Let’s Write a Letter
Does anything compare to seeing a personal letter in the mailbox addressed to you? It’s the surprise of an unexpected gift. It’s the mystery of discovering the contents. It’s the joy of reading the story of the message.
Over the years I have written lots and lots of letters. This practice has decreased over the years, not only for me, apparently for others as well since it’s been quite a while since I’ve received a letter. It’s so easy to connect with someone by picking up the phone anywhere, almost any time of the day or evening, and calling whoever came to mind in the moment (and if someone pops into your head, there’s a reason for it-call them right away, you won’t regret it). There’s messaging on social media, and texting, and apps that connect you to anywhere out of the country with ease, reliability, and for free!
The only regret of having my best friend from college, Carol, move here is that she was the last constant corresponder via letter writing. I recently had a close friend, Lana, move away from metro Phoenix, so I may have opportunities to write letters once again. My writing mentor, Jan, suggested that since I haven’t been inspired to write stories, my writing path may be in letters. I have written two since she suggested it.
I used to write to my partner’s step mom and his granddaughter, but neither returned the correspondence. Kathryn told me from the start she would never reciprocate with a letter, and she did send a picturesque note card now and then, however, it was only her signature that was on the card. The fact that she chose this beautiful and scenic card made it her gesture of love and caring. The granddaughter has sent the occasional and very rare two lines with a few doodles on it. Also, very special, and naturally, we were hoping for more insight into her life and experiences.
What I’ve discovered that adds to the fun of the story is the interesting return address labels I get for “free” in the mail from various organizations seeking contributions. I combine those with matching stationary, and, if possible, matching stamps. I stocked up on the cowboy themed Forever Stamps the USPS had out a couple of years ago and it fits well with my Montana note cards and my Arizona roadrunner stationary. The USPS has beautiful floral designs, fun cartoons, and festive holiday stamps. What a concept to have forever stamps. This, by the way, is not a plug for the postal service since I have had too-many-to count bad experiences with delivery issues with above named institution! So, it only adds to the surprise and delight if one of my letters actually arrives at its destination in a timely manner.
I did receive several birthday cards in the mail recently and what a delight. It is truly a present in itself to get a card and especially if it has a personalized note to me in it!
And here we are at the end of the month already, despite my good intentions to have this posted early in the month, I started it with gang-buster intentions and then the month got away from me with a lot of fun events!
Send me a letter, a note, a social media message…I’ll get back to you.
Lori Zurcher
