alexandrastoddard

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I love to connect with my readers, and in my monthly newsletter, I share my thoughts, updates about events, a discussion of what I've been reading, stories from life in Connecticut, and much more. Feel free to browse my past newsletters and stop by at the beginning of each month to read my latest note to you.

Latest Newsletter

Photo by Elissa

Out for a stroll after a brief rain shower.

November 2024

11/1/2024

I love you!

In this November letter to you, my friends, I write to you with a humble heart. As I meditate about this most crucial presidential election, I’m supported by the words and deeds of my mentors. Rather than offering my limited knowledge of what the outcome of this election will mean to our country’s Constitution and rule of law, “I quote others,” as my favorite essay writer Michel de Montaigne wisely expressed in the 16^th century, “in order to better express myself.”

The great thinkers who have helped form, shape, clarify and change my thinking over the course of my lifetime speak of eternal truths. I believe that they are profoundly relevant to our lives as American citizens today. We, each of us individually, vote our conscience. I have faith, hope and confidence that good will prevail. I could be wrong, but God help us ...

December 2004

12/1/2004

I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, grateful for all your family, friends and loved ones near and far. Peter and I visited our daughter Alexandra and her husband Peter Scott with their three precious children. We couldn’t have had a more fun visit. Our son-in-law masterfully cooked a ...

November 2004

11/1/2004

October was an exhilarating month. Giving birth to Things I Want My Daughters to Know feels wonderful in every respect. There are times in all of our lives when everything comes together sublimely. Now is this time for me.

The National Book Festival was a thrill I will never forget ...

October 2004

10/1/2004

Brooke’s wedding was sublime. She was radiant. It was joyful having Alexandra, her husband Peter Scott, and their children with us. Nicholas was the ring bearer. Anna was a flower girl with a blue hydrangea halo in her curly hair. Lily watched in amazement from her daddy’s lap ...

September 2004

9/1/2004

As you know by now, I love all seasons, and every day. September is an especially happy month for me because Peter and I fell in love in September. As the song reminds us, “Try to remember that day in September and follow, follow, follow …”

This September is a thrilling ...

August 2004

8/1/2004

As a new month unfolds, it brings us fresh opportunities to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. We bring all the memories of our July into August. The marking of a new month makes us mindful of our lives experiencing transition.

This is the month to savor time with ...

July 2004

7/1/2004

I hope June was a productive and happy month for you and the loved ones whose lives you touch. Peter and I spent some time in New York as well as at the cottage, experiencing some extraordinarily sparkling clear days and star-filled nights. As a result of the good weather ...

June 2004

6/1/2004

Our 30th anniversary celebrations were all so wonderful. Our romantic time in Paris was particularly magical. We arrived to brilliant sunshine that kept us company our entire visit, making our terrace garden enchanting. I hope your month of May was a happy one and that you are looking forward to ...

May 2004

5/1/2004

I’m glad April showers bring May flowers because we have all had a fair share of rain in the northeast this spring. We went to our cottage for a few days to discover purple crocus and yellow daffodils in our tiny back yard.
We’ve spent lots of time ...

April 2004

4/1/2004

March has been an exceedingly happy month for Peter and me. We were invited to give talks in the south, in sunny, warm weather, escaping the northeast cold.

In Tallahassee, Florida, we cut the ribbon to celebrate Turner’s Fine Furniture’s Grand Opening of a 60,000 square foot ...

March 2004

3/1/2004

I hope February, the month of love, was tender, sweet and full of surprises. We began the month the last day of the Happiness Weekend in Stonington Village, Connecticut. What a relaxed day visiting with new friends, sitting by warm fires, sipping hot chocolate. Everyone came as strangers and left ...

February 2004

2/1/2004

Love & Live Happy

January 2004

1/1/2004

I hope you had a happy, healthy holiday season, full of love, light and laughter. We spent some time in Washington, D.C., visiting our grandchildren Nicholas, Anna and Lily. I love all the rituals, the music, the lights, flowers, decorations, food, friends – above all, being together as a family ...

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