The Lost Art of Letter Writing

One of the most enjoyable things is to go to the mailbox and receive a letter from a friend or family member. All of the junk mail and bills that I typically receive in my mailbox can get depressing sometimes. A letter, thank you card, or invitation can brighten your day. One of my biggest pet peeves is when you give a gift to someone and do not receive a thank you card. It's something that I remember, I can't forget if I give someone a birthday gift, wedding gift, baby shower gift...you get the picture and don't receive a thank you. Invitations and thank you cards are the simplest way to start letter writing again - it is a lost art form and such an endearing way to communicate with the people that you care about the most.
I have an obsession with stationary and paper. I could spend hours looking at all the different types of card stock that is available for personalized stationary. Have you ever looked at the beautiful and fun address books that you can buy now? Imagine if you organized the addresses, not just phone numbers, of your family and friends in a beautiful book - how simple would it be to drop them a line every now and then?
One of my favorite websites is Wedding Paper Divas. Don't let the name fool you, they have other kinds of stationary as well. Also, you can get such beautiful stamps from the US Postal Service to finish off your letter writing look. For a $1.00 delivery fee, you can order these stamps online without having to wait in the line at the post office to buy Stamps.
If you're looking to be a DIY Stationary Diva - head over to your local Michael's and pick up blank card stock and matching envelopes. Most of these items come with an online template to format an invitation or create your own social stationary at a fraction of the cost. All you need is a laser printer, personal computer, and a little time.
What if you use the upcoming holiday season to begin your letter writing with cards and matching stamps? Imagine all those people whose day you would brighten with your thoughtfulness? How about using a card and envelope in lieu of Evite or MyPunchbowl to let your friend's know about a party you're hosting or a moving announcement that you send in the mail instead of via an e-mail? I've found that the more letters I write, the more letters I receive. It is another simple pleasure and so much better than an e-mail.