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It’s finally spring over here in Tokyo. Cherry blossom season, with all the socializing, tree-gazing and picnicking that it entails, has come and gone in a blur and there are outdoor events galore to bask in the warm weather. The last three months in Japan have been wonderful, so much so that since moving back to my hometown, I’ve fallen behind on my correspondence with beloved pen pals. It’s time to get writing!

My go-to stationery for writing letters are Midori’s Iyo-style seasonal letter sets. Iyo is an old province of Japan’s Ehime prefecture and the letter sets are made with beautiful washi paper that are smooth to the touch and easy to write on. Midori releases new floral designs each season. The spring sets I own feature bright pink water lilies and delicate morning glories. The minimalist designs with the blooms and leaves on separate pages remind me of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I like to think that my grandmother, an elegant lady who was an expert in the art of ikebana and an avid letter-writer, would agree that coordinating the stationery I use with the seasons adds a special touch to my letters.

 

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It’s no secret that I love letters. Writing them and receiving them, I’m all for it. I could easily spend hours in a store looking for the perfect stationery set. Writing out a personal letter encourages the writer to sit down and think carefully about what they really want to say. It isn’t full of condensed sentiments or abbreviations. ("Omg lol! :)") Handwritten letters still have an alluring sense of romance and mystery. What will the contents of the envelope reveal?

To spread the letter love, we're taking a peek at letters written by famous figures throughout history. Since July 24^th was Zelda Fitzgerald’s birthday, it seems fitting to begin with a letter exchanged between the infamous golden couple of the Jazz Age. The Fitzgeralds, whose name alone evokes wild parties, champagne and flappers, may have had a tempestuous history but their devotion to each other is memorialized forever in their love letters.

February 1919 (To Scott, From Zelda)

Darling Heart, our fairy tale is almost ended, and we’re going to marry and live happily ever afterward just like the princess in her tower who worried you so much – and made me so very cross by her constant recurrence – I’m so sorry for all the times I’ve been mean and hateful – for all the miserable minutes I’ve caused you when we could have been so happy. You deserve so much – so very much – I think our life together will be like these last four days – and I do want to marry you – even if you do think I dread it – I wish you hadn’t said that – I’m not afraid of anything. To be afraid a person has either to be a coward or very great and big. I am neither. Besides, I know you can take much better care of me than I can, and I’ll always be very, very happy with you – except sometimes when we engage in our weekly debates – and even then I rather enjoy myself. I like being very calm and masterful, while you become emotional and sulky. I don’t care whether you think so or not – I do. […] Sweetheart – I miss you so. I love you so – and next time I’m going back with you – I’m absolutely nothing without you – just the doll that I should have been born. You’re a necessity and a luxury and a darling precious lover – and you’re going to be a husband to your wife.

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I know that in the age of email, text and 160 character messages, the art of letter writing, particularly a heartfelt personal note, has gotten a bit lost. A handwritten Thank You note conveys an elegance and charm that emails just can’t replicate. It is a return of kindness, a small effort on your part to recognize the people who took the time to be involved in your life. The personal touch of a handwritten note on beautiful stationery can have a lasting impression.

Once you have the stationery and writing supplies, there’s always the daunting task of coming up with something to write. So how do you WRITE a note that is meaningful and memorable? Here are some helpful hints.

Begin with gratitude. The first line of your note should include words of appreciation and specifically mention what they did.

Thank you so much for coming all the way to Boston for my college graduation.
I’m incredibly grateful for the birthday money you sent.

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to interview me for a position at your company.

Adding personal details is an important factor to a memorable Thank You note. People will appreciate knowing how their gift or gesture had a positive effect on your life. If they gave you something tangible, make them feel like your appreciation goes beyond their material contribution and that you recognize the thought and time they put into the gift as well. If their contribution helped form a warm memory, write about it.

The flowers you sent to celebrate my new job add a burst of color to my office and are a lovely reminder of what great friends I have.
I will never forget the weekend I spent as a guest in your home. Your family made me feel very welcome and the pancakes at breakfast were phenomenal.

I can’t wait to use the graduation money you sent to visit my best friend in California.

Look to the future. Tell them how you’re looking forward to seeing them again. If you know you won’t be seeing them anytime soon, mention that you’ll be thinking of them.

Sign off with warm regards. Ending with “Sincerely” or “Thank You” is the best formal option.  But for more informal relationships, possibilities include:

Yours truly,
Lots of  love,

Warm wishes,

Thank You notes only need to be a few lines. Short and sweet is the best way to go. A note sent promptly will show your sincerity but even if a month has passed, it will be just as cherished.

Have fun writing! If you have any questions about letter writing, please comment below or send them my way at info@smudgeink and I’ll be happy to get back to you!

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