North Carolina

July 1999

Dear Hal,

The last time we saw one another was on Brown's Mountain in Charlottesville, when I had the pleasure of receiving what was surely the best law school graduation gift of all times- one of your rocking chairs. Since then, I've lived in Asheville, North Carolina (clerking for a judge), Washington, D.C. (practicing with a firm) and now Chapel Hill, N.C.

Throughout my journeys, the chair has been a wonderful companion. Needless to say it always draws the interest and amazement of my guests. There are "oohs" when they see it, but "ahhhs" when they sit down. One of my neighbors is a wood worker; she has brought several friends over to marvel at the craftwork and elegance.

What I like most though, is that I have the world's most inspired perch: for writing, reading and, occasionally, plain old daydreaming. Like the best of art, it has a mysterious air as if materialized from a more desirable plane. It retains, I believe its other-worldly connections. I rock slowly, awaiting transmissions.

I'll let you know when I break into the big-time.

Blan