A Few Letters

Dear sissy, I am so so jealous you are in Seattle.  I wish you could have stuffed me in your suitcase.  Even though you are doing work up there with your forensics team, I would love to just take a big drink of that crisp Northwestern air.  You make me happy and my memories of Seattle make me happy, so I guess you and Seattle can have your weekend... I'll get mine soon enough!  Dear apartment, I wish you would pack yourself.  I realize that the more I want to explore (rather than settle down), the more I will have to move, but I wish I had Harry Potter powers or something to make this easier.  I am moving from the South Bay to San Francisco a week from Saturday, and packing procrastination is in full force.  Dear rainy weather, you sure made me want to snuggle up with a good book this week and enjoy my flannel sheets.  I may live for sunshine, but this weather is so cozy and wonderful.   Dear random co-worker, thank you for telling me that the brownies I made were the best you ever had.  I confess, they were from a box.  I sprinkled on powdered sugar to make them a little special, but I was really crunched for time and actually felt bad my treats weren't completely homemade.  You made me smile.  Dear "Auntie" Claire, your emails make my day.  I hope to be as legit as you when I am 80-something years young.   You were one of my idols growing up, but it's funny how close we've become since I started my post-college life.  I don't think there is anything like knowing and appreciating people in a whole new light.  Dear readers/followers/blogs that I read and love, you inspire me every day to be a more open, genuine and caring woman.  You make me feel like I can accomplish anything.  Thanks for being you!

Harry Potter-esque troll outside of Seattle.  Pure vacation bliss with my sisters. Summer 2009.

Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds is currently living in Los Angeles, and her tales of the city make me nostalgic for SoCal life.  Go check out her blog and other fab letters!

Just A Little Note

I have an aunt and uncle who, year after year, never fail to send a card for all occasions you could possibly think of.  It is the sweetest thing ever.  Whether it's for a birthday, Halloween or a new apartment, they magically seem to have my updated address on file.  During college and since I started my new job, it is one of the things that has made me feel at home.

After finding a handy USPS vending machine, I really have no excuse not to send letters and small packages.  'Thank You' letters are my  favorite kind to send, but Valentine's Day is also a perfect occasion to send a sweet note.  I found these adorable cards at Target, and sent them to a few of my favorite Valentine's.

I love these tips from Emily Post.  My favorite part is when she tells letter writers to "include only information you would be happy for others to see."  No matter what kind of letter it is, I always include a personal anecdote and warm wishes.  Valentine's Day cards can be even fuzzier, in my opinion.

The cute cards I picked up at Target.  Simple, sweet and filled with love (and chocolate).

Here are a couple Valentine's I received.

From my fam bam in Fresno.

From my aunt and uncle. And it happens to feature one of my favorite kinds of doggies.

Do you like to send snail mail?