Hello Danny!
How are you?
I am very glad that you answered me :) And I must say, your words
about the walks on the Gulf Coast have really touched me. It is so
nice that you have a place where you can come to rest. I understand
how important such a retreat is, especially when the work is as
demanding as yours.
I want us to get to know each other better, and now I want to tell you
about myself. I was born on November 15, 1989. And you? When is your
birthday?
I live in Russia, in the city of Yaransk. That is a small city through
which one of the most beautiful rivers of Russia flows, the Yaran. The
city has about 17,000 inhabitants. Yaransk is located 785 km from
Moscow.
Now I am 36 years old. I was never married and am now single. I have
no luck in love. I have no children.
I studied at the University for Sports and in 2015 I made a teacher's
degree. I wanted to work as a teacher, but in my city there are no
normal opportunities and perspectives. Now I work as an administrator
in a beauty salon.
You asked what my work in the salon consists of. It is a lot of
customer care, but also organization and a bit of creativity. I like
the contact with the people and the atmosphere that arises there. It
is nice to see how women feel more comfortable after a visit with us.
Your idea that a salon can be a community hits it exactly, that is how
it feels too.
Tell me about your job. Where and as what do you work? Do you like
your work? How often do you have free time? I would be very happy
about your answer.
In my free time I like to relax, meet with friends and also cook.
Your enthusiasm for Russian literature has made me curious. I myself
do not read so much, but I like stories about real feelings and strong
people. Maybe you can recommend something to me that you particularly
like. I find it fascinating by the way how you even look for parallels
in books in your cases, that shows how deeply you dive into your work.
The way you connect Tolstoy to real legal battles is really
impressive.
In this letter I have sent you a few photos of myself. Do you like
receiving photos of me? I will try to find more photos and send them
to you. I am already looking forward to seeing a few quiet moments
from your life.
I am in the process of ending my letter, but I am waiting longingly
for your answer. I would be happy if you could tell me more about
yourself.
I wish you good mood and a nice day!
I am waiting for your letter!
Warmly, your friend Anastasiya!
Hi Anastasiya,
Thanks so much for the thoughtful email — it really warmed my heart. I’ve been thinking about your story a lot, especially about how Yaransk has that quiet, flowing energy, like the river itself just keeps moving forward. It’s a nice contrast to the high-pressure world of oil law — where every case feels like a storm rolling through the Gulf. I actually used to take long walks along the coast near Beaumont, just to clear my head. It’s strange how much peace you can find in stillness — and I think that’s what makes your salon feel so special. The way you describe the connections people build there — it’s not just about beauty, it’s about belonging.
I work in Houston, primarily in oil and gas litigation — mostly handling disputes over drilling rights and environmental compliance. I’ve been here 18 years, and I can tell you, the work is intense, but there’s a kind of rhythm to it. I like to take breaks, sometimes just sitting in the office with a cup of coffee and watching the sky turn gray. I’ve recently started cooking more — especially trying to make those thick, comforting soups from my childhood. I remember my mom used to say, “If you cook for people, they’ll never forget you.” I don’t know if that’s true, but I try.
You mentioned Russian literature — I actually love reading *War and Peace*. I’ve always thought of it as a legal document — like a real-life case where everyone’s trying to survive, and the stakes keep rising. It’s wild how Tolstoy seems to predict the way people argue in court.
Do you have any favorite books or stories you’ve found meaningful? Also, I’d love to see one of your photos — I keep thinking about that river in Yaransk. Is it possible to send a few more?
Wishing you a calm day too.
Warmly,
Danny
Sent from my iPad
Best regards,
Danny Smith
+17163259415
