- Photo courtesy of The Frugal Girl
I may not have written about it lately, but I am still plugging away at the 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Challenge. I’m not exactly sitting down to write a letter every Monday at 2:13 P.M., but let’s just say that I actually ran out of stamps.
I took my son and a friend to the local arcade the other day , (I always have free admission coupons, which include $4 in nickels, so it’s uber-frugal) and I made sure to bring my stationery set. Yes, it’s difficult to focus on letter writing when inundated with ear-splitting electronic sounds and flashing lights, but I somehow was able to get three letters written. (Perhaps I should call this the 1 Week, 3 Letters Challenge!) And I’m pretty sure I was the only one there using a fountain pen.
I am really enjoying the task of putting pen to paper, as it’s grounding and can’t be rushed. (However, I am horrified with how bad my handwriting has become, as it long ago passed the point of acceptable.) What’s also fun is that I am getting return letters here and there; and once in awhile, I even get a package!
The 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Challenge is not something that had to be started on January 1st. You can start at any time, and customize it to fit your lifestyle. Heck, even if you just mail out a couple of letters, it’s still going to make someone’s day.
Because what’s better than opening up your mailbox and finding a letter from a friend?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Happily I can say that I have actually run out of stamps also! I started the 52/52 challenge in May, and linked up here sometime after that. I’ve received a few phone calls, and maybe a couple of emails, and one text in response…but sadly no letters in my mailbox. Just makes me more determined to send more handwritten love out to the world.
I’m so glad you haven’t given up! (Not that I thought you had!)
I get a few letters in response to people who I’ve written to, but I don’t stress about not getting a return letter because it always makes my day when I do!
I haven’t run out of stamps yet…but we have a whole roll here, so I’m not concerned that that’s going to happen any time soon!
I love letters! — sending and receiving. Well done — great project. Tiny note: Stationary = not moving. Stationery = paper supplies.
Thanks for spelling correction, and how nicely you phrased it. I also received an oddly rude direct e-mail with the same correction. You have a lovely way with words.
🙂
Katy
I remember stationery because both it and “letter” have an “e” in them.
And I remember it because stationery has an “e” for envelope, which is what you need when you use stationery.
But I would bet that Katy knew that, and simply made a typo. It does happen, even to the best of us. 🙂
I have to admit I’m not getting them out every week, but I still send out letters every chance I can. Next up is writing to companies whose products please or displease me. I used to do this regularly, and the companies respond. Usually with coupons. I just have to figure out which ones I’m going to target.
Ok I must tell you about the journey you inspired me on. I am an occasional reader of your blog and in the cold nasty winter January past, I decided to take on the 52 challenge and to my amazement it has taken flight beyond my belief. I have actually stopped tallying the number of letters Ive sent (but still keep a log book), it was letter 95 on April 10 and my book has 4 more pages uncounted! I have met amazing pen friends from letter writing blogs and newsletters and most of these folks are artistic and have become my muse to unleash my creative spirit. I have started to sew again after 15 years hiatus (and a kid or two to occupy my time!!!), have developed a passion for mixed media art, PAINTING ( from the gal who couldnt draw a straight line), beading, card making/paper crafting and making mailart. I now receive 5-10 personal letters a week, many containing amazing art. A letter sitting in my mailbox after a day of craziness of work brightens the spirit, and I usually reply before the end of the week. This from someone who sent out perhaps a letter every few weeks other than birthday cards. Thank you,my life is richer because of this experience!
Wow, that is fantastic! Thank you for sharing your story!
Katy