You should write a letter today

Last Updated on February 29, 2020 by lydiaf1963

Letter writing is a lost art

When Rick and I were dating 16 years ago (has it really been that long?) we communicated mostly through email or phone, since we lived a couple hours apart, but every couple of days a card or a short note found its way to my mailbox. Sometimes the note was nothing more than a few words jotted on a pretty card. Other times Rick got fancy. Some of his most romantic lines were written in turquoise ink on the back of a Panera bread wrapper.

Once in awhile the card was addressed to my dog, Blue, who returned Rick’s love with a passion only a dog can muster.

Even though we’ve been together 16 years (married for 7 years this month) I still get romantic little notes, although not with the same frequency. Nowadays it’s more likely we would send each other a silly meme.

It’s interesting, although not unexpected, how letter writing has been overtaken by electronic means of communication. Letters can become historic documents. Those written by and to important people used be published, if deemed important enough. An obvious example are the Epistles of St Paul.

Since letters are written sequentially, they often tell a story and are sometimes used as literary devices. When you see “written in the epistolary style,” you can expect the story to be told through a series of letters.

A modern counterpart would be a website that curates a series of social media posts and uses them to make a point, tell a story or just provide entertainment.

A card provides connection

I have to admit I miss the pleasure of opening my mailbox to find an envelope that doesn’t have a cellophane window but rather a handwritten address. I love the mystery of reading whatever is inside and that the sender took the time to sit down to compose something. It’s uplifting.

Writing a letter tells the receiver they have value

It doesn’t have to be expensive either: buy packs of blank note cards when you find them on sale so they will be handy. Buy a supply of forever stamps and you’ll have postage readily available, too.

Card making is a fun hobby…

You can also make your own note cards. I have several blogging friends who do this. Visit their blogs for inspiration and instruction:

• Paper Seedlings demonstrates many card making techniques, includings hand stamping.
• Lisa of Handmade in Israel creates custom paper cut cards.
• Try It – Like It – Create It makes creative use of various personal cutters, embossers and other tools to make her cards.
• Nutz About Stamping uses her scrapbooking skills to make her cards.
• Stamp Know How is another source for inspiration.
• Home Crafts by Ali has several attractive cards on her blog.

Of course, there are many other websites; it’s just a matter of finding a style which resonates with you. A web or pinterest search will get you started.

Handmade cards don’t have to be super fancy. Rick sent many to me that were just a piece of card stock cut to size with a few embellishments.

Whether on a card or a page torn out of a spiral notebook, a letter is also tactile, something we can hold in our hands and tuck away to read again later.

We should reclaim the art of letter writing

You remember how to write a letter, don’t you? The format is very simple.

Don’t sweat it if your penmanship isn’t neat or if you’re afraid of misspellings. Aim to make it readable. The person who receives your letter won’t care. And if they do, you’ll know they’re not letter worthy.

Yes, to be letter worthy is a thing. It’s right up there with being knit, crochet or quilt worthy. When you take the time to create something, even just a few lines on a card, you don’t want to waste it on someone who doesn’t appreciate it.

A postcard can be just as good as a letter

When we go on a trip, Rick loves to find a souvenir shop. He buys a magnet or two for our fridge and a handful of postcards to send to family and friends. Then, he’ll find a cafe and order a beer or a coffee while he writes his postcards. He has a list of addresses he keeps with his travel kit to make the process easy. It’s a ritual he has enjoyed for as long as I’ve known him.

He sends postcards to people he deems letter worthy, and not everyone is a close friend or relative. It’s not unusual to return home to see a postcard Rick sent displayed somewhere in the recipient’s home or office.

Reconnect with your dear ones, make letter writing a habit

Notice how all my examples of letter writing have come from Rick. That’s because I am a lame letter writer. I can fire off a quick email with the best of them, but a note? That’s much more difficult.

It’s silly because when I was a child, I had a pen pal (did you?) and I dutifully wrote Thank You notes when the occasion (and my mother) demanded. I even had my own stationery.

You may recall I chose RENEW as my word for 2020. Part of my desire was to reconnect with the things that are important to me, like nurturing relationships with my loved ones.

That’s why I am challenging myself (and you) to write a letter today. Pick a friend or a family member and take a few moments to let them know you just wanted to say hello and that you’re thinking of them.

Tell me about writing your letter in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories.