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By Meghan Leigh
Blessings from the Universe
Today the universe blessed me with a handful of colorful envelopes. And by “the universe,” I actually mean the Hallmark lady.
After carefully rearranging and restocking the various holiday and sentimental cards at our small-town pharmacy, she plopped a box of extraneous envelopes on the counter and unceremoniously announced, “These can go into the trash.”
The box sat, abandoned. Envelopes that had been created to serve up congratulations … sympathies …celebrations … heartfelt confessions … were now just fodder for the waste bin (well, the recycling, to be fair.)
The pharmacist quickly claimed a small collection for her 5-year-old niece, exclaiming, “Her favorite thing right now is to draw pictures and send notes.” She showed a photo of a beaming child in a pink floral top — the kind of kid who will clearly be thrilled that Auntie Pharmacist is stepping up with supplies for her creative outlet.
“Do you want to take home any envelopes?” Miss Pharmacist asked.
After a quick beat, I realized: yes. Yes, I *did* want to take home some envelopes.
Back in the Day
Back in the day when sending letters was the norm — as long as it wasn’t a bill — getting mail was actually exciting. Did Grandma send $20 for a birthday? Did dad send a postcard from his North Carolina business trip? Did my pen-pal send stickers and an update to her classroom drama? So many wholesome possibilities that made collecting the daily deliveries a prospect in anticipation.
And here we are now, as adults, somehow having forgotten the magic of snail mail.
When is the last time you got something fun in your mailbox? Emails don’t have the same warmth and intentional care. Texts are mundane and ephemeral. And in today’s society, phone calls can feel intrusive. I think it’s high time we bring back written personal correspondence.
Embracing Envelopes
These envelopes represent dipping my toes back into those postal waters. I chose pale pastels when selecting envelopes from the box — blue, teal, lilac, and pink. I’m going to find my long-abandoned box of stationary and get to work. I also think some new stickers may even be in order. It’s probably been 20 years since I’ve sent a letter to my pen-pal. She and I used to talk about books, boys, current events … Although we’re grown now, I know the foundation we built years ago is still there and ready for a new chapter. (Ishia, I’ll be reaching out for an updated mailing address!)
“But, Meg … I haven’t written a letter in years. I wouldn’t even know what to send!” I hear you, my hesitant respondent. Never fear, I’ve got you.
Sending Suggestions:
- Use a notecard to share a recipe that you think the recipient would enjoy.
- Cut out a newspaper or magazine article that reminds you of the recipient.
- Enclose a bookmark, sticker, or postcard for a pop of color.
- Write out lyrics to a song you both can relate to.
- Invite them to a random event you’d enjoy attending together – I’m looking at you, library book sale in a random county.
- Print out a meme that makes you laugh. Funnier to get it via USPS?
- Give a brief synopsis of a book you’ve recently read & know the recipient would enjoy.
- Send a COPY of the book mentioned above (okay … this most likely will need a bigger envelope …but still a great idea.)
In Conclusion
Do you have any additional recommendations for creating lively and welcome letters?
Let’s have a correspondence renaissance! I’d love to have y’all join me. And if you need any envelopes, reach out. I’ve apparently got the Hallmark hook-up 😉
Until next time, biddies, stay safe & know that you are loved!
