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 Although it is dying, writing letters is still most definitely an art. Many of us are caught up in the dizzying swirls of e-mail and telephone conversations that writing letters on some pretty stationery, is almost a thing of the past. But although we might not have the time or the inclination to sit down and write letters, finding a letter with a stamp on it sitting there in the mailbox is a delightful experience.
The next time you have a little time on your hands, sit down and write a letter. Let's all work at keeping this art alive! Here are some extra suggestions: - Do a bit of prep work. Gather preceding correspondence with your pen pal, photos or news stories, bits of poetry, recipes, sketches, even scraps of material or pressed flowers - whatever would be of interest.
- Decide on your materials. Will your letter be on traditional stationery, scented and pretty stationery, or will you use graph paper, ruled work book paper, musical scoring or a card of some sort?
- Keep your recipient in mind. If he's a fashion-oriented person, describe what Aunt Gayathri wore to the family wedding, or the feel of the crepe silk you just bought.
- Include pictures, if you have them. Each is worth a thousand words - even if it's a bit fuzzy.
- Refer to a past letter if you're answering questions or continuing a saga. "Yes, as a matter of fact I did go to medical school as a result of your advice".
- Always date a letter, and note the time and weather if the recipient is in another climate, time zone or country. They might keep it forever.
Tips: - Make sure you number the pages for clarity.
- Don't write on both sides of a thin piece of notepaper.
- A handwritten letter is a wonderful, personal touch - if your handwriting is legible.
For heaven's sake, don't write just one letter, have it duplicated and send it to everyone in the family... YUCK!
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