Cards As Letters

I have had a few of you asking me if postcards and greeting cards "count" as letters. The answer is yes, of course, AS LONG as the postcard or greeting card contains more than "Wish you were here!" or "From _____(insert name)" on it. The whole point of TLWR is that we take time to handwrite our thoughts onto paper and then place that paper into a mailbox.

I will admit, I am a bit of a stationary junkie........specifically when it comes to cards. I LOVE walking into a store that is dedicated to cards and stationary. Hallmark or Carleton Cards are okay but it's stores like The Papery on Bank Street in Ottawa (also in Toronto and Victoria, BC) or Paper/Papier in the Byward Market in Ottawa that really get my heart a flutter. I usually will collect about 15-20 cards that I love and then I will take time to go through them and decide on the ones I really must have. Cards are expensive. The average art card costing around $4-$5. This is a gift in itself. When I give a gift, I will normally make my own card.

I have a collection of cards that I keep on hand for events/situations that affect all of us. I like to have sympathy, encouragement and 'blank inside' cards on hand at all times. When I see paricularly moving cards, I buy them. You never know when you're going to need to send something more than a friendly letter.

I had two long phone conversations yesterday with two friends who are both going through difficult times. I want them to know that when we hang up the phone that they are still in my thoughts. The words written on the cards by the person employed by the card company could be enough and perhaps, I couldn't "say it" any better. It is important that when you send out cards of this type, you take the time to write even three sentences about how you are feeling and how you hope that the receiver of the card feels better soon.

For those of you who are reading my blog but have yet to actually write a letter,  perhaps you need to take baby steps and write in a card first. There is something so satisfying about starting out with blank paper or cards and then finishing with three or more addressed and stamped envelopes on your kitchen table waiting to be mailed. You can even combine the card and letter. Buy small sheets of blank stationary and write a short note in the card and then tuck your letter inside.

It's the long weekend in Canada..........set some time aside to write to someone who could use some encouragement or just a friendly, "Hello, I am thinking of you!"

The Seuss of Letter Writing

As far as hobbies and interests go, letter writing is one that is easily transportable. I always found it tricky taking my rug hooking or macrame to the ski hill for example.......just kidding. But letter writing supplies are  so easy to take along with you. Even if you don't bring anything with you and you find yourself anywhere, you can usually find a piece of paper or a postcard and write your note. Supplies for letter writing take up little room as well which is another added bonus.

Yesterday, I packed up and went to the beach with the intention of stretching out on my blanket and writing some letters. I was in great need of a few hours of R & R and I found it when I emerged from the trail onto the sandy and sunny beach. I set up my blanket under a young tree so that I was in partial shade and I proceeded to unpack all of my letter writing supplies.....cool paper, my pen and a firm magazine to write upon. I was pretty much all alone except for one other person...well actually two other people, a woman and her 7 year old daughter. Aside from the woman's annoying habit of whistling a happy tune, I had peace.

I managed to FINALLY write my letter to a soldier which was a bit more challenging than I expected. I am hoping he or she writes me back so that I have more to write about next time. I also got a letter out to a TLWR fan who has written to me and I sent a couple of letters out to friends. I plan to head back to the beach on Friday and will complete the rest of the letters that I need to write and send. It is so much more enjoyable having new stationary. Seriously.....makes a huge difference. For those of you who sent your addresses for the TLWR's "46 Letters in 46 Days Challenge," you'll be getting your letters in the next couple of weeks. Btw, for the late comers, if you would like to take part in the challenge, you have until July 31st to email me your snail mail address to keonjulie@hotmail.com

I will leave you with this poem I wrote this morning.

"Seuss for Letter Writers"

Would you write on a train?

Would you write on a plane?

Would you write anywhere?

Would you write without a care?

I will write on a train.

I will write on a plane.

I will write anywhere.

I will write without a care.

Can you write in your bed?

Can you write on a sled?

Though my hand may get a cramp

I will write on a ramp.

Would you write at the game?

Would you write in the rain?

In front of those who dare to complain?

I would write at the game.

I would write in the rain (under an umbrella, of course!)

Can you write with your seat belt on?

Can you write from dusk til dawn?

Writing letters is the way

A revolution to start the day.

I will write in my home.

I will write when I roam.

Leave it to me lads and ma'am.

The Letter Writing Revolution Creator, I AM!

