Simple Living | A Handwritten Letter

By pen and ink, the old fashioned way

There was an envelope in creamy-white peeking out from the stack of mail. Across its face was pretty handwriting in black ink, addressing it to me.

So unexpected! So beautiful! So curious! Why would someone be sending me such a beautiful letter?

Not able to wait until I was home, at my desk, with letter opener in hand, I slid my thumb into the corner of the envelope and tore a jagged fringe across the top. I reached in and drew out sheets of the same creamy paper on which was written a thoughtful gift of words, signed on the last page by my friend who lives in another state. 

I felt so loved. So cared for. Thought of. 

At home, I read it again, and, smiling, shook my head at the serendipity. This does beat all. Because just that morning, a thought had fluttered into my mind about handwritten letters. Writing them on pretty stationery, posting them with pretty stamps. Sending and receiving thoughts and wishes the old fashioned way. How there’s something about the roll of a good pen across thick paper, about spending time with what to say. There’s something about bringing ethereal words into a tactile experience held in your hands, about rereading it again and again. 

And I wondered. Does anyone else feel this way? Like they’re missing a forgotten way of connecting and sharing? Missing the feeling of paper and pen? Missing the anticipation of perhaps today finding a handwritten letter in the jumble of daily mail? 

I’m so curious to know: does the idea of writing and receiving regular correspondence with a friend via old fashioned mail intrigue you? Is the thought of it delightful? Scary? Overwhelming? Doable? 

Tell me everything.

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