| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

Two weeks ago, my best friend Francesca embarked on a remarkable new journey—motherhood—with the arrival of her baby girl. This pivotal moment has prompted me to reflect on the depth and resilience of our friendship, a bond that has flourished over the years, undiminished by distance or life’s inevitable changes.

Life's thrown us on wildly different trajectories—I'm buzzing through the caffeinated, techy whirlwind of Seattle, while Francesca's perfecting the serene art of bucolic living in a picturesque Danish village, a stone's throw from the REAL Elsinore. (Fortunately, she hasn't encountered any ghostly kings demanding revenge yet...)

Despite the myriad changes and distances that life has introduced, our friendship has not flourished for nearly two decades. Our regular FaceTime calls serve as a lifeline, a cherished ritual that bridges the gap between our distinct lives. These conversations, though sometimes brief, are profound exchanges that allow us to partake in each other’s triumphs, navigate challenges, and celebrate milestones together.

The time difference between us, rather than being a barrier, offers unexpected benefits. For instance, during a particularly stressful night when I was at the emergency room with Helen, who was battling a relentless fever at 2am, Francesca was there for me with just a phone call. She provided comfort and companionship, virtually sitting with me in the waiting room, ready to offer her unwavering support and an empathetic ear.

As Francesca steps into motherhood, I'm reminded of the countless times she's been a pillar of strength for me. It's now my turn to reciprocate that support and love as she embarks on this beautiful, new journey.

Do you have a Francesca in your life? A friend who remains a constant presence, offering support and love unconditionally, no matter the circumstances?

Malgre Toute

Despite it All

This seal beautifully captures two hands coming together, underlined by the words "malgre toute." This French saying touches on the idea of sticking together no matter what—meaning anything from "still" and "nevertheless" to "come what may" or "no matter what." It celebrates the power of sticking through thick and thin, showing a deep, unbreakable commitment.

The phrase "dextrarum iunctio," which translates to the joining of right hands, was used in Ancient Rome to represent deals and loyalty. It was a sign of trust and a promise, deeply rooted in tradition. The meaning of two hands clasped in friendship continues even today.

By combining the image of joined hands with the powerful words "malgre toute," the seal delivers a clear message: it celebrates a friendship that can withstand any challenge. It's about a connection that stays strong, facing any hurdle with defiance—a kind of friendship that endures, against all odds.

Featured Wax Color: Francesca

Isn't it fascinating how certain colors can instantly remind us of someone? There's this particular shade of green that just seems made for Francesca. To me, the color I've come to call Francesca green embodies her elegance, quirkiness, worldliness, and unwavering strength.

As I was going through some old photos, I noticed a pattern: Francesca often wore this shade of green during our college days.

Included here are some snapshots of us on an adventure in the Desolation Wilderness of the Sierra, where you can see Francesca donning her iconic green. It makes me wonder why I didn't have her wear her signature color as a bridesmaid dress...

Francesca's upbringing, spanning five continents—North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia—imbued her with a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse cultures and environments. Theis global experience has crafted her into a person who embodies uniqueness, grounded in a deep awareness of the myriad ways in which people live their lives across the world. What stands out most about Francesca is her autonomy from any single cultural standard, her identity enriched rather than confined by the multitude of perspectives she has encountered.

During my college years, as I battled an eating disorder, Francesca's insights were invaluable to me. Her beauty and athleticism, coupled with a refreshing indifference to calories and scales, presented a perspective on self-image and health that was both liberating and healing. Her approach was not merely a stance she took; it was a lived experience, reflective of her varied upbringing and the confidence it fostered in her. In adopting Francesca's outlook, I found myself gradually embracing a healthier self-view, one that prioritized well-being over numerical affirmations of worth.

Beyond her personal influence, Francesca's creativity and problem-solving skills shine brightly in her professional life as a designer. These abilities, honed through her international experiences and diverse cultural understanding, enable her to innovate and address challenges with a unique flair. As a friend, her talent for navigating problems extends beyond the professional realm, offering support and solutions in personal matters as well.

Today I'm still inspired how Francesca forges a path that is distinctly her own. In a world that often seeks conformity, her life is a testament to the strength of diversity and the beauty of living authentically. Her impact on me has been profound, teaching me the value of embracing my journey with openness and resilience, inspired by her example.

Francesca Green is a variation of chartreuse. The history of chartreuse itself is as rich and colorful as the color suggests. Originating from the French liqueur "Chartreuse," crafted by Carthusian monks since the 1740s, this color has made its mark on fashion and art since the 19th century. Its popularity and shade have fluctuated over the years, yet it has always symbolized flair and uniqueness. I've included a image of the liquor below with a few of my favorite chartreuse things...💚

Similar Shade, Deadly Effects

Now on to a color that looks similar to chartreuse but have a very different formula and history...

Scheele’s Green, a pigment discovered in 1775 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, once captivated the world with its vibrant hue. Known scientifically as copper arsenite, this pigment’s rich green color made it a favorite in the realms of art, fashion, and interior design during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, beneath its striking appearance lay a deadly secret: Scheele’s Green was highly toxic due to its arsenic content.

The Discovery of Scheele’s Green

Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a distinguished chemist known for his numerous discoveries, synthesized Scheele’s Green by combining sodium carbonate with copper sulfate and then adding arsenic trioxide. The result was a pigment that outshone many others available at the time in terms of brightness and durability. Its ability to resist fading from sunlight and maintain its color even after washing made it highly sought after.

Rise to Popularity

The 19th century saw Scheele’s Green become a symbol of fashion and opulence across Europe and North America. It was used in an array of products, from wallpapers and paints to fabrics, candles, and even children’s toys. Victorian England, in particular, embraced the pigment for its aesthetic appeal, using it to decorate the interiors of homes, public buildings, and the esteemed Palace of Westminster.

The Dark Side: Toxicity Concerns

The widespread use of Scheele’s Green soon revealed a grave oversight: its high arsenic content posed severe health risks. Exposure to arsenic can cause a variety of ailments, from skin lesions and respiratory issues to, in severe cases, death. The humid conditions in many Victorian homes provided a breeding ground for mold on wallpaper containing Scheele’s Green, which could release toxic arsine gas.

Reports of mysterious illnesses and fatalities began to emerge, with many pointing to arsenic poisoning from products containing the pigment. Notably, there was speculation that Napoleon Bonaparte suffered from arsenic exposure due to the Scheele’s Green wallpaper in his Saint Helena residence, though the exact role it played in his health is still debated.

Decline and Legacy

Awareness of the dangers associated with arsenic poisoning eventually led to the decline of Scheele’s Green’s popularity. It was phased out in favor of other green pigments that, while initially thought to be safer, also contained arsenic and were later discontinued.

The saga of Scheele’s Green eloquently illustrates the intricate balance between the allure of beauty, the drive for innovation, and the imperatives of safety. It highlights the critical importance of deeply understanding and responsibly managing chemical compounds. Today, Scheele’s Green is a historical marker, reminding us of the vital lessons gleaned from earlier methods in the quest for aesthetic excellence. Thankfully, the pigments in use today are considerably safer, reflecting our advanced knowledge and commitment to health and environmental standards.

With love,

Kay