The Power of the Pen

One of my favorite past-times is writing letters and cards.  I have a stash of stamps and stickers and pens and sealing wax and notecards and stationary and ‘just plain’ writing paper and a variety of envelopes.  All these items are stored in a compact satchel that accompanies me on my travels – to work – for a jaunt in the car – to the library – while out running errands ... and of course, at home.  One never knows when a free moment or a fleeting thought will unexpectedly occasion a moment to put pen to paper. 

 My goal is to write a letter or note every day (which usually results in 3-4 letters in one day and none the rest of the week).  I search my mind for friends from years past and places far away.  Having been a military spouse, there are many crevices of the memory to delve into.  Next, I search the internet in hopes of finding an address; fingers-crossed that disappointment does not await me.  Lastly, the paper and stamp are carefully chosen for that ‘first impression’ the packet will make when spotted in the mailbox.  A few pieces of correspondence have been returned over the years as "undeliverable" ~ but that is to be expected when writing someone you have not had contact with for 30 or 40 years.

Recently, I posted a letter to an elderly, but very spry gentleman who has come in and out of my life during my 59 years.  The contents of the letter spoke primarily about our mutual love of art and creative expression.  There were other smatterings of miscellaneous chatter, but it is always my intent to keep my conversation light; inserting little quips to elicit smiles.  Much to my pleasure, I promptly received a letter, of sorts, in response. This nonagenarian (person in their 90's) had actually typed an email, printed it, and then mailed it to me via USPS.  He had answered all my questions, added some of his own thoughts and then referred me to the printed email and asked me "in the future, please use the above address."

Old, but spry !  86 years & 93 years, respectively ♡♡

I was quite dismayed.  Of all the people to whom I have written, I would never have expected this person to prefer email over snail mail.  And to answer your question, I will continue to correspond via USPS, not GMAIL.

Assuming someone will find these words, and read them, the point of this detailed novella about my penchant for letter writing was prompted by the 'printed email' I received.  This dear gentleman with whom I share a love of art, also noted that we share a love of writing.  He mentioned the "flare" my words carry and suggested I start to write my memoirs, as he had done about a decade ago.  He surmised that my "memoirs" would greatly surprise my mother.  But I have a secret ...

I have decided to become more faithful to writing posts in this blog, for I can say with some certainty that my mother has found it, and is reading my 225 (and counting) posts that span some recent years of my life.  And, as this gentleman predicted, I am sure Mom is surprised by some or possibly much of what she reads ... but she still loves me just the same for all my quirks and uniqueness.

I love you Mom .... Happy Reading.