Page 40 of Authentically, Izzy
PS: The movie wasSome Like It Hot.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March21
Subject: Our call
Isabelle,
I can’t express to you what a delight it was to talk with you yesterday. All of the previous emails seemed to merge into a better understanding of who you are, though it took me a little while to remember that I already knew you, in part. After we ended our call I purchased the first two seasons ofThe Andy Griffith Showand plan to start them tonight. I’ve never heard such a charming accent.
I’d love to discuss some more about your suggestions for Sutherland’s online presence. We have a marketing director on the team, but she’s my cousin and hasn’t a great deal of experience, though she has an uncanny ability to inspire people into communicating. I feel certain she’d appreciate any feedback and suggestions you could offer. You fairly glowed with ideas as we spoke. I’m rather useless with things like marketing as I’m more of a financial fellow who continues father’s excellent bookish connections because Anders, my brother, has the tendency to offend everyone.
Would you mind if I shared your email address with my cousin? Her name is Brynna Lund and she’s... What’s the word in English? Sprightly? She is a wonderfully generous person in every way, but especially with her words and affections. Conversations may feel like an onslaught, but in all honesty, you aren’t required to do much else except nod, smile, and answer her questions. (Anders says that she “forces” people into communicating due to her persistence, so I’ll let you come to your own conclusions about that. Anders’s opinions are habitually singular.)
I’m giving you fair warning regarding Brynna so you can refuse the request and I will understand. Some people can only be taken in gram sizes rather than litres. Which woman in Jane Austen’sEmmahas the best heart but talks incessantly? I can’tremember, but think of her when you think of Brynna, only younger and with much brighter hair.
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I cannot help but think of this quote by Robert Frost: “Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.”
PPS: Brynna is not representative of that quote. But she does have a great deal to say.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: March21
Subject: Re: Our call
Brodie,
I enjoyed our conversation too. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. I would love to have met your uncle Sven! I thought sleeping inside of an animal to stay warm was only something that happened onStar Warsmovies. I think Boy Scouts in Skymar are on a totally different level than the ones around here.
There’s a part of me that wishes I could be a fly on the wall as you watch those Andy Griffith shows for the first time. I’ve grown up with them and everyone I know has watched them over and over again, but to enjoy someone’s first discovery of this culture through those episodes? Well, the very idea makes me grin. I can’t wait until you hear how Andy tells the story of Romeo and Juliet!
I’m not a marketing expert, Brodie. My cousin Penelope is currently getting a degree in marketing so I’ve learned some things from her, but I’ve also taken a few classes, I follow some online bookshop groups, and I helped out when Josephine had a cosmetics and bridal-wear store (she’s been in the matchmaking business for a long time). I’m not sure I’m someone who could giverealadvice. I had to force (or sneak) my suggestions onto Josephine. Are you sure you want to trust my opinion? (Do you think Josephine and Brynna might be related on a verbal level?) Aunt Louisa allows me to do things for the library because her idea of using technology is to turn on the television with a remote.
Your accent sounds mostly Scottish to me, though I’m no expert on accents. There are some unique differences in it also. Is that the Scandinavian heritage coming out? I can’t believe the Scots influence remained that strong when Denmark ruled Skymar for so long afterward. Those Scots are hearty folk, aren’t they? We have lots of the Scots-Irish influence here in Appalachia.
You spoke English so well that it made me wonder... If English is only spoken by about 70percent of the population of the islands, how did you learn it so well? Does your family speak it?
I’m looking forward to our next video chat tomorrow evening.
Izzy
PS: Generous-hearted and talkative is a much better combination than self-sighted and talkative. I’ll take a Brynna over Dolores Umbridge any day!
PPS: To quote Shakespeare: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
