Dear family,

I have been dreaming about working on this project for a while now. Each of us has spent a significant portion of our lives at X lake and it has shaped us individually. But it has also shaped our family history and interactions in a unique way.

As I've listened to some of you throughout the years, I've heard some amazing stories worthy of recording for future generations. There is also a common thread that follows each generation. Many of us learned to swim at the lake, met our first love, went skinny dipping under the late-night summer sky, etc. Some of these stories are exceptional, and currently reside within us or are occasionally shared at the dinner table. I want to record these stories and make them available as a multi-generational memoir.

My first step is to conduct video interviews, find that one or two stories that you want shared and go from there. Another part of the project would look into past recordings and notes. The goal is to create an easy and fun to read book, where we share love, laughter and loss. All while honoring our unique family, the ties that we have and celebrating the cycle that continues throughout the generations.

In the event that this were to become more than just a fun family project. There are questions (on my end) about bringing attention to the family name, Which when/if the time comes, I would love people's input. But if this is a concern it can easily be remedied by changing names. Although, there is also pride in sharing the family name. Another thing I've noted is that X lake has become busier in the last few years and I would hate to draw further attention to our sacred space. So, my solution to this is to just call the place "the Lake" and not disclose a location.

I am looking forward to starting this project and hope you share the excitement I hold for it.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and I do hope you would want to be a part of this project.

Much love,

Polly