In a time when we need letter writing more than ever, KH & Co provides the highest quality stationery and antique wax seals. It all started with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. My grandmother Neenie introduced me to the art of letter writing. Every time I wrote her, she replied with a beautiful card, her loving words, a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. I loved how a simple folded piece of paper seemed to close the distance between us. I was hooked. My antique seals date from the 1700s and 1800s. Just like the people who created them, I’m a steward who enjoys them for a while until they’re passed to someone new. In the meantime, these seals won’t collect dust in a drawer; they beckon to travel the world on envelopes, to be shared, admired and loved. Lord Byron once wrote, “All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin.” I intend for my boutique to share my joy with you, and allow you to pass your joy on to others – to share your own creativity, beauty and love. Neenie has since passed, but her cards continue to fold the distance between us. I remember the dollar bill, the piece of bubblegum, and the joy of love sent through the mail.
Day 1 Letter Writing Challenge
First, think of a person you'd like to thank. It can be a person that you've been meaning to thank already OR someone who might not be expecting a thank you.
Write your letter by hand. Do you know that handwriting is like a finger print? Everyone's handwriting is unique. By writing by hand, you share a special piece of you with the person you're writing.
In your thank you note, be specific about what you're thanking them for, the more specific the better.
Then, share why you're thankful. How has what they done affected you? How has it made your life easier or better? Sharing how their actions have touched you speaks the bigger impact of their actions.
Write as much or as little as you find necessary to express your gratitude.
Consider a "next step." A "next step" builds on the communication and offers something to the receiver. A thank you is usually enough, but sometimes adding a next step feels right. Some ideas for next steps:
- I'd love to treat you to lunch next time you're in town.
- Enclosed you'll find some beautiful leaves from the tree on my street so you can enjoy a bit of my autumn.
- The following poem made me think of you...
- Let's FaceTime soon to catch up.
And voilà! You've completed your thank you letter. Congratulations!
Here's to a fun and fulfilling week ahead,
Kay (Kathryn Hastings)
Kathryn Hastings
In a time when we need letter writing more than ever, KH & Co provides the highest quality stationery and antique wax seals. It all started with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. My grandmother Neenie introduced me to the art of letter writing. Every time I wrote her, she replied with a beautiful card, her loving words, a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. I loved how a simple folded piece of paper seemed to close the distance between us. I was hooked. My antique seals date from the 1700s and 1800s. Just like the people who created them, I’m a steward who enjoys them for a while until they’re passed to someone new. In the meantime, these seals won’t collect dust in a drawer; they beckon to travel the world on envelopes, to be shared, admired and loved. Lord Byron once wrote, “All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin.” I intend for my boutique to share my joy with you, and allow you to pass your joy on to others – to share your own creativity, beauty and love. Neenie has since passed, but her cards continue to fold the distance between us. I remember the dollar bill, the piece of bubblegum, and the joy of love sent through the mail.
My passion for writing was kindled by my grandmother, Neenie. From a young age, I learned from her how to infuse letters into my life. Most nights, she sent me a card with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum, always replying with a new note for every letter I wrote her. She extended the same gift to my sister, ensuring we each had our own special correspondence. Many cards concluded with a postscript of "ILUABAAPAAHATN," an acronym for the Doris Day song, "I love you, a bushel and a peck,...
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