Authentically izzy, p.12
Authentically, Izzy, page 12
Uncertain,
Izzy
PS: Luke, the black lines on your face were much lighter today! I don’t think you’ll scare the kids at the park if you go for a jog.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 30
Subject: Re: Dating Eli?
Izzy,
I don’t see why you wouldn’t say yes to Eli, the author. It’s a free meal and you like talking to him, right? Unless . . . you feel like your heart is much more attached to a single, sweater-vest–wearing Scandinavian Celt who will come and sweep you off your feet with his brogue, good looks, and Yoda impersonation?? Wow! What a combination! BTW, “dating” someone isn’t the same thing as being in a “relationship” with someone, despite what Daddy says. He grew up during the time where two people still used words like courting and betrothed.
Penelope
PS: Wait, if Brodie sweeps you off your feet, does that mean he’d sweep you all the way to Skern or something? Oh no!! Izzy, I hadn’t thought about that! Say yes to Eli, the author. I need to think about something else besides your sudden disappearance.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 30
Subject: Re: Dating Eli?
Penelope,
I have no plans to move anywhere, hence the ongoing dilemma about dating or not dating two men on opposite sides of the world. (Good grief, that sounds convoluted.) My future is here, and besides, Brodie hasn’t made any romantic overtures, per se. Besides, how could I even consider myself “dating” someone who I’ve never even met in real life, even if he wanted to “date” me? Which he’s made no mention of and this has helped me make up my mind about Eli. (Can one even call an online date “dating”?)
Now the only question is steak, Mexican, or German? (You know how food choices for dates used to make me anxious? Compared to making lifelong romantic decisions, choosing restaurants is a piece of cake. Pun intended.)
Izzy
PS: Your dad is NOT that old. Most of the musical artists he loves are still alive and singing.
PPS: I looked up the word dating and the gist of the definition is two people meeting “socially” to ascertain future and long-term romantic compatibility. Therefore, I feel less guilty. A little.
PPPS: The word aye has a certain lovely appeal doesn’t it?
Text from Izzy to Eli: I’d love to have dinner. What is your preference? German sounds like a fun adventure.
Eli: German it is! Tomorrow night? Seven o’clock?
Izzy: Great.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: March 30
Subject: Portable magic
Brodie,
You are the best Yoda Griffith I have ever known! I’m still grinning at your valiant attempt to combine the two. I still can’t understand how you made the word y’all sound so delightful. Are you certain there isn’t a little southern gentlemen in your family history?
The pointy green ears that bounced when you laughed became so distracting I forgot to ask you how Brynna liked the graphics I sent. She told me she adored them, but I have a feeling she’s generous in her praise, as a rule.
Though I’m not a fan of Stephen King’s books—not because of the writing (for he’s an excellent writer) but for the itchy uneasiness his stories leave behind in my mind—I AM a supporter of his literary thinking. Here is an excellent quote: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” And to think we saw the magic come alive all the way down Main Street! The Book Parade pulls in so much of the community. I can imagine your towns would love something like this. Especially with all of the readers you have.
And what a beautiful family legacy you possess!! To love stories so much that your parents initiated bringing books to life for your uncle and sister . . . and then to so many more. Did your father ever narrate them in English? It explains why so many of my online searches about Skymar lead me to the book industry in one way or the other, particularly related to the fact that your islands are one of the top manufacturers of books in Braille! I’ve never thought about how words build pictures for the mind. I know it’s true, but I’ve never really thought about it. Does your sister Fiona enjoy reading?
You are very kind. I don’t feel particularly creative, but I’m grateful I can channel my almost-obsessive love for books into such delightful directions. Those children’s smiles? An adult who shows up as soon as the doors open at the library to ensure they are first in line for the newest release of their favorite author? A story binding two uniquely different people together? It’s fascinating and wonderful to me! I may not enjoy Josephine’s matchmaking, but to match the right person with the right story is one of the most delightful things! It is kind of like magic happening right before my eyes.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Since you’re a bookstore owner, I feel I could glean so much wisdom from you if I venture forward into my own little bookshop adventure. Maybe we could discuss it during our next video call?
I just finished reading George Orwell’s novel 1984 for the first time. I don’t care to read it ever again. It’s brilliant and terrifying all at the same time. Please recommend something senseless, happy, and completely out of touch with reality so I can forget the possibility of the world turning into a totalitarian, repressive regime set to eradicate independent thought! I’m turning on the Hallmark channel right now for my own mental health. (Do you know what the Hallmark channel is?) Perhaps I should pick up Catch-22? Or Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary? Or Don Quixote? What do you think?
Isabelle
PS: I’ve enjoyed all of C. S. Lewis’s books. Till We Have Faces is one of my favorites, but I fell in love with Peter Pevensie when I was ten.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: My life is a movie . . . but I’m not sure which genre
So I had a video call with Brodie before leaving for my dinner with Eli. (I’m squeezing my eyes closed at the very idea of . . . well, whatever it is right now.)
