More reasons to hand-write letters

Despite the many reasons we have nowadays for communicating in non-handwriting ways — the speed of a text message, the convenience of a phone call, the ease of an email — there are a few good reasons to keep on writing by hand and to encourage youngsters to do the same.

According to a recent LA Times article, The Many Perks of Good Handwriting, "handwriting increases brain activity, hones fine motor skills, and can predict a child's academic success..." Additionally, the article states, handwriting instills confidence and improves memory. All good reasons to keep writing those letters!

If you're interested in practicing your handwriting or helping someone else with their handwriting, do an internet search for "handwriting practice sheets" or some similar phrase. The website handwritingworksheets.com lets you make practice worksheets using any word(s) you want to practice.

If you're looking for some examples of some old-fashioned handwriting styles, visit the website of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting. There are all sorts of styles of handwriting illustrated there, as well as some lined pages you can print out to practice on.


(Clip art courtesy of http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net)

Goin' Green with the Mail

In April, the U.S. Postal Service released the new "Go Green" postage stamps, along with a wide variety of great items to complement the stamps.

There's even a special section of the U.S.P.S. online store dedicated to the "Go Green" line of products.

According to the "USA Philatelic" publication, the development of the "Go Green" stamps and other products was a major undertaking. After considering many different designs and options for the stamps, the U.S.P.S. decided on 16 different stamp designs, each showing an action you can take to "reduce our environmental footprint."


“We’re creating a culture of conservation at the Postal Service that will have a lasting impact in our workplace and our communities,” said Ronald A. Stroman, Deputy Postmaster General. “The Go Green stamps carry 16 simple, green messages that have the power to help make the world a better place for us and future generations.”

The stamps are "Forever" stamps, for use on First Class mail. The stamps and philatelic products can be ordered online at usps.com/green.



The U.S.P.S. has been environmentally friendly since 1899 when it tested the first electric vehicle in Buffalo, NY. Today, the agency operates more than 44,000 alternative fuel capable mail delivery vehicles across the country, including ethanol, biodiesel, compressed natural gas and electric. Since 2005, USPS has increased its use of alternative fuels 133 percent, and since 2003, has reduced its facility energy use 28 percent. To learn more about USPS sustainability initiatives, visit the USPS green newsroom and usps.com/green.

The Postal Service chose the Go Green stamps as this year’s social awareness stamps to help raise awareness about helping the environment.

In addition to offering the stamps and the typical philatelic products (first day covers, digital postmarks, etc.), the Go Green line also includes tote bags, postcards, playing cards and a family activity kit, which includes stamps, a poster, fold-and-mail stationery and access to online games.

Letters in the News

The BBC published a story today about an upcoming auction of a letter written by Elvis Presley. If you click on the link, there's a picture of the letter.

It seems that a British woman who was a long-time Elvis fan kept the letter in her handbag for many years. After she died, the family discovered the letter.

What an impact that letter must have had on her life!

Stories about Letters

I recently came across a little paperback that I couldn't resist buying. With a title like "Across the Miles: Tales of Correspondence" and an author like Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of "Anne of Green Gables," how could I turn it down?

I've been reading a little bit every night, and I've been enjoying it. Too often, I read non-fiction in an attempt to solve some problem or further educate myself on a topic, but this little book is just a collection of fun to read, happy ending short stories.

From what I've read online, Rea Wilmshurst compiled a collection of Montgomery's previously published short stories into a small book. The 18 stories all deal with letters, journals, messages, etc. You can read more on the very interesting website LMM-Anne.net . There are links to the stories there. You can also read those and other Montgomery stories online at The Project Gutenberg.

If you're looking for some light reading and enjoy happy endings and stories about letter writing, I'd suggest "Across the Miles" for your summer reading list.

Beautiful New Love Stamps

Last month, the U.S. Postal Service released another set of stamps in its Love series, which started in 1973. The "Garden of Love" stamps feature an abstract garden of bright flowers, a butterfly, a strawberry and doves, interlaced with vines that run from one stamp to another. Each prominent element of the design is in the shape of a heart. The deep blue background is reminiscent of a brilliant summer sky. The word “Love” sits on top each stamp.

The stamp was designed by award-winning illustrator José Ortega of New York City and Toronto. He said, "Garden of Love depicts the abundance of life, its generosity, whose spirit is to be shared by all its creatures. Love's definition is broader than romantic love. Love is that colorful, full feeling you get when you enjoy being a part of and sharing in the generosity of life."

The stamps are appropriate for Father's Day cards, love letters, birthday wishes...anytime the sender wants to add an extra message of love.

“At the Postal Service, we understand the power our stamps have in helping to celebrate special events that require a special stamp of approval,” said Ellen Williams, a member of the Postal Service’s Board of Governors, who dedicated the stamps during a special ceremony held at the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. 

“As you celebrate all of the wonderful events of spring — Father’s Day, graduations and weddings, or whatever the occasion, remember the Garden of Love stamps,” Williams said. “They’re a nice little extra on everything you mail. They’ll also serve as a reminder that no matter what the season or what the reason, the Garden of Love stamps are the perfect way to send love, spread cheer, say congratulations or show you care.”

The Garden of Love stamps are being issued as Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.

In addition to being available as a pane of 20 or a block of 10, the new stamps are offered in five philatelic products:

• 576163, First-Day Cover Set of 10, $8.80
• 576168, Digital Color Postmark Set of 10, $16.00 (at right)
• 576191, Ceremony Program, $6.95
• 576194, Notecards Set of 10, $14.95 (pictured below)
• 576199, Keepsake Pane and Digital Color Postmark Set of 10, $24.95

 


 

Looking for some new stationery?

The Smithsonian's National Postal Museum has a "create your own stationery" page. Visitors to the website can choose themes, such as "Airmail" or "Pony Express," as well as a border and background color. Once the stationery is designed to your liking, print it out and write a letter!

To get started, go to the Write a Letter page on the museum's website.

Interesting story about communicating with soldiers

Since I mentioned the American Experience episode "War Letters" earlier this week, I thought today I would point you in the direction of another article about writing letters to soldiers. Doug Zellmer wrote "Communication from the frontlines: Letters used to rule, but now troops are just a click away from home" for The Northwestern in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's interesting to read Zellmer's story about how communication has changed over the decades. (Note: I'm having a little trouble with the link, but it seems to work from time to time. Keep trying, if it doesn't work the first time.)