I recently got this beautiful response from Becky in Colorado to the past Question of the Week: Why are you interested in this project? What is it that you like (or don’t like) about letter writing?
I loved Becky’s bright pink paper and cursive writing. I adored her thoroughly decorated and colorful envelope.
But, mostly, I loved what Becky had to say in response to the question:
May 1, 2012
Dear Lovely Handwritten Notes,
Hello! I am writing (rather late) to reply to your first question of the week. You ask what it is I like about letter writing and why I am interested in this project. Well, to be honest, I wasn’t all that interested in letter writing until about a year and a half ago. I have always enjoyed getting mail, of course. My grandparents and aunt in Arizona were usually the main source of any mail I received. I had pen pals in grade school, but once I got into those self-centered angsty teenage years, I guess I didn’t have time for that anymore. But then about a year and a half ago, my grandma got sick and entered hospice care. I flew to Arizona to be with her those last days. Out of that sad time came a closeness with that part of the family that wasn’t there before. While still in Arizona, I decided that I wanted to start sending things in the mail — the way my grandma liked to. It was a way to keep in touch with family, but also a way to connect with people more personally than through social networking, email, and text messages. My little mission was going very slowly at first. Many friends said they wanted to get on board — few of them actually wrote back. It was a couple months ago that I decided to start the Facebook page called “Why I Live At The P.O.” which then allowed me to stumble across all kinds of like-minded folks who are passionate about connecting through mail and the handwritten word. And there are great projects out there (like yours!). I wish you the best and I am excited to find your project at the beginning. I hope it brings you lots of joy and meaningful connections—
Sincerely,
Becky
I certainly encourage everyone to check out Becky’s Facebook page, “Why I Live At The P.O.” — http://www.facebook.com/WhyILiveAtThePO. It helped me open my project up to an ever-growing community of letter enthusiasts, and Becky always has some great posts to share.
Becky’s response warmed my heart, and reiterated to me how much letters are a part of history and of vital human connection.
Thanks so much for writing, Becky. Expect one your way soon. :)
