Red Room Where the Writers Are

One of my nieces sent me a letter about flip flops a year or so ago.  Although she "claimed" it was not a chain letter, that it was only done with fun in mind, it was a new take on the traditional chain letter.  It was, the letter claimed, a way to get twenty or more pairs of flip flops by following the instructions. By sending a pair of flip flops to the person who sent the letter as well as the first person on the list (in other words, the two names on the list) and sending out identical letters with my name on the list to a number of my friends and/or family, I would receive my share of flip flops from all over the world in just a few weeks...how cool is that! 

Not to spoil my niece's fun, I sent her and her friend a pair of flip flops and returned the letter to my niece and suggested that I was not the best choice as I didn't wear flip flops and further suggested she find someone else who might be more agreeable.  I'll be honest, I don't participate in chain letters no matter how cleverly worded.  Frankly, I don't know how many pairs she received (other than the ones I sent her), but every so often, I will find a flip flop themed item (for example, note pads in the shape of flip flops, a birthday card with flip flops on it) and send it to her. Perhaps I am wrong, but I feel like it keeps us connected despite the distance.    

Actually, I try to do the same with my other nieces.  For example, one is into flamingoes, another into gnomes, but all of them deserve to know how special they are to me.  They may all independently think I am their crazy Aunt Nancy, and that's okay.  Everyone needs a crazy aunt, or just someone they can depend upon to surprise them from time to time.

Oh, and to my son, wishing you love and sunshine on your 25th birthday!   LYSS