A Month of Letters: Up to Speed

So far, so good: after two weeks, I've mailed one letter for nearly every day of the month. Hopefully some of you have received your missives. Remember, if you want to make sure you're on the Mail From Chris list, write me an e-mail or message me your address on Facebook.

I have had the opportunity to use my interesting note cards, including the bee cards I received for Christmas (in honor of Da Bee).

I have not written a letter a day as much as I have written a few letters every few days. That seems to work for me, but you may prefer to pace yourself differently.

I haven't written a "letter" a day, either. I have sent a couple of picture postcards. Remember: it's not just the posed pictures that deserve to be shared. Those photos you love? Those are the ones others will love, too.

I also have written one or two longer, thoughtful epistles. Not everyone will have to endure those, but if you are among those who have listened me in the past, you very well may receive one.

Keep up the good work, letter-writers, and think: is it worth continuing after the month is over?

A Month of Letters Idea: Send a Photo Postcard

We're nearly halfway through A Month of Letters. Have you kept up with your letter writing? Is it easier than you thought? Maybe even — dare I write it — more fun than you realized?

Keep the momentum going and change it up a little, maybe: send a photo as a postcard.

It's as easy as peel and stick (then address).

There are special heavy-paper cards that will fit a 4x6 photo. One side has the address and message blanks and the other has an adhesive. Look below: that's the photo postcard kit I purchased from Amazon. (Elephant not included.) Visit your local stationery store to see what they have in stock.

Choose your photo and have it printed at the local drug store, grocery store or photo store. If you're tech savvy, you can send the image to the store's website and have it ready for pickup in no time. Otherwise, bring the camera or phone to the photo developer and let them show you how to use the machines on-site. For as little as 30¢, you can send that cute, clever, funny or slightly embarrassing photo to a friend.

Once the image is printed, you can affix it to your photo card. Peel off the paper covering the adhesive and press on the image. Stick on a stamp and you're ready to go!

Remember, postcards require different (and less expensive) postage than letters, so make sure you have the proper stamps for the job.

By the way, you don't have to choose a recent photo. Find a snapshot from the past and take your friend or family member down Memory Lane.

Consider using a photo postcard instead of a traditional birthday or holiday card to make the day even more special.


Are you inspired and even more enthused than you were before? Good. Remember: it's a good day to send a letter.

A Month of Letters: It's Begun!

It's begun. We're days into A Month of Letters. To whom have you written so far?

And if you haven't... start!

A Month of Letters is a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family, people who know and people you'd like to know — and maybe some you don't.

All you do is write and mail one letter each day there is postal delivery during the month of February. It can be a postcard, a letter, a note, a communiqué, a dispatch. You will be amazed how pleased people are to receive your missive.

What, you don't have a person's address? It's not too hard to find: ask for it. Ask the recipient, a mutual friend, their moms. (Moms always have addresses.) If you're tech savvy, look 'em up on The White Pages, where you get an address (and a phone number, if you're interested) with a few keystrokes. (I don't recommend using a search engine, which sends you to information collection companies that will spill it all for a fee.)


Can you use a computer? Sure. However, make it interesting: stop by the stationery store, drug store, department store or even thrift shop and pick up some fun, interesting note cards. (While you're there, be sure to grab some note cards for "thank you" notes. You know you need 'em.)
Do birthday cards count? Absolutely! Be sure to write something in the card, though. Hallmark can't do all of the work.

If you miss a day, don't panic — just double up the next day. If you know some days are more hectic than others, plan to spend a few minutes on the better days to write a letter or two. Try to not put too much on your plate at once; writing lots of letters in a single day can feel unrewarding. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

By the way, expect more than one phone call in return — though, let's hope your recipients pick up their pens and return the favor of a letter.

Consider 'A Month of Letters'

Doesn't your heart beat a little faster and a smile creep onto your face when you find it? That letter in the mailbox addressed to you, it's like a gift with a stamp on it.

Give someone else that special gift: participate in the Month of Letters in February.

It's simple, really. Just write one letter or postcard a day. To anyone. About anything. And pop it in the mail.

Don't worry, you don't have to be wordy, just thoughtful. Or funny. Or — well, you decide.

Stopby the stationery store (yes, they still have those!) and pick up a box of blank cards. Or stop by Target, or your favorite drug store. A sheet of notebook paper folded into an envelope will work as well. Be as fancy or simple as you want.

Yes, writing a letter on the computer counts: if you print it and mail it, of course.

Send your mom a fancy card or your dad a sheet of notebook paper. Or vice versa.

Meet someone new: start a correspondence with a new pen pal. Or get reacquainted with an old friend.

Make it special: write neatly and spell accurately. (No spell check on paper!)

So, you in? I hope so. E-mail me your address and I'll drop you a line. It will be fun!

Failing 'A Month of Letters'

I have come to terms with my failure.

