Letter 13...Merry Christmas y'all!

Dear the World,

Hmm...bit cheesy? I guess so. I would address it to the U.K. but feel I might have offended my friends in other countries around the World. Anyway, the reason that I felt that a mass Christmas letter was important is -also now a cliche- because of the current state of the world. In the last couple of weeks alone I have come face to face with so many disturbing current events:

• The War in Iraq -particularly the number of young men and women that died this year and won't be home in the UK and the USA to spend Christmas with their families. Also the young Iraqis who have died this year
• The issues in the Middle East -the growing anti-Semitism in this Country and in the world at large/the increasing anti-Islam movement
• Armament -the ridiculous, dangerous and downright terrifying number of destructive weapons owned by countries around the world

I know there are wonderful things in the world. I experienced a number of these things with my family today. I experience these by keeping in touch with some wonderful people from around the world. I experience these by looking outside my bedroom window, from studying cool subjects, from owning pets, babysitting kids, reading novels, going to the theatre, the cinema, travelling and going on day trips around Kent. I also know that there have to be shitty things in the world. But I can't help but understand why the Queen, why celebrities, why Church Leaders chose, this Christmas, to talk about all the sadness, war and suffering in the World. We're not dealing with natural disasters here -unless you argue that human nature is natural I suppose- we're looking at issues and potential ruin creating by humans and for humans. Grudges begun years and years ago and carried through to taint the current generations who, left to their own devices, may have allowed things to turn out quite a different way, may have even thought in a different way...

...Anyway, too late to dwell on such options now. It's important to focus on what to do. We're all, I know, so busy, so stressed, so scared etc. But my Christmas message to you this year is to do one thing, any one thing, towards helping the world turn out the way you'd like it to. I know people who write beautiful poetry, people who travel from city to city performing music written to highlight todays problems, comedians who use humour to argue what needs to be done, I've heard tell of campaigners who put their lives on the line to make a point...I guess I've -so far- just written a blog to incite action. So I'm not begging you to do anything radical. Just...I dunno...get out there, make a point, get the world back on track.

Merry Christmas

Letter 12

Dear ANYONE WHO WORKS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND IS SHIT.

This is not for the good people. There are many good people who work in Customer Services. The people who look at you and smile and ask how your day is going. The people who seem to actually care if they 'serve their customers', or who do a darn good job of pretending that they care. The people who don't want their customers to leave feeling like shit or on the verge of tears. Admittedly the majority of these people are American or working on commission. HOWEVER the fact remains that they DO exist.

Excuse the overuse of capitalisation today. I actually do feel very strongly about this. Mostly because I've noticed more and more recently how bloody rude people in England are. I don't know whether it's actually getting worse or if it's just been highlighted because I've returned from the U.S.A where, to all accounts, customer service is well known for being a heck of a lot better. Regardless, it is SHIT in England.

I myself have worked in jobs where I deal with customers on a day to day basis. And yes I have become annoyed when faced with irritating or rude people. I have found myself wanting to turn my back on particular customers or kick them in the...ahem. ANYHOW the fact remains that -most of the time- I have done neither of these things nor committed any other customer service faux pas because the truth remains I AM DOING A JOB. As long as nobody is rude to ME as a person, makes a comment or behaves in an unprofessional way or, basically, provokes me in a way that does not fit into what I consider my job description to be, I will fix a smile on my face and deliver a service. Because, as rude as that person may be, they are paying me to do that.

And no I'm not saying that anyone with money should get away with whatever they want. I don't give a damn if it's an Aristocrat or a man spending his last dollar. Uh pound. If they are paying for me to deliver customer service to them, I will darn well give them good customer service. I've spoken to friends, family and ex-boyfriends. I KNOW how annoying it is when someone behaves badly in a restaurant, when they tell you off for something that's not your fault, when they piss and moan that drinks haven't arrived on time, when they yell at you for offering them a phone deal they don't want, when people ask for specific special deals you weren't aware even existed, let alone know how to process them etc. But at the end of the day they're not going to pay you to do something for them AND then try to find the easiest way for you to do it. Perhaps some people will. But probably not many. And definitely not most. If I've ever offended you in a restaurant I'm sorry. However if the steak comes cold or my drink comes late, even though it's not YOUR fault how am I supposed to know this? I've never worked in a restaurant. AND even if it's not your fault it's sure not MY fault. And if you behave like a prat on the telephone to me -or give me dumb information- you're the ONLY person I can get mad at. ESPECIALLY if you don't put me through to the manager.

I'm not saying you should treat Customer Services Staff like shit. I've seen it done, complained when people I'm with do it and don't condone it at all. I admit there's a fine thing between behaving badly and demanding what you're due. However I feel that the old adage 'The Customer is always right' should be applied at least a little more than it currently is. Because -and I suppose I have no idea what customers are like in general nowadays- I have been so offended on my behalf AND for others on a number of occasions recently.