Things Unsaid

We have all had experiences in our lives that didn't go the way we had wished. If we could sit down and plan out our lives from the beginning. most of us would tweak a few of the things we have had to go through and survive. Perhaps your life has been fairly uneventful and straight-forward. I highly doubt that every single day has been filled with rainbows and unicorns. It is just a part of life. The thing is, the majority of our experiences whether they be perceived as good or bad are usually shared with or involve at least one other person.

Ideally,when we come into this world, we would be assigned a guide....someone older with a large amount of life experience who possesses copious amounts of wisdom.  Now some may say that we are assigned that person in the form of our parent (s). I would think it would be a pretty sure bet that some of you reading this would strongly disagree. Yes, parents generally are wise simply because they have lived longer than their children however, parents are "winging it" to some degree. Also, many children are born to incompetent, abusive, shaming, miserable, neglectful parents. They don't measure up in the "wise guide" category. Those children probably wish they were assigned another adult to give them guidance.

When you experience those difficult times in life, we are usually ill-equipped to deal with them and bring closure to them. Often this is because we haven't completed the grief or the disappointment with the other person. We may be carting around anger towards the person (s) involved. Most of us are walking around with conversations that never happened but maybe should have happened swirling around in our heads. How many of us have stated, "I wish I would have said........" or "If I had one more moment with him, I would tell him........" or "I really should share this with her before it is too late......."?

Remember my post called "Hard to Write Letters?" Well, I stumbled across a blog yesterday that is a close cousin of the "Hard to Write Letters" and this blog is a very cool idea that I wanted to share with you. It's called "The Things Unsaid Project." Here is what it is all about in a nutshell:

“The Things Unsaid Project” is a daring new social art project that allows individuals the opportunity to voice their long-silent words and remind us all of our shared connections, emotions, and experiences. We all have things we’ve wanted to say, but—for whatever reason—haven’t voiced. From apologies and admiration to gratitude and aggravation, “The Things Unsaid Project” offers you the chance to share those missing words, to communicate those “things unsaid” and release your thoughts into the world.

Here’s how you can participate:

1.) Address your letter to a person or group (i.e. Dear Mom, Dear Joey, To My Classmates, To the Girl on the #91 Bus on Tuesday Morning). Please do not be specific enough, such as using last names, that the recipient is clearly identifiable.


2.) Handwrite a one-page letter (front side only) sharing what you’ve wanted to say but never have.


3.) Please keep the letter anonymous and do not sign your name.

4.) Seal your completed letter in an envelope and send to: The Things Unsaid Project, P.O. Box 1103, Park Ridge, IL, 60068.

5.) Return to www.thingsunsaidproject.wordpress.com to read others’ unsaid thoughts and see if your letter has been posted. Letters will begin being posted on June 1.

6.) Please tell others about The Things Unsaid Project.

Please note that in mailing and submitting your anonymous letter, you grant “The Things Unsaid Project” full permission to include your letter on the web, in print, in any visual art display, and/or any related project ventures. “The Things Unsaid Project” also reserves the right to edit, to the best of its judgment, any sensitive or identifying information. “The Things Unsaid Project” welcomes your participation and looks forward to receiving your letter.

Sincerely,
“The Things Unsaid Project”

I think this is a very cool concept. Not sure if I have anything unsaid to write as I have always been a rather upfront kind of a gal. I have made peace with those I needed to make peace with. If you have something to say that you have been harbouring for months or even years, this might be a good opportunityt o unload it. Free this toxic energy.

Welcome Home, Tiny Star

In a past life (past meaning before now but still in this lifetime), I was a Doula. I suppose I am still a Doula. It's not really something you do as much as something you are. For those of you who may not know what a Doula is or does, I had the privilege of assisting mothers (and their partners) in childbirth. No, I am not a Midwife. I have a different role than a Midwife. A Midwife's main concern is the healthy arrival of the baby and a very close second is the well-being of the mother. A Doula puts all of her love and energy into the well-being of the mother first. Of course, we are also hopeful for the healthy arrival of the newborn. Our role is to provide emotional & physical support to the parents although we do not perform any clinical duties.

So, anyway, I was a Doula and only retired a year ago August 2nd when I had to recognize that mothering a child with severe special needs and being on-call to help other mothers (and fathers) bring their babies into the world did not go hand-in-hand. And so, I hung up my doula hat.