Which is a lie — because if I was okay with it, I wouldn't mention it. Still whistling past the graveyard on this one.

Look, I knew A Month of Letters was going to be a challenge. I knew at least a week of my time was going to be spoken for. However, I though, "Self, how hard is it to dash off an extra note or two every couple of days?"

Well, that would have been great if work hadn't exploded.

Okay, that was in part my own doing. A couple of weeks off work backs up the system. In this world, we seem to have no redundancy: if I don't [fill in the blank], then it doesn't get done. I can live with that at home; I have enough socks and underwear for a coon's age for that very reason. (The "dregs" may be dicey, but I always drive more carefully when I don those.) (Kudos if you got that reference.) But work? At work, I have only the socks and underwear I have on me. I know, everyone is in the same sad boat, blah blah blah. But it is relevant.

Then projects piled up. An extra three hours at work most days of the week will take a toll on one's letter-writing time. (I'm just sayin' is all.)

So: extra time at work means something has to give. In February, it was letter-writing. (And vacuuming.)

I didn't totally fail: 14 letters and packages were written and readied. One package still is in my car, but — see "blah blah blah" above. Hopefully that will be remedied today, Post Office willing.

However, I know at least one friend was faithful to A Month of Letters: my proof is tied up with a ribbon. It was lovely seeing a pastel pink, green or blue envelope from Karen sitting in the mailbox nearly every day.  On days there were no filled envelopes waiting for me, I have to admit I was a little sad. Some days the letters came two or three at a time. Other times I had a single card, like a single rosebud in a dainty vase, waiting for me.

I want to bring that delight to others.

I have the notecards, paper/envelopes and postage waiting for me, so I'll continue as best I can. I'll make this a More than A Month of Letters.

How about you? How did your letter-writing go? Let's share!

A Month of Letters: How's It Working Out For You So Far?

I don't know about you, but I haven't written a single note.

My explanation is — well, unimportant. Sure, I was traveling for the first week. Then I came home and spent three days not writing any correspondences.

Then the mail arrived Friday with a stack of letters.

I shall remedy that today.

How's your postage holding up? Just checked out my first-class stamps and discovered I own "forever" stamps. My postcard stamps, however, are in need of penny stamps. Sigh. I'm terrible about picking up postage, which is why I purchase a lot of postage at once (then proceed to not use it in time and have to purchase penny stamps). And me with lots of photos for photo postcards!

Don't be daunted. One letter every day the mail is delivered is doable. If you're behind, grab a few postcards to catch up! Use your favorite note cards. Your recipients will be glad you did.

Have you found it a challenge to pick up the pen? Decide who's on your hit list? Find postage? Locate a mailbox? What has been your Achilles heel so far this month?

Get Ready: A Month of Letters Begins February 1

When was the last time you wrote a letter?

If you can't answer that question, consider joining me for A Month of Letters.

It's easy: send 23 letters in February. Okay, so it sounds daunting, but it really isn't. Send one letter every day there is postal service. Write back to everyone who writes to you.

Find those lovely notecards you were given that year for Christmas and use those. Drop a note in a friend's birthday card. Send a postcard. Print a few photographs and send them to someone who hasn't seen them. (And yes, you know at least one person who hasn't seen them.)

There are plenty of ways to participate. Give it a shot. You'll be glad you did.

The Month in Letters: 2012 in Review

February was a short month this year, though not as short as usual. An extra day meant an extra day of writing opportunity, with letters sent through the mail.

The Month of Letters was not the smooth situation I expected.

First of all, have you tried writing a letter with a kitten who thinks pens are great sport? Not easy, I assure you.

Then there was the "what do I write about" dilemma: like a talkative toddler who who goes mum when the phone is thrust in her face, my ability to think about letters dried up as soon as pen was poised on the page. I relaxed, however, when I realized I could simply start with where my mind was then, dragging the poor letter recipient into the madness of my mind.  Only a couple of letters were intentional, written to convey a specific spot. The rest were rather spontaneous. I heard no complaints, so I assume they were well-received.

The real lifesaver was photo postcards. I printed a few extra photos when sending some to the grandmothers, and I decided to share them with those who simply didn't expect them. It was bliss.

I know at least one person who shared her address with me is waiting still for her letter, which will emerge from my pen next week.  Another's letter was returned because I didn't follow my own advice.  And I myself received letters in return of mine, which was lovely.

In the end, I managed one letter for every day mail was delivered, for a grand total of 24 correspondences. I had hoped for a lofty 29, but I am glad for what I accomplished.

Thankfully, March also is a month of letters, although less intense than February. Every month should be full of letters — don't just stop because spring is approaching or February is past.

Keep writing letters. Your recipients will thank you. I know I will, if  I am one of those recipients.

The Month of Letters: How You Doin'?

How has your month of letters been coming along?

