Ah, let’s pick up where we left off, shall we?
As promised, I’m posting the letter I wrote to Claire on her wedding day. And because I hurriedly penned this pre-wedding (in the car no less), there is no photographic evidence of my correspondence. Instead, I give you the beautiful bride (and a link). The note is peppered with references spanning our thirteen year friendship. I maintain the real goodness of any letter its the stuff that comes straight from the heart.
Labor day marks the unofficial end of summer. I am always sad to see it go. Packing up the pastels + white jeans is always a real low for this Florida girl. Desperate to squeeze in every last second, I suggested an impromptu bike date to Ed’s Lobster Bar last night. Complete with matching socks of course.
Adam and I have been doing a lot of travel as of late. Between planning a wedding in another state and the official start of summer (hello white denim!) our bags are perennially packed. As a result, Adam has become accustomed to hand sanitizer, Tums and toothpaste at the ready. This becomes problematic when he flies solo for business.
I try not to play favorites when it comes to letters, but this request from a secret admirer in England tops the charts. I am such a sucker for letters of love. The wooer’s email was so heartfelt and genuine, just bursting with sweet sentiments. He even created a special email address to keep his identity a secret from his ‘mates’. I hope the lucky lady feels extra special and cherished.
A few years ago a friend gifted me Love Letters of Great Men. Fans of Sex and the City (the movie) rushed out to buy a book of love letters that didn’t exist. Low and behold, a book a was created. It’s surprisingly quite good. Really.
I love editor Ursula Doyle’s forward, where she speaks about the claim that these flowery declarations were more for show than a genuine expression. “But to claim that a text message saying IN PUB FTBL XTR TIMe BACK LATER XX is more genuine, and therefore romantic, than a declaration such as Byron’s that ‘I more than love you and cannot cease to love you’ is obviously nonsense.
Some days I long for a time when correspondence was rich with meaning and emotion–not 140 characters. While I love the convenience of modern technology, nothing beats a flowery letter, especially a letter from your lover.
Genuine or not, that Lord Byron is good. I agree whole-heartedly with his claim, “Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.”
Who are you writing to this weekend? Hope it’s a good one friends!
A couple of weeks ago, Adam was having a tough go at work. We had to cancel some plans and he was feeling blue. I called in the mailbox. I jotted a quick mini-note and included some peanut butter cups for good measure. Because you know, peanut butter cups make everything better.
Letters are the best! Even a quick scribble of adoration brightens a day. My Mom would jot notes on my napkin (and a kiss), while packing my school lunches–they were almost as good as my Publix chocolate-chip cookies! And when I was old enough, I wrote her notes and hid them deep in her suitcase for discovery mid-trip (she was a flight-attendant and traveled weekly).
Is there a greater feeling than receiving recognition for a job well done? Adam had his annual review at work and knocked it out of the park. I am so proud of him! And its always nice to have a reason to pause and celebrate.
At last, it’s here! Wishing you dear readers a very HAPPY Valentine’s Day! I realize I’m in the minority for claiming this holiday as my second favorite. To me Valentine’s Day is about showing the people you love just how much. A card for your Grandma, a pancake breakfast for your son, a glass of wine with a friend, an extra-long walk for Fido. The romance is nice, but the love part is the bee’s knees.
Last week I pulled out the typewriter, plated some delicious oatmeal raisin pecan cookies and got to work penning my love letters. I even sent a couple of packages to some far-away Valentine’s.
And tonight I’ll celebrate with my love. Adam’s getting the neon orange card on the left. It says LOVE YOU MORE. Because I do! Who’s your lucky Valentine?
cards from various shops including: Paper Source, Greenwich Letterpress + Kate’s Paperie
I think we’re all clear on my complete adoration of Valentine’s Day. And just like Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree, Valentine’s Day is nothing without candy hearts. They take me right back to my youth–to Mrs. Bevin’s first-grade class, where my love for this holiday likely started. I vividly remember cutting paper hearts from doilies and making sure I had a lollipop to give each of my classmates. I also recall getting quite competitive with my mailbox, but that’s a story for another day.
Adam had a long week at work, so a love note was definitely in order. I decided to keep it simple and enlisted the help of the old Valentine. What my note lacked in words, it made up for in sugar.
…
February 8, 2013
You are my ultimate sweetheart. I love you so. xo, Me
