Did you Know this about Emily?

Something you might not know about me is that I giggle like a kid at a candy counter when I get to buy stamps. The designs of stamps themselves bring me joy. And beyond that, they feel like a secret code to adventure. Stamps, cards, and letters awaken the same adventure and mystery that I feel when I begin reading a new book.

When I was looking for a lost email in my promo folder this morning, I found my inspiration.

I have been full of procrastination this week. I would see “Write Sprouts Newsletter” blocked on my calendar and would all of a sudden need to water the plants or the cats. Laundry has been efficiently processed. Postits have been alphabetized. (That’s a joke.)

It’s National Letter Writing Month!

I don’t know who decides these things, but I have to say it made me super happy to share with you one of my life’s joys and adventures.

Letter Writing is something I love and a love that I want to spread. There is magic in putting pen to paper, to putting a stamp on an envelope, to raising the flag on the mailbox. What will happen while thoughts and love are in transit? Where will a person sit when they receive my words? Will they send words of their own in return?

It doesn’t matter to me if people write back (most of the time). It is the act of sitting at a desk in my home and holding them in my thoughts and life as I scribble a missive. It’s not quite like writing in my journal and it’s not quite like writing a short story – but something in between, and with someone who is a friend or who I hope will be a friend.

I also feel a sense of rebellion against our digital age when I choose a stamp over a text. I love our technology age – a lot! – but I also like to keep some of myself in the age and space where communication took time to cross miles, and the effort of handwriting and the resources of paper, ink, and delivery service.

Maybe I’m a romantic. Maybe I’m old-fashioned. But I love sending and receiving cards and letters. And I don’t do it nearly as often as I would like.

Let’s do a poll.

Which stamp to you like best? (I will extend this to social media this week and report results next week.)

When was the last time you sent a letter to someone? When was the last time you received one?

If you would like to receive a letter this month from me, fill out this form. It would be an honor to write to you. (I will, as always, keep your information secure and not use it for anything beyond sending you mail.)

Have a great weekend!