While driving through Pennsylvania I stopped in at the Sheetz gas station on Route 15 in Dillsburg and left an anonymous letter with some cash inside. I thought about hiding it under some blueberry mini muffins, but then I decided to place it behind something healthier. Why not reward someone for making a healthy choice today!
Posted in Anonymous
Tagged anonymous letters, cash, Dillsburg PA, food, handwritten letters, healthy, money, Paper Source, Sheetz, travel, Year of Letters
With Dad celebrating my 41st birthday.
My father turns 75 today. He didn’t want much fanfare about the event, typical dad, just a low-key evening. Tomorrow my brother and I are taking him to dinner. We’ve got him a gift, but I had a special gift that I was hoping he’d receive.
Birthday card from Steve Wozniak!
Back on Day 236 I wrote to Apple co-founder and computer engineering genius Steve Wozniak and asked him to send my father a birthday greeting. I was getting ready to be a bit sour and share how disappointed I am that Woz failed to come through. But, my father picked up his mail today and said he got the card from Woz!!! Awesome! He was so happy – a special gift that money cannot buy.
If Woz can send Dad a card, then I sure as hell better send him one too! If you know my father, you’ll appreciate this one.
Dad
Today marks your 75th year – quite an achievement. You’ve done a lot in your life.
You have been a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. You have succeeded in both your personal and professional lives.
You’ve made me laugh hard and often.
You have the distinct ability to make processes more complicated.
You’ve sacrificed so much to give us the life we’ve had.
You smile and laugh at yourself with ease.
You’re really stubborn.
Dad and me – circa 1980
You sometimes make this slight but noticeable scowl where your lower lip curls upward.
You’re not afraid to show your affection for those you love.
You would live forever if eating Dairy Queen Buster Bars, chips & salsa and a fistful of vitamins were the key ingredients to a healthy life
You are one of the least critical and judgemental parents that I know.
You have interesting and innovative ideas – you are the original MacGyver.
You always have time for me.
You make up more sayings than anyone I know.
You are the original storyteller.
You taught me how to discretely transport booze in a guitar case.
It’s true, you are many things. And you will always be my father and I will always love you more than I ever show.
Happy 75th birthday Dad.
Love,
Jason
Posted in Birthdays
Tagged 75th birthday, birthdays, dad, family, handwritten letters, lessons, love, Paper Source, replies, Staedtler pen, Steve Wozniak, Woz, Year of Letters
Don Pepi’s Pizzeria at Penn Station.
Today’s letter was scrawled quickly as I rushed to write it on the back of my laptop before I hopped on my train back to Washington. My quick draft didn’t come out as elegantly as I had hoped. I left it on the counter at Don Pepi’s Pizzeria at Penn Station.
I grew up watching the New York Mets on WWOR, I was a huge fan in the early 80s and was rewarded with a miraculous World Series victory in the fall of 1986. I could tell you any statistic about Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Mookie Wilson or Gary Carter (RIP my friend!).
Times have changed and so has my location. Living in our nation’s capital, I’ve become a strong fan of the Washington Nationals. In fact, I haven’t missed an opening day game since they moved the franchise to DC in 2005. This year didn’t end up the way we had hoped, but my old team, the New York Metropolitans are still in the race. So, here’s to them, LET’S GO METS!
I tried to stamp the glove blue in honor of the Mets, but I may have used purple ink. I can’t tell. #BeingColorblind
Dear New Yorker,
I grew up a Mets fan – then moved to Washington, DC and became a Nationals fan. We lost this year to the Mets – their World Series Dreams are still alive. I wish them lots of luck in the playoffs!
Reed Sandridge
Washington, DC
P.S. LET’S GO METS!
Posted in Anonymous
Tagged baseball, handwriting, handwritten letters, letter-writing, letters, New York Mets, Paper Source, sports, stamps, Washington Nationals, Year of Letters
Another thank you for one of the great supporters of the Street Sense Gala that I attended Thursday night. I’ve known Bobby and his team for several years – great bottle shop just footsteps from Dupont Circle.
Bobby and his team are terrific and they manage to pack their store with delicious beer, wine and spirits. Need to take a wine to a party? Stop in at 1529 Connecticut Ave. and tell Bobby or his team about what you are looking for and they’ll find you the perfect bottle for the occasion.
They’re my go to store for beer, wine and spirits and I am so touched that they so generously supported the Street Sense Gala. THANK YOU!
Bobby,
I was so touched by your extremely generous and kind donation of wine and alcohol for the Street Sense Gala. The event was magical – I’ve never experienced a gala as inspiring as this one. It would not have been a success without your most generous donation and kindness. Thank you on behalf of all of the homeless men and women in DC that we work with to help find employment, housing and purpose in life.
My most sincere thanks,
Reed
Posted in Thank-yous
Tagged alcohol, community, donating, donations, galas, handwriting, handwritten letters, helping others, letters, nonprofits, Paper Source, Staedtler pen, stationery, Year of Letters
Last night was the celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the founding of Street Sense, a nonprofit that I support. Street Sense is one of the most innovative organizations in helping men and women experiencing homelessness get training and find employment in the area of media and the arts.
The evening was spectacular, but it would not have been possible without the support of several organizations. I went to establishments that I regularly frequent and asked them if they would support this event. It was touching how generous the organizations were. Brian is the manager at one of DC’s best cocktail bars which happens to be just a stone’s throw away from my door step. McClellan’s Retreat donated a really cool package for four people to learn how to make three quintessential cocktails – and they get to drink them too!
Thanks to Brian and the entire team at McClellan’s Retreat!
Brian,
I wanted to send you a proper thank-you for your generous contribution to the Street Sense gala – it was an inspiring evening! It’s incredible how those experiencing homelessness can regain their lives, get back into housing, contribute to society, etc. when given the proper support and encouragement.
This is our biggest fundraiser and I appreciate you and McClellan’s Retreat helping to make it a success!
Reed
Posted in Thank-yous
Tagged bars, community, donating, donations, galas, handwritten letters, helping others, letter-writing, letters, neighbors, nonprofits, Paper Source, Street Sense, Year of Letters