There is something completely terrifying about the woman in this postcard, although I can assure you, she came from a perfectly demure clothing ad in a women’s magazine from the 1980’s. Then again, the early ‘80s was when the concept of “power dressing” for career women came into the popular parlance, so perhaps the overall impression of her eat-you-for-breakfast expression really was meant to convey success and determination. Which is kind of funny, because the outfit she’s wearing couldn’t be more of the powder-puff variety. And yet, the text for this card wasn’t actually inspired by this particular model, but rather, by my own life — at least, my hopes for my own life. I remember giggling madly, while shampooing my hair in the locker room at the gym, when this line popped into my head: you should see my audacious future. I imagined, first of all, saying it to my ex-boyfriend, whom I sort of secretly believe might very well experience a total eclipse of the heart, apologize for all his emotionally unavailable behavior, and finally ask me to marry him in the not-so-distant future. Now, that may or may not happen (although I do know he’d probably have a heart attack if he knew I was forecasting it), but what is in my control are my own personal hopes and goals for my life. I have audacious hopes, indeed, ones that soar far beyond my currently humdrum circumstances. I have hopes that will lead me into a deeply fulfilling life, chock-full of love and beauty and continued hope and inspiration. I know I’m well on my way, already. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.