Dear frankie

JUMP ON A SOAP BOX AND TELL US WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND.

My dearest darling frankie, Thank you for being just as wonderful, if not more than I remember. I was a long-time subscriber, but I’ve been travelling and working overseas for a few years. I keep up with the emails and Instagram, but it just isn’t the same as the physical feel and smell of you. On my annual visit home this month, my sister – bless her cotton socks – brought me her year’s subscription to spend hours perusing. Thank you for bringing me inspiration and the comfort of an old friend. All my love, Lou x ..............

Thank you, Michelle Law, for shining a light on being a proud cheapskate. “In a Tight Spot” is the first article where I’ve had people call, message, and send me a carrier pigeon to tell me to read it immediately, as it must be written about me. The likeness is uncanny, I must say! I stand tall and scream from the rooftops that I love freebies, cheap meals and hunting through shops for yellow tickets. So, thank you to my saver sister Michelle for being a voice for all of us – if you ever need extra pockets for samples or sugar packets, I’m your girl. Love Laura xo ...................

Dear frankie, I’ve spent the past two weeks spiralling into uncontrollable panic attacks at regular intervals because I have no clue what I want to do when I graduate, and I start year 12 next week. Reading about Daniel Gray-barnett’s experience restarting his career has calmed me, and for the first time in a long time, I’m feeling OK about the non-existence of my post-graduation plan. The next time an overbearing relative asks me what I’m

planning to do after school, it’s with complete contentment that I’ll reply, “Haven’t the faintest.” xo Kayla

frankie, my main woman. (Yes, you’re a woman in my head.) Through all the ups and downs of my exquisitely painful yet beautiful 20s, you’ve been one of the few constants. You and my first car, of course – Bluey, a 1997 Toyota Corolla. Katherine Gillespie’s piece on selling her first car made me laugh out loud, and gave me a twinge, remembering when I said goodbye to Bluey, and a few other things at the same time. Thank you for helping us through all that life offers up, and for being the constant pot of gold at the end of the sometimes-hard-to-find rainbow. Helena xxx

THE LETTER OF THE ISSUE WINS A FJÄLLRÄVEN KÅNKEN BACKPACK, RRP $129.95, FROM FJALLRAVEN.COM.AU

Dear frankie, You’ve been brightening my life for a few years now, but for the past six months you’ve been something that has kept me going. I’ve spent over two months in hospital for an eating disorder, and frankie has brought so much joy into my life – from the quirky little stories and illustrations to the funny articles, you’ve made my journey just a little bit easier! My friends and I use your old issues to create art journals, and I wish you could see how much sunshine you’ve brought to all of us. So much love, Jess xx