Me: Correspondence...

Email is awesome but I've rediscovered the simple joy of letter writing and receiving handwritten letters from folks.

I've also found that I'm a less negative person when I am paying other people compliments...

So in an effort to spread a little positivity around this horribly rude and isolating landscape that is the American social structure nowadays, I've taken to writing letters of thanks to those people, groups, institutions, and businesses that are making a positive contribution (in my opinion) to my life and those I care about.

I was first inspired to do this when I heard the news about the cancellation of "Pushing Daisies" a television show that I've come to love over the last two seasons. But like lots of things in my life, it was not permanent, so I wrote ABC to let them know of my love and how much the show meant to me.

Granted, I should not be watching more television that I already am (and Netflix is like DVD crack!) but I couldn't stand idly by and watch a quality show get nixed without me saying something. It's akin to when I stood by and watched Tamyra Gray get voted off American Idol. Or everytime I hear someone diss gay people because they don't know I'm one.

So far, I've only sent letters to a few folks, namely ABC in regards to Pushing Daisies and my Daddy (it's kinda fun!). But I also sent one to the Renfro Sausage people back in L-town for making such a world renowned product.

I've sent two emails (after finding an auto fill form on their websites) to New York Governor David Paterson and Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, the former who actively fights for gay rights, the latter who has a lesbian daughter.

Today, I'm writing to a few folks I found in the Advocate, namely E. Denise Simmons who is the nation's first openly lesbian black mayor in Cambridge Mass and Jason Barlett, the first openly gay Black state legislator in the nation.

Because my mantra is "treat others as you want to be treated," I would hope that people who found inspiration in me would do the same. Not for the ego boost; but instead, to feel less alone and less unique in this world.

Lol, because I have to "gay it up" sometimes, I thought about getting my own stationary and everything, but that defeats the point of simplicity, modesty, and truth. I'm not looking to run for office or garner fancy. Instead, I hope this acts as a "pay it forward" type activity that I can share with my friends and family.

Let's see what happens...