For example, whilst showing friends around London recently we took them to Cafe Nero for coffee and cake. We ran in out of the freezing cold snowy London streets (with a lady who was feeling ill enough to need to stop walking and sit down for a while) and ordered about seven large coffees and four or five food dishes. As the woman was making and passing over cups of coffee my mother asked why she was putting everything into paper cups and not china. The woman replied that we were getting take away as the cafe closed in 5 minutes (not, may I add, at the time shown on the door). When we gestured at the weather and pointed out that she hadn't mentioned this before taking our order, and our money, she mock-gasped, sarcastically said 'Oh no!' and rolled her eyes, before continuing to make the coffee. There was no rhyme nor reason to this response which I personally found rude and offensive. Especially in the Christmas period where I would feel spreading 'good cheer' is the order of the day.

Honestly I don't care if I come across snooty in this blog because I don't feel that I'm asking a lot when I ask for a nice demeanour and good behaviour. I appreciate -and am sure I will continue to suffer- some of the problems of dealing with customers. However, I really feel that UK based employers need to train their staff to behave properly. I find it so hard to find a job nowadays and I find it infuriating when I come face to face with the people doing the jobs I'm not even considered for, and doing so with such bad grace. Similarly, the harder I find it to get a job the less money I have to spend. And I prefer not to blow my last fiver on being treated like crap.

Just a thought

Lucy

Late Letter 11

Jeez Louise,
I was doing SO well! Never mind. Who shall I write to now? I have lots in the pipeline, but actually publishing appears to be the issue. Okay, so this is in fact whom I shall write to today:

Brittany Murphy's family,

I'm sorry.

This must be an awful awful time for you. I'm so sad about reading about the deaths of young people nowadays. It makes me uncomfortable, scared, sad, depressed, angry. If someone older dies I'm sad. If a soldier dies I'm sad. If someone very much like you dies in an everyday way I'm TERRIFIED. If the person has lead a dangerous lifestyle it's easier to dismiss their death as being the result of this. You think -well it won't affect me because the people I know don't behave like that. You don't always stop to look a little further back. Look into WHY a person may behave like this. Are there background reasons: an abusive family, an awful partner, mental health issues, bullying at work...

The first news reports about Brittany said that she dabbled in drugs. I covered up my feeling of sadness by thinking -well, let's be honest, if she gambled with her life then I can't waste time feeling sad and sorry for her. I can still feel for her family, but not about her death in the exact same way. Maybe this is wrong but it's a way of ignoring the shitty things that happen. You blame it on fame and money too young...passionate love affairs gone awry...hedonism gone mad.

Then the reports changed. She had a heart murmur. She was on prescription drugs. And I learnt the lesson of not believing everything one reads in the tabloids. And now I feel a whole heap more sad again. I'm saddened that someone who looks so beautiful, strong and successful can have it all taken away the next day. I'm terrified of being in your position: staring at my wonderful daughter, sister, wife etc., believing I'll see her grow each and every day, attending her wedding and awaiting perhaps the birth of tiny Murphys...and then having nothing.

I don't know what the reality is. And the basic truth is:
1.) Don't judge
2.) I feel sad regardless

I wish you all the best in your lives and hope you find joy in your other children, partners, siblings. I hope you remember Brittany and find a special place for her in your heart. I hope I'll stop talking in cliches and leave you with my heartfelt sympathy.

Day 14...Letter 10...WHAT!?

I am SIX letters behind...yes yes I am WELL aware of this. Having spent the last few days travelling around between University and home, trying to finish my group's first handed in MA project (argh!) and still having time to visit the Chocolate Festival on the Southbank, I have definitely not been spending time making myself a better person. Not in bloggie form at least. I have however thought about writing if that helps. Anyone? Never mind. So I've decided to outsource as my family are quite thrilled about this whole blogging malarkey. To make up for the 10th day I shall publish a letter my Father wrote for this purpose. My Mother and Grandmother currently have works in the pipeline. That's three...and I shall tomorrow write 2 plus the actual one. I'll just transfer the pre-written letters in my head onto the paper. But...lazy as it seems, outsourcing has been a rather nice experience. Lots of people who are not terribly into the 'blogging scene' and have never heard of the 'A Hundred Days...' have started reading and commenting on how much they like the whole concept. But -of course- they a) don't wanna look like a copycat and b) don't have time to write once a day, every day, for a hundred days. So but uh...asking for help I'm actually giving people the opportunity to join in. So am I...does that mean...in failing have I actually become a BETTER PERSON!? YES ! YES!! YES!!!

Dad's Letter:

Dear Mr Blair (not President or Prime Minister),

I thank you very much for the information that the decision to go to war was one that had to be made.I fortunately have never had to fight in any of your wars but I do note that you have now been responsible for more wars than during the era of WWII. That is some achievement and you must be very proud. However I don't want to spend too much time with sarcastic remarks (as I could go on all day).

The point is there are so many people who have died because somewhere along the line you decided to play God. A decision was made to go to war on an unsubstantiated claim that there were WMD (weapons of mass destruction). I understand your decision was made on the basis that WMD 's did exist but you never ever ever asked for any proof. Why is that? Are you able to answer that question?

