the handwritten note

Has someone you love recently moved into a new apartment or house? Make that new home feel like a genuine "home" by sending the first piece of real mail. It doesn't have to be fancy. You could even send a postcard. Or the charming little card from my etsy shop pictured here.

I've moved around a bit in my almost 35 years and I have to say that first piece of real mail is often very touching. Seeing my name floating above that unfamiliar address in the handwriting of someone I know and trust is just a little bit heartwarming. Like all the things I love coming together in one new, fresh package.

The times I've had to move far from family and friends, the first few pieces of real mail have been comforting. Familiar handwriting, a return address that still makes me think of 'home', and a sweet note are all welcome friends in the absence of the people I love.

So don't wait. If someone you know and care about moved recently, even if just across town, send them some real mail today.

I recently sent a clipping from one of my favorite magazines (The Smithsonian) to a dear friend in Kansas. She and I have known one another for more than a decade, but of late have found that the bustle of day-to-day life prevents us from connecting as often as we'd like.

The article was about a man who lives and works about 45 minutes from my friend's home. He has a small business in which he makes glass marbles using old-school techniques and producing, as you might imagine, beautiful miniature works of art. At his workshop you can watch the marbles being created, learn how to play the game, and of course select and purchase marbles for your own enjoyment. I thought it sounded like a delightful little road trip for my friend, her husband, and their two small children.

So, I took a few minutes to jot the shortest of notes to say hello, tell her I was thinking of her, and added a few words of hope for the day that we no longer live 1500 miles apart and are able to make these fun day trips together. By the time the envelope was stamped and addressed, I think a whole 10 minutes had elapsed. I know that she will smile when she finds this surprise in her mailbox with that little handwritten note from me attached. 10 minutes well spent.

Whether she lives across town, or across the street, your mom will welcome a cheerful note in her mailbox on Mother's Day. Why not send her one?

If you are like me, you live far from home and probably won't see your mom on Mother's Day. If you are fortunate enough to live in town, maybe you will stop by and bring her a gift. Either way, why not mail a card as well? You know how it feels to receive a handwritten envelope in your mailbox. For mom, there's something especially sweet about knowing that her son or daughter took the time to choose a card and drop it in the mail a week ahead of her big day.

Whether you have the time to enclose a long letter or just a few minutes to jot a quick note doesn't matter. The thoughtfulness of the gesture is sure to make her feel special.

Now is the time to start thinking about selecting your mother's day card. The artists at EtsyGreetings have a wonderful selection of cards to choose from. Take this opportunity to support independent artists and send your mom something handmade and truly unique. This group also has a Mother's Day Promotion beginning April 11. I'll post an update when that goes live.

As for my shop, I will have a selection of mother's day cards available as well. Stop back soon to see what's in store.

Birthdays are one of the few occasions that we still send snail mail across the miles. Unfortunately, often we get so busy that by the time the day has arrived we often haven't yet purchased a card to send and instead settle for a phone call.

An easy way to prevent this is to designate a few times a year in which you plan to buy birthday cards for that season. You can visit your local card shop, or head to EtsyGreetings for a great selection of handmade cards. Plan to spend some time and enjoy yourself!

If you want, you can even address and stamp those envelopes as soon as you get home. Then, as each birthday approaches, you will simply need to sit down to write that special sentiment and drop it in the mail!

Need a charming little birthday card appropriate for him or her? The blend of greenish-blue hues and browns featured here might be just the one. Each layer is added by hand, providing a wonderful hand-made feel, and the card is lined with a lovely linen writing paper for a special texture.

Sending too many belated cards lately? We can help. Our "Ducks in a Row" card service delivers a unique card, stamped and addressed, to your door just in time for that special occasion. All you have to do is add your special message and drop it in the mail.

You provide:
Recipient Name, Gender and Approximate Age
Recipient Address (U.S. only please)
Event (birthday, anniversary, etc.)
Date of Event

We provide:
A friendly, little nudge to remind you of the big day
Beautiful, hand-crafted card
Stamped and addressed envelope

You will receive the card and postage paid, addressed envelope one week prior to your special someone's big day. Write your message, or just sign your name, and drop it in the mailbox for on-time delivery.

If you would like to select the cards we send you from our current collection, just let us know when you order.

You can pre-arrange for 5, 10 or 15 events all at one time! We will send you a separate card one week prior to each event, just in time for mailing. No more forgetting important dates like your grandmother's birthday, your parents' anniversary or your little brother's college graduation.

Just stop by my shop at Lucky Duck Designs to get started.

My husband and I live very far from our family and friends. For us, the winter holidays are a whirlwind of traveling and visiting, gifts and fun events. Though I initially welcome the quieter space of our little home when we return, it is not long before I miss all the people with whom we were lucky enough to share the holiday.

I've learned this is the perfect time to begin writing thank you notes. For me, the purpose of this little note is not solely to acknowledge a gift or kindness, but also to let that person know he or she is still in my thoughts. I find the process of choosing (or making) just the right card and thinking about what I want to write brings that person close for just a little while longer.

Not surprisingly, the same kinds of feelings that accompany sending a thank you note are also true on the receiving end. When that hand-addressed envelope appears in my mailbox, I'm always pleased to find inside a reminder of the good time we shared.

I know that for many people the task of writing thank you notes is more chore than joy. This can be particularly true if your holidays are filled with many gifts and events, leading to a long list of thank you notes and some pressure to get them all done quickly. Though etiquette may suggest you write and send these cards within a few days, I would like to encourage you to take your time. The recipient will be as delighted to hear from you in three weeks as in three days. This is even more true if you are thoughtful about your choice of notecard and sentiment.