A paper postcard for you. And a start

If you're reading this, maybe you learned about my work through a TED podcast, an NYT project, or an NC hip hop video. Or maybe you're just a pal. Maybe it's been years since you signed up, but here's where I'll be now.

Thank you for being here.

Two things in this issue 1) What we are doing here. 2) How (and why) I'm about to send you a free hand drawn postcard in the mail.

Last December, in Mumbai, we briefly became regulars at a chai cafe with odd counters.

Usually, if a tea or coffee shop has a thin counter leaned against a wall, things are oriented like this:

Lil' counter for your drink, you're reading a book, got your laptop on there, whatever.

At the tiny Convo Cafe in Bandra, the chairs are flipped.

You're seated facing across the tiny shop, facing another customer:

And it does, in fact get you talking.

You're just kind of stuck there, facing someone, People move in and out quickly (chai cups in India feel about a 4th the size of fake-o Starbucks 'chai tea latte' cups, you get that sweet sweet sweet sweet caffeine in a tiny glass).

The place isn't fancy, but note that my brother can face nowhere but in front of him:

And it got me thinking, 'Where else have I been oriented in the wrong direction?' And: 'What relatively small changes could make my day more interesting, and make me feel more connected to other people?'

So, here's one. This semi-regular newsletter of international ideas and notes on creativity will be drafted on and illustrated by old school paper postcards that I take notes and draw on. And I'll mail some of them to y'all.

What will I write about? Some ideas I've encountered, some ideas I have, some confusions I'm puzzling through as I work on creative projects, and some attempts to answer questions from you.

I am the proud owner of a bunch of pre-stamped blank postcards, recently picked up from the post office. Let's get them into your houses.

So, if you'd like a paper postcard, just reply to this email with your paper address! For the first hundred or so people who reply I can guarantee I'll make you some kind of postcard. I'd also love to hear questions you have about creative process, travel, or...anything (if I don't have an answer, I'll ask an interesting friend).

Weird times, but maybe more friendly paper maybe equals less lonely. Let's find out together.