Dear Stone,

It’s hard to believe we’re in early Autumn, I rather doubted I’d survive the beastly Summer.  September is nice now…you’ll recall how I used to dread it each new school year.

It seems a miracle that I made it to the 26th–you know full well I’ve always despised my birthdays…mom acting like it was most burdensome obligation to offer me a party and bake a cake–she couldn’t even remember the correct date…at ten, I told her no more parties.  I don’t miss her.

So it was surprisingly delightful last Saturday, such lovely gifts from friends I never expected to have in my life, lots of laughter and expressions of love–it was all remarkably perfect, like in a dream.

And now my favorite season has begun, the holidays…Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner…I’m itching to get out the decorations and plan menus.

You will be coming, won’t you?  If not, it will crush my heart–there’s no need for you to bring something, your presence alone exceeds whatever might hide in boxes wrapped with shiny paper and glittery ribbons.

I miss you so…the sky is a different blue at this time of year…are you still filling canvases with grand sunsets?

love, Reya