By K. A. Laity
In the rush of post-holiday depression and intense workouts, whether required by your resolutions or the amount of snow piling up around your home, you're bound to need a bit of a break. Some sort of Zen-like activity would be perfect, wouldn't it? Even if you’re not in the midst of a country beset by madmen and flying bullets, you probably want something peaceful to take your mind off those things about now.
Write a letter.
No, not an email: a real letter. There's bound to be someone you know who would appreciate a real honest-to-goodness letter or at least a card in the mail. It doesn't take that long and it's surprisingly satisfying.
First, there's the pens. I know how many of you are secret stationery store harlots: have you gone for the real splurge of a fountain pen? They needn't be expensive Mont Blanc indulgences (although how cool is that John Lennon pen?). You can get a serviceable pen for very little. The flow of a fountain pen will make you write differently. Taking your time with the process will require you to give it more thought. We all dash off so many electronic missives in a day that we seldom think as our fingers type. Use a fountain pen and you'll find yourself writing meaningful words again.
Then there's the paper goods: whether you favour Hello Kitty and Mashimaro or Jane Austen quotes, there are cards and letters out there just waiting for you. The feel of heavy weight paper, textured beneath your fingers will inspire you to greater heights of eloquence (or so we all like to think). You probably have a stack of cards in boxes that you bought because they looked cute and there they sit. Drag them out.
For the final piece de resistance, add a wax seal, I am told it is possible to buy pre-made seals and stick them on your envelope. Do not do this. It's like slapping a bumper sticker on a Bentley. I can't imagine the tediousness of having to do this for every bit of correspondence—just as I can't imagine having to knit or sew all my clothes. But for fun, it's a delightful thing watching the wax drip onto the envelope and affixing your personal symbol to the message.
The delight comes from picturing that wonderful letter arriving at the other end of its journey. How special your friend or lover will feel to have that rich envelope pop up between the bills and adverts. They'll run their fingertips over the seal and smile. That's your reward. With just a small effort, you've made someone's day.
Better yet, they'll probably be inspired to write back.
Some useful sources
Green Stationery: "Good planets are hard to find."
Sanrio: Home of Hello Kitty and all her friends
His Nibs: Pens with reviews, accessories and more
Palimpsest: Writing Resources
Medieval Writing: get into the history of the art
K. A. Laity writes so much that she had to create some pseudonyms to keep her colleagues from thoughts of murder. A tenured medievalist at a small liberal arts college, she mostly tries to find ways to avoid meetings in order to write more . Find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter to hear the latest news.
Image via kpwerker's Flickr