In the time that I was a Doula, I wrote over 100 very special letters. Every baby that was born received a letter describing the day they were born and the moments/hours that followed. I admit that I do have several notebooks of chicken scratched notes of the details of births long past that have never made it into a letter. This is something that I still intend on completing "one of these days." These letters to "my" babies marked the beginning of their lives and their histories that they began creating on that day they were born. They also became a record of the journey of labour and birth that the mamas endured and experienced.........shedding light on sometimes forgotten moments..........clarifying those things that brought confusion and perhaps adding a positive spin on things that occurred in a birth that unfolded exactly opposite of what she had imagined. Sadly, after a hard drive crash, my husband discovered that only one file on the entire system had not been backed up. This file contained 10 years worth of birth stories. Here's an excerpt from one of the letters I still have a copy of:

....................There was a breeze blowing the curtains and the sun was shining on the midwife. It was a glorious evening to be born! At 6:53pm, the midwife did an exam and determined that your mom's cervix was 7-8cm dilated and that your head was low and waters were bulging. Five minutes later, you were born!!! In seconds, your head was crowning and then three pushes and you were out. Your Auntie held your mom’s leg and the midwife climbed up onto the bed to catch you. Your Granny was standing in the corner praying as though her life depended on it. The midwife told me after that she thought she was just standing in the corner swearing!!

You let out a BIG wail immediately and you were so gorgeous. Your dad cut the cord at 7pm. Here are some things people said right after your birth:

“What is it?” (your mom)

“A girl!” (your dad)

“A girl???” (your mom)

“Yes, a girl!!” (your dad)

“Wait until we tell your dad that we had a girl!” (your mom to your dad)

“She sounds like her brother.” (your mom)

“Look at her eyebrows.” (your mom)

“She looks like you when you were a baby.” (your Aunt to your mommy)

At 7:10pm, the placenta was birthed and by 7:14pm, the midwife had checked your mom out thoroughly and everything was relatively intact. Your mom and dad started making phone calls around 7:20pm. Everyone was thrilled and relieved that all was well.............

I always ended the letters with "And this is how everything unfolded on the day you were born." I know that these letters are treasured and I hope that every single one has been preserved as there are no copies of them anywhere now.

I also received many handwritten notes and letters from my clients and  have kept every single one. Being a Doula, gave my life tremendous purpose and the privilege of being a part of such an incredible experience, made all of the long and unpredictable hours worth it all.

I will close with a letter that was written to me when I left Victoria, BC, in 2000 to begin a new life in Ottawa, ON.

To My Doula, Julie;

I was thinking about you last night. I wanted to say how wonderful you were at my birth and how lucky I was to have met you when I did. And how amazing you are at what you do. Do keep it up because you have found your true vocation in life. I believe that so few people have found their calling. Not many people can do what you do so well. It is a true gift to fill such a fragile position at such a vulnerable time in a woman's life. And remember: Your vocation travels unlike many others. Pregnant women abound the world over. There are no geographical boundaries associated with giving birth and your vocation. I hope that you do not lament so much where you are because you are an asset wherever you go. Thinking about you and thinking about my birth.

Because I was self-employed and doing the work of a "woman's servant" (the apparent meaning of the word 'Doula'), these letters and notes were my points of reference, my pat on the back and my gage as to how I was doing in this very important role. Now that I am a mother of a child with significant special needs, I make it a point to write notes and cards to my daughter's many therapists, caregivers and specialists who walk this road with us. Taking time to express your thoughts in writing is invaluable to the receiver.

Think about some of the professionals in your life and let them know that you appreciate their dedication and the good work they do. Let them know in the form of a handwritten letter.

***This post is dedicated to Doula Emmanuelle, who is patiently waiting for a labour to begin before she leaves for her holidays on Friday.***

I'm Back

It is Sunday evening and the gallery exhibit is over. I can now return to writing this blog which has been dreadfully neglected.

Prior to arriving at the gallery this morning, I zipped into the Glebe area of Ottawa with one goal in mind: stationary. I had about 15 minutes to gather some much needed letter writing supplies and so I visited The Papery shop. Ooohhhhhh, the beautiful paper, cards, pens, envelopes, letter writing sets.....

I have many letters to write and the only thing stopping me is the lack of writing paper. I did get creative and decorate some plain coloured sheets of paper with magazine clippings a couple of weeks ago but even that supply is dwindling. One such page of homemade stationary went to our local farmer who grows the weekly basket of veggies we receive. Check out a recent post at Rural Rainbow Ramblings regarding the love letter they received.. We are so appreciative of the hard work going on at their organic farm that I had to express my love and thoughts in a letter to them. I spoke with the owner and she was so thrilled to pick up the mail and find an actual letter. The interns working the farm this summer were equally delighted and she said it gave them all a real boost. Oh, the power of the handwritten letter.

