Today’s letters are traveling all the way to Australia! Kathleen is a long-time supporter of snail mail and Letters from Lauren. The poor darling has attempted to send me not one BUT two post cards. And despite having the correct address, both have been returned! I just had to return the favor. Meaghan, a sweet fifteen-year-old requested a letter. She loves to send them, but her mailbox never feels full enough. I know how exciting mail call is (at any age) and was happy to oblige.
I got a very tall request all the way from Singapore. Bethany wanted not one, but three letters sent to some very special people in her life. And “ASAP please!” I of course obliged and reminded Bethany they don’t call it snail mail for nothing. Here’s hoping the post is swift across oceans.
I try not to play favorites when it comes to letters, but this request from a secret admirer in England tops the charts. I am such a sucker for letters of love. The wooer’s email was so heartfelt and genuine, just bursting with sweet sentiments. He even created a special email address to keep his identity a secret from his ‘mates’. I hope the lucky lady feels extra special and cherished.
Nancy sweetly sent along some mail and asked if I might be interested in being pen pals. I was so sad to turn her down. But naturally, I pointed her in the direction of the Letter Writers Alliance (and no, I am not their spokesperson). I’ve also heard good things about the email-driven Pen Pal World, where you can pair up with correspondents all over the globe. I love knowing pen pals still exist, don’t you?!
I wanted to give you guys lots of letters this week to make up for my lack of correspondence last week. Today I sent two notes to lovely strangers. Annemarie is a stationery-shop-wannabe-owner like me and fellow LWA member! And Ashanti hung up his lab coat in pursuit of calligraphy. I know I could be real friends with these two.
Facebook came on the scene while I was in college, but I didn’t join until a few years later. The best part? Connecting with people you’ve lost touch with… like your old babysitter. My childhood sitter found me through facebook and requested a letter for her daughter. How sweet and serendipitous is that?!
I love to travel and nothing tickles me more than posting an international letter. Today’s letters go to two ladies with the same adventurer spirit: Lauren is making maps in Africa and Sabeen is seeing the world one country at a time.
…
May 31, 2011
one hundred and fifty:
Lauren,
How’s life in Africa treating you? Blake told me about your fabulous job—I’ve never met a cartographer before! Were you always interested in maps? I worked at a magazine for a few years and was responsible for sketching maps. And that was a doozy! I really admire your talent. I hear you’re learning French too. I bet you’ll be speaking like a native in no time. Best of luck on this fabulous adventure!
Fondly,
Lauren
+
one hundred and fifty and a half:
Sabeen,
My name is Lauren. I’ve taken on a little project this year—I am writing a letter a day in 2011. Your friend Christina suggested I send you a letter.
She tells me you are quite the traveler (and post card sender). Have you really been to forty-two countries? I love to travel. I think I inherited my wanderlust from my Mom; she was a flight attendant for thirty years.
Do you have a favorite place? I have always loved Europe, especially London. And Barcelona is one of the coolest cities—the culture and the food are so inspiring!
I would love to hear about your adventures should you feel like posting an extra letter, wink. Safe travels wherever you are headed next! I’ll be thinking (er, envying) you!
Best,
Lauren
Today’s letters go out to two exceptional women. Bryanne told me all about her lovely grandmother who recently celebrated a big birthday. And Amy told me exactly what to pen to her friend Sara, the doer! I hope these gals like their mail!
…
May 24, 2011
one hundred and forty-three:
Ethel,
Your eldest granddaughter Bryanne told me how much you enjoy hand written letters, so I thought I’d add another one to your mailbox. I hope you’ve settled into your summer address in Wisconsin and are enjoying the blooms and butterflies of the season. I have a feeling it’s going to be a hot one! And I know I’m a little late, but I heard you recently celebrated your 90th Birthday! Happy, Happy! You must have some stories. Enjoy the summer breezes and your family (who love you so much!).
Fondly,
Lauren
Rossler Papier (Kate’s Paperie)
+
one hundred and forty-three and a half:
Sara,
Congratulations on being a doer!
Love,
Amy (+ Lauren )
Today I pulled from the ol’ requests file. I’ve been wanting to write this letter for a while now. I got a lovely note from Laurean who told me all about her wonderful boyfriend. As she described it, he is her Jack (as in Titanic)—love that! So I penned a little love note on her behalf.
…
May 22, 2011
Laurean is completely smitten with you! She sent me a note sharing your many talents, going so far as to call you a renaissance man— perhaps the ultimate compliment?! She gushed about your caring nature and your brilliant artistic abilities but failed to mention your name. She is so fond of your romantic gestures and wanted you to feel especially loved for a change.
Laurean appreciates your unwavering support and guidance in her life. Your love fills her with joy, coloring her days and lighting up her nights. Her heart beats with anticipation for the time you spend together. You are the king of her world.
She (+ I) thought you should know. I wish you a happily ever after straight out of a movie (without any sinking ships of course).
Fondly,
Lauren
Kate’s Paperie (with some help from the Valentine)
Today’s letter goes to a lovely lady who unselfishly sends hand written letters but rarely receives them (Attention Judy’s Family + Friends: Shame on you, pick up your pens!). I so appreciate the world’s letter-writers and decided it was time for Ms. Judy’s mailbox to get something other than bills.
…
May 20, 2011
Judy,
I commend your efforts—letter writing is a wonderful art. And I can’t help but celebrate those who share my penchant for paper! I am certain your friends treasure your correspondence even if they don’t always write back. In the days of email and 140 character messages, I think a lot of people have forgotten how to pen a proper note. It’s nice to know there are devotees out there, keeping the tradition alive.
I recently discovered a great collection of love letters you may like, “Other People’s Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See.” I mean the title alone has you at hello, no? It’s good stuff. Perhaps it will inspire your next letter to the one you love?
Thanks for writing (and for reading). May this letter be one of many in your mailbox!
All the best,
Lauren
R. Nichols (graciously donated–thank you!)
