Photograph by Thomas Barwick

Dear Julie,

Thank you for approving my friend request. It was such a pleasure talking to you at your dad's wedding. And a relief! You never know who you're going to get stuck sitting next to at these things. I'm sure you felt the same way, even though, as I said when you sat down, I didn't recognize you at first since I hadn't seen you since you were a little girl. I know the miracles of the human body shouldn't surprise a doctor like me, but what a difference a few years makes.

Anyway, I really enjoyed hearing a little bit about your life in New York and your budding writing career, and I wanted to extend an invitation to you. I'd like to offer up my guesthouse on Martha's Vineyard anytime you want to get out of the city for a little writer's retreat. As you may remember from visiting me in the summers when your parents were still married (as was I, to a woman who never really understood me), the guesthouse is just a few yards from the main house, where I now live year-round.

Among other amenities, it has a full bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a trail right out the back door to a private swimming hole. My daughter and her friends always find it very comfortable when they come down from Bard for the weekend. I think I mentioned Alicia’s abroad in Italy this semester? But she always leaves a few outfits in the guest-room dresser, so if you decide to visit at the last minute and don't have time to pack, I'm sure she wouldn't mind you wearing them. She's about your size, though I think your waist is a little smaller.

Suffice it to say, the compound is a great place to find inspiration—very Henry David Thoreau. Though I'm not a writer, I once published an ode to the island in the Dartmouth alumni magazine. Speaking of Dartmouth, it also occurred to me that I have several friends from college who are professional writers and might be able to advise you on your career. I know how hard it is to make those initial contacts. If you do take me up on my offer to host you for the weekend, perhaps we could take a walk in the woods one afternoon and chat about what introductions you'd like me to make.

I should also mention that, if travel costs are an issue, I'd be happy to help out with airfare. I know how important it is to have a Room of One's Own, so to speak, while trying to be creative. I've always been a big fan of Virginia Woolf myself. What can I say? I'm a feminist.

Which reminds me—I also keep an extensive collection of records by some of the grandes dames of jazz in the main house. If you come during the winter, when it's snowing, there's really nothing like building a fire, cracking open a bottle of Malbec (I still have a case in the shed from a medical conference I attended in Argentina—I was the keynote speaker for my work on precancerous moles), putting on an old Lena Horne LP, and just letting yourself get lost.

Not that I only like old music. I enjoy a lot of new stuff too—in fact, I have several contemporary-music stations programmed into my satellite radio. I once introduced my daughter to a track by Belle and Sebastian that she'd never even heard of. As you may have gathered by now, I'm not exactly your typical dad. In fact, I can't remember the last time anyone called me that. Everyone just calls me Charlie, even Alicia.

Anyway, I should sign off now. Diane Sawyer (whose house is down the road; I'm sure I could arrange a run-in) flew in a sushi chef from Manhattan to teach a few of us locals how to make rolls. I always say yes to new experiences. Something tells me you're a kindred spirit.

Fondly,

Charlie (Shepherd)

P.S. If memory serves, you always loved horses. My neighbor here on the island owns two Clydesdales. If you wanted to go riding, I could make that happen.