This is a prequel letter about The Whimsy Letter Society, a snail mail organization that you may find more information here.
For the first letter in this series, go here, and the second here.
Sea Oak
February 19, 2026
Dearest Favorite Sister,
Your backyard does look marvelous when it is not dehydrated to a crisp in the summer heat.
By the way, have I mentioned that I have it on good authority that Missy Peabody has adjusted well to her new life in Florida with her family. They take such good care of her. Which is wonderful for her. A pity for us, because I miss that woman.
You would not recognize her cottage here in Sea Oak, but I will share no more details. You will have to visit to see the changes for yourself and enjoy nature at its finest. And I am not referring to what you call nature: the poky kind or the kind with minuscule leaves. I am talking about green leaves as large as dinner plates and grass as thick as shag carpet.
Liv, I was having second thoughts when your letter arrived. Do I really need a new endeavor, and one of this magnitude, when I am so close to retirement? Not that I plan to retire, really. I can’t think of anyone suited to take my place.
Anyway, what you had to say about letters really spoke to me. I mean, look at us, writing back and forth and cherishing each one. Letters are magic.
Last night, at book club, I decided to ask the group for their thoughts. While some are too young to remember the Society, others like Flora and Evie were part of it. The response was overwhelmingly positive. I even received TWO words from Walter. Not ONE word or a grunt, but a clear “Great idea!” Stellar endorsement. If the idea could get Walter that riled up, I think this may be the best idea since sliced bread. Seriously.
That man is a bear, and I think he has the vocabulary of a toddler, grunts included.
I would call the motion to reopen The Whimsy Letter Society officially Sea Oak approved.
The Society is therefore a go. You will find enclosed, as requested, the first member card issued to you.
Now, there are still logistics to plan. Many have offered to help. I have an idea for the headquarters of the Society, at least temporarily. I will not share it yet. Oh, I know, the suspense. I must admit, keeping you in the dark is half the fun. A little sister, always a little sister.
As for visiting, I have no plans to travel to Hades’ doorstep, although I will consider it next January. While things are slow in Sea Oak during that time, the weather makes up for it by working double time. Lounging in that delectable winter yard of yours would beat freezing my hiney every time I walk to the post office or anywhere else in Sea Oak.
I do miss you so. Everett is lucky that he is good to you, and that I like him, because stealing my sister and moving her so far away is sometimes hard to bear. Any more talk of relocating here?
I will keep you updated on the happenings. At this point, it is about location and logistics.
Liv, I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.
All my love,
Erma
TO JOIN THE WAIT BEFORE OCTOBER 1st LIST CLICK HERE
To learn more about The Whimsy Letter Society and Sea Oak, please click here.
A Note About Sea Oak
Sea Oak is a fictional place, although I like to imagine that somewhere it could be real. Its people, businesses, homes, and The Whimsy Letter Society are creations of my imagination. From time to time, their stories may brush against real people, places, and events from history or from my personal life. When they do, I have tried to treat the history with care, while allowing the fictional world of Sea Oak to grow around it. And with every letter received in the mail, I will always share what is fact and what is fiction.
While you will not find Sea Oak on any map, I hope that with every letter, it begins to feel a little more like somewhere you know and love.