As this is the second anniversary of my newsletter, I would like to share with you how it all started, and where it is going from here.

Two and a half years ago I began posting some of my essays on the Internet newsgroups. At first, I, like many, was scared….and afraid that I would get blasted by those who disagreed with what I felt. Yes, there were some who wrote back with unkind comments, to put it lightly, but I was pleasantly surprised at how many people felt the same way I did about things. One point I now know to be true…that when one decides to do something positive, there are forces in play to try to stop you. Check out some of the early essays on my essay page…can you believe that some people wrote back to me, threatening my life? So if some of you have posted messages over the Internet and received the same treatment, you are not alone! Anyway, after about six months, through my essays I started to develop a small “group of friends,” E-mailing each other back and forth. As the group grew, some mentioned that I should seriously consider putting together a newsletter. Up to this point I would have considered myself a singer/songwriter…but what was interesting was that my lyrics paralleled some of my essay writings…they were really coming from the same place. So, in September 1997, I published my first newsletter. Yes, I had doubts, but after a few weeks those doubts were washed away. I saw the impact the newsletter was beginning to have on not only my own life, but also on those that read weekly. A wise man once said “It’s not important that someone totally agrees with you, but if you can get them talking about a subject, that is half the battle.”
To this day, I still can get hate mail, but the kind thoughts far outweigh the cruel. Recently, a number of people have mentioned to me about putting the essays on tape for people to listen to at home, or on their way to work…..so come November, the first two audio tapes will be available through my website, in my own voice. I’m also at work on a new original music album based also on the essays which should be ready for release early next year. Last but not least, in the Spring of next year there are plans in place to broadcast a weekly half hour audio/visual Internet show.

I never thought when I started all this that it would reach as far as it has. I hear from people in the smallest of countries, and the largest of continents. One thing is for sure…we all have much more in common than we think. Thank you so much for contributing to the success of the newsletter, and I look forward to entering the new Millennium with you.

Take the time to love,

Jennifer Avalon
© 1999 Jennifer Avalon