The art of penning letters: sounds divinely grand; on pretty, fancy stationary: an item to be desired; but honestly speaking, writing a letter on plain white notebook paper works beautifully and as an added bonus penciled drawings throughout the letter, if time affords, give charm that can not be purchased with any amount of money.
There's a shoebox in my closet filled with handwritten letters from a dear friend.We have enjoyed years of writing letters to one another, so much sharing back and forth. I remind her that when she becomes "famous", her family must be informed to contact me because I have bits of her life in print that would help write her biography. Bits of life..... rather like some blogs I imagine. Family, husband and children(her six, my four), recipes, gardening, knitting, sewing, moving to different locations, animals and pets, vacations, books read, almost any subject is open to be expressed at any given time.
When I receive a letter from her I find a comfortable spot, sit myself down and immediately indulge myself with every single word written on those pages. I have smiled, laughed, sighed and cried upon reading her letters. She speaks to me through these words and unlike computers, it is in her own handwriting and that is what makes it have a poignancy of delight upon which there is no substitute.
There is a favorite biography of mine entitled, More Love To Thee, The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss by George Lewis Prentiss. A large part of this book includes letters written by her and to her from family members, friends and acquaintances. These letters make her real and you are able to relate to the diurnality of her life as you read. You see her strengths and weakness, her struggles and her victories.
It is all worth writing, with a pen in hand on paper.
2 comments:
What a treasure to have that kind of heartfelt communication, to know someone. That is a gift.
The picture you have a your blog is splendid, like you are holding the moment still, not wanting to let go.
I'm sorry that link didn't work for the tea. Kim, at the Victorian Parlor is hosting. You can check out her invite at this address - http://thevictorianparlor.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-tea-party-invitation.html - sorry I don't know how to link it in the comment box.
I'm going to have tea with my son that day. We'll drink out of the elephant tea set he gave me for Christmas. Maybe we'll have some cookies and play a few simple games, or maybe we'll just talk.
It's so true. Where would we be if people hadn't penned letters and journals about their lives and experiences. So much of history and who we are and where we've come from would be lost....
I agree with crochet lady-you have a sweet gift hiding in that shoebox.
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