Mom’s Day, May 13th
11:17 pm in Holiday by Carol Christmas
May 10, 2012
Two Moms at the Post Office
Two Moms at the Post Office
May 10, 2012
The Writing Master
5:34 pm in Newsflash by Carol Christmas
Kitty Burns Florey's new novel, The Writing Master
May 6, 2012
I am quite excited to tell you about The Writing Master! Script & Scribble‘s author, Kitty Burns Florey, once again enchants us with the power of the handwritten word through the hand that scripts it.
This Victorian novel is based on the life of Charles Cooper, a penman who lives in in New Haven, Connecticut in the middle of the nineteenth century.
The story opens with a letter and also ends with one.
Oddly enough, The Writing Master is currently only available in Kindle or Nook formats. So, I urge all of you who own an ebook to go to Amazon: The Writing Master or Barnes & Noble and download Kitty’s new book.
I don’t presently own an electronic book, but I’m anxiously looking for a friend who has one, so I can enjoy reading The Writing Master.
“Just a note to say I care…”
8:24 pm in Main by Carol Christmas
March 30, 2012
…It was a year ago, I had major surgery for cancer. In celebration of my anniversary and my clean bill of health, I want to finish the post I started:
“How to Write a Get Well Letter.”
Being in their shoes…You know, this culture values us by how productive we are. Multitasking is so desirable. Yet in that light, when someone becomes ill and “unproductive”, society marginalizes them…They fall between the cracks and are almost invisible. One is definitely “out-of-the-game.” Not only is one sick, the individual gets snubbed by society and is left battling an inner sense of worthlessness.
Being supportive…Reaching out, sending support and encouragement to a friend or relative who is having a challenging health condition is so necessary and important. Love definitely aids the healing process. Sending a card, note, flowers, fruit basket, book, whatever is appropriate- conveys that you care and are thinking of the individual who is isolated by poor health.
What to say?…Stay positive, do not add to their burden. Keep it brief. Do not minimize their condition. And do not diagnose the illness or give any unsolicited medical advice. Wish for a fast and full recovery, if that is possible.
Words…”Get well quickly.” “Feel better soon.” ”We wish you a speedy recovery.” “Hope each new day finds you feeling better.” “Hope your hospital stay will be a short one.” “Just a note to let you know how much I care.”…If full recovery is not a possibility, then you might say: “Feel better, ” or “Hang in there.”
Gift of time…Offer help if it’s appropriate and you can really pitch in somehow. (For me, it was getting someone to feed my stray cats! I also needed rides to doctor’s appointments.) Be mindful of your friend’s requirements and need for privacy. Do sincerely offer help and don’t feel rejected if they say “no” the first time. Keep trying, the thought counts!
When in doubt…Send a card with a short note inside. Choose a card that your friend can relate to, something cheerful, humorous, if possible. “Laughter is the best medicine!” Share some good news with them. Keep them in the loop. Enclose a photo, cartoon, drawing, or something cheerful and upbeat.
Important note…Don’t expect them to write back. Try to contact a designated caregiver, perhaps a close relative that will keep you informed. Send your card, and call and/or visit if it’s appropriate. Cards and notes are non-threatening and they are great morale boosters!
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My 2 cents…
I received cards and flowers and a fruit basket when I was sick. The outpouring of love that I felt from my friends and community was like a huge hug. My heart fills with gratitude when I think about all the love that came my way during that time.
From my own firsthand experience, I can tell you how very special it is to receive a get well card/letter in the mail. Please don’t hesitate, if you have a loved one who is ill.
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References:
Bly, Robert W. Webster’s New World Letter Writing Handbook. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing, Inc. , 2004
Daniel, J. Beverly. Finding the Right Words. New York: Pocket Books, 2003.
Shepherd, Margaret. The Art of the Personal Letter. A Guide to Connecting through the Written Word.
New York: Broadway Books, 2008.
Cherry Blossom Celebration!
