your questions, but probably not in the correct order, and tell you a little more about myself as well.

I've lived in New York almost all my life, barring some time spent overseas. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, before it became hipster central. I guess if you could hear my voice, I'd sound like a native New Yorker. I'm glad you're enjoying it; I've met several people who feel lost and lonely, in such a large, bustling city, always moving at light speed.

I think this answers another of your questions as well. I wanted a pen-pal, someone I could speak with, who wouldn't judge me. Or, if they did judge me, at least I probably wouldn't be able to notice. The people I know now are either acquaintances... or already know my entire life story, and are too close to be able to just listen.

That sounded bad, didn't it? I don't mean I wanted to try this just to unload all my burdens and constantly complain. I just wanted to meet someone new, who maybe wouldn't mind hearing about my boring every day life. It sounds like your life is more fast-paced and exciting than mine, anyway! Right now I teach art intro at a community college. I enjoy it, but most 'artists' would probably find it very dull. Which is probably why they hired me. (My dry wit doesn't translate very well into written format, sorry. It's okay, most people can't tell when I'm joking anyway.)

I've heard that writing in a journal is supposed to be good for getting your thoughts in order, and helping to calm you down. I've tried, but I'm not very good at keeping at it. I kind of thought this way, I'd be writing, and still have some sort of...connection with someone, I guess. Does that seem strange? (It's okay if it does, I've been told I'm an odd duck plenty of times.)

Thank you for writing to me, and I do hope to hear from you again.

Best wishes,
Steve