I mentioned in my last post that there was one handwritten note that I always remembered. It was from a 17-year-old boy I had dated a short time, but who remained my pen pal while he was out east at boarding school. My heart would always smile when I saw the distinctive envelope from his academy in the mail.
One day after one of his missives arrived, I eagerly slit open the envelope. Inside was a small card, and just these few words:
“For you, as for the crocus, the springtime.”
And after all these years, I treasure them still.
I have to admit, handwritten notes are something that I have a hard time parting with. I often keep them in my journal, and reread them before journaling (or now, blogging). I just got a very encouraging note from someone who had written a lovely quote on the outside of the envelope. Don’t laugh, but not only did I write that quote on the card they sent, but I cut the words they wrote off of the envelope and taped them on the inside cover of my journal. There is something powerful about seeing their handwriting, knowing they wrote this specifically for you.
Are you kidding? I wouldn’t laugh at all. There’s something quite lovely that happens to the brain when you sit down and write with pen in hand. I think it stills the mind, and connects more deeply to our heart and soul or something.
And then too, there’s that other factor you mentioned of seeing someone’s handwriting. I have to remember that myself in these days of electronic communication. Those handwritten messages, even trivial ones, like the notes my mother wrote about recipes, bring precious, tender memories when someone’s gone.
That’s so true. There’s so much more of our character displayed in our handwriting than is usually seen in a font.
These comments resonate with me so profoundly! It’s wonderful to know that I have kindred spirits out there. I am so passionate about the importance of personal notes that I’ve actually started a group on Facebook called Revive the art of personal note-writing! Come join us…there’s a link on my website. You will all enjoy author Jason Wright’s YouTube piece about a personal letter that he has saved for over 20 years: http://bit.ly/4eXLDk.
Elizabeth, what a delightful surprise to find your note here and another kindred spirit who’s passionate about personal notes. I’ve found your site, am now following you on Twitter, and am going to hop over to Facebook and join your group there. Thanks so much for your lovely visit.
Anne, I LOVE your website. It makes me hungry for cupcakes. I don’t come across you much anymore, but whenever your name is on something, you can bet it is a happy jouyful, sprinkle covered moment!
Ally, thank you so much. That means so much to me, coming from an artist I greatly admire!
Hi Anne – I remember you from many years ago. You were a friend of my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim’s. And speaking of handwritten notes – I remember when I was a little girl I had an autograph book that I asked you to sign and you wrote in it “Have A Beautiful Life” and you wrote in really pretty block lettering. I don’t have the autograph book anymore but for some reason, that stuck out in my memory. Hope your life has turned out beautiful too, mine has!!
Lisa, I remember you too! And your mom, and of course your beautiful aunt and Uncle Jim. Thanks so much for your note, and for reminding me about writing in your autograph book. How sweet that you remembered, and how nice of you to share it with me after all this time!