When was the last time you received a handwritten letter or note? Bet it has been awhile.
I love receiving unexpected notes or letters . Even if I know everything that is going on in that persons life it is always good to see familiar handwriting in my mailbox.
You can bet it is the first thing I open.
Why is it so special? I can only speak for myself but I always feel a little extra love when someone takes the time and makes the effort to write a real note, find a stamp and get it in the mail.
It is the personal touch that means so much.
When I find letters from my grandmother in her very distinctive handwriting it is like having her here next to me. At some point in time she touched the paper and wrote those words. It will never be like having her physically here but it is something I can touch and hold. Just seeing it makes me smile.
Thoughtful Thursday started with the intention of writing real letters. I have fallen down on the job lately so I am jumping back in and committing to sending more letters via the post office.
Just like painting it has a soothing, relaxing effect on me. Watching and feeling the pen glide across the paper and taking the time to think of what I really want to say makes me slow down and be in the moment.
While you may think e-mails are forever, maybe not. A handwritten letter has a life of its own. At least it feels that way. And opening up an older one feels like a treasure found and a bit of the past come to life. I have all the letters my husband wrote to me while he was on Navy deployments and while we were dating. I have a box of love letters between my parents and handwritten notes and recipes from my grandmother. They are a bit of my personal history.
I also have letters my grandfather typed. He even managed to find a typewriter and write one while vacationing in Europe in 1964. I imagine they had business centers back then as well but instead of computers they had typewriters.
Honestly it is not cheating if you don’t like your handwriting and you want to type it but always remember to add a handwritten P.S. and your own signature 🙂
I will type some of my letters but my way of typing is definitely old school. 🙂 A throwback to my grandfather 🙂
Yes I have a fascination with typewriters. I make mistakes, I x them out. It is so fun. And I get lots of reaction from the recipients. The added bonus is there a real satisfaction at pounding on the keys. Not sure why but just the extra force needed feels like I am accomplishing something.
Here is the other cool thing about mailed letters:
Letting go of the immediate reply
I am never sure if it arrived or when it did and I never expect a handwritten response. Of course I would love one but that is not why I do it. I do it for the connection, and mostly just for the pleasure of imagining the smile on someones face when they open their mailbox to find something besides the ordinary bills or advertisements.
Ok..there is the possibility the person won’t smile..but I’m guessing they will. And guess what? I may never know and thats ok.
I send it off and hope it does its’ job to bring a little joy to a someone special. Give it a try..it does a heart good.
Now as always..go out and make it a Thoughtful One.
Jennifer