For all the people who you have used as cannon fodder for your own political means I ask you to reconsider your statement today. That 'Faith' gave you the strength to make tough decisions. I am not sure about faith at all and I am certainly not sure about your faith . Not because I am Jewish and you come from a Christian background. Oh no not at all.

But there are some common statements set out in the Old and New Testament that I would assume something of 'faith' such of yourself would abide by. However...

Thou shall not kill............. More wars than during the era of WWII
Thou shall not bear false witness.......... I can't answer this for legal reasons. As a Lawyer you will understand that. Let the people make a decision on this.
Thou shall not steal................. Yes, but who allowed the stealing of the lives of these teenagers and youths? Not to mention older family men and women?

I am not intending to qualify a full argument on these. But its interesting that the mention of your "faith" never entered into your first term as Prime Minister. Tell me Mr Blair did you find Faith later on or did you just hide it ? I have seen so many people hide behind their "faith" and I'll tell you this Mr Blair...

Faith is not about religion.

Faith is about trust and respect ; The whole country trusted you and put faith in you . We did not ask you to summon up your own faith to do it . Nor did we ask you to use your religion as a banner. I am not religious as I have stated, but I am sickened by anybody who has used the "F" word as any part of their pathetic argument to crawl and wriggle out of reasoning.

Meantime this question still remains unanswered: Who said Saddam only needs 45 minutes to release WMD? Will you ever tell us who said this? So far that person has been hidden or even buried from view. Far be it from me to defend even one hair on the head of Saddam Hussein Dead or Alive. However just remember that, just like the crusades, thousands of innocent people have died or been made to suffer because somebody with faith hung onto a decision.

How about you stand up and be a man and indicate that you and not God stubbornly stood by a very wrong decision? Saddam may be dead because of you but at what cost? This is a letter to ask you to have the Faith to stand up and admit you were wrong and apologise its the least you can do .

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8411326.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pclyz/Fern_Britton_Meets..._Tony_Blair/

Letter nine...

Dear my babies,

I know I know, you're NOT babies. I coined that phrase years ago to cover all of you en masse so that when people said, 'What're you doing tonight Lucy' I could say 'Looking after my babies'. And seeing that I babysat pretty constantly when I was younger this was something I had to say ALOT. I understand that you're not babies now and, even when you were, you were not my babies. Actually I believe you belonged to your parents. So...

...moving on.

I'm doing this thing called '100 Days to Make Me a Better Person'. Look it up on Facebook, you'll find it. It's pretty much what it says on the box: You do one thing, every day that should, in theory, make you a better person. My interpretation of this was to write letters to people every day that either:

a) I feel could do with receiving some kind words, a kick up the arse etc.
OR
b) People that I think have helped me become a better person.

SO, risking being cheesy about it, I guess you've all helped me become a better person. Whether that's by testing my bloody patience to the extent that I've developed superhuman tolerance levels, by giving me something or someone other than myself to think about when I've been wrapped up in my own little teenage world, by making me smile, laugh (cry, scream etc.) and by giving me wonderful little humorous anecdotes to share with people.

I've said that I spent most of my teenage years babysitting and, had theatre not got in the way of that, I'd probably be doing that still. Spending a night getting drunk, jumping about in a club or even watching films with friends rarely came close to how much I loved babysitting y'all. I looked forward to each afternoon or evening I got to spend with you guys, organising what films we would watch, which books we would read, which games we would play- you mostly all threw my ideas out the window when I arrived but we tended to have a nice time nonetheless.

Screaming bathtimes and refusals to go to sleep aside I loved babysitting each and every one of you, and I'm thrilled I'm in touch with so many of you still. I like watching you all growing up, being in plays, reaching GCSE's, dating and starting your own babysitting jobs.

So I thought I'd end with a mini list of just some of my memories:

• Ben and Sarah for being the first kids I ever babysat.
• Sarah Brodie and Sarah Binney's obsessive reading, particularly in the evening when I was trying to switch lights off
• Watching George of the blooming jungle a record number of times BRODIES
• Sarah and Ben deciding that because I was being paid to look after them I was to be their slave
  
• Sarah Binney's poem that I still have about Hans the Clockmaker
• Hannah's drawing that I still have
• Angelo at 13 months old screaming for 5 hours straight until finally I called my mother and burst into tears myself
• Lucas and Michel jabbering away in French until they remembered I spoke mainly English
  
• Rasmus making me read a book in Danish and laughing hysterically every time I got a word wrong
• Oliver at 2 years old hitting me and refusing to go to sleep until he finally fell asleep in a warm little bundle in my arms
• Harry demanding I stay in his bed until he fell asleep and waking every time he felt me trying to leave
  
• Harry at 2/3 years old coming downstairs at 10pm, getting a fork out of the draw and eating the majority of my dinner. Didn't ask, just informed me that this was the plan.
  
• Stella showing me the beautiful pictures of her posing in the sunglass adverts
• Stella sneakily making sure I read a minimum of 4 books each night before she went to sleep
• Watching 101 Dalmatians with Hollie and Sam
• Not that I was an actual babysitter for these guys but cuddling with Jasmine, Thomas and James in Seymour whilst watching Bear Grylls was loverly!
  
