A Note To The Stylish & To Those Who Wish To Become More So:
The art of the hand written letter seems to be losing it's place today. This travesty came to my attention after asking my best friend and confidant if she had any topics she would like to contribute to in this blog. It is my wish that after today you will be excited to invest in some stationary (there are so many types just begging to be scribbled all over and sent off for a friend to love! Of course I have included a link to my personal design, available for purchase, above. I'm telling you, the paper quality is simply luxurious!) and realize the power of your personal words transfered from pen to paper.
For years now Joanna and I have mailed one another a particular kind of card, establishing quite a collection of them by now and in the process capturing so many stories! It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Joanna Brock, epistolary queen, and her thoughts on the lost art of the letter:
Chels,
You are so kind to indulge me on this blog post! Here are my thoughts on letter writing:
Style is far more complex than the clothes on your back, the shoes on your feet and the gems sparkling on your fingers. Style is not fashion. Style is a way of life. It affects everything about you and it comes from the depths of your being. Anyone can wear couture, anyone can follow the fashions of the day, but style is bigger than that. Style is class before it is fashion. Classy stylish women have an air about them. They know how to treat their family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and "enemies" in such a way that makes those people feel special (maybe it makes the "enemies" feel uncomfortable - like they need to watch their back, or something. but really it's just class).
This seems like a rather involved introduction to why I love writing (and receiving) letters, but it matters. I applaud anyone who can facebook everyone on their birthday and never miss. The dedication it takes to tweet a response to all your friend's comments everyday is impressive. But when was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend just because you wanted to? I don't mean a quick email or even a text (that's long-hand for "txt"), I mean a full out paper and pen, cursive (or not) note that gets an envelope, address, and a *gasp* 44cent stamp.
Chelsea, the freshink cards that we have written to each other over the last decade have meant a tremendous amount to our friendship. It always made my day to get a card from you while hundreds of miles away at school. It always made me happy to sit down and write a card to you - it is a peaceful moment in a very busy life. Not to mention how much fun it is to go to Hallmark and sift through the cards until you find just the right one (though now, I tend to lean toward LibbysLine cards). I fully believe that those cards helped cement our best friendship-ness.
I think classy ladies realize the importance of taking a few moments to write a note to a friend. When a loved one passes away, those cards are tangible bits of love and support that a person can hold on to and read over and over when needed. I have shoeboxes full of engagement and wedding cards. I have piles of cards from you, Chels (which, I fully intend to publish into one of those fun little books someday). Classy ladies can pick the right card or paper, they can decide which pen suits the situation (is this a ball-point card or an ultra-fine sharpie card?).
Long story short - a classy lady realizes that writing letters is STILL in style and should not be ignored!!
I'm not trying to write the blog for you - though it kind of sounds like it - but this is just a bit of what I think about it.
Love you! -Joanna P. Brock
Love you! -Joanna P. Brock
Joanna helping with the floral placement on my wedding day.
Beautifully said, Joanna! Let us celebrate Snail Mail!
With Love,
Chelsea
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