We turned 10 this week, and instead of getting together for a gala, we wrote each other postcards, alone in our homes. It’s a very writerly way to celebrate. Thanks, pandemic.
Today we wrap up our week-long celebration with postcards from Sarah, Jenny, and Cameron.
Sarah Gilman
Dear 2010 Sarah G.—
First, you’re going to have a lot of weird dreams. Dreams where everything will be normal except your stress levels when people come closer than six feet to you. You will become hyper aware of where everyone’s hands are at all times, and of how often they touch their faces. You will deeply miss traveling, the desert, rivers, your friends and family. But your backyard meadow will expand until it’s an entire continent. You will have conversations with the moon and Venus in the meadow at night while the dog pees, and you brush your teeth. You will feel an opening. Remember—when it comes—you must step through it. Even in pause, there is a future growing inside you.
–Love, 2020 Sarah G.
Read Sarah’s LWON posts–many of which include her own artwork which somehow merges words, drawing, and her own Sarah-self.
Jennifer Holland
Dear Self:
In general, OMG.
(I know, we hate “OMG,” but trust me, it works here.)
I could go on and on about the bizarre and terrifying trip you’ll be taking in a decade, but where’s the fun in giving it all away?Still, a few spoilers are in order.
1) You disliked George W. Bush, but just you wait. You will really, really miss him.
2) Buy Palladium, ZOOM, and yeast. (And T.P. Lots of T.P.)
3) Don’t get rid of all those ugly sweats from college. You will be wearing them to work.
4) Learn how to cook better. Your favorite restaurants? Let’s just say eating at home will be a thing.
5) Learn to love all your husband’s annoying habits. And you know that bathroom renovation he started? Get used to exposed pipes and the unique (rustic!) look of cement board.
6) You will go through periods of heavy panic and think the world is ending. IT MIGHT BE.
Sorry.
Good luck!
Love, ME
Read all of Jenny’s LWON posts. In one, she’s also talking her past self, this time encouraging her.
Cameron Walker
You got this. (Heart stick figure).
P.s. They ask you to join LWON! Say yes!
Read all of Cameron’s LWON posts here, one of which advises on the differences between baking power and baking soda and is surely useful today.
Happy Birthday to us!
Well, there it is. What we wish our 10-years-younger selves knew. Will we still be here in 10 years? Will the world still exist? What would you tell yourself in 2010? Let us know in the comments.