The Lost Art of Writing a Letter

What was once a normal action has become so extinct.  As Miranda Lambert would say "put a stamp on it and they get it three days later."  Of course that was "back before everything became automatic."  

Valentine's day has come and  gone.  Leading up  to the "love"ly fake holiday I  wanted to spread some kindness to those who have helped me in the teaching world recently.  Of course I created little gifts for my students, but beyond them I wanted to  give  a country gift that said  "this is from Claire" just by looking at it and I wanted this gift to go to  the few staff members that have  given their time to make me a better teacher.  

In my eyes, there is no better gift than to receive a letter  in the mail.  Anyone who knows me knows that I write a lot of letters to friends and family, for no purpose at all other than to make someone's day when they get home from a long hard day of work.  After all, it may bring a much needed smile to someone's face.  I wanted my small but useful gift to  be something fitting for the family  day weekend that was about to arrive and  decided that  giving the gift  of writing a letter was the best I could do on a budget and it could further be paid forward to  others by simply dropping it in the  post office box.  My love of photography and writing came in handy in making these cards and a poem to go along. So,  wrapped in jute,  and covered with a homemade poem I began my little gift of stamped envelopes and homemade cards photoed with pictures I have taken in country settings.   I topped it off with a peacock feather straight from the farm and a little red heart chocolate.  This way, my  teacher friends could spread the love and mail six letters to their loved ones (and  I hope they do!).  

This small gesture made them realize how much I appreciate their time,  as time is scarce.  Also,  it may bring a smile to several more faces when those individuals (that are strangers to me) open their mail boxes.  

My poem ...
The Lost Art of Writing a Letter

“Who has time to write a letter?” is what people always say…
But just think of how you might make someone else’s day.
You can send an email, text or pick up the phone.
There are many different ways to say hello to those known. 
“Dear friend, how are you doing?” is an easy way to start.
“Goodbye, until next time!” is a nice way to part. 
Communications ever-changing and it always will,
So next time you’re sifting through junk mail or opening a bill,
Think of how you might feel to come across that envelope,
Addressed to you in handwriting, stuffed with a little note.
The personal touch of a letter is few and far between…
And is always more exciting when it cannot be foreseen.
Put that pen to paper and make an old friend smile.
Don’t hesitate or think twice, even if it’s been a while.
Five minutes in a lifetime is five minutes you can make.
Just stamp it and address it, that’s all that it’ll take!
Take a moment from this week to show someone you care. 
A letter’s like a distant hug and nothing can compare!                                                 

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