the art of writing letters

Vintage letters...LOVE
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Have you ever gotten utterly ecstatic when an envelope or package arrived in the mail for you? Or when you received a letter from a distant friend--or maybe, from a-not-so distant friend?
I go into a state of rapturous delight when I get something in the mail or when I get a handwritten letter from someone. (it's been awhile though) It's just so...exciting somehow. I prefer getting postal mail (which I now know is also called: "snail mail") to getting emails. The art of writing letters seems to be a dying one. And I don't want to see that happen. Ever.

One of the great things about letters is: you can hold them in your hands. They're tangible---unlike their email counterparts. The lovely sounds of the envelope crinkling as you tear it open to get a glimpse of its contents. And with every rip and tear you get more and more excited. (just as you would with a Christmas present)
 Letters are personal. You know that the person who sent it to you, took their time to write it just for you. You can see their handwriting; elegant or scrawly. It doesn't matter. Knowing that they put pen to paper....is just beautiful. You can run your finger over the letters, feeling the indentations of each one.

I recently "interviewed" two friends about writing letters. I asked them how long it had been since they had last written a letter. One said, "About seven years ago." She wrote it for her brother when he was away.  The other replied "Two and a half weeks."
Upon the last response, I was a bit thrilled, but then became skeptical. "What was it about or for?" I ask.
I don't remember exactly what he said, but it pertained to his graduation or something or other.
I told him that that doesn't count. He rather disagreed.
He then said that he wrote his last personal letter about  two years ago.  (see, I told you)

Earlier this week, I sat down to write a letter. (It was kind of a rough draft, considering it was more like a story.)  It felt nice to sit down and write. Here pretty soon, I plan on using my quill and pot of blue ink to finish up that letter, and then it will be ready to send off in the mail. (don't worry! I'll keep you posted)


Writing letters. Its a beautiful thing.

Think about receiving a letter from an incredible, loyal friend - (or in some lovely cases, a significant other)  what would they tell  you?
Ponder upon the story and life of John Keats. How romantic his poetry and letters were to Miss Brawne. They spoke to each other primarily through letters. Which I'm sure every line of Keats' letters were beautiful and lyrical. Despite the fact that at times Keats seemed to be angry for loving her.
Think about the anticipation that Miss Brawn must have felt as she waited eagerly for his letters.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. "
~John Keats~
letters
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---When was the last time you wrote a letter?---

Comments

  1. i'll take an email, text or FB message over a letter any day

    i think Keats would feel the same today as mail delivered in his time would have used real horses for horse power

    instead of the engine emissions that now pollute the natural realm he loved so dearly

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  2. Letters are fabulous. I hope they never die out completely.

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  3. LOVE THIS POST!
    Your writing is truly amazing. I love the way you describe things. Magical.
    I love writing letters. <3
    -Kate

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  4. I know what you mean! My friend just moved to Maryland and we have been keeping in touch via letters-- so much fun!Following<3 alex

    tobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com

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  5. Hello Kate!
    I can't tell you how much you encouraged me by your comments on my blog and how much you brightened up my day. :)

    Thank you!

    Your blog is lovely, and I agree with you about writing letter writing. I don't want the art of letter writing to pass away. ever. I love it soooo much. I've gone through many pen-pals in my short lifetime. I wrote more when I was a young girl but just recently found myself a new pen-pal that I am super thrilled to be writing to. Loved this post.

    Blessings!

    ~Madi

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  6. writing is fadding away into nothing
    tell me when was the last time you wrote someone
    me its been about 6months give or take

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