Dear Reader, I have been on holiday from the internet; I have neither blogged nor read blogs but I will be returning soon. Keep sending those letters, I enjoy them so. My response time has slowed of late but I will be mailing out letters tomorrow and writing more this week; so, if you are waiting for a response, you will be getting one soon! Warm regards, Mrs. Duffy Add Comment I have decided to add a forum to this site as a sort of meeting place where letter writers can share there thoughts. I began toying with the idea a few posts back with Reasons to Write. The list is, of course, my own but I wondered what you thought; what are your reasons to write? What kind of stationery do you like? Do you have a favorite pen you simply must use? Do you have a signature ink? I'd like to hear about it and so would others. I've set up a few broad categories but haven't started any particular conversation. This will be the place where Mrs. Duffy doesn't get to do all the talking! You can post by logging in with the open domain of your choice. The only rule is civility, but judging from the sorts of people I receive letters from, that hardly needs to be said. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone new and make a new friend. So please, pay a visit and tell us what's on your mind. Don't be shy now. I want to show you a lovely card that came to me from Canada. The image is a painting by Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862– February 6, 1918), an Austrian Symbolist painter. I appreciate his use of color. The envelope seal, a coordinating sticker, gave me a clue to the contents of the envelope but missing the clue, the inside card was a delightful surprise. Of course, it would have been delightful even had I guessed. Thank you, Karen!
The next couple pieces of mail are enjoyable and are of a cat theme. 
This envelope is from Jan and seems to be made from a book page. On the back she very thoughtfully gave me an Irish blessing: "May your blessings out number the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go." I especially like the bit about trouble avoiding me. It seems sometimes that trouble is on the lookout for me so thank you, Jan. I need that one. And to finish with the most pleasant mail of all, Moshi Moshi! At first glance I thought this stationery looked Japanese. It just had to be, the Japanese are masters of stationery and wizards of cuteness. In a couple minutes on Google I learned that "Moshi Moshi" is a Japanese telephone greeting. Thank you, Melissa, you made my day!
Why do we write letters? I have been thinking about this question and offer a short list of reasons which are not listed in order of importance. Some items on the list might even seem trivial but any reason, however slight, should be included. This list needs developing and that will happen with time as I add points and invest more thought in each idea. 1) Relationships
Why do you write? Please share your ideas. I know there are plenty of good reasons I have not thought of. Mrs. Duffy has discovered postcards. In fact I've made up a few of my own signature post cards to have on hand for those spontaneous acts of mail when happy thoughts come to mind that don't require a whole letter. 
Yes, I am inked and ready to write. I am sending out my first post card today. I have set a new goal and have taken steps to accomplish it. The last few weeks I have been reflecting on my life and in particular, the error of my ways. I have intended to recover the practice of sending cards, but being the Queen of Good Intentions, intending to do anything is quite easy. I am expert at good intentions. Good deeds, however, require effort...and a plan. So, Dear Reader, I have set a card writing goal. My goal is to mail at least one note of encouragement per week. With the aid of my trusty Rhodia Weekly Planner I have mapped out my card writing agenda for the next month. I feel so organized and simply writing names in my calendar makes me feel I have already accomplished something...but then so does inventing a good intention. For added measure I have pre-addressed the envelopes and placed them in my planner at the appointed week. I know this must sound like a spontaneity killer...and I do encourage spontaneous acts of mail...but everything else I deem important is not left to the whims of spontaneity; why should letter writing or card sending? No, it is time for a disciplined approach to accompany, and maybe even train, my whims. All is prepared; now to think fond thoughts of my friends and write those blessings down. I do hope I make their day. Those of you familiar with Charles Spurgeon, the 19th century baptist preacher may be interested in this. If you're asking, Spurgeon who ? but enjoy old samples of writing you'll still enjoy this. This sample is most likely sermon notes, not a letter, but enjoyable all the same. As a fountain pen user I can't help but wonder what ink he used. The purple is still vibrant and beautiful. 
The odd news item for the week comes out of Nebraska. A Nebraska woman is auctioning a three-year-old McDonald's Chicken McNugget she believes resembles our nation's first president, George Washington. And it looks like she's on pace to make some cash in the sale. But, it's all for a good cause. Money from the eBay auction will go toward her church's fund to send 50 kids to summer camp. So, next time you pull an unusual potato chip out of the bag, save it. You never know what it might go for one day. If you can save it for thirty years or so it might gain antique appeal. You can read all about it here. Have a light-hearted day and don't forget to laugh a little. | Letter Matters
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