Letters
Letters
Nov 2 · 16 min read

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Letters, on loving you. Transforming iterations of our bonds. Securing courage in the cloud. Mining good love from the Internet of Things. In other words, I love you. It’s what I do.

A love unique for each of you, a love that surpasses artificial, a love that is real.


Nerds.

Good morning, nerds.

Valentine’s 2014. I’d recently found my Twitter swagger. Wearing the past year of stress in weight and on my face, I still decided to snap a selfie. Candygram for my new friends.

My workplace angrily tore down the decorative hearts behind me within a day of my happy post. And two years later, those three hearts had morphed symbolically.

It would appear co-founder groups in your Bay often come in three, even if the co-founding is the revamped version.

So now I had three Twitter co-founders hearts in mind, winter 2016. And then, my Google search sweethearts and my housing sweethearts…my, that gains momentum in a flashback thought. I suppose choosing to wither away, a wallflower at the dance could’ve opted to forgo a bright assertive color. Color, confrontation’s emergency preparedness.

But I’m not a wallflower. I’m a wall-decor heart admirer.

What’s black and white and red all over? Hockey news, for one. And maybe your nerd face at the black and white movie theater, when I’m smooching you in the back. Or maybe Medium, when it blushes.

Second post site, same co-founder, same heart.

Candygram, for the love of Nerds.

Let’s get to Napa, where I belong.

Nicaragua.

We could stop off in Concord today. It was a first place I checked out in 2017, upon realizing the Napa move agenda. You know this. In between your roach and apartment sabotage, you followed me to my pole class searches. Frankly, you set them up.

Again, courage probably would’ve been easier….

Anyway, I always have happy memories returning to Concord. Yet we’ll have to choose Nicaraguan on another day. We’re going to Napa, where I belong.

Saving good plans always works for me. I’m so looking forward to our volcano travel planning over gallo pinto. Yes, let’s schedule some time to get to know the medical structures there.

North.

Okay, time to get North. Near Vallejo, near my home, and that makes me extra deliciously sweet and cuddly.

You brought me here, come see for yourself.

While you travel, keep in mind that I’m limiting your Gustaf’s Netherlands licorice intake. Salty black licorice may increase blood pressure, etc. Limiting this probably will include smooch, or platonic sci-fi topic change, distraction.

I was very happy at this moment. In Vallejo, getting to Napa.

Nepal.

How should we pack for Nepal? I have been thinking this through maybe for too long. Will it be cold? Will your VC start-up accelerator friends want to accompany and does this translate to extra itinerary risk-taking? Hmm. The cities in Nepal seem amazing and we could stick to city lights.

Let’s outdoor adventure in moderation and perhaps we can harness that VC enthusiasm into Nepal volunteerism.

We can also save energy abundance for one of Napa’s gems, Yak and Yeti.

New.

Napa was once new to me too. And now, I belong and I always want to take care of everyone there.

Hello, new friend. Would you happen to know my love? I believe it may have accidently been suspended, paused by issues of ice.

Nutritious.

Help me assure nutrition for the billions of this world. We need to do better everywhere. What we put into our bodies affects everything we do. I am the worst model when it comes to candy, I know that. However I try to model vitamins and minerals and low fat diets and lean protein. These are tough issues when it comes to household money, food scarcity that we’ve never experienced and/or conflict zones in which food is sadly used in negotiation.

Nutritious intake is necessary for our humanity. We have to do better, not just on account of hunger but on account of malnourishment. Yes medicine is responsible and yes it’s a platform I will stick with.

You know it’s true too. We’re not computers nor machines but we are built- and our brains are built- needing necessary fuel. Let’s sync up our hearts on this one, you love me and let your heart beat for good health through global nutritious movement.

Noon.

There I was, lying on my hotel bed in Minneapolis. Naturally, I checked my Twitter. The Warriors were playing early afternoon when I had anticipated a night game.

It was just a really quiet and peaceful and fun moment and I think about that often when I have downtime on a weekend day.