Eli and I had a good dinner. We talked books, and you know how much I love to talk books, but he did open up a little about his educational background and growing up near the coast. He doesn’t seem to be very close to his family and isn’t interested in getting a pet right now. He said “his stories are enough company and distraction for now.” Being a person who has loads of imaginary friends, I could somewhat understand his statement—though I can’t imagine life without Samwise. Also, he mentioned having some conflict with the university he was at before coming here and was “glad to move to a slower pace of life with folks who are generous-hearted.” I’ve never been in academia, but the conflict among the staff of Hogwarts was constant, if not life-threatening, on a regular basis.
BTW, his ancient-historical adventure book was good. Not my favorite and a bit heavy on details at times, but interesting enough for me to finish it. Eli talked a lot about the writing process, so I know it must take up a great deal of space in his mind.
The new German restaurant in town is fabulous, BTW. We should go there together when Penelope is in from school next time. I couldn't pronounce half the dish names, but the waitress couldn't either so I didn’t feel so bad about it, and when Eli tried, he ended up sounding like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Imagine that! A Clark Gable Terminator! LOL.
Anyway, Eli wants to try his hand at a contemporary romance novel. I always think it’s interesting to get a guy’s view on romance, so of course when he asked if I’d be willing to read a few chapters, I agreed. What an honor! I think it must be such a vulnerable thing to have someone read your infant words of a story! He’s sending me the first three chapters. How exciting!
When he let me out at my house, he went in for another kiss (or at least that’s what it looked like he was doing) and, for some reason, sweater-vests and Yoda masks popped to mind and I just couldn’t kiss him. I’m likely never to even MEET Brodie!! How can he control my kissing future in this way?
What’s worse: kissing a kind man just because he’s physically present and nice enough, or daydreaming about a kiss to a possible Mr. Right that may never happen? What does Dr. Phil say about that, Luke?!
Brontë may be calling again.
Izzy
PS: Why does thinking about kissing have to be so preoccupying?
PPS: I think Yoda is my favorite Star Wars character.
Chapter 10
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: Re: My life is a movie . . . but I’m not sure which genre
Izzy,
I’m curious, and not about your kissing thoughts. If Eli did so much talking, what did he learn about you? Did he ask questions?
Yoda should be at the top of everyone’s favorites list for Star Wars characters, but I feel your sudden interest in him runs in a more “islander” direction.
I don’t think Dr. Phil would want to answer this one.
Luke
PS: Do you need me to bring ice cream?
PPS: I think your life is sci-fi and Eli is the hologram. Let’s mix things up a bit.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: Re: My life is a movie . . . but I’m not sure which genre
What do you mean? Of course he asked questions. Things like, “What do you like to do in your spare time?” Or “How do you respond when you’re sad about something?” Though I’m not sure why he asked that. It was weird.
And I can be the heroine of this moment instead of hiding away. I’ll purchase my own ice cream.
Sigh.
Izzy
PS: But I wouldn’t mind the company. Brodie should be calling tonight because he can’t tomorrow. You can join the discussion.
PPS: He didn’t kiss like a hologram.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: Re: My life is a movie . . . but I’m not sure which genre
If he says something like, “Help me, Obi-Wan. You’re my only hope,” then we’ll know something’s wrong.
Luke
PS: Oh wait, never mind. He speaks fiction like you. That Star Wars quote is definitely a possibility in regular conversation.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: Kissing talk
I want to be in a Brodie discussion. If he’s going to sweep you away, I should at least get in on a discussion or two. He is not allowed to engage in any feet-sweeping without my approval, Izzy.
And I’m very happy you had a nice dinner with Eli. (Oh dear, your romantic life is becoming even more complicated than mine. Mean leading-man has suddenly become interested in Flower Girl #1 and I’m not sure why. I think it’s because he heard how much my roommates enjoyed my cooking and I can waltz. For some reason he’s attracted to waltzing.)
Eli must be terribly romantic if he wants to write romance books. What if he writes about you as his muse? Oh! I’ve always dreamed of being someone’s muse. It sounds exotic . . . and possibly life-threatening.
Penelope
PS: In reference to kissing: Though my experience is limited in regards to this topic, I think the most important thing about a kiss is that you mean it. If you’re not ready to mean it, then you’re probably not ready to kiss. Did I get that thought from a classic movie? It sounds very classic, doesn’t it?
PPS: I didn’t include Luke on this email because he doesn’t like kissing talk. Or classic movies.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 31
Subject: Re: Kissing talk
Penelope,
I know your letter meant to help me, but . . . the idea of being someone’s muse makes me feel . . . exposed. I can only envision Renaissance painters for some reason.
