Did you know that there is a National Letter Writing Week? I sure didn't! I was working out on the elliptical at our gym, reading my Real Simple magazine, and I came across a blurb for it. After doing a little research, what do you know, it's true! According to the National Mailing Systems Web site, this week is dedicated to writing the simple, old-fashioned letter. Due to the prevalence of technology and less personal ways to stay in touch - email, twitter, text - the art of writing a simple handwritten letter has fallen by the wayside. And that's sad. Because, really, as much as I enjoy getting an email or a tweet, there is just something about going to your mailbox and seeing an envelope from a loved one written just to you! That person has taken the time and effort out of their busy life to write you a thoughtful note! And let's face it, with the normal crap we get in the mail, such as bills, notices, etc., getting a nice letter really can just brighten your day.
I used to be good at this. Back when I was a kid, I used to have pen pals all over the place. I would also write my grandparents and my Aunt Linda religiously. Sure, as a child, I had all the time in the world to do this, but I even kept it up throughout college, writing letters to my boyfriend at the time and long distance friends. I even kept it up through law school and after the bar exam. However, as soon as I hit the real world...that all kind of changed...
I hate to admit it but I have become very neglectful in keeping up my correspondence with my friends and family. Writing an email is even a task now, and it shouldn't be that way. There is so much going on with me now, and I know there are close and dear friends who should know everything that is going on with me but have absolutely no clue. And why? Because I haven't taken the time to really tell them what is new in my world. Sure, my blog is a means to do this, but is it enough? It's hardly personal. And it takes an element of intimacy out of my friendships that I have treasured so much in the past.
So, after seeing this blurb in my magazine, I made a decision. Starting Sunday, January 9th through Sunday, January 16th, I am writing one letter a day, each day to a different person. And I want to encourage all of my readers to do the same. Snail mail should not be a dying art. We should be able to communicate with new technology but also utilize the more personal methods of communicating at the same time.
My one hope is that this week will spark a trend that I can keep going throughout the year. So off I go...to write some letters!
I guess I'm already ahead of the game! I made a pact with a friend back home that once I moved to Georgia, we would write letters. I just sat down yesterday and wrote a letter to her. I'll be dropping it in the mail this morning!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is a dying art. It's so fun receiving (and sending!) something so thoughtful and personal in the mail.
I plan to send letters out to more people, but I don't want to overwhelm myself too much at the beginning, haha.
What a fantastic idea!! Letters are most definitely a dying art and that is tragic!
ReplyDeleteI'm dreadful at actually sending out letters - I really should push myself to do it more!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! You're right, old practices should not fall by the wayside just because we're in the age of technology. I was just thinking last night about buying some pretty stationery...you're just reading my mind, or I'm reading yours!
ReplyDeleteAnd bring my horrific penmanship back to the public eye???? Should I?
ReplyDeleteI received numerous handwritten letters during the past three years--all from my uncle in prison. Despite the requests for money and CDs...I've found the letters more honest and touching than any email I've received. Best of all his handwriting is great from the years of practice:) But I agree, letters are a lost (but not dead) art.
ReplyDeleteWell, I started in 2010 writing letters! So I guess I'm ahead of the game! I've been writing to Camille (Archives of Our Lives) and sending each other goodies from our respective countries. It's so exciting to open your mailbox and receive a letter from Canada or from somewhere else!
ReplyDeleteI've been also writing letters to Rachel (Dreaming of the Country) and Maureen (Adventures in the Underground). All of them blog friends! And now they are my penpals!
We could do the same, Nain... What do you think??
There's actually a real interesting Web site that's keeping letter writing alive: www.thingsunsaidproject.wordpress.com. I'm a letter-writing junkie and I'm behind any efforts to keep the art alive and that includes National Letter Writing Week. Kudoos to you for bringing some attention to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm notorious for sending letters! I send random notecards and letters to my friends, and I have a death row pen pal, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I want to do this! I might get started a few days late, but I'll just go a few days longer :)
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