I remember when I was little that I loved having a pen-pal. Sure, I don’t know how long it actually lasted, and I have no idea what we actually wrote about, but sending and receiving mail was always magical to me—even from a very young age. Now, at 27, and as I’m ever connected to my email and iMessage, I’m striving to set aside time to put pen to paper and proactively send snail mail to friends and family.
It sounds easier than it is; I’ve gone through spurts when I’ve been great about keeping in touch with a few friends that also appreciate a handwritten note in the mail. But lately, I’m sad to admit that I’ve fallen out of doing it…it’s crazy how quickly it gets pushed down on the to-do list.
I have found, though, that having the supplies on hand (even the stamps!) is the best way to make a successful habit of sending snail mail. My biggest piece of advice (which I’ll remind myself too) is invest in a great set of personalized stationery. You’ll enjoy sending mail so much more when it’s a perfect reflection of you. There are SO many gorgeous designs out there, especially from a few WOM favorites like Parker & Thatch, Minted, Mark & Graham, Paperless Post and Rifle Paper Co. And if you’re interested in general notecards, you’ll love this collection of beautiful note sets for any old day, and thank-you cards that’ll make anyone smile. When I’m deciding on a notecard set, I like to think of what will be prettiest tacked onto the recipient’s cork board…because no one can throw away a gorgeous hand-written note.
So let’s talk. Do you appreciate the art of snail mail? Do you write regularly letters to friends and family? Are you on top of sending your thank-you cards? And if this account doesn’t make you want to send some snail mail right this instant, I don’t know what will. Cheers, Kat
P.S. I’d especially love to know about your favorite stationery brands! Please leave any recommendations in the comments below. xo
Enjoyed this read. Snail mail is a novelty nowadays. Though I still engage in the practice regularly– sending letters to old college friends, homemade cards to the children I’ve nannied for over the years– it is more of a hobby than the age-of-old practice of keeping in touch. I rarely get returned correspondence (often a FB message will come my way in acknowledgement), but I do it because I recognize it is a special act, in all it’s wonderful novelty. I only am writing this as an encouragement: letter-writing is a lovely hobby, and you’ll enjoy the art of it– but don’t be disappointed in the lack of reply. People are busy, ita vita, and letter-writing by nature is a habitual practice. And though it goes against the original idea of the letter– that act of interaction– in this day & age, and it can be just as satisfying to send your love, all sealed up in words, out by way of paper– and it is enough. As far as preferred stationery– I’ve become a fan of Raven & Lily (ravenandlily.com) as of late; I always judge a paper by it’s weight. Happy penning!
I wrote my sons in college each week. Now that they are out “in the real world” I write every 2-3 weeks. I also send postcards. I knew writing was working when one son asked if we had sent a postcard from Peru since he hadn’t received it. YES!