When you have downtime, come have curry with me here. Noon works perfectly, babe. Yak and Yeti is outstanding food, yet the quiet afternoons make it a perfect fit in your backyards.

Navigate.

Navigate the spelling of abominable and sasquatch with me.

Navigate, with me, how to make sure everyone feels they belong and no one gets left behind, outcasts in the cold. That’s the worst and we cannot ever knowingly let that happen.

Navigate how we can cheer on introvert friendships from afar. Afar, from a warm couch and fireplace perhaps. Afar, from a loving town with moderate climate, delicious vineyards and a small, trusting circle we are a part of.

Necessity.

Everyone says Dutch Bros visits are a necessity and today I decided to find out why. Finally. I had saved this for too long. This visit was a personal necessity and coffee is just such a great community handshake.

Love you. You have made yourselves a necessity to me and, for all the razzing I give you over ego, that was probably your most strategic move.

Notable.

Guys, I am going to be a girl who loves you. So far, I’m pretty good at it.

Thank you Napa, as usual your notable wisdom is humbling.

Nature.

Napa takes care of nature. I knew this then, I know this today. I have great pride in this DuPage hometown match.

Neurological.

Hmm…what to wish for today. The usual, I wish for happiness, peace, no suffering, cures. A little extra today: I wish for neural and neurological science to greatly improve in our lifetime, surpassing all barriers, all ego, all uncooperative agenda. Surpassing the selfish and improving all together.

Nest.

In the 5 years since Twitter introduced me to Airbnb and Mr. Chesky, I have had 9 homes that housed for longer than a few weeks. Nine.

That’s wild guys. Your love for me isn’t going to go away. Stop moving the beds hoping those emotions will change. Change your courage instead. I knew back in 2016 this was a done deal. The tearful confessions of love were real.

It is far healthier to tearfully confess to @mcuban on Twitter that one has fallen in love with computer guys and its the worst.

Moving people around hoping your own emotions will cope is unhealthy. Nest changes aren’t going to personally protect you from sentimental reciprocation.

Let me have my nest and bring your courage over.

Nap.

If you stop by and I don’t answer the door, look left. I may be napping. There’s room for two and yes that’s why I’m smiling.

Netherlands.

So much to see outside of Amsterdam. Energy for all the tourism? No problem. Remind me to sample sugar in moderation while we champion our nutritious messaging. I’ll tell you its best to just take the Stoopwafel package away from me.

Today was the first time I had stoopwafel. Now I’m hooked. My, they nailed the perfect amount of spice for that texture.

Yeah, you’ve been to the Netherlands and I haven’t and we’re about to have a lot of fun. I cannot wait to meet everyone.

Norway.

Napa woods reminding me to chill out, they’ve got some real fixer uppers. What was I to do but sit and enjoy the moment? If we are in Scandanavia, let’s get to know Norse culture deeply. The art, culture, historical roots, everything. I am very, very exited to explore Norway with you.

Perhaps they’ll have another clue about the whereabouts of my ice-stuck love, too.

Soda, anyone?

Network.

Napa and friends and sweethearts everywhere. I am so glad we’ve wired up together. Thank you for letting me be a part of your network.

By the way, I won’t purchase my own buds. You know I’m waiting for your handed gift and maybe I’ll make you a playlist in return.

News.

Good news, guys: local journalism here, noted and present.

Great news, actually.

Neon.

Neon random SF Bay area art.

How could I ever have thought that the Napa move meant you didn’t care about my city love? I’m not sure, but I’ve grown now.

Nutrients.

Nutrients and growth, a living and breathing Napa and Sonoma county value.

Nonconformist.

Let’s tap our energies together and be as nonconformist as it gets.

And yes, this can happen with backpacks and Starbucks and my Sketchers on.

I’m not here to apologize to others’ definitions of nonconformity. I’m not here to justify to your circles, either.

Nonconformity of the mind, and what we don’t compromise, matters most.

Nonchalant.

So, you’re going to live with me and we’re going to be healthy. Part of that should include nonchalant, unplanned days.

