- Writing a letter shows that you care enough about the recipient to take a little extra effort: choosing the right stationery, handwriting the message, addressing the envelope, adorning it with an interesting stamp, and transporting it to a mailbox or post office. All of that "work" vs. turning on your computer, dashing off an email and hitting Send. In a comment I received from Janet Aldrich, she said, "When I was in Peace Corps a few years ago - in the middle of the South African bush, an hour's walk from my post office village, I sent 1,004 pieces of mail and received nearly as many replies." She added that everyone saved her letters.
- In the United States, a colorful history of mail delivery recalls the short-lived Pony Express of 1860, whose horseback riders relayed mail between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, CA, in just ten days, switching horses every 15 miles of the 1800-mile journey. Even our modern blue-suited postal people seem vaguely heroic, in light of the postal service's unofficial motto inscribed on the James Farley Post Office in New York: "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Note that this quote is credited to the Greek historian Herodotus, who was referring to the mounted couriers of the ancient Persian empire. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to support this historic profession.
- Writing a letter is a meditative act that requires introspection and intention. Thinking about what's important or interesting in your life is always a good idea. Trying to put that perspective into words enhances understanding, for both writer and reader.
- Children need good modeling in the area of correspondence, and a sense of joy in writing and receiving letters. Rather than forcing young people to write letters, they could observe their parents and friends engaging in this creative act. Every young person seems born knowing how to operate a *smartypants phone or game controller, but do they know where the stamp and return address go on an envelope? (*thanks to Ramona White for this great phrase)
- Handwriting a letter is an opportunity to practice your penmanship, or even calligraphy.
- Creative choices abound for correspondence: handmade paper stationery, art card or picture postcard; writing implements, from quill
and ink to color-changing markers; rubber stamps and stickers to embellish letter and envelope; colorful and interesting postage; even scent and glitter, should you be so inclined. Emoticons can't compare :(
- A personal letter, handwritten and penned with care, can be a treasured keepsake. Letters are meant to be read and reread, savored and saved.
- As writers, we can all use practice. Letter writing is an opportunity to shine as a writer, in whatever ways you like. Have fun with rhyme, get ultra descriptive, make plays on words, decorate your words with drawings. There are no rules.
- Writing a letter is a vulnerable act, helping to create possibilities for deep connections between writer and recipient.
- If you write more letters, you will almost certainly receive more letters, and isn't that fun?
- Writing a letter shows that you care enough about the recipient to take a little extra effort: choosing the right stationery, handwriting the message, addressing the envelope, adorning it with an interesting stamp, and transporting it to a mailbox or post office. All of that "work" vs. turning on your computer, dashing off an email and hitting Send. In a comment I received from Janet Aldrich, she said, "When I was in Peace Corps a few years ago - in the middle of the South African bush, an hour's walk from my post office village, I sent 1,004 pieces of mail and received nearly as many replies." She added that everyone saved her letters.
- In the United States, a colorful history of mail delivery recalls the short-lived Pony Express of 1860, whose horseback riders relayed mail between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, CA, in just ten days, switching horses every 15 miles of the 1800-mile journey. Even our modern blue-suited postal people seem vaguely heroic, in light of the postal service's unofficial motto inscribed on the James Farley Post Office in New York: "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Note that this quote is credited to the Greek historian Herodotus, who was referring to the mounted couriers of the ancient Persian empire. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to support this historic profession.
- Writing a letter is a meditative act that requires introspection and intention. Thinking about what's important or interesting in your life is always a good idea. Trying to put that perspective into words enhances understanding, for both writer and reader.
- Children need good modeling in the area of correspondence, and a sense of joy in writing and receiving letters. Rather than forcing young people to write letters, they could observe their parents and friends engaging in this creative act. Every young person seems born knowing how to operate a *smartypants phone or game controller, but do they know where the stamp and return address go on an envelope? (*thanks to Ramona White for this great phrase)
- Handwriting a letter is an opportunity to practice your penmanship, or even calligraphy.
- Creative choices abound for correspondence: handmade paper stationery, art card or picture postcard; writing implements, from quill and ink to color-changing markers; rubber stamps and stickers to embellish letter and envelope; colorful and interesting postage; even scent and glitter, should you be so inclined. Emoticons can't compare :(
- A personal letter, handwritten and penned with care, can be a treasured keepsake. Letters are meant to be read and reread, savored and saved.
- As writers, we can all use practice. Letter writing is an opportunity to shine as a writer, in whatever ways you like. Have fun with rhyme, get ultra descriptive, make plays on words, decorate your words with drawings. There are no rules.
- Writing a letter is a vulnerable act, helping to create possibilities for deep connections between writer and recipient.
- If you write more letters, you will almost certainly receive more letters, and isn't that fun?
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