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 3 - Letter to the 💀
On last week's podcast, I spoke about writing letters to the dead. If you haven't listened yet, I'd recommend doing so. (listen here)
First, think of someone you'd like to write. It can be someone you knew who has passed OR someone from history you would like to know. Either way, the process is the same.
Now, get situated at your writing space with pen and paper. Before writing, light a candle for them. Then close your eyes. Bring your palms together in front of your chest and say, "Hello (Person's Name), I'm sending you this letter." Open your eyes and begin writing.
The trick is to write them as if they are there with you. You want to feel your words connecting with them directly.
If you're writing someone you knew in life, have tissues nearby; these types of letters can bring up a lot of emotions.
Things you might want to include...
- Let them know what made you think of them
- Share what you would want to share with them if they were alive right now. What would you want them to see or experience?
- Express how you feel about them.
- Tell them what advice you would want from them.
Lastly, consider a request. You asked to see a sign of them in your life (hummingbirds, butterflies, a particular flower, etc). Or you can ask them for help with whatever you're most concerned about right now.
As always, write until your heart feels complete.
Finally, it's time to send your letter. There are two ways to send these types of letters:
OPTION 1 - Tear the letter into little pieces and throw them up in the air (a little clean up required before the letter goes in the recycling bin)
OPTION 2 - Burn the letter (safely of course, fireplace is best). Either way, you want to feel that the letter has been transformed in someway to be "sent."
After sending, bring your hands back to your heart. Thank the person for joining you. Wipe your hands together as if to "wipe off" the connection. Blow out the candle and enjoy a moment of silence to let the experience fully sink in.
Let me know how it goes!
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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