My parents got me a puppy (FINALLY) after I was begging for nine years. She is a golden retreiver and her name is Thor after my favorite Greek god, the god of war.
We are going to take a safari trip in Botswana over Thanksgiving break because my sister Susannah is working for the Peace Core there.
My science fair project won second prize. Thank you for helping me with the paper. The judges said my research was flawless, but there was a girl younger (sixth grade! What!) than me who built an entire robotic whale that could swim in water. My mom said it was a sure thing her parents helped her because her dad is an engineer, and my parents did not help me, so I should be proud and feel like a first place winner, which is really stupid because I didn’t win, but also I agree with her somewhat.
My psychiatrist Dr. Laura had to move to Alaska because her husband works for an oil company, which is repugnant and I told her so, and he got relocated. I have a new psychiatrist named Dr. Oliver and I hate him. He has bad breath and there are flakes on the top of his head and one huge disgusting scab, so every time he looks at his notepad to write down things I have to look at it and it makes me want to throw up. I am trying very hard not to say anything to him about it, and Mom says every time I go, if I keep it inside, she’ll take me to pick out a candy bar at 7-11 as a reward. I made it through the first appointment, no problem, and got a Twix. Dr. Laura made me feel less weird than I really am, but Dr. Oliver makes me feel more weird than I really am (I think).
I can’t wait to recieve your letter on July 15. I would also like you to check your used bookstore for any more of the older science fiction like what you sent me for Christmas, namely, H. G. Wells.
Warm regards,
Harry Landy
Postscript: I will keep your stones. I like using this code word for secrets, too. I am a very good stone keeper. I have not told anyone, not my dad or anyone, that you are going blind. Why is it a secret?
Postscript 2: Do you think President Obama will win a second term in office?
Sybil Van Antwerp
17 Farney Rd.
Arnold, MD 21012
USA
July 18, 2012
Syb,
France is splendid! You’re missing out. Stewart lies around in his swimsuit all day reading magazines and he cooks at night. It’s bliss. I’m working on a serial for the Times a bit and ridingmy bike every day (only at a moseying pace; don’t get to thinking I exert myself), and I walk to the shops every afternoon for bread and cheese. I’m slim again, despite the food and wine.
You’ll wear the gray well (hopefully it’ll go silver), but don’t cut it short at the same time; too much shock at once. My suggestion is to keep it shoulder length.
You better not say those kinds of things about her marriage to your daughter with things already strained—your own marriage was a filthy sewer even though you were home from work every night by six. It’s a different time and plenty of women are having children into their forties.
The photo is great. Thank you. I’ve framed it and set it in theparlor and all my friends love it. They can’t believe, with myaccent, I’m Irish. When I take time to think about it, you know it really is something, two orphans like us, ending up Stones, living in a house with maid service. Real life rags to riches. You look wise for nine, but grave, as you always did. That neat little bob and your loafers and jumper like a doll, andthen that expression on your face! It kills me. Your watchfullittle look, the way your little mouth is set. I feel I rememberyou so clearly as a child, but it’s not possible. I only know you through photographs.
Heading up to Paris next week for a few shows, Xxxx,
Felix
Forgot—all OK with the car?
