Love, old letters and stuff.

Dear Friend –

Please let me just start this letter to you with an admission. Straight up. Hi, I’m Pam, and I like to keep things. I like stuff. I keep stuff. Whew. Thanks for letting me tell you that. Maybe you already knew. I’ll deal with my stuff, really, I will. In time. But every now and then, I come across something that I’m really glad I kept. And so goes the battle.

Recently, I came across an old shoebox mixed in with some photo albums. It was stuffed so full the lid was taped closed and it was labelled “Mail from 85 - 87”. What a flood of memories opening that box brought back! My goodness, such a snapshot of my life in my early 20’s! More about that in a bit.

Opening that box made me think of so much more than the letters inside. It was a reminder of how I communicated with my friends and family back then. Every generation has had their evolution of communication styles and tools. From fountain pen letters with wax seals to the personalized stationary craze of the 1970’s to the current myriad of instant messaging we have access to today, we have relied on those methods to keep in touch with those we care about. Sorting through that box made me very nostalgic for the hand-written letter. Maybe you have a piece of correspondence that you’ve kept and felt its value to you increase over time. I know I have some absolute gems.

The letters in that box brought me back to my university friends and our common joys and struggles – like finding a suitable apartment. Reminded me of what my sisters and parents were up to and gave me unexpected memories of people that I’m no longer in contact with. They also showed me how I spent my free time – writing letters! Oh, and my first official job offer, post-grad, was in there. Told you I keep stuff.

My box of mail and memories

At that time, those communications were not frequent or even fast, but they were thoughtfully written and always a treat to receive. Checking the mail was exciting! It’s that very feeling of connection that sat with me and ultimately helped me design the Love Letters Collection. I am happiest when I’m designing with love. And creating a little arrangement that sends the simple message “you are important to me” just seemed so needed right now.

I’m reminded so often to honour and nurture my relationships and to let people know I’m thinking of them more often. I’m not sure I’ll start writing letters again but a quick text or message accomplishes that goal to some extent. (And do I even have actual mailing addresses anymore??) And according to research, it is our sustained relationships that are best for our health. And so is looking at plants. Yes, even if they are fake. 😉 So, I’m wondering, who will you or I reach out to with a message of love today?

I want you to know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter. For taking the time to follow my Crafty Chipmunk adventures. And for following your own creativity wherever it flows. Let me wrap this up like so many letters from my dear Mom. Well, I better go. The potatoes are almost cooked and I’ve rambled on long enough.

Love,

Pam

PS Write back soon! I’d love to hear from you!