If you're anything like me, you may be close to your target.

You may also have been a bit of an overachiever from time to time, creating packages rather than "just" letters.

Some of your letters have been whoppers, saying things that have been unsaid to old friends.

Other times, you may have been able to relax and simply dash off what's in your heart and head, not having to think once putting pen to paper.

Maybe one or two of your letters was to the post office. (Hopefully you were able to praise excellent service.)

When a day goes past and the postmaster doesn't get something: why? Oh, that pesky thing called life: visitors, family, sick cats, sick kids, sick adults, long hours at work, headaches, weather.

Any way you look at it, it's not the end of the month — or even the end of the world. You have a few more days, a few more envelopes, a few more stamps. Keep it up (or start now, it's never too late to begin something this wonderful).

How about stepping down to the corner store and picking up some postcards? Someone you know doesn't live where you do, and they'd love to get that "kitchy" card.

Or get those postcard backs from the stationery store and mail some personal photo-postcards from your own snapshot collection. If the photos are still on your camera or phone, the store will show you how to upload the photos. Do it online or at the store. A picture is worth a few words right there (though dashing a few lines onto the back would be appreciated).

So, what are you waiting for? Write a letter!

Letters of Note

Who writes letters?

Smart people.
Happy people.
Compassionate people.
Funny people.
Famous people.
Angry people.

Like: Conan O'Brien, George Harrison, John Steinbeck, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Alleta Sullivan, Wil Wheaton — and many more, all available on Letters of Note.

This website shows the original letter and offers a transcript. They are lovely to read, and they make me want to write more letters — or maybe even mail a dream.

Check out a few of these letters, and be inspired.

The Month of Letters: Postage

Happy Month of Letters!

Before you drop that letter in the mailbox, make sure you've used the proper amount of postage. The U.S. Postal Service recently changed postal rates, so check before you mail.

How much does it cost to mail a letter? What about a postcard?  Find out here.

Be sure to use proper postage so missives get to their destinations.

The Month of Letters: Addresses, Addressing

Tomorrow is the first day for The Month of Letters. Make sure to gather your addresses and put them in your address book.

If you don't have an address book, this is a good time to start one.

In the olden days, we'd write them in notebooks and place them near the "main" phone outlet.

Times change, and so do phone "books." If it's easier, include addresses in your cell phone; contact lists often have fields for mailing addresses.

E-mail contact lists also may provide fields for mailing addresses.

Be sure to include the ZIP Code, if applicable.

Finally, make sure you address envelopes or postcards properly. Visit the U.S. Postal Service website for information.

The Month of Letters: Are You In?

I'm always up for a challenge, especially when it comes to writing — and this challenge is near and dear to my heart.

In February, the challenge is this: write a letter a day.  It doesn't have to be long. In fact, a postcard can do, too.

The Month of Letters encourages us to run at least one thing through the postal system every mailing day (excluding Sundays and postal holidays) in February.

Why?

Because we've gotten too cavalier about communication.

We used to call and chat with each other, often for hours. I remember talking all night to friends, my princess phone glued to my ear. (I provided myself my own line in my parents' house.) I'm sure the U.S. Postal Service lamented their demise when Ma Bell hit the wires.

However, nowadays, we don't even bother to call, let alone walk 10 feet to the office or desk next door to speak in person.  We e-mail, ostensibly to "have a record." But truly, it's easier and faster to shoot a message rather than talk to a person.

Even in that, we're short. We don't e-mail when a text will do. We don't even spell it out anymore — we abbreviate. We think it saves us time, but that's rarely the case: think about the flurry of emails you send daily on the simplest topics or tasks.  By being short, we often make life more difficult for ourselves.

So let's take the time to communicate effectively.

Try doing the following:

• Begin with a salutation. ("Hello" always worked for me.)
• Use entire words.
• Spell every word properly.
• Write the right word. 
• Create complete sentences.
• Practice proper grammar. 
• When you think you're done, read the entire letters out loud. If it doesn't sound right, chances are, it's not. Fix what needs it.
• When you're really done, sign your letter.

Apply these rules to postcards, birthday cards, everything. Put the effort into your correspondences. Communication counts.

Throughout February, from time to time I'll offer ideas, tips and tricks to make letter-writing interesting for the recipient and fun for the writer.  If you have anything to share, drop me a line or leave a comment at the end of the blog entry.

So, who will receive your first letter?

New Year's Resolution, Part Deux

On the Ides of March, the question arises: how are the New Year's resolutions coming along?  Only time will tell, and now is the time to tell!

I want to read more.
If I chose shorter books, I'd have a greater number of books under my belt.  Instead, I choose books like Black Hills (from the author of Drood) and The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova, which aren't modest tomes.  I have finalized my Fill in the Gap list, and have quite a selection of modest books from which to choose.  (I keep promising to start Dracula soon. Maybe tomorrow?) 

