I have a small box I've labeled "memorabilia" that I keep old letters, cards and other random things in. I'm trying to stick to the "if it doesn't fit in the box..." rule so I don't accumulate too much junk. I still need to go through a bit of my childhood junk to see what to keep and what to toss but that is a different post altogether.
In my small box I have a few poems Arthur wrote me when we were dating. We dated long distance and most of our communication was via email or the phone but he did take the time to send me a few letters. You know what? That is what I kept. Just the letters. There is something special about letters.
In our society we talk about going paperless and we love the efficiency of the internet in aiding our communication but I'd like to take a moment and shine a light on our long forgotten friend, the through the mail letter. Snail mail. Even though it costs money and it takes more effort, I think we can all agree that if someone takes the time to send you a letter or a card it means infinitely more than an email.
I have one friend who is exceptional at sending cards through the mail. And you know what? I love it! So, here is my apology to her, I'm sorry I have yet to send you one... yet! Go wait by your mailbox though because there just might be something coming your way!
Seriously though, is letter writing a long forgotten art? I remember receiving letters from my grandmother as a little girl and loving them. Of course, I'd give them to my mom to translate because while her writing was beautiful, I couldn't read a bit of it. Even once I could read cursive, I don't know what it was but her writing was just tough for me!! But how great is it that I can remember her handwriting?
Who will remember your handwriting?











I love getting snail mail! We still do snail mail Christmas cards, and I try to send other snail mail to friends and family every once in a while. I love handwriting because it does reflect personality, and it's also just fun to get something besides bills in the mail!
Posted by: maryanne | September 28, 2009 at 07:29 PM
My sister and I do snail mail cards...I've gotten out of the habit with a lot of other people, though...I'll have to think about it to figure out why.
Posted by: Erin | September 28, 2009 at 07:38 PM
One of my new year goals was to get back into letter writing and I now am able to get out about 3 letters a week. Sometimes I'm only able to get a postcard out, but it's something! It is definitely a lot art!
Posted by: Kayce | September 29, 2009 at 07:02 PM
I am with you! I LOVE snail mail. And so do my kids. I loved your last line, who will remember your handwriting?? Such an appropriate question for the blogging community. Thanks for the encouragement to write more!
Posted by: LifeAtTheCircus | September 29, 2009 at 09:50 PM
and then there is your friend who has had snail mail sitting in her kitchen to send to you forever and a day... :-) now i am thinking about changing it and sending you something else. seriously.
i love snail mail. it is seriously under-rated.
Posted by: 3mily | October 02, 2009 at 03:40 PM
My day is always brightened when I get the mail and there is something other than junk there. You're right, there's something special about the extra effort and actually seeing someone's handwriting. I do send snail mail. Not enough...but I do.
Posted by: Lynn | October 04, 2009 at 09:10 PM