• Playing the Game of Life with the twins
  
• Theo's cheeky little face that crumples into a grin every time he does something naughty which is...pretty much every day
  
• Moses getting lost in Wonderlab and the receiving the first of what was to be many of his lovely warm hugs when he found me.
  
• Moses giving me an interview for Joint Stock until Theo appeared from nowhere and tipped him off his chair
• Teaching Mo and Theo how to make Chocolate Easter Baskets
• Moses telling me every five minutes, 'I'm hungry Lucy'
• Super Heroes, Super Heroes, Super Heroes...

Well, that's enough nostalgia for now. Most of you are getting all big and grown up now which I didn't forsee...call me dumb but I think I was expecting you to stay babysitting age for a few more years. But I hope you realise how much I loved looking after you all and how many memories it's given me and is, I suppose, one of the reasons I ended up working as a children's entertainer for a summer. I know some of you will be babysitters yourself now and I hope you make as many memories with your charges.

Love and Kisses,

Lucy
xxx

Letter eight...what'll it be?

Dear Anyone-Who-Has-Ever-Been-Cast-Off-By-A-Lover,

This letter begins fairly self explanatorily I would venture. It's a common enough theme but something that isn't necessarily addressed enough (except, as Holli puts forth, in emo songs). The first bloom of love -this is a cliche, but so is said bloom- is breathtakingly exciting and beautiful in most cases. People, for the first time, learn what it is to share themselves with another human being, to create a partnership against the world, to laugh together and to create a secret little language made up of special words and specific body language. And then there is of course sex. Something that is considered central to the honeymoon period for most couples. For teenagers, disgusted by the concept of conversing about sexual activity with their parents, it is sometimes even more exciting as it has the element of rebelliousness and novelty about it.

I would never NEVER suggest warning people against throwing themselves fully into love and relationships. Regardless of what we're told, what we see in other people's partners' behaviour, how ridiculous we think it is when a friend doesn't call us for six weeks because she or he is so in love with their new squeeze etc., we still pay no heed to this knowledge when we've found our own love story. We think that the story is different for us. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't. In fact often it isn't. I say this not to sound cynical but the truth is that the majority of us have had one or more failed relationships before we finally settle with THE ONE. Or, you know, A GOOD ONE. So it stands to reason that a large amount of us have had our hearts broken, been dumped, done the dumping and then regretted it etc...

We talk a lot about the role of friends in the post break up situation. You're supposed to go back and support your friend regardless of how badly he/she has abandoned you during the 'love-in' period. Because let's face it, the first time is a miracle, a never traversed-never to traverse again plain of experience in which you transcend logic and normal behaviour, and give in entirely to your emotions. So bad treatment of friends can perhaps be forgiven just this once.

But after listening to the stories from friends (and including my own) about the way you feel after the first relationship breaks down I sometimes wonder whether more is needed. Personally I said that it was the first time that I realised that emotion can actually become a physical pain. This is an oft repeated sensation as if the feeling that 'he/she was the only one for me', 'I'll never love again', 'no one else will ever want me like he/she did'. Other people committed petty acts of revenge, slept around, drank heavily, experimented with drugs or, in extreme cases, moved onto self harm and suicide attempts. It seems that romantic love is a dangerous business and one of the few vices that comes to you young and of which you remain a user for life. If people survive their first break-up (which obviously the majority do, let's not get carried away here) they are likely to hold back in future relationships. This is a sad sad thing. Yes, by all means protect yourself but don't ruin love for yourself. I myself can admit to being affected in this way after a bad breakup, but am learning that you lose more by staying 'safe'.

So I'm writing this letter to say:

Don't be scared. Romantic love can add so much excitement
and joy to your life. I'm jealous if you're still waiting for your
first love. It's a most wonderful sensation. Breaking up is, in
many many cases, extraordinarily painful. At the time you'll
ignore anything I or anything one else has said/will say to you.
You won't imagine your pain matches anything anyone else has
ever experienced. And perhaps you're right. I don't know. How
could I possibly know. I only know how I felt. And that was shit!
But I don't wish for you to avoid the pain of a break up. If it's a
way to ensure you ultimately get to be with the one who's perfect
for you, and you alone, then why bypass a bit of crap for a lifetime
of love?

All sorts of people will try and give you advice on life. Do listen to them. You never know what gems you'll pick up. But ultimately love is a solitary occupation. Except for your lover. You should probably share with them.


Lucy

Letter seven...

