The Beauty and Challenge of Writing
Once upon a time, I loved to write. I’m not talking about blogging. I’m talking about physically writing. I had always been told I had beautiful handwriting and I prided myself in that. Not only did I revel in the joy of handwriting class in school, but I gladly wrote cards, thank you notes and letters. When someone wanted ‘pretty’ handwriting on a certificate (you know, back in the day before computers did that for us), I volunteered to do it. Taking the time to send birthday cards in the mail as well as letters to friends and relatives wasn’t a chore.
Then everything went digital.
Birthday wishes are now sent via email, Facebook or in the case of family, a phone call. Christmas cards? Well, I send SOME but didn’t any this year. Friends send us a type-written story-board of the prior year of their life along with a card. Get well wishes? Yup. Facebook or phone call. Sad, really. I seldom stop to consider sending flowers or balloons. Taking the time to actually correspond via the mail has faded away. The days of randomly sending someone a card are all but gone. When cards ARE sent, they are usually accompanied by a signature and maybe an “I love you” or “Thinking of you” obligatory closing response.
Can you relate? Do you remember the last time you received something that made you feel all warm and fuzzy?
I was participating in a Twitter party recently and the question was raised about how people stay connected. Overwhelmingly, the response was Facebook, email and text. But I noticed that someone commented on how much they like send handwritten notes and letters to people. Handwritten. I thought that was so cool.
As luck would have it, I received an email from Hallmark the following day asking if I wanted to participate in the “Hallmark Get-Carded 7 Day Challenge”. Totally inspired by the Twitter party conversation and reminiscing on how much I used to enjoy it, I took up the challenge. After receiving a nice packet from Hallmark, I was set to take on the beauty and challenge of writing.
First, I have to tell you that my experience with the card aisle is usually when I need a special card for a graduation, shower or other event. I honestly cannot remember the last time I walked down the aisle looking at the artistry of the cards themselves. A lot of crafters have gotten into the hobby of creating beautiful cards but I hadn’t noticed that Hallmark had done the same. From “Life is Good” to specialty cards made of wood or embroidered, Hallmark has a great variety to choose from. They’re even green touting “This card is made with paper from sustainably managed forests.”
Oh yeah, did I mention how pretty they are? My photos absolutely do not do them justice. You need to touch and feel them the next time you’re at the store. Even if you don’t plan to buy them, at least look at them. They’re lovely.
And they may inspire you to write. You know… with a pen.
After sending the cards out, I heard back from one recipient who has been under the weather a bit lately. She said it was the most thoughtful card she has every received. Whether she meant it or was just saying it didn’t matter because honestly, I DID put a lot of thought into it. While the card was a product of the 7 Card Challenge, it made me realize that sending a card is therapeutic and beautiful. Not only did writing and sending them make ME feel happy, but it put a smile on the face at least one of my recipients.
How about you? What are your thoughts on sending cards and letters? Do you still do it? Think you could take the 7 Card Challenge?
For more information on Hallmark, visit their website, follow on Twitter or Like them on Facebook or check out their YouTube page.
I love Hallmark cards. They have the most wonderful variety to choose from.
shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love receiving and sending Hallmark cards. They truly know how to express emotions from a distance!
I rarely send actual cards and if I do go to an event or give a gift that’s worthy of a card – my kids make them 🙂 It’s more cost effective.
I was really sad when my kids told me cursive is not taught like it use to be at school. Hand writing looks so nice and is so personal. I wish more people did it still(Kim)
I still send out handwritten greeting cards I just finished my stack of Easter cards. I still love sending cards as well as digital ones but I love knowing Iput my personal touch on something.
These are super cute! I love sending cards, its so much more personable than email!
I am not a big fan if my hand writing. I love sending out cards as well, I tend to get the ones that seys exactly how I am feeling.
I think most people stay connected through technology and social media nowadays. I personally still enjoy writing the occasional letter from time to time.
I love getting and receiving cards! It is so much more personal than an text or email! This post just made me smile.
Those cards are so pretty! I am going to check them out because I owe a few people some cards.
I have terrible handwriting. but I prefer to write on paper then on my computer. I have loads of notebooks lying around. I love hallmark cards. Just brought one yesterday, as it’s my mum and dad’s wedding anniversary today
I don’t like getting an ecard or an email. I think it means they didn’t think enough of me to pick the perfect card out.
I love opening the mail and finding a handwritten card. Sadly I’m also guilty of not mailing much at all except for Christmas cards.
I am not a huge fan of sending cards, but my little ones are a huge fan of getting them. I
I dont usually send letters, but Birthday cards and other cards to say hi/ Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, you know…. I definitely send those! I have 15 sitting next to me at the moment actually that need to be sent out for Easter. There is just something special about receiving a card.
This morning I came home to a handwritten letter from a Facebook friend! Totally made my day! I don’t send out enough cards. But I think this is something I want to start doing more. Love the idea of the 7 day card challenge.
Hallmark always has such a great selection of cards. It’s so nice to send and receive handwritten notes and cards.
I love handmade, handwritten sentiments! I still make them and I still write personal cards. It feels different than an online message and you can’t really replace actual pen and ink when it comes to personalization IMO.
I love sending cards I think there is something personal about it – though sometimes my hands don’t agree with me they don’t like holding a pen..
Those cards look beautiful as well I love the detailing on them. x
Online messages just can’t replace the personality of traditional hand written notes. I make it a point to still hand write messages and letters for special occasions.
I am guilty of communicating just about everything via Facebook and sometimes telephone. When I do receive a card, It always touches my heart. My hub only gets me Hallmark cards because he said they are the best and I agree.
Hallmark cards are awesome– and there is just something so much more personal about a card with a hand-penned note and signature….each one is precious to me.
I love physically writing cards & letters still! Snail mail is awesome & I was always the “pretty handwriting” gal, too!
I try to do it, but usually I’m not very good about it. I always figure an email is better than nothing.
Sending handwritten personal notes and cards is such a dying art form. It really makes a person feel special. These are lovely cards from Hallmark.
Hallmark has the best cards, I like these featured akot
I did the 7-card challenge last year and it was really fun. I used to be a big letter writer, although I’m sure my handwriting isn’t as beautiful as yours.
I need to do a card challenge. I used to love to write letters but have gotten lazy thanks to email
I used to work for Hallmark about 14 years ago and loved every minute! They are still my favorite!