When my best friend and I were growing up, we would write each other letters and hand-deliver them to the mailbox because we were too broke for stamps. I’m not sure exactly what started us off on that path, but I have a ton of fond memories of scribbling these letters and waiting anxiously for the reply. I genuinely think this is what kicked off my love of receiving hand-written mail.

• Pen
• Paper
• Stamp
• Envelope

One of the reasons that I like writing letters to loved ones is because when some things are too hard to say out loud, they can still be written down. Sometimes, it’s because the subject is sensitive or embarrassing, or sometimes I just like being able to hold the permanent record of it. I’ve read stories on the Internet of people finding letters that their grandparents wrote, and am always floored by how the written word can transcend time.

My best friend recently reminded me of our old tradition by buying each of us a pack of stationery, and we’ve made an agreement to carve out time for each other this year to write letters again. She even included pre-purchased stamps because we’re adults now and can afford postage, unlike our childhood selves. The company she found is called Pigeon Posted, and I love how whimsical the designs are. It’s an added bonus that there is no need for envelopes due to origami folds of the paper.

I regularly joke with my friends that if a boy ever wrote me an actual love letter, I would just evaporate on the spot. It would just seem too sweet and romantic to be a part of real life, and I can’t imagine being lucky enough to find someone like that. What do you think about letters? Do you have a soft spot for them like I do, or are you partial to the speed and convenience of modern instant messaging, texts, and e-mails?

Until next time, happy crafting!