Tag Archives: handwritten letters

Day 261: Chris

The VP of my department is always so thoughtful when she travels – she always brings back some wonderful little gift from wherever she was visiting. Her latest trip was to the Dolomites along the Italian Swiss border I’m guessing as I showed up to work one day and found a container of Hexensalz, salt blended with herbs and a tiny bit of chili to give it an enjoyable kick!

I rarely do this myself, not because I don’t think about others when I’m traveling but because I never know what to bring people. Somehow Chris knows what to get people. I love to cook to this was perfect.

She was out of the office today, but I left her a little thank you note on her desk.

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Chris,

You know me well. I love the Hexensalz you brought back from the Dolomites. I’ve already used it twice – I sprinkled some on buttered bread for a spicy aromatic snack and last night used it to season some pan seared salmon – delicious! 

You are so thoughtful,
Reed

 

Day 260: Gary Minter

In a recent issue of Street Sense, I came across an open letter to the U.S. Post Office from a man named Gary Minter. He’s struggled with housing and doesn’t have a permanent address. Even using shelters and other agencies to receive mail for him causes challenges. Gary decided to write the post office and ask for their help to fix problems that anyone dealing with homelessness faces.

He has a “general delivery” address in Las Vegas where he is living right now – he used to be here in Washington, DC. I hope my letter gets to him.

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Dear Gary,

I read your open letter in Street Sense about the unique challenges that you and other men and women experiencing homelessness face. In essence you are being discriminated against because you don’t have a permanent address.

I’m sure a solution to these issues exists, but will take time. Thank you for speaking out and trying to improve the system. Your letter has inspired me to cut your letter out of the paper and mail it to Megan Brennan, the Postmaster General.

I hope that Las Vegas is treating you well.

Good luck to you,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. Here are a few dollars – hopefully it helps.

 

Day 259: Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico

photo: independent.co.uk

photo: independent.co.uk

Today is the 205th anniversary of the beginning of Mexico’s war of independence from Spain. I thought I would drop Mexico’s president a note to send my best wishes on the anniversary and also take advantage of the opportunity to find out who President Peña Nieto likes in our upcoming presidential election. I’ve got a feeling it’s not Trump, given his rather salty remarks about our neighbors to the south.

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Mr. President,

I wanted to send you a letter to wish you and all of Mexico well today, the 16th of September, on the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Mexico.

I lived for one year in the esteemed metropolitan city of Guasave, Sinaloa when I was a junior in high school – similar to the year you spent at Denis Hall Junior High in Maine. I love Mexico and the Mexican people.

I would be interested to know which 2016 candidate for president in the United States you feel is the best.

Kind regards from Washington, D.C.,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. I also studied at Tec de Monterrey (for one semester), but I was at the Mazatlan campus, which I don’t believe is at the same level as the Monterrey campus where you studied, but it was still an amazing experience. 

 

Day 258: Anonymous letter left at Glen’s Garden Market

I live near a great market/cafe called Glen’s Garden Market. They celebrated their two-year anniversary earlier this year. They’ve got lots of local produce and delicious sandwiches and salads, but they’ve also got great little bar that features all local beers that are all $4 all day long every day. Mmmm beer!

Anyway, I was over there today having lunch and talking to the owner Danielle who is making a really cool donation to a nonprofit that I help out with, and I decided to leave an anonymous letter some place in the market. I love their humus so I decided to put it in the cooler in front of the humus. I wish I’d captured a photo of the letter in the cooler but I thought people would see me putting the letter there, so I just left it there.

I decided to throw in a ten spot to brighten someone's day.

I decided to throw in a ten spot to brighten someone’s day.

Two things that everyone loves: free money and a handwritten letter. Get yourself some delicious local produce here at Glen’s, cook up something delicious and write someone who you’ve been meaning to reach out to – trust me, you’ll feel amazing!

Enjoy!

Day 250: Michael Raymer

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photo: inquisitr.com

Last week I heard about a touching story of a mail carrier in Glendale, AZ who left his customers handwritten notes (one of them is shown here) informing them that he was retiring at the end of the month and telling them how much he enjoyed getting to know them over the years.

You can check out the story for yourself here.

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Michael,

Today is Labor Day and I thought it would be fitting to drop you a note – you’ve certainly worked hard throughout your career and deserve a day off. Thank you for both your military and civil service to our country.

I created a custom card for Michael

I created a custom card for Michael

I read about your handwritten note to your mail customers – that was very thoughtful. I particularly appreciated it because not only did I grow up next door to a postal carrier, but I also am a big fan of handwritten correspondence.

Do you have any special stories you would be willing to share about your work as a mail carrier. I imagine over the past 20 yrs you must have had some good ones!

Best of luck in your retirement!
Reed Sandridge