Dear frankie
CARE TO SHARE WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Dear frankie, Emily Naismith, you speak the truth! I used to wonder if I was insane or harbouring a dormant, deep aggression, because if someone so much as crunched a cracker in my vicinity, I wanted to punch them square on the mouth! Turns out misphonia is a thing and I’m not alone. May you find sweet solace in a quality pair of headphones and may you unashamedly wear them in the presence of your friends and family, as the need arises. In solidarity, Casey ...................
Dear frankie, The logging of native forests is a hot environmental issue in Victoria at the moment, and I was pleased to find on your website that you’re printed on locally milled PEFC and FSC certified paper from sustainable plantations. Plus, your printer uses vegetable inks and recycled cartridges! You just keep winning me over, frankie, and always with my best interests at heart. Thank you, Meg xx ...................
Hey frankie team, Six weeks ago, my husband and I brought home our very own tiny person. Her grandparents flocked from Queensland to our northern New South Wales home to meet her and help us adjust to our new life. I’d never experienced so much happiness. Then the border closed, locking us on the opposite side to our family and friends. Suddenly, I found myself alone with this strange (albeit spectacular) little creature for the forseeable future, feeling overwhelmed and unequipped to care for her. So, when I opened issue 95, I was hoping for a few hours of light relief. Instead, I found an article that spoke to me more than any before. Thank you, Anna Spargo-ryan, for your thoughts on motherhood. Knowing I’m not the first woman to spend her days attempting to decipher sweet, frustrating little grunts (and horrific banshee screams) has made my particular brand of isolation a little less isolating. Madeline x
Dear frankie, What a great article you published on “The Science of Dancing”! When looking for a way to exercise with a health issue involving chronic pain, I turned to dance, as I remembered watching a documentary years ago about the benefits, not only for physical health, but also mental, social and emotional health. I regularly attend No Lights No Lycra. It’s a fun, safe dance event for all ages at a venue where people dance on their own in the dark, but as a group. It has improved my fitness and the music helps with motivation. I enjoyed the frankie article so much. I’ve gone back and reread it a few times – I felt like it was written just for me! Nae xx ...................
Dear frankie, Reading Alice Bishop’s experience of Black Saturday was eye-opening – tears fell down my cheeks. This was a truly shocking experience for so many. She explained how fast the news moves, so I want her to know I hear her and wish her all the best through the grief that I’m sure is still fairly fresh. The first-hand account of September 11 from Valerie Kurahara sent more tears down my cheeks. So much heartache. I feel for her and hope she is travelling OK. Your loyal reader, Moira ...................
Dear frankie, WOW! I am so appreciative of your magazine right now. I’d been looking forward to the latest edition for months, and snapped it up as soon as I could. I’m self-isolating with my mum, and the recipe for sweet Calamity Janes seemed like a good way to spend a day. We made the biscuits together. They were so delicious after the hard work! We even sent some up to my sister in Queensland. We’re eagerly waiting for her reviews! Thanks for being such a bright spot during coronavirus. Wishing your team health and happiness, Meredith
Hello frankie, To be honest, I’ve felt like a sausage dog in a hurdle race for most of this year, and like many, trying to find my new norm has been hard. I’ve been playing The Sims like I’m getting paid for it, trying to dance my little heart out to the radio as often as possible, and working on my photography skills, so in issue 95 I felt so at home, understood and inspired. My mum gifted me a subscription for my 17th birthday – I’m now 22 and I think we might have something special. Everything else can change in the world, but you’re always there for me, frankie. Kia kaha. Love from a very grateful gal, Hayley xx ...................
Dear frankie, I was recently shopping in my local newsagent and purchased an old friend (you). I was a regular reader in my 20s, but somehow we lost contact when my life became consumed with work. Now, in home isolation for god knows how long, I’m clinging to this copy like it’s my last connection with the outside world. I’ve even started rereading my vast collection of early frankies, rekindling my deep affection for you. I’m writing to ask, can we be friends again? Let’s get through this together. Your friend in lonely quarantine, Chris xx ...................
Dear frankie, I’m 12 years old and I love your magazine. Around a year ago, my mum brought home an issue for me, not realising it was for more ‘mature’ readers. I read the first page and loved it. No matter what, as soon as the latest frankie comes out, I ask my mum to buy it! For my birthday, I’m going to ask for a subscription. I get really anxious and stressed often, but I just go to my (now rather big!) collection of frankies and read them one by one.
Ruby, your #1 fan xx
Dear frankie, Oh, how I enjoy the pleasant surprise that is frankie sitting in the mailbox when I get home from work. As a long-time subscriber, I’ve been saving my frankie magazines for a while now, with great intentions of using the colourful pages for various arty endeavours. Well, I’m pleased to inform you that the strange, isolated world we currently live in is in fact the perfect environment for some good old-fashioned craft. Today, my six-year-old daughter Asha and I lovingly tore out pages and carefully cut out pictures to make some collages together. Thanks for being a regular source of inspiration! Jess & Asha
Dear frankie, I received more than I expected when I opened issue 95 this morning. Like almost every Australian, I’ve been in isolation mode. The thing I’ve most missed since March 17th is being able to hug family and friends. Living alone, while ordinarily satisfying, has meant that no one has touched me, nor have I touched anyone else for almost a month. Your poster by Sara Thielker has solved the problem, albeit a remote solution. I’ve fixed it to my fridge – every time I pass by, I feel ensconced in a warm hug. It’s most uplifting! Thank you, Sue x