12:20 am in Special Occasions by Carol Christmas
"Cherry Blossom Centennial" by Paul Rogers
March 28, 2012
Springtime in Washington, D.C. is a celebration of the budding beauty of cherry blossoms. There is an annual Cherry Blossom Festival which is scheduled in April. This year, however, with an unusually mild winter and an early spring, the cherry trees are in blossom now, a whole month ahead of schedule!
Last Friday, the USPS issued this beautiful “Cherry Blossom Centennial” stamp. It “celebrates the friendship between Japan and America- a friendship that found enduring expression when the city of Tokyo gave 3,020 cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C.”- USA Philatelic catalog
Stamp artist, Paul Rogers, designed this panorama centered around the Tidal Basin with the group on the left dressed in 1912 attire including 2 women wearing kimonos. The figures on the right are wearing contemporary garb.
He explains, ” Stamps are a part of people’s lives. You want to get the design right…because it’s going to be around for a while.”
I am thrilled that the USPS has given us this lasting visual souvenir of such a lovey natural occurrence. No doubt, the “Cherry Blossom Centennial” will be a very popular stamp. Already, it is one of my favorites!!!
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Reference: USA PHILATELIC 2012 / volume 17 / Quarter 1
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c.j. comments:
Isn’t this the most BEAUTIFUL stamp set?? The stamps look beautiful used as singles, but I am so tempted to use the 2 together, and waste that extra money just to keep those two intact as the LOVELY MURAL that it forms! I am in heaven!!!
St. Patrick’s Day Greeting
8:22 pm in Guest Author, Holiday by Carol Christmas
Murrish Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Ireland...Photo by C.J. Petersen 2001
Irish Blessing
March 17, 2012
c.j. sent me this beautiful card and I want to share
this lovely blessing with you.
St. Patrick’s Day means Spring is officially around
the corner!!! Hurray!
“D-liver D-letter D-sooner D-better”
7:42 pm in Newsflash by Carol Christmas
logo by Gini Ogle
March 12, 2012
Call for Entries…
The 2012 Graceful Envelope Contest
D-liver D-letter D-sooner D-better
That familiar message — built around the letter D — has been taken to heart by the nation’s letter carriers, who D-liver 170 billion pieces of mail each year. With that letter in mind, your challenge this year is to create a Graceful Envelope around something that begins with D. You could choose Daisies or Dragons, Dentistry or Dancing, Dreaming or Discoveries — any “D” word your heart D-sires.
Designs that incorporate postage stamp(s) into the theme are encouraged. Judges look for skill in lettering, effective use of color and design, and creative interpretation of the theme.
We look forward to receiving your D-signs (D-sooner D-better, but at least by the postmark deadline of Monday, April 30, 2012). Address the envelope artistically to:
The Graceful Envelope Contest
Washington Calligraphers Guild
P.O. Box 3688
Merrifield, VA 22116
For complete rules or to view last year’s winning envelopes, go to www.calligraphersguild.org
“Do you still write letters?”
6:57 pm in Newsflash by Carol Christmas
Letter Nostalgique by Rebecca Sower
March 12, 2012
In a recent “Sound Off” in the local paper, The New Haven Register, the question was:
Do you still write letters?
Out of 26 respondents, only 4 regrettably said: “No.”
The comments are worth sharing…
- “It’s the best way to communicate.” -Ray
- “It is the greatest form of respect.” -Elsa
- “I like the personal touch.” -Barbara
- “A letter comes straight from your heart.” -Sharyn
- “I write letters and cards and I love to get letters and cards. It makes my day. I’ll keep doing this as long as there’s mail.” -Lois
- One “No” said: “My pen pals have died.” -Stan. And,
- Peggy said, “No. I kind of miss getting letters.”
I am not sure what segment of the population was surveyed here, but in that particular group, letter writing is alive and well! _______________________________________________________
Speaking of letters, I want to put in my 2 cents about The Month of Letters Challenge. I wrote 30 letters. I didn’t mail them on each postal business day as instructed. I claim ”artistic license!” I am happy to report that I have caught up on my correspondence. Well, that is until the mailman brings me your next letter!
Jonathan, who also participated in The Challenge, wrote his last letter of the month to me. That was number 83!!! Congratulations to Jonathan.
