Love Notes

If you know me fairly well, you know that I am a total sucker for and devotee of a hand-written note.  Whether it be a thank you note, a postcard (and yes, people still send postcards), or a birthday card, there are few things that make my day faster than a thoughtfully written note in my mailbox.  And so, I still write thank you notes.  I still send postcards on long vacations.  And, many of my friends' spouses will tell you that they knew they "belonged" when they started receiving a birthday card from me.

Today, I was writing a card to the bride and groom of the previously documented Badass/Pants Splitting wedding and the "why" behind this love of notes came to me.  I relish the opportunity to express myself in a completely genuine, unguarded way.  This is not to say that I am disingenuous in my communication with people in person, by email or over the phone.  Rather, a note gives a sense of freedom.  I have time to choose just the right words.  An opportunity to communicate my true thought about something, whether it has just happened, happened two weeks ago or will happen some time soon.  I can tell you how I felt, without the inhibitions attached to personal interaction or other distractions.  I can recall what a colleague did at an event that really stood out--and praise that effort in a way that I know will be received and appreciated.  And may also take the sting out of what is interpreted as "intensity" or brevity in the midst of "work mode."

And of course being the recipient of a note gives you the same pleasure--you get an insight into the writer's true thought, how your gesture/work/gift/existence has touched them.

Love notes.

Originally published June 13, 2014