I have an old box of handwritten letters, and occasionally I take it down from my closet. I enjoy looking through them, seeing the peculiar handwriting styles of my friends and relatives, and the stationary they selected to deliver the message or the mood. The colors of ink and crayoned images, the light scents of people’s hands, the stains of coffee or tears or dirt, the scribbled art and poems make each one a unique piece of art filled with memories.
I find it sad that letters written by hand are becoming obsolete in our modern world. It is difficult to find beautiful quality stationary these days. Many stores sell cards for certain occasions, but there are few tools for real letter writers who enjoy mailing sentiments to people.
I have thought a great deal about dying traditions like letter-writing, and ways that I might help to restore some of the beauty and meaning that is being lost in our technological society.
Instead of just pecking out quick emails, I want to slow down and put forth the effort to buy or create pretty stationary, take out a fancy pen and write a letter by hand in my best cursive writing, seal it into an envelope with a charming sticker or two on the outside, and lick an artistic commemorative stamp to place upon it. Then I’ll drive to the post office and slip it into the big blue mailbox. It’s the least I can do for people I love who have enriched my life.
It’s time to look for ways to slow down and enjoy moments and people more, to dig a little deeper for meaning. Writing letters will be one of my contributions to this cause. And maybe I can help save the post office too.
~♥~
(I am working on a series of editorials called “Dying Traditions” to be posted here as time permits.)
I agree, I miss writing letters. It’s such a great way to express one’s self and get to know another person, much more so than texting. I wonder if kids in school ever pass notes now days or just text. It’s not the same looking at old texts or emails versus old letters with someone’s handwriting.
You are right- it is not the same. So many electronic devices are replacing human expression and the arts now.
I really appreciate your visit and message.
Peace,
Olive
Your posts have a lot of meaning to them and are always thought provoking.
Well, thank you for that! You are very kind.
Shalom,
Olive
Olive – I read this and I am compelled to share this poem with you. I wrote it several years ago when I realized a friend had forgotten how to write to me. Because of circumstance, ror more than a year letters arrived a couple times a month., when it was no longer necessary, the emails started in again … I think the word capture what you are saying her. Letter writing is like a poem by Emily Dickinson a dead or dying art …
http://grandfathersky.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/ink-stains/
Thank you for this…Your poem is sweet and it does echo the sentiments here! I hope that it’s not too late to restore this dying art. I appreciate your thoughtful remarks, as always.
Peace & Grace,
Olive