Have you been watching I'm a Celebrity....? No me either. Nothing very exciting ever seems to happen on there. I reckon that once you've seen the first series you've seen 'em all. Although I do sneak a peek at the tabloids when I'm in Sainsburys because you never ever know when something might come along that tickles your fancy. And this week the news from the jungle tickled my fancy very very much. Nope...it wasn't whether Jordan/Katie and Peter will infact remarry and have another Cinderella wedding...nor whether Jordan/Kate and Alex Reid will infact marry inside a cage while Reid engages in a Cage Fight. Nor whether Jordan/Katie...actually it surprisingly had nothing to do with Jordan/Katie. No, what thrilled me beyond all belief was the news that Stuart Manning and Gino D'Acampo may well be facing criminal charges for killing and eating a rat on screen. It got me thinking about the fact that UK TV channels seem to be constantly airing things that get their contestants in trouble (think Frankie Boyle on Mock the Week) and though ITV must be given a concession due to the fact that their show is actually live I still thought I should offer a word of support to the 'victims' in this case. (I say 'victims' because in all these cases people have I suppose done something wrong. Even though I think it's been strange that TV Channels choose to broadcast sensitive material I'm not necessarily advocating the innocence of the contestants.)

Dear Stuart Manning and Gino D'Acampo,

I thought I would drop you a note to say that I think it is -though amusing from the outside- quite strange that you are facing charges for killing and eating a rat on I'm a Celebrity.... I'm sure it must be somewhat less amusing and a little more worrying for the two of you. I assume that, like many others, you went on the show to inject a little life into your careers and attract public attention. You probably weren't expecting to become criminals. I know they say all publicity is good publicity but...I'm not 100% certain I would necessarily be thrilled at the prospect of being summoned to court on...are they murder charges...mouseslaughter? I'm not really sure.

The papers outline the fact that you were only on a show, you weren't actually starving (although maybe quite hungry) so you probably didn't need to kill an animal. And before you claim that a rat isn't an animal I am the proud owner of a host of little gerbils so I'm quite attached to rodents. But this makes me wonder why you did kill the rat. Was it purely out of hunger? Were the cameras hidden so well that you forgot you weren't really surviving alone in the jungle and your manly hunter/gatherer instincts kicked in? Or were you really just hoping to attract a little attention?

Anyway I'm sure it'll all make sense soon. Possibly. Maybe. I'm not sure how serious a crime this is considered but I wish you all the best for your trial and hope it all works out for the best. Also I hope the rat risotto was nice.

Lucy

Letter six...also somewhat delayed due to no internet

Dear Unemployed Actor,

It's pretty shit being you. I expect so at least. You've trained for a few years (University, Drama School, classes whatever route you decided to go), you've splashed out on Headshots, printing CV's, writing to hundreds of Theatre Companies, Film Companies etc. You may have even found an agent and completed two years of TIE. And now WHAT? WHAT? Well nothing's really happening is it? I mean you had an audition on Monday but that was the first one this month. You're pretty sure you're going to be moving back home next week unless you can persuade your boyfriend/girlfriend to let you move in with them despite the fact you KNOW your relationship isn't ready for that. You're taking on more and more part time work which started off being just promotions work (which you sort of squished onto your CV as Acting work) but now you're really just working in a bank. In fact it's starting to look less part time and more...well like you have a job. A JOB? Jeez. That's what you trained your ass off for?

Look...I write this to cheer you up. I know it doesn't seem that way, I'll probably get to the cheery bit soon. But I admit it's not entirely altruistic. I'm about to join you. Of course I hope I'm going to join the slightly more successful version of you BUT I'm not writing off the possibility that I might go through a um...resting period. And I'd like to be prepared. So let's have a joint pep talk. Okay? Okay.

So...we kinda knew this might happen. We can't say we weren't warned. No we were warned. We were warned numerous times. By numerous people. Sometimes people we didn't even know cornered us a dinner parties to ensure we understood the folly of our profession didn't they? But we smiled smugly, ensured them we understood and that we were well prepared. But really we weren't. We were living in a fantasy world, expecting to fall right into our first job and never look back. Why? Because some SOME people do. We've read about it in the Sunday Times Culture Supplement. But the reason that these have made the news is because they're not really the norm. The norm is you. What you're going through right now. Sorry, what WE'RE going through right now (theoretically of course, I may NEVER be in your situation...). So we have a choice. Are we going to stick with it or not? I mean let's be honest, that really is what it boils down to. There are factors that will affect this decision but ultimately you need to devote yourself as much as possible to your career if you're gonna run with it. Don't worry about letting people down, looking stupid etc. If this is NOT the career for you, if you really have had enough GET OUT! There are too many of us here anyway! But if your heart and soul are still in this job. If you still want to act more than you want anything else (perhaps not including family and friends: I feel that ambition doesn't necessarily need to be ruthless to be effective), if you truly believe you are good enough to get out there and put on a great performance...then go for it. Even if you need to step back, gather some cash and come back to it...make sure that you do. Don't take the easy route.

I believe in you. And I want to see your show!

Lucy xxx

Letter five...somewhat delayed to due no internet

Dear Mr and Mrs Kercher,

The biggest news of today -for me at least, for many others and, most importantly, for you- was the news that Amanda Knox was found guilty of your daughter Meredith's murder. People following the case on TV, in the newspapers etc. cheered at this result, feeling vindicated on your behalf, feeling glad that there was apparently no longer any 'mystery' to this story. So it was strange and humbling to read the news report on Sky News detailing your family's response to the verdict.

