Happy birthday to me?

My fondest childhood memory is my back not hurting.

I woke up Friday morning and realized that in exactly one month, I will be 32 years old. Like any self-respecting adult, I rolled over and went back to bed.

I’m not going to lie — I definitely expected my life to be much different by this point. If you had asked me when I was 22 where I’d be at 32, I would have said:

• I’d be married.

• Have 2.5 children.

• Have an MBA.

• Be living in an amazing penthouse in New York City.

• Be a world-renowned fashion designer showing at New York Fashion Week…

You get the idea. Now at almost 32, I’m only sold on the first two points, except I would like whole — not fractional — children.

Now, I’m on a different path and one that feels better to me. I still feel like I’m trying to find my niche, but I have always known I wanted to write, and now I have the time, wherewithal and freedom with which to hone that craft. I’m incredibly grateful for you — the several hundred-some-odd people who read my crazy newsletter.

I never thought my ideas were all that important, but I feel so validated to have you following me and especially to have a community where we can engage and discuss the strange intersection of art, history, politics and whatever the hell is happening on Twitter right now.

I hope someday to make a living off my writing. In the coming weeks, I’m going to start putting half of my new content behind a paywall. So if you’ve ever wanted to get me a birthday present…

A birthday gift from me, to you, to me

Until my 32 birthday on Dec. 18, I’m offering 32% off a lifetime subscription. It will give you access to everything I put behind a paywall, all of my comment sections, any paid features I add in the future, and if you get a paid subscription AND respond to this email letting me know your address, I’ll even send you a handwritten postcard to say thank you.♥️

(If you’re already a paid subscriber, go ahead and send me an email if you want a postcard.)

Not only do you get to read all of my essays, but you’re also supporting an independent writer in a growing movement of independent writers, thinkers and media.

You can also give up to three gift subscriptions to your friends who you think might like reading The Charrette.

How do I get the offer?

You don’t need a special link to switch to a paid subscription, just click on any “subscribe” or “upgrade my subscription” button and the coupon will be in place for you.

For example…

What if I want to support you but can’t afford to right now?

Share this email with anyone you think might like it. Go back through the archives, find your favorite article and click the arrow button to copy the link. Then you can email it, text it or share it on social media.

The share button is where the star is in case you were wondering!

Thank you!!

I really can’t thank you enough for subscribing and reading along. Here’s to more insanity in the year to come.