the art of the personal letter

I love letters. Especially handwritten ones. Especially handwritten snail mail.

I remember the first time I received a letter (in the mail). My friend had just graduated high school and was moving to New Jersey. In order to stay in touch, we decided to exchange addresses and write mail to each other. One day I got home from school and my dad said with a slightly confused voice; "Sheena? I think this letter is for you. From a Japanese friend?" I rushed over and saw my name and address neatly written by my friend. I was so excited that I waited until after I was done with my homework to sit down and enjoy reading the letter. We still write from time to time, even though we first started writing to each other about four years ago.

Although a letter about updates in personal life are my favorite, I do also love thank you letters, congratulatory letters, apology letters, love letters, encouragement letters, sympathy letters.. you get the idea. There's a lot of power in words - it can heal relationships, lift up spirits and warm a heart. When a person takes the time to sit down, ponder, draft, and write a letter, I think the words that he or she will write will have deep meaning and care.

I recently read a book about writing letters, and I learned that it takes a lot of time and effort to write a good letter.  I want to write more letters and try to master the art form. It may seem old fashioned or out of style, but it's something that I think can have great meaning and impact.

bye bye until next time ^