Letter-writing project

As a child, although debateable that I have left that stage now, my mother would pay me 20p per letter I would write. 20 pence as an incentive, as a reification of the more abstract values that letter-writing can have. I have written many letters over the years, and although I run a small loss on each letter now - paying for postage and cards - I still feel I am making this small gain.

A letter, like a kōan, can offer a succinct provocation by probing for elucidation on certain themes, by offering love, by situating a nebulous thought, by making physical a moment in time, and thereby offering a slice of mind. One moment of now, which may be the culminated marination of many thoughts and feelings dwelling in the shaded corners of your heart.

I have been wondering lately, what it means or could mean to be an artist. Or to be a creative. Are some people artists and some not? Am I a creative if I find I have not made ‘art’ for some time? Was I ever? Does the very questioning indicate I may lack in this element? Or is this line of questioning all wank?

I do not know.

In the fall and winter, I often find it hard to tell if my questions are bearing fruits or bitter berries, or wank. However, what I can say is that asking these questions, and the at times quivering uncertainty of their answer gives me a small kernel of fear, curiosity and motivation. My obsequious intention is that through a letter-writing project, and the accountability of documentation here on this site; I can continue with these questions of the heart, and offer them to others.

20 pence not included.

Birth date of a precious stone, Jade

A birth day is a most special moment to be able to write a letter from your heart, and so the birthday of my lovely friend Jade was able to start me off with this project.

“love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places

yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skilfully curled)
all worlds”
— e.e. cummings

Letter stats:

  • Time and date written: Morning on Sunday 23rd Oct 2022

  • Weather: Dark overcast and heavy rain

  • Tea drunk while writing: Smoky Earl Gray

  • Personal attire: Pyjamas and a jumper (cost of living crisis)

  • Mood while writing: Looking for meaning, slight brain discombobulation, slight constipation of emotion

23rd Oct ‘22

Dearest Jade,

Hello! Today on this handsome sphere we call ‘Earth’ and ‘home’, we find that the day belongs to you! Happy, happy birthday you wonderful creature - how does it feel? Does it have a feeling? Does the feeling have a number? Apparently, according to google, the number ‘26’’s numerology is to do with unconditional love, patience through trials and tribulations and facing life head-on when it is presented to you. What do you think of that?

Speaking of numbers, can you believe we’ve known each other for ~6 years?! It sounds like a long time and in some ways for me feels like only an instant. Life, as always, in flux through the past and into the future. In any temporal or spatial direction, I wish for you absolute serenity of mind.

All the best for your birthday and all my love -

Francesca

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