I finally found what sounds like the perfect H.P. Lovecraft book: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre.  David has told me I can't read it at night, especially since it was touted as having sixteen of Lovecraft's "most horrifying visions."  The cover alone is disturbing.  Bring it on!

I want to listen to more music.
Nikki's recent visit was a lovely reminder about the great music on the radio today.  We jammed to Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce — plus one by Lady Gaga and Beyonce, very cool. Nikki knows all the words, which was a lot of fun.  I may not be there anytime soon, but I can sing a chorus or two.

However, it's not all roses and happiness. I listened to Ke$ha's song "Blah Blah Blah" and I thought, "I'm sure I heard it wrong."  Then Rachael talked about some new pop music she recently heard and, yes, Rachael confirmed that what I heard was what I heard.  I have a question for the radio station: since when is THAT kind of language allowed on the air?  Yes, that may be a man's nickname, but not in that context.

I also am appalled by the lyrics of most Pitbull songs I have heard, but I am totally sucked into the beat.  Sigh.  Can I listen and still be able to champion the dignity of women?

I want to listen to music more.
Chez Cohen now rings with the tunes from yet another Nickelback album, and David and I got tickets to see Jeff Beck, one of the most talented guitarists on the planet (except for Philip Cohen).  The next few months will be filled with live Eddie from Ohio, Nickelback, Julie Murphy Wells and more.

In the meantime, the iPod is on with plenty of Aretha, Dr. Horrible — and did I mention Nickelback?

I want to write more letters.
The 2010 letter-writing campaign begins tomorrow with a letter to Mom.  Then there's the Christmas newsletter I will write for public consumption.  Soon.  (Hey, at least now you have a chance to read it!)

I want to run faster.
Now that the weather will permit running without a perilous dance on the ice, I look forward to breaking in a new pair of running shoes.  Last week when the weather broke, I took to the streets — and promptly developed blisters.  (Two on one foot! Talk about a wake-up call for new shoes....)

My new Asics will grace the streets of Fairfax soon, and you'll see me limping around as my legs mutter, "Oh, that's the painful stuff you do to us on a regular basis!  Now I remember!"  If you're in the car, slow down: I can't move that fast.  Yet.


So, which of your resolutions have survived intact? Which have you abandoned or postponed?  C'mon, you can tell me!

News Year's Resolutions Follow-Up, Part 1

It's been nearly a month since the beginning of the year.  How are your New Year's resolutions coming along?

Let me tell you how my crazy declarations are maturing.


I want to read more.
Well, I'm not yet reading less, despite a sinus infection — I have read two books so far this month. (I read one twice, so does that count as three books?)

I am finalizing my Fill in the Gaps list to choose the 100 books I pledge to read in the next five years.  I estimate at least half of the books on my proposed list are in my house right now.  I am looking for recommendations on which H.P. Lovecraft book (or two) to put on my list, in case you can offer a title or two.  Actually, I will take any recommendations you can offer, and I'll publish my list soon for your perusal.

I want to listen to music more.
David and I both have been turning on the iPod when we are home, so music has been echoing through Chez Cohen pretty steadily.  I have heard more Eric Clapton than any person alive should.  Him, and Al Dimeola.  I jest.  We've also heard more Once More, With Feeling and Betty.  Imagine Pete Fountain following a little Buffy.  (Go ahead, I'll wait.) (Cool, huh?) I imagine we'll listen to the iPod for hours as we drive to North Carolina later this month.

I also have switched my radio stations from NPR-only to a few music ones.  I surf until I find a melody I like, no matter the language or style.  It's kind of fun.  Sorry, Kojo, I gotta mix it up.

I want to listen to more music.
I downloaded "Don't Cha" the Pussycat Dolls a couple of weeks ago, and watched in amusement as David whistled it for a week.  I'm sure he's cooking up some revenge, though I don't mind humming a song for forever. It's the people around me who crack first.

Today, I flipped the radio to the local pop music station.  I wasn't really enjoying it at first, then realized it was the traffic and my own response to it that spoiled it for me.  On the way home, I just relaxed and found myself bobbing to "TiK ToK" by Ke$ha.  I didn't condone the behavior of the song narrator who was intoxicated with an air of carelessness that concerned me, but the beat was impossible to ignore. I also heard "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift —I think it was my first exposure to her, and it was quite a sweet song.

Then there was Kelly Clarkson, who seems to be all over the radio, on pretty much every station I've hit.  I'm not sure if I like that, let alone her getting away with such sloppy lyrics.  "Sucks"? Can't you do any better, Ms. Clarkson?

I want to write more letters.
I want to run faster.
I did neither of these, but with my clean bill of health, I'm bound to start at least one soon.  Maybe tonight.  You never know.

How about you?  How are your resolutions coming along?