Dear beloved Cafetalk Community,

how are you doing? I'm sure some of you are doing better than others. This coronavirus has impacted many people's livelihoods and changed everyone's lifestyle to various degrees. I hope you are fairing as well as possible. 

[*Regarding the photo above:] The above is a tearsheet from my modeling days as a teenager in Tokyo, Japan. This article was for SOEN Magazine's Wedding Dress issue.
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[*Today's Good News!]
I won the "Best Conversationalist" Award for the Spring/Summer "Best Lesson Award" Contest! I am very happy and honored to receive this prestigious award. Not only that, I feel a lot more confident about my conversation skills.

Speaking to many people from all over the world has made me feel comfortable speaking to people. I'm sure my natural curiosity doesn't hurt. I am genuinely interested in different cultures from all over the world, and care about what you are going through . . . good and bad.

This may be over and beyond my role as an English tutor, but the more I get to know you, the more I can't help but care about what's happening in your personal life. At the same time, I know how to respect people's privacy, so I'm not one to pry either. If you feel better sticking to the worksheet, I respect that too. I just wanted you to know that you are welcome to talk about anything you want in my lessons!

As the quote says below, the best conversationalist might be the best listener. I think that's a profound and meaningful quote. Please request any lesson for the goals you are trying to achieve mastering the English language. I will make it easy for you to talk, but I will also encourage you to improve and correct your grammatical errors as well. I care about each and every student, and I surmise they can feel my sincerity and care I extend for each student. In other words, it's not just another lesson for me.
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I hope to see you soon if you haven't taken my lessons recently. I look forward to meeting you or seeing you again. Be safe and take care during the coronavirus pandemic. Wishing you all the best!

Warmest regards,

Lady Ayame

(Patricia Ayame Thomson)