These are the words that I say to myself as I sit down at my computer as I contemplate what my first post should be about. But, these words “Just start writing” really capture a main purpose to this blog.
My hope is that this blog will be a catalyst, an inspiration, a motivating factor in getting all of us to write a letter. A hard copy, tangible, requires stamp, kind of letter.
Why you ask? Well, here’s the thing, I have been pondering this topic for quite some time and although I am by no means a bonafide expert I have observed the following things to be true:
- kids love getting mail. that they can physically — rip, tear — open.
- a letter speaks to the soul. someone has actually taken the time to write to you. just you.
- there is nothing like the anticipation (or disappointment) of the possibility that there may be a letter in the mailbox today
- adults love getting mail too. that is, if it isn’t bills.
- penmanship has all but disappeared. how many kids even learn to write in cursive now?
- it appeals to the tactile sense. the texture of the paper or card. the artwork or graphics. the colours. the noise of the paper unfolding.
- it is something to slow us down. in a good way.
- historically letters have provided a window into the past. not sure how this will work with email.
- it takes time to write a letter.
When was the last time you received a hard copy letter or card? please “comment” and share your thoughts.
P.S. By no means am I suggesting email, computers, blogs, clouds (ironic isn’t it that I am writing a blog on this subject) are methods of communicating that are less effective or desirable. Just different. What I am proposing is that there is a danger in moving ahead without weaving in the gems from the past.
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For lent this year instead of giving up something, like soda or sweets, my college aged daughter suggested we each write a letter to someone for each of the forty days of lent. it is awesome…I just sent a letter to my fourth grade teacher from back in 1972! It has been really fun composing the letters and just letting someone I know or once knew what I love or appreciate about them. I highly recommend it!
Kelly, I absolutely love your daughter’s idea! 40 letters. wow. If I have done my calculations properly, that means thus far you have written 9 letters already. This is fantastic. Please do visit back closer to day 40 and share your reflections. I would love to hear about the highlights. Thanks so much for sharing this idea with us. Very inspiring!
p.s. And I am highly impressed that you still had the address of your fourth grade teacher! 🙂
Hi Barb! Love the blog! I totally agree that the art of letter writing is disappearing and it’s a shame that our kids might miss out on the excitement of receiving hand written letters in the mail. We used to love exchanging letters (with our crazy cousins!) and got quite excited when one appeared in the mail box! I think you have inspired me to start again! I have only one problem… since I am so out of practice, I find if I try to write anything substantial with pen and paper, my hand starts to ache and I have to stop and take a break!!! How crazy is that?!?! It’s like those muscles haven’t been used in far too long! Ha!
You’ll be happy to know that I have saved plenty of letters and cards from those crazy cousins, so someday the little ones will go through them and find out just how nuts we really were! Oh dear!
Wow! I never thought of things that way. This past year I just finished reading my Grandma’s diaries from 1932, before my dad was born, until her passing in 1965. I learned so much about my family and farming during the depression. It made Stephan ask me…What are we leaving for our kids and grandkids to remember us by. You are quite right. Email’s get deleted.
Thanks for this blog. I will definitely be a follower.
Enjoyed reading your new blog Barb and feel inspired to write a letter. I have the intention to write a letter to my still living grandmother, but just don’t take the time to do it. You have inspired me to write it and actually mail it! That is another challenge ~ getting it into the mailbox. Funny!
Julie