.letters.

Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.

Lord Byron

 

Do you write letters? Do you send handwritten mail on a regular basis?

Although I don't often write out long letters, though I should, I love to send mail through the postal service.

I try to send out at least a photo card for most occasions: Easter, Thanksgiving, those sorts of days.

To me, it is one of the best ways to let those I love know I am thinking about them. I don't get to see my extended family often, so mail is my way of saying "hi".

This year, J and W were able to help me make handmade valentines. Nothing fancy, just hearts cut out of card stock (freehand style), some stickers, and crayons. This task-oriented perfectionist is learning that life is not a production. It is messy, silly, and almost never perfect. But it is wonderful. It is personal. It is An experience meant to be cherished.

I love seeing the difference in my boys' approach to art. The way they tackle a task is as different as their personalities. I have one boy who is a methodical, detailed thinker (what is Grandma's favorite color for her valentine?) and one big picture boy (why not fill the whole page with color and stickers?). It is so fun to watch.

So this year, instead of sending that perfect family picture (that we all know is never going to happen), we are going to be sending out kid-made, handmade cards. I'll probably still include a photo in the ones to grandparents, and great grandparents, because, you know, grandparents love a good photo (and a good laugh at a bad photo).

Life is a bit messy, thank goodness. Now it's time for me to embrace that!

PS - my boys do have clothes, they just prefer not to wear them...and I don't always prefer to fight that battle.

 

 

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