If the sun is shining tomorrow, I am heading straight to the beach with my supplies and a few of you will be getting letters this week. I am also beginning the "46 Letters in 46 Days" Challenge so if you sent your mailing address to me, you can expect a letter in the next couples of weeks. If you haven't done so, there is still time. Just send your snail mail address to keonjulie@hotmail.com with TLWR as your subject line.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post.
Stephanie G.......your postcard finally arrived. I will be writing to you soon!

I look forward to hearing from you and hearing your comments about your own letter writing adventures.

Remembering a Time

I am back..........
I was never really gone but as I mentioned in a previous post, I am very busy getting ready for an art exhibit this weekend and so I am spending my spare moments doing all of the last minute tasks. I promise to be a more regular blogger when the exhibit is finished and I can return to a less hectic pace. Who am I kidding? I am doubtful that my life will ever reach a less hectic pace.....at least not anytime soon. But after this weekend, I will have more time to focus on my blog and letter writing.

In the midst of my busy-ness, I have managed to write a few letters. I am a little disappointed at the submissions for my 45 Letters in 45 Days Challenge. At this rate, I will be able to write all of the letters to the respondants within a week. Not much of a challenge but for those of you who have sent me your addresses, you will be getting a letter. If you are expecting a letter because I know you and have your address already, send me a friendly reminder as I do not go through all of my followers to see who I know and who I do not know. Come one, come all.......experience the anticipation of a letter in your mailbox.

I have been trying to figure out a way to match same aged children as pen pals as a few of you have mentioned that your children want penpals. Send me your child's age and name and I will find them a pen pal. Of course, I will be sure it is someone I know personally.

I stopped in at my mom's house this morning and on the table was an old letter that I had written in December 1996. I was living in Victoria, BC and the letter was sent home in a package filled with homemade gifts for my family. It was my first Christmas on my own. I had had only one other Christmas away from home in 1990 but I was with my older sister, then. We were backpacking through Europe and spent it in France. Reading this letter today brought back so many memories. I had made seashell tree ornaments with shells I found on the beach by my home and embedded them into discs made of Dass clay. I also sent home fresh holly which didn't grow in my home province of Ontario. I laughed when I read that my then boyfriend (now husband) kept watch as I chopped the holly from someone's tree in their yard. When I read this to my husband, he said, "Oh, ya, I forgot about that." So had I.

The humble letter....bringer of joy (most of the time) to the receiver, therapeutic (most of the time) to the writer and an unintentional recorder of history. The hundreds of letters contained in my trunk hold memories that have long slipped away from my mind. This is one of the reasons it is critical that we keep it alive and not let it dissolve in the next one or two generations.

Did any of you write to someone lately purely because you were motivated to by The Letter Writing Revolution? Has anyone written that love letter or a letter to a soldier? I would like to hear from you.

I have some great ideas for this blog but alas they will have to wait until this art show has been completed.
I look forward to hearing about your letter writing experiences.

50 Followers and An Award to Boot!

Look at that! An award for my very new blog. Thanks to Cat at AmLo Farms for choosing The Letter Writing Revolution as one of her top ten deserving blogs. Wow! I am really pleased because Cat isn't a family member or a close friend in real life. She is really a stranger who found me through someone else's blog and she liked it enough to send that wee award above to me. Cool.
Of course, I gratefully accept this award but there are rules for the acceptance of the award which are:

• Thank the blogger who bestowed the Award on you.
• Sum up your blogging experience, philosophy and motivation in five (5) words.
• Pass the Award on to 10 deserving bloggers.

Thank you, Cat, I am flattered and thrilled that you chose me as one of your top ten deserving blogs especially since I don't know you personally and therefore you didn't feel obligated to pick me :-)
Five Words: Revitalizing the Art of Letterwriting (that's all one word, right?).
This is where I have run into a bit of a problem. I have just started this whole blogging thing so I am quite unfamiliar with the bazillions of blogs out there. I read maybe only a handful regularly but I am slowly discovering more and more. So, for the sake of sharing those favs with you. I will list them here:
The Knitty Gritty Homestead
The Gluten Free Goddess
1000 Awesome Things
Simplicity Mom
Twig and Toadstool
Rural Rainbow Ramblings

But, I am going to keep looking around and as I discover more favourites, I will share this award with them.

I have had two requests from mothers looking for pen pals for their children. You've come to the right place! I am your Letter Writing Queen Hook Up. You want a letter? I'll write you one. You need a pen pal for your child? I will find you someone. You want to write a letter? My mailbox awaits.

I better get writing.........YOUR mailbox awaits.