Author Archives: Reed Sandridge

Day 208: Andrew

A while back I went to a barbecue – you may recall my thank you note on Day 195 to Brian and Lisa for being such gracious hosts. I took them a bottle of Bluecoat Gin – I recalled that Brian doesn’t drink much beer any more but thought that he liked gin. Actually, at some point that evening I realized I think he drinks vodka martinis instead – so I kind of screwed up. But not really right? You can’t go wrong with a bottle of nice gin.

When I bought it I noticed that it came with a $3 rebate. Nobody sends those things in right? Well, I did. And look what I got in response.

My $3 rebate along with a handwritten note from the President and Founder of Philadelphia Distilling.

My $3 rebate along with a handwritten note from the President and Founder of Philadelphia Distilling.

Pretty cool. It’s like he knew I was a fan of nice stationery, handwritten notes and quality spirits. If he wants to send me some spirits to try, I’m game! I could host a little get-together here at my place and feature all of Philadelphia Distilling’s spirits. Now we’re thinking.

Anyway, I decided that their President deserved one of the Year of Letters.

Day 208

Andrew,

Mmmm, a Blackberry Bramble.

Mmmm, a Blackberry Bramble.

I received your handwritten note and $3 in the mail today in response to my purchase of your Bluecoat gin. Thank you! I gave your bottle as a gift – so I have not tried it yet but look forward to making a Bluecoat Blackberry Bramble or Last Word with it. Anyway, very classy to send me a note. Keep on sending them – you’ll win the hearts (and livers) of discerning fans of fine spirits everywhere.

Cheers!
Reed

Day 206: Anonymous letter left at Penn Station, NYC

Day 206I left this one in the AMTRAK waiting area at NYC’s Penn Station. Right after I left it on the small desk where you can plug in your electronic devices, a man walked over to it. Perhaps he saw it and opened it.

Day 206-2

“Letter-writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.” – Lord Byron

Hello!

I find it sad that we don’t write letters by hand anymore. While emails are efficient, they lack depth & personality. I’ve embarked on a year-long journey of writing a handwritten letter each day. Most are to people I know, but I thought it would be interesting to leave this one for you and see who finds it. You are Day 206.

Write someone a handwritten letter today!
Reed

Day 205: Kim and Luis

Anthony, Kim, Reed at Anthony's 2nd Annual Celebration. We missed getting a photo with Luis - he was too busy working!

Anthony, Kim and Reed at Anthony’s 2nd Annual Celebration. We missed getting a photo with Luis – he was too busy working!

We held the second annual Anthony celebration last Monday night at one of Anthony’s favorite places: Rumors. It’s right across the street from where he cheerfully greets his customers every morning. The staff there always treats us like gold and Monday night was no exception. I love these guys.

Day 205-2

 

Kim & Luis,

People go out to bars and restaurants for many reasons – the food, the atmosphere, the service. Walking in to Rumors is like walking in to Cheers. You remember your customers, treat people right and you care. You made Anthony’s two-year celebration a very special evening for him and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it.

Thank you,
Reed

Day 204: President Jimmy Carter

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks at an Ethical Elections Pact signing ceremony in Panama City, Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks at an Ethical Elections Pact signing ceremony in Panama City, Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

A letter or phone call from President Carter would be epic. Happy birthday Kim!

Day 204

Dear President Carter, 

Your dedication to public service and improving the lives of people from all around the world inspires me. You and Mrs. Carter are fantastic role models for those in public service as well as regular citizens like myself who strive to build stronger communities.

I’m writing to you today to ask a favor. A dear friend of mine, Kim Perry, is celebrating her 45th birthday on August 1st. She is quite possibly your biggest fan – excluding your family of course. She is the Executive Director of DC Vote, a nonprofit dedicated to securing democratic equality for the citizens of the District of Columbia. I know your public service has influenced her to follow the path she has chosen and a birthday greeting from you would mean the world to her. I hope that you will consider this request. Her contact details are:

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With respect and admiration,
Reed Sandridge

 

Day 203: Susan and Willie

A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

Susan and Willie are both volunteers at the Street Sense Writers Group. I sat in on one of their workshops today and was blown away! If you are in DC on a Wednesday morning, swing by and check them out between 10:30 and noon.

Another handcrafted envelope - this time I used part of a Trader Joe's bag.

Another handcrafted envelope – this time I used part of a Trader Joe’s bag.

Dear Susan & Willie,

Being with you and the members of the writing group today inspired me and filled my heart with rapture. Thank you for being so generous with your time and talent – you’re creating something beautiful that you should be extremely proud of.

I look forward to joining you again,
Reed