Stroll with me and appreciate agriculture downtown. Nonchalantly choose a table slightly set back, nonchalantly choose my smooch if you want.

Nurse.

Nursing the wine only because there is so much to see and so much peacefulness to absorb. Peaceful and calm is contagious, so I want to get it right for community treatment.

Native.

Napa native fruit. It’s everywhere and those aren’t like my hometown backyards and this new normal is good.

Noble.

Noble colors, noble fabric.

Non-denominational.

Beautiful Napa churches within non-denominational Northern California. We can visit all kinds of community worship, learn a lot in the future. That’s such a gift.

Namaste.

Namaste.

Here, the light within shining to reach ours.

Non-essential.

Depending on who we ask, skate parks may not be an essential city plan. Here (and everywhere in the Bay) they’ve made space anyway. Let’s stay inspired and part of community planning. It will help us personally learn and we can turn that into community good.

Who knows. Maybe we’ll save a clock tower or two.

Novel.

Returning to my normal book speed, what a novel idea. One day I will, with Napa bookstores as the perfect metronome.

Nugget.

And I repeat: everyone’s smart in their own way. Maybe we just don’t know when the bat signal has called, that’s all.

Nervous.

Sure I let you peek in when I’m nervous. How else are we supposed to truly establish trust?

Practice in the window mirror and let others in when you’re ready.

Needle.

Stitched in to the art frame. Needlework so precise.

Note.

Note the cool blues coming from here. I sense some amazing hockey luck on the horizon and maybe you can take me to appreciate the local punk revival sometime.

Narration.

Narration would remind you this is where I had lunch when interviewing for my job. It was so nice to be away from the terrible LA Koreatown set up, and I wished your courage would’ve opened the restaurant door for us in person.

Thanks for the narration of the past, too. Let’s focus on the future now, and…yep, you guessed it. The future depends on your courage. It’s non-negotiable.

Neighborhood.

The neighborhood story, a foundation that remains. Even our world’s light understands this.

Noise.

JAM Cellars, fun and lively. Would you like to chill with some live music sometime? Or turn up the stereo noise at home, Candy Rose in hand?

Nose.

Napa nose sense.

In more ways than one, actually. You know that this has been long- enduring the past chilly years and all the online assertiveness with the Bay move. You also know that within that mess I found a good home, falling in love with a great roommate and that’s also a part of life’s story.

Such a great part, actually. This is another way the world dances with time, neither a wallflower, both in the spotlight, dance interpreting a message: You don’t get to write another’s story. You only get to be in it when you choose to be. And everything else happens along the way, planned and otherwise.

Anyway, I love this part of my story. My roommate’s cold nose. Having good love for him. Not needing all the materials things along Napa’s shopping route yet appreciating them anyway. Helping your pen stick to its own novel. Encouraging your ink over to my page, keeping my own pen active while your muster up for the jump.

I love my former roommate. Be nosey if you want, but everything you need to know is right here.

Shall I change my ink to pink, or will you make your distinctive presence known with its own shade?

Nice.

We have some legit nice neighbors. What a beautiful artwork.

Next.

Where to next, babe?

Nostalgic.

Nostalgic tones are all over the Bay, and I’ll help you with your readers as we get older.

No.

And if it’s no, you can always count on me.

And if it’s yes, we’ll go out and celebrate. Or stay in. In is it’s own private celebration.

Not.

Not yet, but I’d planned to visit soon. It’s easy, just cross the river, right?

Narrow.

A favorite view. Narrowed vision rarely tells even 1% of the story, and yet I always feel the whole of wine country here. Individualism, agriculture, history, community, tourism, and everything else.

This is a favorite view, share it with me sometime.

National.

Our community is looking good in national pasttime gear, guys.

You do, too. You look handsome, and hot, in baseball caps. I’m not saying it to objectify or minimize. I’m saying it because it’s true and good attraction is something Walt would celebrate too.

You look really hot in baseball hats.

A fantastic fit in Napa, and all over. Now let’s get on those home runs.

Neoteric.