In this response none of you were quoted as saying anything derogatory regarding Amanda Knox or taking any glee in the fact that a young girl was being locked up for 26 years. Words like 'justice' or 'revenge' didn't come into it. You indicated that some sort of 'closure' had been reached for your family in court but that there would be no 'celebration' to commemorate this. Your family's thoughts were so clearly with Meredith on that day rather than the law, the arguments, the denials and all the rest of the horrible aspects regarding the case. They were instead located with your daughter, and your family showed such incredible dignity through your grief, sorrow and anger.

There's no question that this has been a case that has shaken many communities around the world. Even now that a verdict has been reached it seems that there are questions regarding the trial, whether the jury reached a correct and fair verdict etc. And sadly it is likely that these arguments may go on for some time. It is probably correct to assume that your family will be involved or, at least, notified of some or many of these appeals or future trials and I very much doubt that this is something you approach with any sort of relish. However I have no doubt that you will do anything but cope in the dignified way that you have thus far.

I suppose I would like to close this letter by wishing you well. Despite the fact that parents lose children more than anyone would care to admit, it is impossible to see your individual loss as anything other than devastating. I do not wish to write in order to patronize you or suggest I know how you feel or how you're coping. I would simply like to send you my best wishes. To say that I realise how awful the last few months must have been for you and I hope with all my heart that something or someone can ease the pain. I never met your daughter but her story with stay with me.

Kind Regards,

Lucy

Letter four...

Though I've enjoyed writing these last two letters I want to assure you all that I'm not planning 100 days of writing private letters to people important solely in my own life. There'll be some of that of course. I'm also taking requests to write to persons others feel would appreciate the letter. Thanks already to suggestions from Ricky and Evan. Today I want to address a letter to the many people affected by the closure of the Corus Teeside Cast Product Plant. Corus' closure will see the end of Teeside's steelworks industry which used to be a huge booming part of the livelihood and economy of the area. The closure will mean that a minimum of 1, 700 people will lose their jobs which are at or directly linked to the plant(according to the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/8395120.stm), and possibly up to 8,000 more from surrounding industries. As I wrote to Lubna Hussein in my first letter, I have no real grasp of this situation but I do understand the awful impact this will potentially have on the livelihood of people in the area and the lives of their families. So this letter is really for all those who are facing the possibility of losing their jobs in the near future:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm writing to you to share my heartfelt sympathy for the horrible situation you may currently be finding yourself in due to the closure of Corus Teeside Cast Product Plant. I know that this time is already one of economic hardship, and that this may be potentially adding on to a whole host of other problems at this time.

I'm still a student and therefore the recession hasn't necessarily had exactly the same impact on me as it has for people who are employed by companies affected. And I'm still only in a position where I need to truly worry about myself - though to be honest who really stops worrying about their close families? And who out of us are not already getting scared about the job market we're stepping straight out of university into?

However I realise that your position is currently so very different to mine. I understand that you may be terrified about the prospect of losing your job. You may be already making cutbacks in all possible areas of your life. You may be getting concerned about providing for your family, your children, looking into what kinds of benefits are available etc.

I'm not writing to tell you not to worry. I'm not writing to tell you I, or anyone else, is going to step in like a Good Fairy and sort everything out. I'm writing to say that people get through these situations all the time. Just listening to the radio today, reading the newspaper and talking to people there have been a lot of measures already put into place to aid you through the tough times ahead if, indeed, your worst fears in regards to losing your job are realised. People all over the country are concerned about how this will affect the Teeside area, helplines have been set up, re-training opportunities are available, similar types of employment firms are being sourced to show them where to find people with your skills. And -although it's not ready for when you all really needed it- there are the beginnings of the creation of a recycling plant which will allegedly be employing many people with backgrounds in the steelworks.

So, I'm just writing to say that maybe you'll be okay, maybe you have tough times ahead but please do hang on in there because help is out there and, as long as you keep looking for it and making efforts to find it I'm sure things will ultimately work out for the best.

Please try to keep this in mind over the Christmas period and try to see opportunity rather than just the problems facing you.

Kind Regards and All the Best,

Lucy

Letter three...

I write this whilst listening to 'Zero to Hero' from the famed Disney movie Hercules.

Just thought you'd like to know.

So...

...about a few of my personal heroes.

Ugh, that was quite honestly the most tenuous segway I could possibly have constructed. You're quite right to feel so deeply disappointed at me. I'm sorry. Really I could've done better. I've actually switched it off now. The singer ladies were getting a little bit screachy.

So anyone still hanging in there please come with me on this journey. This miraculous journey to thank...you've guessed it...my family. NO! Please read on. I'm not going to be writing anything so soppy that you'll feel that I'm a) showing off about my awesome family or b) using this as the opportunity to practise my Oscar speech. I really just want to point out to my clan what they've done for me and, perhaps in the process, let others realise the power they have to affect other peoples' outlooks or future opportunities in life.

