Tag Archives: embossed

Day 203: Susan and Willie

Posted on July 22, 2015 | Leave a comment
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

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Day 202: Lynn and Bianca

Posted on July 21, 2015 | Leave a comment

Many of you know about my friend Anthony whose hard work and determination got him into housing after 20 years on the streets. Last night we celebrated two years of housing with about 40 friends at Rumors Bar and Restaurant in DC.

Two of the guests were from a doctor’s office across the street that has been so kind to Anthony. The doctor, who I’ve seen for years, agreed to treat Anthony for free. Him and the entire staff are wonderful. Lynn and Bianca came stopped by the party to support Anthony – they were awesome!

Day 202

Dear Lynn and Bianca,

Your joining us at Anthony’s 2 yr Anniversary celebration moved me. I’ve always been inspired by the power of community and the fact that you took the time out of your day to come and celebrate with Anthony meant a tremendous amount to him – and to me. We are all part of each other’s community – and by coming together we strengthen our social fabric.

I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk more – I hope you enjoyed yourselves,
Reed

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Day 182: Katie

Posted on July 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

Katie is a friend and former colleague of mine. I’ve been living vicariously through her this past year as she is attending the London School of Economics and traveling to fun places throughout Europe.

Day 182

I added some washi tape to the top of this paper as well as to the back of the envelope to dress it up a bit. Also, another recycled envelope liner that I made from a Paper Source bag.

Katie,

I hope my letter finds you well. And who knows when you’ll get this because you seem to be quite the traveller (see I used the British spelling for you!) these days. I’ve followed your jaunts around London, your travelling adventures to Italy (I also loved Cinque Terre…and a charming little town called San Gimignano, I don’t think you went there), Portugal, Spain…you do such a wonderful job of sharing interesting images and story – it’s almost as if you bring us along with you.

While you’re on your fantastic year-long tour of Europe, I hope that on occasion you find the time to discover an absolutely splendid place called the London School of Economics – I hear it is a remarkable institution. Seriously, I hope you are enjoying this experience. I know it wasn’t an easy decision to quit your job and take this giant leap of faith across the ocean, but I doubt that you question it one bit now as you look back. We often overestimate what we have and underestimate what we can gain by trying something new. I’ve lived I’ve lived abroad in three different countries and loved each experience.

I look forward to getting together sometime when you are back on this side of the pond. Until then, enjoy the rest of your time in Europe!

Reed

P.S. I saw that you were selected to run in the NYC Marathon – that’s awesome!

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Day 178: Downtown Dennis

Posted on June 27, 2015 | Leave a comment
Dennis Abbott, photo: thrillist.com

Dennis Abbott, photo: thrillist.com

If you’ve ever been to Lawrence, Kansas, there’s a chance you’ll recognize today’s recipient. He’s a familiar face on the main road that runs through the heart of this college town. His name is Dennis, but I’ve always referred to him as “Downtown Dennis.”

He’s a bit of a celebrity in Douglas County. And he’s equally popular online. In fact he has a Facebook following: Friends of Dennis which has almost 6,000 followers. He’s usually smiling and somehow always makes your day better when you see him.

The first time I saw Dennis was on Halloween in 2008. I was in a funky little coffee shop called The Mirth, which has since closed, when he came in dressed as a cat. He asked the staff if he could have the computer that was there for surfing the web. “I’ve already got the mouse,” he said with a long grin. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed to take the computer.

Anyway, today’s letter is for Dennis – a man I’ve never met, but who brings so much happiness to the Lawrence community I thought he deserved to know that people far and wide think so fondly of him. I don’t have an address for Dennis, but I’ve heard that he often eats lunch at Quinton’s Bar and Deli so I’m sending it there hoping that the good people of Quinton’s will make sure that Dennis receives this.

Day 178-2

I added an embossed arrow to this card and made an envelope liner out of some textured wrapping paper.

Dear Dennis,

I live in Washington, D.C., but I’ve been to Lawrence a handful of times. I have seen you every time I’ve been in town, unfortunately I’ve never had the chance to meet you.

Day 178Back here in D.C. when I meet someone familiar with Lawrence and want to prove my street cred, I mention “Downtown Dennis.” Inevitably everyone always says, “I love that guy!” or “He’s a legend in Lawrence.” I just thought you’d like to know that people all around the country remember and think highly of you.

Keep doing what you’re doing – creating smiles along Mass Ave.

See you next time I’m in Lawrence,
Reed

P.S. I know you like the ham sandwich at Quinton’s, but I hear they make a tasty Turkey, Avocado and Cream Cheese (TAC) sandwich…I’m not a fan of cream cheese, but maybe you’ll like it.

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Day 175: Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler

Posted on June 24, 2015 | Leave a comment

“You don’t realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth.” — Mickey Mantle

Dave and Charlie Photo: Washington Post

Dave and Charlie
Photo: Washington Post

Baseball is as much about tradition as it is about hitting home runs. For me, one of the great pastimes of baseball is calling the game. I find that I prefer radio broadcasters over their television counterparts. Maybe it’s the nostalgic part of me envisioning my grandfather listening to games over a crackling radio or maybe I just appreciate their artistry more.

It’s about their voice. It’s about their cadence and inflection. It’s about the nuances they share and the banter they exchange over the sounds of the ballpark. Charlie and Dave are like old friends. I invite them into my living room every night throughout the summer, letting them deftly paint the picture of the game as smoothly as Bob Ross used to add a few happy trees or bushes to his canvas. My experience following the Nationals is richer thanks to them and I wanted to let them know that.

Day 175

Dear Charlie and Dave,

I’m a loyal Nationals fan – while I’ve never been able to be a season ticket holder, I’ve found a way to be at every Opening Day since the team came back in 2005. I also don’t have cable so I don’t get MASN, so I listen to you on the radio. And truth be known, I often mute the TV when the games are on WUSA9, and overlay you guys on WJFK.

I tucked this photo of me in the envelope with the letter. I was up in the broadcasting booth last summer. What a dream job it would be to work with Charlie and Dave.

I sent Charlie and Dave this photo of me taken in the broadcasting booth last summer. What a dream job it would be to work along side them.

I’ve made a commitment to send a handwritten letter to someone every day this year – you’re day 175. It would be great to hear back from you or even better have the opportunity to visit you guys some time.

You are truly the best baseball broadcasting team in the business bar none and it is a pleasure to see the game through your words.

Your fan and faithful listener,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. I’ve also written to some of the players (Robinson, Escobar, Werth)…hell, I even wrote Teddy – but haven’t heard from a soul.

UPDATE Oct. 26, 2015

Today I received a card in the mail from Charlie!

The front of the card is an image of "Big Baseball", a painting by Washington, D.C. artist Daniel Kessler.

The front of the card is an image of “Big Baseball”, a painting by Washington, D.C. artist Daniel Kessler.

Day 175 response-2

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