My new word for the day. Neoteric art to me. If it’s not modern to you, come explain why.

Educate me in lengthy detail. Do it in a baseball hat (if you want).

Now.

The time to get to know Wine Thief is now. The owner is so, so cool and the wine is fantastic.

The time to get to know me in person is now. I am so, so cool and our bond is fantastic.

The time for your courage is now. You are so, so cool and our future is fantastic.

People are wonderful. Keeping bonds over time is an investment. It is just is good for our souls.

Normal.

A normal day at a normal place with this normal girl. It’s my definition of normal.

Love me at my normal, which I understood here that you have been doing. And I love you at your normal as I type this for you to absorb in front of all your celebrity and Silicon Valley and government hierarchy uncomfyness.

Love me at my normal, I love you at yours.

Need.

Evidence that Napa is inclusive of those who don’t feel the need for speed.

I love this circle so much.

Nourish.

Nourish at everyone’s normal. A favorite memory, a lasting respect.

Until we meet again, Napa.

Nearness.

The nearness of Vallejo and yes, it really is that exhale of relief. Such a treasure.

Nautical.

So this is not where your Nemo inspired friends live. This is where I find a lot of waterway expertise. Altered from before, I see the experts in water transportation, shipping safety, nautical science. I see them as everyday heroes, not needing accolades or exploration of the unknown. I see them as getting us through, and protecting us through it all.

Not to minimize Nemo, just keeping all nautical love real.

Nauru.

Nauru had and has a lot going on, it appears. Maybe that’s invited, maybe it’s not. Perhaps like many islands, it gets pulled into outside agenda without much say. If we can advocate for good, we should. If we can visit and get to celebrate culture, we should.

Until then, we have palms here. See you soon, Vallejo.

Nag.

And I do mean to nag. Get active. Get your loved ones active. Don’t skirt around the issue. Don’t hide behind healthy eating only. Don’t assume it’s someone else’s job to model it.

Get. Active. We are responsible to our bodies and to make everyday body movement a good habit.

Namibia.

It’s time for a trip to Miliki in Oakland. Now, before we get to delicious Nigerian cuisine (and it is so, so, delicious), let’s talk about this picture.

Namibia is undergoing change, it seems. As land is redistributed in efforts toward economic inclusion, rights and equality, how about you and I cheer on good moves? In fact, how about we visit together?

Nigeria.

And we should also travel all of Nigeria, border to border, community to community. I know the country will be as kind and welcoming as Miliki here. In fact, let’s plan how to thank our hospitable hosts overseas over some puff-puffs.

Yes, they are incredibly good. The dough is not too bland and not too sweet and I am willing to have the fried calories should we travel Nigeria again and again and again (we should).

Nurture.

Oakland’s Laurel District, nuturing a neighborhood vibe.

Interpreting this at every turn, never hibernating the good heart.

Name.

Team Oakland’s a good name, right?

Night.

Night lights along the Bay.

Niger.

Degrees Plato displaying courtship success.

We could probably grab a beer here while planning our visit to the Guérewol festival in Niger. Yep, I’ll volunteer to braid.

Natural.

Love the way it just comes natural.

That’s the way I move through life now, and I highly recommend it.

I love you naturally. I highly recommend that, too.

Thank you, George Strait, for a lifetime change rooted in truth.

New Zealand.

What do I do before bed while you are away?

Comforting chocolate, that’s what. I purchased these pineapple treats from New Zealand and they are packed with flavor.

Here’s your girl, celebrating her day. Celebrating the fact that she purchased what she thought was a dress and, once in Napa, realized it was a nightgown.

Here’s your girl, already dressed for bed. Everything she already needs with her, except you.

Never.

You ask me if there’ll come a time when I’ll grow tired of you.

Never, my love.

Never.

I love you. I love our triple hearts everywhere.

Don’t let that love from our long ago moment stay frozen forever.

Goodnight.

Letters

Written by

Letters

Transforming iterations of our bonds. Securing courage in the cloud. Mining good love from the Internet of Things. In other words, I love you. It’s what I do.

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