Dear Minnie,

I’m so glad we continue to correspond. Despite this sad influx of technology, which so easily tears families apart and distracts us from the presence of the Now (you know my views on this, and that I would never let my children near technology), we stand steadfast and correspond by pen and paper. However, I noticed that you have been using processed bleached paper. I cannot approve. Minnie, we need to preserve the environment for our children! I’m sending you a flyer about recycled organic paper. It’s made from elephant droppings. But to answer your question: no, I can’t come to Jesse’s birthday party, sadly, but perhaps I can visit around Easter. I would dearly love to see how Josephine and Raven have grown. And how is Lizzie doing on her piano practice? I enjoyed her recital last year so much. Speaking of your children, I was wondering about Katie. She is such a sweet girl and such good company (and so well read! I declare, every time I see her she has a new book in hand), and if I’m not wrong, she’s nearly seventeen now. I was thinking that perhaps she might come to Portland for a visit. Smith River is such a small town, and I do not think that she can have seen much culture there. Portland is simply overflowing with culture! We would, of course, make a trip to the coast sometime during her stay (I know you are quite near the ocean in Smith River, but I find the beaches upper state to be more pleasing), and of course go sightseeing. My girls would so enjoy her company. You remember how well Isabella and Katie got along when we last visited! I know you said she was planning on taking a gap year after high school. Alan is driving down to Medford on business and could bring her to us, if you could take her that far. I do hope she’ll be able to come. Write back soon and tell me all your news. I’m afraid things have been a bit slow here lately. Isabella is hoping to get a job at a new organic coffee shop. I’m quite supportive. They empower impoverished peasants in Peru and don’t use straws or cups.

Much love and peace,

Genna

Genna Thorpe, Freelance Photographer and Organic Entrepreneur

Dear Genna,

Thank you for the flyer. Are you sure it’s completely clean? I just can’t imagine using paper made out of animal feces. Also maybe send another flyer, because Priya’s new puppy destroyed it. Priya is adjusting well to our home, although we still have the occasional temper tantrum. Please come whenever you can. There’s always room for you in our home! Lizzie is doing well at her piano, although she’s still being a pill about her practice. Every day it’s the same. She’ll practice ten minutes and then she’ll be playing some pop song she heard on the radio. Forget scales. That’s never going to happen. Raven has grown a great deal and is actually taller than Josephine, much to her delight and Josephine’s consternation. I finally convinced Easton to get a haircut, by the way. His appearance is much improved from the last picture you saw of him. Remember that boy in our class in middle school? The one with the red hair who came to school with peanut shells in his hair? I don’t know why I thought of that. I suppose it’s because of Easton. Katie would love to visit you and your girls, but there’s no need for Alan to take her! James is driving up for the spring semester at OSU and will bring her, if that time is convenient for you. I can’t remember the exact date, but you’ll know since Jack goes there too. What’s his major again? I can never remember. James recently changed his major to religious studies. He feels called to ministry. Jesse and I are very proud, but I think that maybe OSU isn’t the best place for James, even though I love having him so close. Sort of close. It’s still several hours away. It’s a nice drive, though, with lots of pleasant places to stop. Anyway, I think maybe James should consider NNU or even George Fox. He could get a scholarship from our church if he chose NNU, which would be a big help. We’ll see what he decides this next semester. I’m grateful that he’ll be so close to Katie while she’s with you. She’s never been gone from home for so long before, and I’m a little worried. I know she’s a smart girl, but she can be a little naive. I think she expects life to be a little too much like the books she reads. She’s currently enthralled with the My Fair Godmother books by Janette Rallison. Have you read them? I haven’t, but they seem an improvement from the Twilight series. Katie is very excited to see Isabella and Mariah again. She’s hoping to visit that coffee shop you mentioned in your last letter as well. She wrote you a note. I’ll stick it in with mine. Is there anything she should bring with her? Besides clothes and books and all that. Has Isabella decided if she’s going to go to college? Maybe she and Katie could go to the same place! Love you dearly!

Your friend,

Minnie

P.S. Sorry about the stain; Priya knocked my coffee mug over and it spilled on everything.