in my letterbox:

dear valentine's,
i've been such a bad crafty blogger not putting up any sweetly themed items but, well, i've just always had a hard time getting into this holiday since, apart from married life, i usually spent it very much alone and listening to ani difranco. no offense to all your pink frosting, paper lace, dark chocolate, and dear little garland (seriously, i'm a big fan of the trappings) but i think i still need some time to come around and make nice...just be patient with me ok?

dear chicago,
I CAN'T WAIT TO BE TOGETHER AGAIN! we're going to have a great visit together just like old times and i can't wait to introduce you to my husband as we scout out some neighborhoods this coming weekend because i think you're really going to like each other. yes, you heard me right: i said scouting neighborhoods. you are at the top of our "places we'd consider making a permanent move to now that our post-layoff/get back on our feet and move back home to save money time is seriously wearing out its welcome" list. so get your job offers in a row and let us know what's happening as we are so ready to start building our life together forealsies!!!

dear zoë and frankie,
you two felines are loved beyond all reason but if you continue to steal spools of thread and bound across my unconscious body several times in a row like acrobatic chimpanzees at 6am for the pure joy of seeing how far you can push the limits, i will be tempted to introduce you to something i like to call "mommy's dirt list." you have been warned little ones, you have been warned.

dear purple thread,
where are the bleepity bleep are you these days? i neeeeeed you!

dear made by rae lickety split bag pattern: i've seen you making the rounds on the internets and we've been making eyes at each other for quite some time, don't deny it. then you showed up on my lovely friend emily's blog looking all cute in your bright little prints and i knew we had to be together at last. you are awesome. there, i said it. and pretty soon i'll post you here for everyone to see. um, once i find that purple thread...