Dear frankie

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, RANDOM MUSINGS: SEND THEM OUR WAY.

Dearest frankie, I’m wondering if my sister is writing for you and hiding behind the identity of Lisa Marie Corso. Either that or the two of them should form a joint national coaster-police force. I’m sure wooden tables everywhere are singing Lisa’s praises for saving their glossy backs. Much love, Tegan xx

Dear frankie, All it took to discover you were 108 days in lockdown and a random urge to pick up a now-foreign object to my generation: a magazine. I loved the diversity and originality of the stories in issue 103, and I particularly enjoyed being introduced to Sue Butler in Emma Do’s article. I never pondered much about who creates dictionaries, and even so, I would have pictured a group of older men sitting around a table. I’m glad I was wrong. Sue is an Aussie legend who has created a tool that continues to be passed down through generations. Thank you, Sue, for solidifying our incredible language in the history books. Love, Min xx

Dear frankie, James Colley’s article “All jokes aside” in issue 103 called my name and curled up inside my heart. I’m a parent myself, and I often feel like I’m still not mature enough to be in charge, even though my eldest is nearing 10. The last paragraph hit me in the feels. Pregnancy and babies can be a scary and vulnerable time where things are not always glowing and magical. So I hope you’re OK, James, I hope your wife and baby are safe, and I hope life is silly again for you soon. Don’t lose your silliness – your children will thank you for it! Eliza x

To my dear frankie, Your magazine is just what we need in this world. The celebration of arts in all its forms just makes me smile. I also need to say a big hell yes to Emily Naismith’s rant about unapologetically celebrating your own accomplishments, no matter how small. I want a big fucking gold medal, too, sometimes. xx Tash

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Dear frankie, Issue 103 was a nostalgic wonderland! I thoroughly enjoyed the debate on bath vs shower. It had me giggling out loud as I am definitely a shower kind of gal. Thank you for being my lockdown saviour! As a fellow Sydney artist, times have been rough, but it’s always so wonderful to be inspired by real stories, quirky finds and creative people. Lots of love, Lex

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Dear frankie, I migrated to Australia from China when I was in year 2. I was taught to put in the hard work and catch up on not only the whole English language, but eight years of pop culture and idioms like ‘there’s no room to swing a cat’. I worked on my grades because that was one way I could show my migrant parents I was trying hard and doing well. And I never bragged to friends – for some reason, I was scared they weren’t going to be happy for me. But reading Emily Naismith’s article “Bragging Rights” made me feel OK to be happy about my achievements. I’ve won three scholarships, have just launched my own NFT art collection and work full-time as a doctor (and I’m pretty damn excellent at my job!). I feel so strange talking myself up to readers who may not know me, but I feel like learning to brag starts with believing in myself. From Jess

Dear frankie, “As Time Goes By” in issue 103 was one of my favourite features in your publication, ever. Sometimes it’s hard to feel like you can express yourself through fashion in regional New South Wales. Don’t get me wrong, I love country living, but I sometimes wonder if anyone in my town is capable of wearing anything but tights and trackies. All of those beautiful souls provided great inspiration for living your true and authentic self, and for looking fabulous while doing it! frankie has truly been a lifesaver for my creative heart. Izzy x

Dear frankie, Despite not always feeling seen or understood by the friends I’ve made since moving out, frankie never fails to give me a big warm hug and remind me that there are others with just as much passion for arts and crafts and collecting obscure things. I’ll find my people one day. Until then, I’m all yours. Nellie xx

Dear frankie, I’ve been working from home in the spare room, which is a bit dreary and small. My wife does most of the decorating because, frankly, she has better taste. This morning she said, “Hey Laura, why don’t you decorate in there? You know you are allowed to, right?” So I spent most of the morning researching artists on Etsy and feeling overwhelmed by the options. That’s when I remembered my stack of frankie posters. This afternoon, I have a space that feels a little less dank, and has a little more personality. My personal favourite is the man riding a rubber duck by Felicia Chiao, pulled from the feel-good special. Thanks for helping me feel like I have some sort of interior design taste! Laura

Dear frankie, I feel really privileged to have been introduced to you. I love that a diverse array of people and their unique perspectives are portrayed in your pages, such as the Britney lovers of Back to Back Theatre. As a student studying science in Canberra, I lack much exposure to artists and people who embody acceptance and empowerment. frankie provides me a safe passage to connect with these artists and their stories. Thanks for showing there is still good in the world. Love, Mon ...................

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Dear frankie, Your feel-good issue had some great activities promoting self-love and reminded me that I’m not alone in this lockdown. When it came to writing five things I like about myself, I have to be totally honest with you and say I struggled. But rather than be saddened by this, I reached out to my housemate and we did the activity together, reading out what we liked about each other. Later, a friend called, feeling down in the dumps about her recent unemployment. I was able to talk things through with her using some of the methods I learnt in your issue. All before sending her a fresh new frankie feel-good as the cherry on top!

Love, Kirby