Monthly Archives: February 2015

Day 49: Lovely Handwritten Notes

Posted on February 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

So I found this site Lovely Handwritten Notes and thought that I should definitely write to them! Unfortunately, it looks like there hasn’t been new posts on the website for quite some time, but perhaps I will still get a response – and some tips!

Day 49

Dear friend,

I stumbled upon your project today and was surprised that I hadn’t heard of it until now. Even more of a surprise was that you live right here in Washington, DC. We might be neighbors!

We share a common passion for handwritten communication – it’s truly unique and has the power to transmit so much more thoughtfulness and compassion than electronic messages. Our penmanship conveys a higher level of communication than the words themselves.

I wanted to write to you and congratulate you on your Lovely Handwritten Notes project and also see if you had any advice for my Year of Letters project – perhaps we could meet for coffee sometime?

Warm regards,
Reed

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Day 48: Nicky

Posted on February 17, 2015 | Leave a comment

NickyLetterYesterday was a letter for Nick…today one for Nicky!

On Sunday I mentioned that I had received my first handwritten response to my Year of Letters – a thoughtful response from 6-year-old Nicky from Oklahoma City who I originally wrote to on Day 27. The son of a former colleague of mine, I wrote him after his dad told me how every day Nicky would anxiously check the mailbox to see if he had any letters. I wanted him to open the mailbox and find a letter written just for him.

I dropped him another note in the mail today.

Day 48Day 48-2

Dear Nicky

Thank you so much for your handwritten letter – you were the first person this year to write back to me. I was so happy to receive your letter and I liked the Batman stamp that you used. I bought some too.

I don’t know if you got any snow in Oklahoma, but it snowed here last night and this morning we had about 4-5 inches. I’m getting ready to go out for a walk – it’s beautiful with everything covered in snow.

Thanks again for writing me – and I will stay in touch!

Your friend,
Reed

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Day 47: Nick

Posted on February 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

Happy Presidents Day! Had I been clever today I would have written a letter to President Obama…damn, I guess there’s always his birthday which is August 4th. Anyway, today is a short note to say happy birthday to the son of some friends of mine. Nick’s a good kid and he’s starting to grow up awfully quick. He turned 12 yesterday.

Day 47-2Day 47

 

Happy Birthday Nick!

I hope you have a great day today.

See you soon,
Uncle Furry [Uncle Furry – that’s a long and probably embarrassing story]

 

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Sunday Notes & Letters: The first reply to my letters arrives

Posted on February 15, 2015 | Leave a comment


So I am 46 days into my Year of Letters. It’s been an interesting journey so far. I’ve written family members, friends, politicians, corporate executives, children and even complete strangers. On Thursday I added some statistics to the project’s website. Some highlights are:

        People who replied with a handwritten letter: 2%
        People who didn’t reply with a handwritten letter, but acknowledged: 2
        Average number of days to receive handwritten replies: 19 days
        Furtherest distance traveled: San Anselmo, California (Day 29)
        Shortest distance traveled: Dupont Circle, Washington, DC (Day 34)
        Restraining orders received: 0

NickyLetterI guess the most surprising thing for me is how few responses I’ve received. My favorite one so far – ok it’s my only response so far – is from Nicky, a six-year-old boy from Oklahoma City. Thanks Nicky – you made my week!

A funny anecdote I’ll share as well. I wrote a handwritten note to my 84 and 86-year-old aunt and uncle. They replied…via email. Times are changing.

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Day 45: Mr. & Mrs. Bresnan

Posted on February 14, 2015 | Leave a comment
Kristen and Bill Bresnan (Photo: abcnews.com)

Kristen and Bill Bresnan (Photo: abcnews.com)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

People tell me all the time that writing 365 handwritten letters is a lot! And they’re right too. But it pales in comparison to what a Toms River, NJ man has achieved. Oh, he’s raised the bar alright. Bill Bresnan has written his wife a love letter every day for nearly 40 years – some 13,000 letters. Every day is Valentine’s Day for this couple.

So here’s to Mr. and Mrs. Bresnan. Enjoy!

Day 45

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Bresnan,

Some of their letters

Some of their letters

I saw your story on ABC news this week – it really touched my heart. I have a year-long commitment to write a handwritten letter to someone every day and as today is Valentine’s Day I thought I would write to you. Writing a love letter every day for nearly 40 years is incredible – that’s more than 13,000 letters. And I thought 365 was a lot!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you both and may your love and letter-writing never cease.

Reed Sandridge

PS. Any tips on what makes a great letter?

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