Tag Archives: letters

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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Day 43: A letter to Jesus

Posted on February 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

That's Jesus taking an order for pick up.

That’s Jesús taking an order for pick up.

No, this is not a letter to that Jesus…it’s a letter to Jesús – my favorite taquero. If you are in the DC area you have to try Jesús’ tacos. I lived in Mexico for a year and Tacos El Chilango is the real deal. If you have any doubt, check them out on Yelp.com – I kid you not that this truck has the highest rating of all restaurants in Arlington County. That’s insane – and awesome all in one. I love these guys – they are part responsible for my overall happiness in DC and also part responsible for the 15 pounds I can’t seem to lose.

You can find Jesús at the corner of 14th Street N. and N. Quinn Street every day but Sunday. Jesús’ brother Juan Antonio has opened a brick and mortar shop at 1119 V St NW which is the same, actually it has a bit more expanded menu, but I still prefer the truck.

day 43-2

 

day 43(English translation)

Dear Jesús,

I wanted to send you a letter to tell you that you have the best tacos! I think that this month marks 5 years since the first time I visited the truck. The meat is always tasty – cut just the way they do in Mexico. The diced onion and fresh cilantro (and cucumber slices) complete each taco. They’re delicious and authentic. You and your team always are kind and treat your guests like friends. Even my Dad, who lives in Pennsylvania, asks about you guys.

Congratulations and best regards,
Reed

Yelp.es user: Prairie S

Yelp.es user: Prairie S

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Day 42: The White House

Posted on February 11, 2015 | Leave a comment


Before you get all excited that I am firing off letters to President Obama – which I plan to do at some point – I should let you know that the house I lived in during college was infamously known as The White House. We threw parties there every week to help pay for college. Did we make money? Well, as an adult now I realize we probably should have been declaring income.

These are my friends Thom and Tressa - they didn't live there but they did meet in that kitchen and are married today. Those are some of the dishes that were there (literally sitting in the exact same spot unwashed) when we lived there in the 90s.

These are my friends Thom and Tressa – they didn’t live there but they did meet in that kitchen and are married today. Those are some of the dishes that were there (literally sitting in the exact same spot unwashed) when we lived there in the 90s.

Anyway, I got together with some of my roommates and friends from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in October and hung out in our old stomping grounds. The highlight was a visit to The White House. We were surprised by two things. First, the guys who live there now were there and let us in and second, the house looked (and smelled) exactly the same. In fact I’m quite sure the landlord has done nothing to that house, except raise the rent, in twenty years.

This post is dedicated to Brian, Emo, Doug, Dan and Dave.

day 42-2

Hey guys,

I’ve been meaning to drop you a note to say thanks for showing us around our old house when my roommates and I stopped by in October. We called it the White House back then. Anyway, it was cool to see it. It seriously hasn’t changed a bit especially the kitchen and bathroom. You guys were cool – we said to each other after we left that you reminded us a lot of ourselves 20 years ago.

Good luck to you,
Reed Sandridge (’97)

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Day 41: Kacy

Posted on February 10, 2015 | 2 comments

I recently discovered Project 12 – an inspiring journey of exciting commitments for every month of the year. It’s about volunteering, giving back and eliminating excess from our lives. This month, in honor of Valentines Day, Kacy is writing 12 love letters.

Her main blog is worth checking out as well: It’s a Pleasant Life. You’ll find things from yoga to cooking to staying healthy (Kacy is a former physical education teacher).

By the way – Kacy lists her current music obsessions on the site. Is it wrong that I am kind of happy that her top 15 doesn’t include anything from Taylor Swift?

Day 41

Dear Kacy,

I discovered your Project 12 through Michelle Seymour. I love it! You are doing wonderfully amazing things each month – and it’s even more meaningful how you involve your kids in the projects.

I tried to emboss my initials on the front of this card - this one was a bit crooked.

I tried to emboss my initials on the front of this card – this one was a bit crooked.

I can tell how important family is to you. I’m sorry to hear about your father – your eulogy was beautiful. What a gift for all of us to get to know him through your words. I lost my mother 8 years ago after a 20 year battle with heart disease. Even after all that time of knowing that day was coming – dealing w/ her death was harder than I ever could have imagined. Hang in there.

I hope you know how much you inspire others through your blog – it inspired me a great deal. I look forward to following your journey.

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

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