Tag Archives: handwritten letters

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 181: 2nd anonymous letter left at Penn State’s Berkey Creamery

Posted on June 30, 2015 | Leave a comment
Day 181-3

More awesome stationery from 1canoe2!

I woke up this morning in State College, PA. One of my favorite places to visit while I am there is the Berkey Creamery – you may recall I left another anonymous letter there on Day 84.

I was a bit disappointed because my schedule wasn’t going to allow me to stop in and have some of their delicious ice cream since I had to get on the road early this morning. But on a whim I visited their website to see what time they opened although I realized it would probably be noon or maybe 11am if I was lucky. Well, what do you know? They open at 7:00am! YES!!!

Ok, there weren't a lot of other people there eating ice cream. So what?

Ok, there weren’t a lot of other people there eating ice cream. So what?

I figured I had to have breakfast anyway, so I might as well stop by. I mean I was going to have cereal and ice cream’s main ingredient is also milk, so what’s the big difference?

I ordered my favorite: Cookies N Cream. Good old-fashioned Oreo cookie chunks smothered in rich vanilla ice cream. Most people were buttering their bagels or eating egg sandwiches, but there was one table, a family of four, who also enjoying some Berkey nirvana. I’m not going to lie. I was feeling pretty amazing with my choice. So good that I wanted to share that euphoria with someone else. So I left my letter there, but this time I decided to mix it up a bit and add some Alexander Hamilton love while he’s still on the tenner.

And thanks again to 1canoe2 for hooking me up with some new stationery!

Day 181-2

What’s better than having Berkey’s delicious ice cream for breakfast? You guessed it, nothing. Well, maybe finding an envelope with money inside while you’re eating your ice cream…yeah, I’m pretty sure that tops it.

Enjoy and share the love!
Reed

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Posted in Anonymous, Letters with money

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Day 180: Jeri

Posted on June 29, 2015 | 1 comment
Day 180-2

I normally don’t use Hallmark stationery – but I like this one.

On May 27th my friend Jeri posted this on Facebook:

“Exciting news today! I have been selected to attend the School of Advanced Military Studies program at Ft. Leavenworth. It is a one year program and means I am moving back to Kansas! I am sure no one ever thought they would hear those words from my mouth. Classes start June 29th…will depart DC on the 15th. Life is crazy sometimes!”

Life is crazy sometimes and we didn’t even manage to meet up before she left. Jeri started classes today – so I thought I would drop her a note in the mail.

Day 180

Dear Jeri,

Congratulations on being accepted into the Advanced Military Studies program at Ft. Leavenworth! I’m glad you have arrived safely in Kansas – I’m thinking this just might be the first handwritten letter that has welcomed you to your new home.

I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet up before you left. My schedule has been chaotic lately. Today I’m writing you from State College, PA.

Once you get settled in, maybe we can find some time to Skype or talk by phone and you can catch me up on this new adventure. You sounded pretty excited – it’s not everyone whose pulse quickens at the thought of going to Ft. Leavenworth! I hope that you enjoy it, I know you’ll love being closer to your family. And who knows, maybe I’ll show up there some day – you know I go to Lawrence from time to time. It appears to be less than an hour away.

Stay in touch,
Reed

 

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Posted in Congratulations, Staying in touch

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Sunday Notes & Letters for Week 27

Posted on June 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

This past week a certain handwritten letter caught my attention in the media. It was from a young lawyer from Chicago to his half-brother, Abongo, in Kenya. He tells him that he is planning to run for Senate – little did his brother know then that he would not only become a US Senator but would go on to become the 44th president of the United States.

 

A young Barack Obama, right, with his half brother, Abongo Photo: telegraph.co.uk

A young Barack Obama, right, with his half brother, Abongo Photo: telegraph.co.uk

The letter was sold by Abongo earlier this month for an undisclosed amount to a collector.

Check it out. There are some interesting statements in it. He reveals his lack of interest in meetings and campaigning, but explains his motivations for running. And the future president shows that he has some fine-looking penmanship.

pagesix.com

pagesix.com

Dear Abongo,

Hey there, brother! How are you faring these days. I received your postcard, along with the news that you’ve found a new wife. Man, I must say you don’t fool around! Please write and tell me more about her. A photo would also be nice, although I have no doubt that she is beautiful.

How is it otherwise being at home? I hope everyone is well, in good health and in good spirits. I understand that you have bought some property, and that you brought over a vehicle from the UK after all. Any other business ventures? I’m very eager to hear about everything, and trust that your hard work and planning will pay off in the near future.

As for me, I am very busy these days. As you can see, the book is finished and in the bookstores, so I have been going to various bookstores to talk about the book. In addition, some colleagues of mine here have talked me into running for the Illinois State Senate (like being an MP for a province, not the national United States Congress in D.C.) I have agreed, since I have an interest in politics to deal with some of the serious issues blacks face here. Of course, it involves a lot of campaigning, going to meetings and so on, which I don’t find so attractive. Anyway, if I win it will only be a part-tine post, and I will continue my work as a lawyer.

Michelle is fine, also busy with her work. My mum’s health has stabilized for now, but she is by no means cured and continues to undergo extensive treatment. Maya has gone back to Hawaii for the summer to keep her company, which I think put her in better spirits. Tutu, Maya and Mum all send their love.

Please send my love to Bernard, Abo, Sayid, Abongo, Silpa, Granny, your mum, and all the rest of the family. I have sent an extra, paperback version of the book to be passed around if anyone else is interested. I hope to hear from you soon, with news of happiness and success.

Much love –
Barack

 

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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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Posted in Just because

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