I'm just thrilled beyond words at the response to my posts on bringing back hand written letters! It seems many of you feel, as I do, that this fading piece of daily life deserves resurrection sooner rather than later.
Because several of you are ready to put pen to paper, I think you should definitely write to someone you already know. If they haven't received slow mail from you in a while, think how much the sight of your envelope will change their day, bring them joy, and hopefully make them want to write back to you.
If you would like to write a short note ~ or a fill an envelope to bursting with this and that ~ to a blog friend, there are several who have commented on my recent posts on letter writing who are holding their breathe as they wait for a real letter to show up at their home here or overseas. I suggest looking at the comments on my recent posts, picking a new friend and exchanging an e-mail note (yes, you'll have to use modern technology first!) to acquire their slow mail address.
Then the fun will begin when, perhaps on a dreary January afternoon, you will find comfort sitting at your desk or kitchen table, cup of tea at your side, penning a few lines to an old or new friend, knowing you are part of bringing back the true written word.
This lovely book published by Laughing Elephant would make a great gift to any writing enthusiast ~ you may also enjoy having it in your own personal collection. It covers everything about writing by hand with beautiful pens and colored inks, and has wonderful vintage illustrations and many, many quotes about the pleasures of hand written letters.Letters are one of the most tangible memories of our friendships, and we should save them as we save photographs, and other personal mementos, so that we can evoke past friends and vanished times.
~ Edward St. Paige
-crop.JPG)
Mary, thank you for your lovely comment. I was at your site earlier this evening as you will be mentioned in my post tomorrow. I see you posted for tomorrow and I didn't comment on your mother's wonderful letters. Oh how I wish I had some of my mother's letters to read. It would bring me such joy and sadness too, but so worth it all. We do have some videos of mother and my dad talking and such. They are a treasure but letters written from home are so special.
ReplyDeleteSo I am readying myself to start writing. I am cleaning my lovely Victorian desk and next I must find some stationary. All I have are notes, which are also fine but not quite the right thing.
Time to give up and go to bed my friend. My surgery is Feb.2nd. sigh! I know it is a thing I must do. In the long run all will be better. Until next time,
Love, Jeanne
Mary, I just realized I didn't mention your lovely new car. I am so happy for you. Post a picture. Our weather has been very bad with wind and now snow. I would have feared for my brand new car too. Hopefully all will be well in the morning.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight dear, Jeanne
Hi Mary. I did post to say I would love to be part of your handwriting team, but maybe the post got lost?
ReplyDeleteI moved the cute little desk I re-furbished into the front room just for this purpose - to write letters.. No bills or tasks are allowed - and I have placed pretties on the desk- a lovely spot to call my own- and I'm filling the drawers with lovely thank-you cards, note cards, stamps and seals.. It's got a small, soft lamp light and it calls to me -
ReplyDeleteWhat a great movement you have started!
After reading your blog yesterday I put two letters into the mail today and will send two more off tomorrow. Then I will anxiously await replies.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, what a great idea, penpals! I remember having an overseas penpal when I was little and that was such fun. I just put a desk in my laundry room and it will be the perfect place to put all my writing materials. Oh, and I love your new car, vroom vroom! xo, suzy
ReplyDeleteI have to comment that I only have one friend who insists that her daugther send thank-you notes for any present.
ReplyDeleteMy friend's daughter has a reading disability, so writing is not easy for her -- yet she sends me the most awesome thank-you notes. Partly, I apreciate them because it's so rare to have children even acknowledge the gifts they are given, but also because I know each note from this little lady takes effort. I always make sure to create some sort of crafty thank-you card for her when she gives me a gift.
I know two other nice girls who send me drawings, which are also nice.
I don't have children of my own, so who am I to say what's involved in teaching kids to write letters? But maybe if more adults did, it'd be easier to pass the practice on to the little ones!
Hello! I was directed here by Deborah of *Pictures, Pots, Pens* and I have been enjoying your posts on letter writing. I love a hand-written letter! There's nothing like one! I've always had friends with whom I've kept in touch with by letter since I could actually write. I have boxes of keepsake letters stacked in my attic:)
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway through tomorrow that includes some lovely stationery. Feel free to drop by and enter if you'd like.
I couldn't agree more! I still send handwritten notes on pretty stationary as I feel this is more personal and meaningful than email. Being a Victorian at heart it only makes sense to continue old traditions. I really enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteI adore handwritten letters! I always complain that I miss that. I miss walking to my doormat and seeing a letter from far away laying there to greet me. I used to write a little each day to my parents when I first moved over here. I was living in Belgium and then Sweden. I would mail the letter at the end of the week. My parents said it made them feel more connected to me as it was like reading a diary. It was in the time when there was no email and a phone call was just too expensive. I was emailing about this once on a sweet Yahoo group I am in. We had a letter exchange as a result but one lady sends me letters on and off now. She is a dear lady and last night I was going upstairs early to bed as Jos is away now 3 days a week. Well, guess what was laying on my doormat? A letter from this very friend. I kept it to read once I was tucked up in bed. What a shame that it is now an old fashioned joy.
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
Heidi