Tuesday 26 January 2010

Little Envelopes of Sunshine

Tomorrow is going to be my blog-catching-up day. I have lots of posts written and emailed to myself, all ready to load. I have three new projects to tell you about, and lots of little things to share over a cup of tea.

Just now though, I want to urge you to go to your writing drawer, take out your lovliest paper, use your favourite coloured ink, and send a letter to someone you love. You see, last Friday I came home to a handwritten letter from a favourite aunt who has been terribly ill. It was so lovely to have proof that she is on the mend, albeit slowly, and it was such a treat to have a letter that was not 'for' anything- not a thank you, not an invitation, not anything but just a lovely, chatty letter for the joy of corresponding. I spent a happy morning writing back to her, and it felt so good just to catch up on little details, share thoughts about the beauty of the snow, and such little things.

Then, I had a 'save the date' card through the post for my lovely sisters wedding, even though as chief bridesmaid I didn't technically 'need' one or expect one. She sent it just so there would be a lovely unexpected little something in the post for me.

And just now, I had an email from my brother who has gone to Afghanistan. I won't see him again until my sister's wedding in August. I did not know it before, but I can send him little letters and parcels free from the post office, abnd I have been sitting here planning things to send.

It is as though the whole universe is telling me to dust off my addres book, and start spreading a few smiles in the post. I have a friend who is having a long and hard pregnancy, so I thought I might start to send her little notes and cards just to try and brighten her day up a bit. There are people I used to work with but I don't any more....people who I have not lost touch with, but am not in touch with as much as I would like, and when I am, it is via email. Not that email and the internet are not wonderous wonders, but really, who wouldn't rather receive a proper letter, or note in the post?

So join with me, and make it a mission to choose one person in your life each week, and send them a little something to let them know you care. Just think of all the little envelopes of sunshine we can send flitting through the post!

10 comments:

fairytalesandflowers said...

Absolutely would love to join you! Send me you address I can tell you all about my scrumptious little daughter on my new Cath Kidson stationary!! x

topchelseagirl said...

You are so right Mimi. Last week I received a notelet from a friend who thought it'd be nice to write a proper letter rather than use email for a change, and it was such a treat to receive. Your idea to brighten up your pregnant friend's day is really nice.

Dinahsoar said...

I'm horrible at letter writing..it's my perfectionist gene...I end up throwing away what I've written and never get around to redoing it. But you are right, there is nothing so nice as a real handwritten letter. Haven't gotten one of those in years!

Nita in South Carolina said...

Funny you should write this particular post right now! We have a friend who just left for Afghanistan for a year, and my daughter and I have committed to sending a little card or note to his wife and three children - one a week, rotating amongst them. We have a nice collection of cards, and bought some cheery stickers to attach to cards. They only live a mile from us and we see them every week, but thought it would be nice for them to get mail. We'll send some packages to the dad also, once he gets settled and has an address.

Yvonne said...

Mimi,
What a great post! I have fond memories of letters to and from old friends. But not so much in the past few years. Your post has prompted me to rectify that. I have a huge stash of writing materials that are just sitting in my desk. Thanks for the "little nudge" in the direction of writing!
Yvonne
an Indiana Librarian

DiAnn said...

Mimi, where are you? I miss your cheery posts!

Anonymous said...

This is a lovely idea Mimi. A resolution I make every so often and then never carry on. Somehow a letter seems a bit over the top in these days of electronic communication - as if there's something terribly serious to impart. Funnily enough, it is in honour of my favourite Aunt, who sadly died last year, that I think of letter writing. She was always sending little letters and cards and cuttings from newspapers. I think I should continue the tradition, in her absence. Lovely to find your blog. Rosie

Audrey said...

Hi Mimi, I always read your blog, although I don't leave any comments. And I just wanted to see how you are doing because it's been silent on your blog for so long now... Can we expect another post soon, or have you stopped blogging? Kind regards, Audrey from the Netherlands

Anonymous said...

Hi Mimi, I tried to leave a post before but somehow it didn't work. I always read your blog, although I usually don't leave any comments. But I wanted to see if you are alright, because I noticed that there's been a long silence on your blog. Can we expect another post from you or have you stopped blogging? I hope to read another post from you soon! All the best from the Netherlands, Audrey

Anonymous said...

Mimi, where are you? You are missed very much. Hope everything is ok.I miss your blog very much!
Sincerely,
Gayle