Sorry for not asking about your favorite holiday. Based on the letters we've shared over the past roughly two years, I can't say it surprises me that your favorite holiday is Christmas.(Don't read too much into this. I'm saying it in a positive way that you probably believe in the magic of the season, holiday cheer - all that shit that kids like.)
You can tell your friend Kacey that Hollywood premieres aren't that glamourous. It's a lot of fake smiles, uncomfortable clothing, and yes, the lights that are flashed in your eyes are way too damn bright and leave you seeing stars for hours.
I've only attended a few red carpets with my mom, and they were allwhen I was much younger. Once I could communicate effectively, I told her and my dad I wasn't interested in joining them anymore and stayed home with the nanny instead.
Did I ever tell you that my parents put me in a kid's acting class when I was younger?
Yep, I was a reoccurring extra on a season of Barney and Friends. I think that’s the moment when I first realized most things other people thought were hard, were easy for me. The director tried to make me into the star of the show, but my parents (thankfully) saw that I despised the long filming sessions and withdrew me from season 2 filming.
Hey - I told you that in confidence, so don't go trying to find old episodes of Barney and Friends on YouTube to watch my immature acting.
I'm serious, Dove.
The point of this story is to say that, despite experiencing a bit of every job in my 20 years, nothing has truly challenged me in the way I long to be tested.
Should I try singing, like you? I bet I'd suck at that. Maybe that would 'humble me,' like you so strongly suggested in your last letter.
I deserved that.
Probably deserved a lot worse.
Dallas
PS: What's up with this Henrik guy? Are you still talking to him? He sounds like a tool. Dove is the perfect nickname for you. Angel, ain't it.
Chapter 10 – Paloma
11 years ago…Paloma is 16 years old; Dallas is 20 years old.
Dear Dallas – (if that’s even your real name?),
Sorry about your app, though it sounds like it was a good thing that you sold when you did but now, you’re in an exciting position to figure out what you get to do next.
(Note that I didn't say what you NEED to do next. You are so privileged that you GET to choose whatever you want to do. Don't forget that a lot of people don't have that same opportunity at your ripe old age.)
You think that your life now sounds boring. I think it sounds exciting!
It’s pretty bold of you to assume that you'll be good at everything you try. You should just pick something and give it a shot.
Yes, we've already established that I think that's a very cocky and conceited statement, and I get that everything you’ve triedTO DATEhas been easy for you but is it easy because you’re picking things that feel safe, and you know you’ll succeed at them?
Are you afraid of failure, Dallas?
Why not do something wild, completely out of the comfort of your life in Los Angeles and your family’s influence?
Be the spontaneous Libra that you are at heart, even if you refuse to embrace the stars. ;)
For me, that’d be something like packing up my shit after graduating next year and moving to Los Angeles to try out for American Idol.
(Don’t scold me for swearing, I do that now. And don't worry, I'm not suggesting Los Angeles because I know you're there. I'm not a stalker. ;))
Bu hey, what do I know. I’m just a 16-year-old girl living in rural Texas where my closest friends are the scarecrows and calves with big dreams.
I won’t look up your Barney acting debut up on YouTube, though I’m definitely tempted now. Did they make you sing the song? That would be a good chance for me to judge your singing abilities.
I loved watching Barney as a child, but I don’t recall seeing any little boys with blonde shaggy hair that look like they surf in their downtime.
(That's what I imagine you looked like as a child since that's how I picture you now.)