And there has been no talk whatsoever of feet sweeping. At all.
I love you anyway.
Izzy
PS: But I do like your thoughts about kissing. Even though I don’t like your thoughts about kissing. You’ll understand some day.
Text from Luke to Izzy: I don’t think Clark Gable knows how to enter a church. Few people “saunter” down the center aisle to the second row when they’re thirty minutes late to the service.
Izzy: He must have gotten the times mixed up. He doesn’t appear to be one of those people who live by the rules of time, but there was certainly nothing wrong with his swagger.
Luke: I just got sick. Is it possible to use the word “sanctuary” to be protected from gross talk? Especially about a church service. Seems appropriate.
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: April 1
Subject: Suits and swooning
Izzy!
Clark Gable looks excellent in a suit, doesn’t he? I don’t think half of the women in the church heard one word of the sermon from the time he made his way to your side on the second row. You’re the envy of the entire single-women’s section. Ah, I remember those days.
And I must say you made a fine showing in my old brown wrap dress. Much more stylish than what you usually wear, but I’d recommend a scarf with it the next time. You really need to wear more color. Beside Eli, you were like a wilted daisy next to a gallant ranunculus.
Josephine
PS: Next Sunday you should wear the little blue floral dress I sent. It would brighten up your pale face. I’m sure Eli would appreciate it.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Josephine Martin
Date: April 1
Subject: Re: Suits and swooning
Josephine,
Eli does wear a suit well. Much better than I could ever wear a suit. But comparing him to a ranunculus seems a little . . . I’m not even sure how to describe it. I’m going to ignore the wilted daisy comment. I do appreciate your fashion sense and I will even admit to liking several of the outfits you sent, but I am capable of dressing myself and have been for a few decades now. However, I do think it’s time I got a haircut. Nothing drastic, but maybe some highlights and a few layers. If I’m going to start taking charge of my own story, it’s time to make some changes.
Izzy
PS: Next week. I just called the hairstylist and I can’t start changing my life until next week.
PPS: You’re speaking in flowers. I feel like that should be a warning about something or other.
Text from Josephine to Izzy: What is going on with you? Are you sick? Is this what being in love does to you? Have things progressed that much with Eli? Highlights? Maybe we should call Mother.
Izzy: I’m fine. Just realizing a lot of things. Good things. Highlights are definitely a part of it all.
Josephine: Not teal! Please! Anything but teal!
Izzy: I’m not in a teal mood. Maybe purple? To combat the wilted daisy look?
Josephine: Isabelle Louisa Edgewood! I feel certain you are contributing to a few of MY highlights.
Izzy: Josie, it’s time to let go of this baby so you will be sufficiently prepared for your REAL babies when they arrive. I’ll be okay. I promise. Even the wilted parts.
Josephine: Stop with the flower references. You win.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: April 1
Subject: Revisiting bookish friends
Isabelle,
Your cousin’s Yoda impersonation is better than mine. I’m not certain whether to feel disappointment or impressed. At any rate, I’m delighted you brought him on the video call. I must say I look forward to our video calls without exception but Luke certainly brought a hilarious addition. It is obvious how the two of you care for each other. Anders and I are close, but he is a bit more . . . stiff-shirted than Luke and therefore less likely to engage in Yoda impersonations or any other type of impersonations, unless he’s occasionally and unintentionally going for Ebenezer Scrooge.
The photos of your mountains in spring are tremendous. The colors. The mountains. The vibrancy. I can only imagine that seeing them in person would be spectacular. I’m attaching a few photos of the islands in spring for your viewing pleasure. The cottage on the right of the cliffs in the photo is my grandfather’s house (the one who carries a mustache comb). His view is beyond compare, in my opinion, and I’m biased in every way, though I have endeavored to re-create the view in my own way with my home.
I just finished reading Patrick O’Brian’s series again. Those casts of characters are brilliantly portrayed. I read it once a year. That series and The Lord of the Rings, of course. Do you have a series that you must revisit, like an old friend?
Now I’m curious. What is it about the eldest Pevensie that turned your head?
Curiously,
Brodie
PS: Luke’s complexion had a red tint to it. Please tell me it was because he was flushed and not due to the lingering effects of the permanent paint?
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: April 1
Subject: A friend for my heart?
So . . . Eli sent another bouquet of roses as a thank-you for me reading his chapters and he took me on the sweetest little picnic after church yesterday. It really was a beautiful day to view the azaleas beginning to bloom and the redbud in full purple array. (Just a note: I didn’t see even ONE wilted daisy.) And Eli and I had some nice conversations about living in the country. He prefers to live near town but still appreciates the beauty of this place. He asked me what makes me laugh, and I told him excellent quotes, Samwise, and a few comedies I’ve loved forever. I couldn’t shake the feeling he was taking mental notes on my answers, so I chalked it up to his very distractible mind.
