What great advice it was when an old boss of mine told me years ago how important it was to write lots of handwritten notes; thank-you and congratulatory notes, birthday cards, or just a note to say hello. I invested in some small personal notecards from a stationer and have taken his advice for years. It only takes a minute and handwritten notes are appreciated, as so few are written anymore. I get great satisfaction from taking a few minutes and writing to friends and colleagues as those before us did - with pen and paper.
I have posted a picture of what one of my current notecards look like. (You can always click on any of my pictures to zoom-in.) You might laugh when I tell you where they came from. Cranes? William Arthur? No, far from it...these came from discount catalog supplier Walter Drake. A set of 50 folded notecards, sized 5 3/8 x 4 1/8" are $7.49 and 100 are only $13.98. 100% cotton? Archival quality? Well, no, but many people have complimented me on my, "nice stationery." Honestly, I recommend these for those who want to give it a try before committing to nice (and expensive) notecards, like those from Crane & Co. I use these Drake cards on many occasions and find them very satisfying for most all my needs.
It was great advice when it was given to me and I find it still can make a big impression. With the prices I just quoted above from the Drake catalog, expense really isn't an issue. You can even get started with blank cards from the office supply store. I can guarantee you this, If you decide to take the plunge and drop a few notes, you'll get a good feeling just from participating in an activity almost as old as the ages.
I've begun writing small notes, short letters, and things like that as well, given a recent rekindling of the love of pen, paper, and words. Just got a note back from a common target of my notecards, and he said that my little letters were his anchor during a rather wild holiday season. Nice to get affirmation every now and again.
Cheers,
-Met.
Posted by: Metropolitan | January 04, 2006 at 10:48 AM
AHHHH YESSSSSSSS
Handwritten notes are THE BEST.. it is so much nicer to receive a handwritten thank you instead of an email! It takes more time, and thought to use the pen instead of the keyboard!
Posted by: Stacie Rife | January 05, 2006 at 07:05 PM
One of my New Year's resolutions was to write more notes and letters to people. It's just a more satisfying activity than sending an email, and I know they are more satisfying to receive. My only problem is that all my potential correspondents (except for my mother) use email exclusively, so I'm worried that if they get a letter from me they may feel obligated to respond in kind (okay, that IS part of the motivation), and resent the "imposition."
Posted by: Steve | January 06, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Great, cost effective suggestion. I hadn't thought of this before, and will see how this works for me. Thank you very much!
Posted by: Phil Gerbyshak | January 06, 2006 at 10:27 PM
Steve: don't worry about the imposition. The joy and gratitude they'll feel at receiving a thoughtful handwritten note will far outweigh any resentment they might feel about imposition.
Posted by: Trent | January 08, 2006 at 02:06 PM
Great! It sounds like some will be considering this. Let us know how it goes!
Posted by: Mike - Paper Notes | January 08, 2006 at 11:08 PM
I love writing and journals. I have just started and joined a few groups on Flickr and Letter Writers Alliance. New penpals and friends who love the idea of receiving letters and notes via the traditional way of "Snail Mail". Nice stationery and penmanship. I think it's a great idea and more people should do it. We rely on the computer far too much in this age. Opening and receiving mail instead of bills it's a nice idea.
Check these out.
http://www.16sparrows.com/LWA/
http://postcardx.ne
http://themodernletter.com/2007/08/t/
Posted by: Lina | January 12, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I love writing and journals. I have just started and joined a few groups on Flickr and Letter Writers Alliance. New penpals and friends who love the idea of receiving letters and notes via the traditional way of "Snail Mail". Nice stationery and penmanship. I think it's a great idea and more people should do it. We rely on the computer far too much in this age. Opening and receiving mail instead of bills it's a nice idea.
Check these out.
http://www.16sparrows.com/LWA/
http://postcardx.net
http://themodernletter.com/2007/08
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