Dear 2016, This isn’t an easy letter to start. As I type, you’re only with us for four more hours in my time zone, but part of me won’t consider you gone until all time zones are in the new year. I don’t think I’ve ever wished a year goodbye as fervently as I have… Continue reading dear 2016: goodbye
Dear October, I’m finally writing to you from an airport; it’s just not the one I thought it would be. You see, I’m back in an airport, and I have some time, and it’s probably going to be the only break I have today. I’m in Phoenix, or PHX if you speak airline. I’m not… Continue reading away | 19
Dear October, I told you I’d write to you today, and I am, but not with the story I planned to tell you today. I’m tired, October. I can’t think of things to tell you so instead I’ll tell you about you. You showed up vividly in Minneapolis, with reds and oranges and yellows, and… Continue reading home | 16
Dear October, I haven’t forgotten about you. I got home and was told of some horrible news; news that I’m not posting on the internet [to my friends and family: it has nothing to do with me or my family. It’s about a family friend], but news that left me wondering what I could possibly… Continue reading goodnight | 15
Dear October, I thought about writing yesterday, but I chickened out. I want to write about pine cones and hiking, but I don’t want to write about your 8th visit. I will anyway. October 8th is a day I’ve wanted to forget. It’s the birthday of someone I used to be very close to, and… Continue reading pinecones | 9
Dear October, I didn’t write to you yesterday, but you already know that. My cousin turned 23 yesterday. That’s so hard to believe. I won’t say anything that might embarrass her, but I will say that it’s strange. It’s strange being an adult and it’s strange that my younger cousin is 23. It’s also kind… Continue reading 23 and mecum | 7
Dear October, This one will be on the short side; it’s fairly late and I probably should be asleep. I didn’t forget about you, October. I’ve been thinking about you all day. I sat outside and read today. I wore jeans and a t-shirt, and it was comfortable. There aren’t many days when the weather… Continue reading decorations | 5
Dear October, I did a very minimal amount of things today. It wasn’t unpleasant, so this isn’t complaint. It’s just a change from the several days previously. I’m at my grandmother’s house today, October. There’s something about this house that feels like home. It’s not quite as home as my own house is, but it feels close.… Continue reading chocolates | 4
Dear October, I’m in Chicago for your arrival this year. The weather is cool here, like it should be when you make your debut. I’m not usually excited for chilly, rainy weather; I’m a fan of sunshine and shorts, convertible rides and beach days. Yet as I walked through the streets of downtown this morning… Continue reading year 2 of dear octobers | 1
A question that has haunted me recently is the famous (or perhaps, infamous) “where do you see yourself in five years?” As a kid, I could tell you exactly what I planned to do, right down to the college I wanted to go to (which ironically was TAMUCC, my current university, so while I ended up at… Continue reading five years forward
commas and ampersands 