I Wouldn't Have Done This Without You

Hello Friends,

Letters From a New Life is two years old today!

Since March of 2024, I’ve published 34 issues of this newsletter, crossed the United States five times and learned some things about writing. I was published in the The New York Times, took some decent photos, and ate the world's best pie in Pie Town, New Mexico.

But what’s been most gratifying are the connections I’ve made with readers. Many of you, like me, are carrying some kind of grief, and maybe trying to figure out a new life.

This past year, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting several readers in person. One in Taos, one in Savannah, and three who went out of their way to visit me at Hunting Island. These real-life encounters have been unexpected and wonderful.

To commemorate this two-year milestone, I’ve compiled some greatest-hits links: stories you may have missed, especially if you’re a recent subscriber:

The very first post—funny and melancholy:

A nomadic origin story that inspired a reader to write a song:

If you like quirky backroads travel destinations, you’ll like this:

If you believe in signs—or want to believe—this is for you:

Love and regret, in three episodes:

And a recent one, about the eternal longing for home:

who enjoys regularly reading this newsletter, perhaps you would consider a one-year paid subscription. Right now, thanks to my special Second Anniversary Discount, you can be a paid subscriber for one year, for only $21.

Click for discount: Anniversary Discount Subscription

paying subscribers, you may not be aware that your contribution goes towards this charitable cause:

Most of the proceeds from paid subscriptions to Letters From a New Life go to the Kiki Hedin Memorial Scholarship at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Community colleges like GCC are places where non-traditional and under-resourced students, along with typical college-age students, can receive an excellent education and find their path forward.

Kiki flourished at GCC, where she was mentored and supported in small classes, learned from professors who are also working artists, and found many friends.

Each year, one exceptional graduate of the Visual Arts Associates Degree Program at GCC is chosen by the Arts Faculty to receive the Kiki Hedin Memorial Scholarship.

The award goes towards tuition at a four-year college or university, helping the recipient to transfer and complete their Bachelor of Arts degree.

Eric and I believe Kiki would love the idea of helping other emerging artists pursue their dreams. An arts education could be considered unrealistic in today’s world, or you could say it’s a way of finding the hope and meaning so desperately needed right now.

As a paid subscriber to Letters From a New Life, you can enjoy knowing your contribution goes towards this scholarship. Each June, I will include a short profile of the recipient in this newsletter. Thank you!

Anniversary Discount Subscription

As always, Free Subscribers are equally valued and appreciated! I do not have any paywalls, and all my writing is accessible to everyone. If you are a paid subscriber who would like to switch to free, please know that after you cancel, you need to RESUBSCRIBE as a free subscriber, it will not happen automatically.

Friends, this isn’t my regular monthly letter—that’s coming next. Eric and I have been busy wrapping up six months at Hunting Island State Park, then traveling the back roads of the South last week to land in Texas Hill Country, where we are right now.

Finally, one last peek at magical Hunting Island:

Thank you for being part of Letters From a New Life. I would never have written these letters if I didn’t have you to write them to.

Love 💛 Tina