The Novelist Portent
Johnny E. Mahaffey
December 13, 2014 (12.13.14 LOL :)

Reply ID: BYTR

Dearest Ellie:
I want you to know that I am very proud of you.

Science of any field—especially those such as anthropology, physics, astronomy, biology, etc.—holds the key to the future! Science will only grow in its size as more people join the ranks to keep up with technological and humanistic progress. The arts will grow as well since, with intellectual growth, comes comprehension. And thus appreciation of the arts. Art in all mediums—paining, music, photography, sculpture, or even a drawing on a napkin—can hold power and importance.

But it takes knowledge to see it. Knowledge only gained in study.

Saxophone? That's cool. I don't think many girls play them, do they? I mean, I know Lisa Simpson and all. But... That's good. You can be a shining star! You never know.

Did you ever see the crossover episode with Lisa and Meg? How Meg just put all that pent up emotion and hurt into the sax and blew Lisa's mind? I know, I know. Fictional. Still.

Get you some books on how to read music at HamiltonBoox.com that're pretty cheap. It's the same company that sends me catalogs all the time. I order a lot of college texts for a massive discount. I'll sometimes find a $200 book for like $4.95—no joke! And I know they have tons of music books.

You know, when your mom moves to Louisiana, you need to tell her I said, "Don't go interviewing any vampires! We all know how that turns out."

As for colleges, have you thought of either the University of Tennessee (I think they have a good anthropology class) or Clemson? If you were to attend Clemson or Tri County Tech nearby, and then transfer to Clemson. You'd have your grandmother in Seneca to help out. Tennessee and upstate South Carolina are really beautiful places to live. i love the mountains and the foothills. The lakes and trails.

I'm sure you remember me mountain biking? You should try that sometime at Isaqueena Trail in Clemson. It's great! You can rent a bike at The Great Escape shop near the old White Rabbit. Make sure to stop at Mellow Mushroom for a pizza. They make the absolute best in the state!

Take care, and I love you. Remember, when I don't answer right away, it doesn't mean I'm not answering. It just sometimes takes time for the mail to reach me.

In my dorm, we just had three guys get slashed up with industrial box cutters in a total bloodbath and spent some time on a lockdown.

Love,
Dad