The letter A: As articulated on assorted Alysonian artifacts, avec anecdotes

I haven’t analyzed my attraction to the letter A, but my affection might be attributed to: its being the first letter in my name; its being the first letter in the alphabet; and its beauty, not only in its architecture but also in its handwritten execution. See the array of A’s above. The little envelopes embellished with postage stamps and hand-cancellations are my nametags from various events related to the AIGA SF philatelic alphabet (née Ephemera Philatelica, now and forever Alphabetilately). I keep them all in the big envelope with the swashy A, in a really big file full of other envelopes and address labels whose A’s appeal to me. Such as this one, with an appliquéd silver glitter A:

I also accumulate A’s on the business cards of others. And on my own business cards, of course. And on manual typewriter keys.

At the top of this post are three unattached A’s awaiting their day in the sun. I’ll probably tie the plaid A onto a tiny gift by punching a little hole at the top; the sharp black 3-in. A, already equipped with kuhnvenient hole, may be destined for hangtag glory. And I don’t know what I’ll do with the deluxe decal, although I wish I had a door for it. That would be suite! And last but not least, a parting token — or, rather, two — of my affection for the initial initial.