| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

At a spry age of 64, my grandmother, Neenie, decided to learn to swim. Once conquering that, she made a literal splash by embarking on a daily ritual of swimming a full mile in the San Francisco Bay.

Her aquatic exploits were just the beginning of Neenie's adventures. She took up training for marathons, and with relentless determination, completed both the Boston and New York marathons.

Through Neenie, I learned that we're never too old to pursue our passions. Life's beckoning, those desires that call to us, are inherently meant for us to explore.

There is something so liberating about simply following the things that inspire us without saying we're not young enough, smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, etc.

We are, after all, most certainly: enough!

In a recent edition of the Epistolarian, I introduced the French phrase "à la poubelle," meaning "into the rubbish bin," as a mantra for letting go. But equally significant is the phrase is "That's for me." It's a declaration that resounds with self-ownership and purpose.

Whenever I encounter something I desire or aspire to, I proclaim, "That's for me." It's a way of asserting my intent and affirming my place in the universe.

Days filled with leisure and art? That's for me.

Romantic trips to Sicily with my husband and our kids? That's for me.

Feeling youthful, radiant, strong, and gorgeous? That's for me.

If you want it to sound more like an incantation, I recommend French, “c'est pour moi!” or Spanish, “eso es para mí!” If you want to really declare it though, try German, “Das ist für mich!” with an emphatic slam of your fist on the table – an act that seems to work an extra layer of enchantment, in my humble opinion.

A few weeks back, my friend Angela shared a thought that really resonated with me. She pointed out that some folks, despite splurging on fancy restaurant meals, end up not enjoying the experience because they feel like they don't belong there. Angela's viewpoint, which I truly admire and would love to adopt, boils down to a straightforward idea she shared: "If I choose to be in a room, I belong there." It's a refreshingly uncomplicated perspective, free from imposter syndrome. It's all about embracing one's rightful place in any space, regardless of whether or not it's a new or aspirational space.

This perspective isn't just for me; it's something I wish for all of us. I want us to feel deserving of our desires and to pursue them wholeheartedly with the joy they deserve.

Transforming dreams into reality? That's for me (and you too)!

Toujours Gai

This antique wax seal motif typically portrays a French clown with a stick or a dancer holding a puppet with the enchanting inscription "Toujours Gai," which translates to "Ever Cheerful."

These seals serve as a reminder to pursue the sources of joy in your life and embrace those things that uplift your spirit.

The theme of joy and dance with this seal remind me of John Lowe, who until his death was the oldest ballet dancer in England. What made John so remarkable wasn't necessarily that he was an old dancer, but that he didn't dance until old age.

From a young age, John had harbored a deep-seated dream of dancing, one he could only watch enviously during every visit to the ballet. Yet, he couldn't muster the courage to pursue it. It wasn't until he was on the brink of turning 80 that he decided to act. He began his journey in Ely, England, by inquiring about tap dancing lessons at a local ballet studio.

To his surprise, the studio's response was, "Why not?" With this encouragement, John delved into tap dancing, mastering it within a year. Unsatisfied, he yearned to conquer classical ballet. On the cusp of his 90th year, John defied convention and joined classical ballet classes at the same studio. His unwavering dedication paid off as he performed on a theatrical stage, even securing a role in Prokofiev's ballet, "The Tale of the Stone Flower."

John rehearsed at the theater three times a week and practiced daily at his specially equipped home dance room. Turning 90 came with some restrictions imposed by his family, who feared for his safety during mid-air turns. With humor, John quipped, "They are afraid that if I fall, they won't be able to put me back together, and, in a way, they are right." Still, he continued to leap, albeit without the same intensity, and even hung a trapeze from his ceiling to build muscle strength.

In the words of John, "Find something that will completely change your life. It’s hard, I may have gotten lucky. But, I think everyone can come up with something."

Featured Wax Color: Hypnos

Hypnos Sealing Wax is the perfect choice for those seeking a blend of elegance and mystery in their letter writing. The deep, rich aubergine color of this wax evokes the essence of the Greek god Hypnos, the divine embodiment of sleep and dreams.

This sealing wax is imbued with the power of Hypnos, offering a symbol of protection and rest to the recipient of your letter. The poppy flower, which was used to make the purple dye used in Hypnos' iconography, represents the peace and tranquility that comes with a good night's sleep, making it the perfect choice for sealing letters containing messages of comfort or support.

Whether you're writing to a loved one or a business associate, Hypnos Sealing Wax is the perfect finishing touch for your correspondence. With its deep, rich aubergine color and its connection to the divine realm of sleep and dreams, Hypnos Sealing Wax is sure to impress and delight all who receive it.

To a lovely week ahead,

Kay