Today I was in a Theatre Seminar with a lovely Producer who came in to teach the class at my University. I've studied Theatre and Drama for three years now and often felt incredibly 'out of it'. I've sat pretty much sulking in group projects when my ideas seem to be scoffed at, I've glared accusingly at derogatory grades on papers and portfolios I slaved over, I've sat listening to lectures and watching staff and student recommended productions in complete confusion. I've raved over musicals, cabaret and ummm...men in dresses and been met with blank stares or, worse, smirks. To be quite honest I was starting to feel stupid, talentless and out of touch. I mean this hasn't of course been a constant feeling, more a nagging, hiding, growing sort of dread, and I certainly began to banish such thoughts whilst studying theatre in America.

But today...TODAY...it's finally dropped into place. As I listened to a man working in theatre, answering questions such as 'Why do you want to be in Theatre Lucy?', giving my opinion on shows I've seen, actors I've heard of etc., all I could think was THANK YOU MUM, DAD AND GRANDMA!!! Thank you for introducing me to theatre at the tender age of 2, taking me to see Postman Pat the uh musical, onstage, live....whatever that particular spectacle was called, thank you for taking me to see Disney on Ice, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Five Guys Named Mo, Kat and the Kings (especially Kat and the Kings!), Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, Sweet Charity (though that particular production was spoken of with vitriol on the radio today), An Inspector Calls, Mamma Mia, Forbidden Broadway...there are literally dozens to choose from.

Though there are hundreds, even thousands of people fighting me tooth and nail to work in this profession. Though these people might be more disciplined, more beautiful and sexy, more intelligent, more logical than me. Though have I often realised the folly of entering such a profession, though I've questioned my talent, ability and looks a trillion times, I realised something today. And that is that I have been born into a family that, though they would have preferred me (DAD) to go to Cambridge to learn Mandarin and Law, have nonetheless given me the best backing ever to go into showbusiness, theatre, call it what you will. Because they've given me a breadth of theatrical experience that many are not lucky enough to have received, the opportunity to see audiences interact with different shows, to stand at stage doors to shake hands with my favourite actors, get them to sign my programmes and breathe in the sweet scent of someone who has just stepped off the most exciting and heavenly place in the world to me (except maybe Mummy's hugs- whoa that was unnaturally sickly sweet of me). The need for, the understanding of and the appreciation of Theatre is deep inside me, and thats thanks to them.

I really wanted to write this because, although I've always been thrilled at our trips to the theatre, it's only really today that I've understood the implications of this on the rest of my life. I've listed a huge amount of theatre related life history above but really it's only been one of many aspects of my life bequeathed on me and strengthened by my parents. It's just the one I'm talking about today. I've seen, befriended, dated and loved people whose outlooks on life, treatment of waiters, shopkeepers, nurses, children etc., love of reading, career decisions etc....have been coloured, shaped or even dictated by their parents, siblings or older friends' impacts on them.

So I thought I'd post this so that you look back and consider what impact your family or older friends have had on your life. Not necessarily in paying for expensive theatre tickets or taking you on holidays but perhaps just by the way they've lived their lives, the way they've looked out for you, how they've handled situations where you've been picked on or felt lost and scared. Perhaps you'll be surprised to find where one of your passions began, who was responsible for it and who fed or enabled it to grow and lead you to your niche in the world. Or read this and understand that you can be the one to introduce your children, younger siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews to the things this world can offer. You'll certainly have an impact, affect a decision, change a mind...And maybe, just maybe, you'll be responsible for helping them find their place in life.

This wasn't a letter to make me a better person. I lied. This was a letter to pay homage to those who made me a better person and to encourage you to do the same.

Lucy

P.S. Sofi I am NOT a goody two shoes for writing this. You suck and I love you xxxx

Letter two...

Matt Herndon is a boy. He is a very nice boy. A very nice boy indeed. I met him at University in the USA, loved him immensely and have only kept vaguely in touch with him. Often since then thoughts of him have passed through my mind and, when a beautiful little lady suggested that I write todays 'one of a hundred' letters to him, I immediately understood the wisdom of this. If anyone can teach me how to be a better person it's Matt.

Dear Matt,

I'd like to begin this letter by pointing out that though I am without doubt a friend of yours and, I hope, vice versa, we have never been particularly close or had a 'bff' type relationship. I say that not to offend or beg (since I'm pretty certain we will one day reach this level) but to point out just how wonderful you really are. Despite the fact that I can currently only say we are 'casual friends' or 'close acquaintances' I feel obligated to write a letter to tell you what a ridiculously wonderful person you are.

I'm not doing this because you're going through a hard patch, run out of money, recently dumped etc. because none of those things are true or, if they are, I don't know about them. I'm writing to you because when I asked people who buoys them up, makes them smile or is there when they need someone it is your name that repeatedly comes up. So who is this singular female (for she is a female) that specifically told me to write to you today? Who loves you so much? Who so you may indeed ask. I shan't share. She may or may not decide to tell you but, regardless of this possibility, she's out there, around you and adores you...quite rightly of course.

