30 July 2010, 1:07 am
This is a letter I recently received (names have been changed or deleted, to protect privacy, so if some of it sounds funky, you know why). What do you make of it? Hello Mrs. Alvarez, How are you? Well, I hope. I appreciate you taking the time in reading my letter, as I am sure you keep your days busy. My name is Lane Whitman. I'm a twenty-five year old musician from northern San Francisco County. I'm writing to you today because of an article I recently read, published in the July issue of Vogue magazine, written by the sister of Miss Elaine Hoffman. I'm not writing to speak of Miss Hoffman (though she did seem to be a lovely lady, from what I read)... rather, I'd like to speak with you about yourself, if you would oblige the sentiment. You see, when I read the article, it was the first mention I had ever heard of your name, and something about it sparked my interest (exactly what, how, or why I still cannot say, but it hasn't dimmed since, which must count for something). It struck me as odd that I would have such a strong reaction to a simple picture, and the only one of you at that, but nevertheless, I chose to continue. In the following days, I researched anywhere that I could regarding yourself and your case, but only found the same negativity repeated throughout each new source. This became frustrating to me, because I am and always have been the sort of person who refuses to walk away from what I feel is right, no matter how daft it may appear. After learning that you are a published author as well, I set out in search of a copy of your book to read (it's not easy to find!), and eventually was able to borrow it from the Los Angeles Public Library. "Now this", I thought to myself, "is what I had been looking for." That is, not to play on anyone's sense of propriety, of course, but rather to say that I had finally found validation for that which I had known all along : that you, sir, are not what they claim you to be. Intelligent, yes, that is apparent, and perhaps a bit different than the everyday sort of fellow... but a monster in lack of sanity, not in the least (well, clinical sanity, anyhow. As for any other sort, I suppose we're all just a little crazy in some way or another, wouldn't you agree?). I commend you on your choice of self-representation, and had to laugh when finding out you've even used a bit of Jackie. Jackie is a friend of mine, you see, and happens to be one my favourite artists as well. I'm sure he would appreciate knowing his work has been put to good use. As far as the truth of the matter, I don't know nor is it any of my business to know anything you wouldn't choose to share. That is between yourself and the man in the mirror, no-one else. However, I will say, if you would kindly have it so, I would wish to continue corespondence. You seem to me a person worth knowing, and I like to believe I am as well. Looking forward to hearing from you, Sincerely, Lane ______________________________________… What do you make of this letter? Is it drivel? Is it flirtatious? Your opinions of it in general? Specifically, what does "...if you would oblige the sentiment" and "...not to play on anyone's sense of propriety" mean?... Read More »
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