| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

Fresh out of college, I landed a job so awful that one day I found myself looking forward to an appointment with my gynecologist. Honestly, with how excited I was leaving my desk that day, you’d think the stirrups I was heading for were part of a pony ride, not a doctor's office.

My departure from that dismal position coincided with a surprising encounter at a hair salon. There, my stylist, as if sensing my need for guidance, pulled out a tarot deck and drew a card. Though unfamiliar with tarot, the image of a woman joyfully sailing to new beginnings resonated deeply, hinting at a brighter future.

Looking back, that job was a real educational experience, in the "scary substitute teacher who accidentally plays a slasher flick instead of the documentary" kind of way. It inadvertently honed my survival skills and turned me into a meditator—not for spiritual enlightenment but as a desperate strategy to manage stress. The job was so spectacularly terrible that I've been permanently vaccinated against similar office environments. It also gave me a deep empathy for the Sunday night terror that afflicts countless Americans, bracing themselves for the soul-draining march into another week. Honestly, I’m convinced that given the choice, many would prefer a pap smear to another Monday at the office—less invasive, really... and at least with the pap smear, there’s an end in sight.

This job, for all its faults though, helped refine my perspective on life’s narrative arc. I resonate with the tarot card’s depiction of a woman navigating her boat toward brighter horizons, an image that aligns with my interest in esoteric practices such as astrology and tarot—tools that encourage us to define our personal truths.

Gen Z emphasizes living with "main character energy" and making decisions "for the plot," a sentiment I find joyfully alluring. Some of my most cherished life moments, however, resemble side plots—scenes from a tranquil, joyful epilogue rather than the main narrative.

The idea of being the main character in your own life isn't exactly groundbreaking. We've been on this track since Achilles was sprinting around Troy and Odysseus was taking the scenic route home from work. Fast forward to Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, who basically invented the self-help genre by treating life's setbacks as personal growth hacks. During the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were busy being the ultimate 'Renaissance men,' crafting meaning while demonstrating expertise in every artistic arena possible.

Then along came philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard, spicing things up with their hot take: 'existence precedes essence.' Basically, they argued we're all out here playing life like a giant game of LEGO, building ourselves piece by piece. This view really puts the pressure on, highlighting how our personal choices are the blueprint for our epic life stories.

Looking backward from the imagined end of my life, the story I aspire to tell is that of a girl, initially naive to her own potential, who discovers her talents and the beauty of the world—its people, places, and experiences. She learns to articulate her voice and inspires others to seek a life rich with meaning and beauty. In the final act, surrounded by loved ones, she reflects on the richness of her journey and the thrilling prospects for the adventures that will follow long after her own has concluded.

What does your personal story say?

Featured Wax Color : Prince of Orange

Introducing Prince of Orange Sealing Wax, a rich and vibrant hue that embodies the spirit of self-expression and regal elegance.

This striking color not only references the historic Principality of Orange in Southern France, renowned for its pivotal role in the cultivation of the orange fruit, but also celebrates William of Orange—William III of England.

It is most dark and vivid Orange in the Kathryn Hastings collection.

Inspired by a Monarch

William of Orange, also known as William III of England, epitomized the role of a protagonist in his own life story, steering the course of European history with his bold leadership. A stalwart advocate for religious tolerance and a foe of authoritarian rule, his strategic acumen was pivotal in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain and later in England's Glorious Revolution. His ascent to the English throne was not just a personal victory but a momentous shift towards constitutional monarchy and greater civil liberties in England.

William's life was a saga of overcoming adversity, from battling political opposition to managing his frail health. His enduring impact is seen in the foundational changes he brought about in England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands—promoting a legacy of governance that valued balance and tolerance. His story is one of a true protagonist, whose visionary actions crafted a narrative of significant historical consequence, leaving a lasting imprint on the Western political landscape.

Lord Byron

Lord Byron: The Complicated Protagonist of His Own Life

Lord Byron, the Romantic poet and literary figure of the early 19th century, continues to intrigue and captivate audiences with his tumultuous life and enigmatic persona. Born George Gordon Byron on January 22, 1788, in London, England, he emerged as a central figure in the Romantic movement, renowned for his lyrical poetry, rebellious spirit, and scandalous personal life. Byron’s life story is a tapestry of complexity, marked by brilliance, passion, controversy, and tragedy, including the shadow of abuse in his childhood. Despite the complications and nuances that defined his existence, Byron remains a compelling figure whose narrative offers valuable lessons for navigating our own lives.

The Early Days: From Clubfoot to Literary Star

Byron’s early years were marred by familial discord and personal struggles. His father, Captain John Byron, was described as a profligate and abusive man, while his mother, Catherine Gordon, was prone to fits of melancholy. Their tumultuous relationship deeply influenced Byron’s psyche and shaped his worldview. As a child, he suffered from a physical deformity—clubfoot—that contributed to feelings of inadequacy and alienation.

Despite these challenges, Byron found solace and refuge in literature and poetry. His early works, including “Hours of Idleness” and the satirical poem “English Bards and Scotch Reviewers,” garnered attention and established his reputation as a rising literary talent. However, it was with the publication of his epic narrative poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” that Byron achieved widespread acclaim and catapulted to literary stardom. The poem, which chronicles the travels and reflections of a disillusioned young man, struck a chord with readers and solidified Byron’s status as a leading figure of the Romantic movement.

Keeping up with the Byrons

Yet, Byron’s personal life was as tumultuous as his literary career. His romantic liaisons and scandalous affairs were fodder for gossip and controversy. His marriage to Anne Isabella Milbanke, known as Lady Byron, ended in separation amid allegations of infidelity and domestic turmoil. The ensuing scandal tarnished Byron’s reputation and forced him into self-imposed exile from England.

During his years of exile, Byron embarked on a series of travels across Europe, seeking refuge and inspiration in foreign lands. His experiences in Greece, where he became involved in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, further cemented his status as a romantic hero and a symbol of defiance against tyranny. Tragically, Byron’s life was cut short at the age of 36 when he succumbed to fever in Missolonghi, Greece, in 1824, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through his poetry, letters, and persona.

Lessons from Byron’s Narrative

While Byron’s life was marked by complexity and contradiction, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from his narrative:

1. Embrace Individuality: Byron’s defiance of societal norms and willingness to embrace his individuality serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity. Despite facing criticism and condemnation for his unconventional lifestyle, Byron remained true to himself, refusing to conform to the expectations of others.
2. Navigate Complexity with Creativity: Byron’s ability to channel his tumultuous emotions and experiences into art demonstrates the transformative power of creativity. Through his poetry, he confronted his inner demons, grappled with existential questions, and gave voice to the complexities of the human condition.
3. Find Strength in Vulnerability: Despite his outward bravado, Byron was not immune to vulnerability. His struggles with personal demons, including depression and self-doubt, underscore the importance of acknowledging and embracing vulnerability as a source of strength and resilience.
4. Seek Redemption through Action: Byron’s involvement in the Greek War of Independence reflects his desire for redemption and his belief in the power of activism to effect change. His willingness to fight for a noble cause, despite the risks involved, highlights the transformative potential of altruistic action.

In crafting our own narratives, Byron's life is a testament to the wild ride of human complexity. Embracing our flaws, vulnerabilities, and contradictions isn't just a footnote—it's the secret sauce to crafting stories as intriguing as Byron's own "mad, bad, and dangerous to know" reputation.

Like Byron, we wield the power to shape our own destinies, navigate life's twists with courage and creativity, and leave behind a legacy that defies the boundaries of time and space.

With love,

Kay