Please Matt, stop blushing. For once just sit down and listen to us tell you the following. YOU...ARE...COOL. You're cooler than cool, you're icy cool, you're...this is getting embarrassing even for me actually. You're no Saint of course, even you do shitty things...I mean I've never actually seen nor heard tell of these things BUT I'm certain you can't really be perfect. You are, however, a very interesting young man: exciting to be around, pleasurable to meet and comforting to have as a friend and ally. I, like others, can be certain of aid or kind words if I reach out to you for them. Even something as simple as agreeing to be in a new, scared and silly little English students Directing I scene and, may it be pointed out, doing a kickass job of it, brought happiness to ahem...that one little silly English student, not to mention the rest of the cast and the audience who enjoyed your performance immensely (if McGibbon's marking was anything to go by ;)). Working with you in the US I learnt that you're a truly decent guy, great to be around when things get tough, always willing to go the extra mile and sticking with any commitments or promises made no matter what the circumstances. Teachers and students alike are awed by your talent and your attitude. Amongst other things I've been asked to comment on your sense of humour, your big smile, your generosity, your humility, your supportiveness and the fact that you never have a bad word to say about anyone.

I'll stop now. I realise that you're partly happy about this, partly embarrassed and, quite possibly, wondering if people are gonna think you've engineered this whole thing to look smug. Oh you weren't thinking that. Hmmm. So I'll just sign off by saying that I miss you a lot, I am so glad I got to meet you, work with you and laugh with you. It sounds like you're still busy being Matt so continue the good work and I'll see you soon I hope.

Lucy

P.S. Don't feel that this letter means you have to go on being such a virtuous being. You can break out and rebel now. It's all in writing to show what a morally efficient person you've been up to now.

Letter one!

After joining forces with my mother and scouring the Evening Standard (NOW FREE in London...sometimes, not always) (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23777607-thank-you-london-says-sudanese-woman-jailed-for-wearing-trousers-london.do) I decided to write to Lubna Hussein, the Sudanese woman jailed for wearing trousers in Sudan. To be fair, it is illegal in Sudan for women to dress 'indecently' under article 152 of the criminal law (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/02/sudan-women-dress-code), so she was arrested for a crime (of sorts) rather than just the simple act of wearing trousers. However she did so to make a point, that point being that the aforesaid 'simple act of wearing trousers' should not be against the law and furthermore to highlight the way that women are treated under Sudanese Law.

Dear Ms. Hussein,

I'm writing to you to congratulate you on your bravery and courage in your fight against the Sudanese law you so disagree with. Although I have researched your situation I can't pretend to truly understand the situation inside and out, or to have a working knowledge of Sudanese Law and precisely how it affects women.

However, as you have been quoted in the Evening Standard as thanking Londoners for their support in your fight I feel that, as a Londoner, I'm in some way now part of a dynamic linking London to you and your struggle. Due to this position I suddenly find myself in, I've decided I have three options:

1.) To ignore you and your situation altogether
2.) To reject your beliefs
3.) To support your beliefs

The first would just be churlish considering the amount of effort you've put into this case and the risk you've put yourself at. The least I can do is consider your argument. Having done so, despite questioning certain aspects of your case (e.g. why is it so important to wear trousers, shorter skirts etc. for women in Sudan? Or is this just a very small act of defiance to highlight a much larger problem?), I find it impossible to reject the passionate beliefs that you must hold in order to lead what seems to me to be a genuine and dangerous fight for womens rights.

So I've decided that I'm impressed, shocked and awed by your situation, your actions and your insistence on making a difference. I know some people are accusing you of exaggerating the situation for women in Sudan in order to make yourself a public figure. I can't of course prove that this isn't the case but, as far as I can see, a women who gives up her immunity offered by a job in the UN and willingly submits to the possibility of whipping in order to make her voice heard probably has higher things on her mind than getting her photo into the paper for the sake of celebrity.

I read that you were planning to write to show your support to the family of the 16 year old girl recently lashed in Sudan for wearing a knee-length skirt. I am therefore writing this letter to show my support to you. To say well done for your actions, your strength and your courage. You've shown yourself to be a strong lady and I hope you achieve all you intend to. Also...thank you for your flattery of us Londoners!

Lucy

Day one!

Facebook does many things. Some good, some bad. Gneh...so goes the world. On this occasion it's done something very very good...It's led me to the world of Josie Long and 'A Hundred Days to Make Me a Better Person'. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not under any illusion that I'm perfect- I'm far far away from that, even in my parents eyes! However, after mulling over the whole shebang for a while I still couldn't think of anything specific to do that would a) make me a better person and b) I could really truly and honestly commit to doing for 100 days. So I considered what a 'better me' would be and decided that I'm so busy at university and in trying to kickstart a career that I'm often concerned that I don't do enough to reach out to others. I then posed the question 'What could I do for 100 days that would benefit as many other people as possible?'. The decision was immediate and unanimous (both my brain and uh...soul agreed) that I would write to one person somewhere in the world every day that I think needs some words: be they simply kind words, an expression of sympathy or understanding...perhaps even a word of encouragement or a kick up the arse. I have no idea as of yet who I'm going to write to, what I'm going to say, if I'll get any replies or, indeed, if my letters will even be welcomed. But I intend to do it. And I'm starting today....now infact.