A handwritten note is such a simple and yet powerful way to connect with others. Don’t get me wrong I love to text, email and even post on people’s facebook walls. They are all fun, easy and convenient ways to send messages. A handwritten note, however,is charming, and I have been a lucky receiver lately.
Imagine, here is little ole me going about my day, heading out to collect, what lately seems like the endless pile of bills and “important papers”. Then I see it, the pretty handwritten envelope. Yes, someone had not only written beautiful words on a card for me they also took the time to put the card in an envelope, address it, attach a stamp and mail it. Now I was tempted to rip that envelope open as I stood in the middle of the lawn. To not take the opportunity to capture the true essence of this gesture and then I stopped and decided to savour the moment. I wandered in, made a cup of tea and sat down to gently open it.
You see sisterly intuition was at work this day. My insightful sister, Deb, had sent me a card full of beautiful words of encouragement and it had arrived on the actual day I was preparing to publish my first ever blog post. Now although my blog topic was cloaked in secrecy Deb instinctively knew exactly what I would need to hear. The card was inspirational and perfectly timed. I stared at those beautiful handwritten words and then courageously stood up ready to publish.
As I came in late last night I collected the mail and once again I noticed a smaller sized envelope tucked in with the bills. Mmmm what could it be, I l was intrigued. You see I have an incredible group of friends who truly inspire me with their extreme thoughtfulness. Last week we had a little get together when one friend actually took a group of us on a surprise outing to celebrate her birthday. If that was not enough generosity she had also sent me a card full of delicious handwritten words to thank me for celebrating with her. This is one of the breathtaking moments that I seek to capture, the power behind the handwritten words.
My most profound note came this morning as I busily packed lunch boxes and checked for library bags. I noticed a piece of paper on the bench. It was folded in half with the words Mum The Best Mum. I opened it and as I began to read my heart ached. The purple sparkly pen was delivering me a powerful message from my beautiful daughter, Phoenix. She was describing how grown up she feels now and asked me to remember she is not a baby anymore. Wow, I do know at 8 years old she is not a baby and yet somehow I choose to still see that vulnerable little bundle and I want to protect her like the day she was born. Yet to see those words written there in her pretty gel pen I knew it was time to take a step back.
Oh the power of the handwritten note.

Funny. I’ve been on the receiving end of a hand written note from you once and I was so appreciative! It came at a time when the view of someone other than myself was very much needed! On the day, I felt it actually meant even more because of the time, preparation, thought and intent that had to go into getting that message to me! Love a handwritten note!
Kelly looks like we will be keeping the mail man busy.
I love shopping for cards to thank, inspire and congratulate those that I care about as in the process it encourages me.
Deb there is pleasure in the giving as well. Thanks for sending your thoughts my way.
Karen, I’m also constantly on the lookout for cards to send those “just because I’m thinking of you” notes. I really love postcards for this purpose too. You are so right, there is nothing like finding a handwritten note in your mail – a real day brightener!
Mo I am always looking for cards, that was how I found Liv Lane, I was looking at her cards.