Mary Robinette Kowal, the originator of this letter writing blitz, wrote back to me on February 20th, and that was her 219th letter…I am quite anxious to know just how many more letters she generated. I sincerely feel that she deserves an award from the USPS, for single handedly increasing mail volume throughout the month of February.
Bravo to MRK! She told me that she intends to repeat this letter writing adventure again next year. So keep that in mind when you are planning for February 2013.
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“Letters from the Heart”
1:38 pm in Main by Carol Christmas
February 20, 2012
With Valentine’s Day behind us, I’d like to expand the energy and talk about “Letters from the Heart.” These could be love letters, letters of appreciation, affection, encouragement, gratitude, friendship, and even sympathy…Now, we can discuss a connection mindset without the backdrop of a commercially motivated holiday.
“Letters from the Heart” are always love letters. “Love, (defined), is the essence of contentment and the foundation of serenity. It is (your) spirit reaching out to make connections. Love overcomes grief, harbors no ill will and heals all separations.” -K.Tyler and J. Drake
Yes, love makes connections, and that is something so easily accomplished by writing a letter. Penned words on paper show a commitment!
Love letters are enduring keepsakes. Personal histories are recorded and saved… courtships, family milestones, births, deaths, etc. Just think, John and Abigail Adams together wrote over 1200 letters, recording America’s history along with their personal correspondence.
Love letters can be written anytime, not just at a holiday. Please do not feel limited. These letters are “appropriate anytime the spirit moves you.”Actually, the more often you write a heartfelt letter, the easier the task becomes…Remember both parties benefit as one letter opens two hearts.
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Tips for Writing Letters from the Heart:
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Allow your personality to shine through in your writing. Use a conversational style. Include a photo, joke, poem, glitter…Have fun! Bring up a good memory of time shared together, or mention something you appreciate about your friend- his laughter, her smile. Hand write the message, (if possible) to keep it personal. Put some effort into choosing the right stationery, card, and stamp to make your letter stand out. Your note could be placed in the mail, or under a pillow, in a lunch box, on a mirror, under a windshield wiper…Make it fun!
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Show your feelings. Express love, concern, and empathy. Don’t be afraid to say how you feel. Words like “love”, “appreciate”, “admire”, “value”, “understand”- convey sincerity.
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Offer to help the other person achieve their goal or attain greater happiness. The offer of your time as “a friend in need” is a valuable gift that shows you to be a supportive and committed friend.
Allow your personality to shine through in your writing. Use a conversational style. Include a photo, joke, poem, glitter…Have fun! Bring up a good memory of time shared together, or mention something you appreciate about your friend- his laughter, her smile. Hand write the message, (if possible) to keep it personal. Put some effort into choosing the right stationery, card, and stamp to make your letter stand out. Your note could be placed in the mail, or under a pillow, in a lunch box, on a mirror, under a windshield wiper…Make it fun!
Show your feelings. Express love, concern, and empathy. Don’t be afraid to say how you feel. Words like “love”, “appreciate”, “admire”, “value”, “understand”- convey sincerity.
Offer to help the other person achieve their goal or attain greater happiness. The offer of your time as “a friend in need” is a valuable gift that shows you to be a supportive and committed friend.
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References:
Bly, Robert W. Webster’s New World- Letter Writing Handbook. Indianapolis, Indiana.Wiley Publishing, Inc.,2004.
Shepherd, Margaret.The Art of the Handwritten Note. New York, New York. Broadway Books, 2002.
Tyler, Kathy, & Drake, Joy. The Original Angel Cards Book. Milwaukee, WI. Narada Productions, Inc.,2006
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Happy Valentine’s Day
8:39 pm in Guest Author by Carol Christmas
a lovely Valentine from c.j. Petersen -February 14, 2012
Love Letter Pens!!!
7:15 pm in Accessories by Carol Christmas
February 7, 2012
A Love Letter Pen!
I just discovered these Valentine pens yesterday! This is another version of the
“7 year pen.” I am excited to share this because as a gift -it will last longer than
chocolates or flowers… You can keep one for yourself and ”send the love” by
writing with it. It will continue to inspire you to write love letters for the
next 7 YEARS!
