Putting Pen to Paper

I believe an unfortunate trend has taken shape over the past few years: the lost art of writing a letter. Or, quite frankly, writing a thank-you note, a love note, or even preparing a simple “to-do list” on a lined pad of paper. Perhaps I’m wrong, but putting pen to paper has become a rare act, and that makes me sad. Sad for those who won’t know the exhilaration of receiving an unexpected letter in the mail. Sad for those who won’t experience the small but mighty satisfaction of crossing tasks off a list. Sad for those who won’t pull an old love note from a box of treasures, a note that stirs deep emotions in the heart.

I’ve always felt it proper to handwrite a thank-you note to a friend hosting a dinner in their home. It’s the way I was brought up. It’s simply the right thing to do. Taking the time to let someone know how much you appreciated their hospitality by jotting down a few words is such a small gesture, and yet it has such an impact. Sure, you need the note card, the pen, and a postage stamp. But I’m always amazed by the reaction I get once my note is received. I never expect a reply, of course, but I often get a sweet text with a photo of the card and their message of appreciation. Gratitude for gratitude.

My dad spent every night of his adult life preparing his list of tasks while sitting at the kitchen table. The list was paper-clipped to the cover of his calendar, and anything left uncrossed on today’s list would be carried over to tomorrow’s. This was his ritual. That calendar and list were his compass, referenced and “worked” many times throughout the day.

Mom was a big note writer. She taught me that you should never gift someone a book without writing a short message on the inside cover. Always a thoughtful sentiment, signed and dated. Something you can return to again and again well beyond the time when that person is gone.

Seeing my parents’ handwritten notes takes me back to what feels like a simpler time. It also makes me wonder how my children and grandchildren will feel when they re-read my notes inside the covers of their books one day. My hope is that they’ll smile.

At Grey Clay Studio, I believe the most meaningful things we create are the ones touched by our own hands. Perhaps today is a good day to write someone a note.