What a gorgeous photo of joy and love! And, such a great post, Ilona - letter writing does seem to be a lost art. I'm happy you're helping it make a come back, and a lovely reminder for us all.
I love your description of the blush book, and I would also have been helpless against its sparkly, charming powers. I think it’s beautiful that you are susceptible to that kind of charm, and it speaks to what lives in your heart.
Yes, I think the book cover is beautiful in its elegance with just a touch of gold, and of course the perfect shade of pink. There must be a whole marketing department that develops book exterior! The surface of the cover is also nice to rub your fingers against, making it a tactile experience as well. You get me, girl!
#1 Adorable smiley faced grandson. #2 I still love to send and receive letters (and personal emails). I think it's very satisfying to write out how I'm feeling or thinking (and maybe that's a "writer's thing." It helps me organize my thoughts and feelings. I have written a letter to a friend who unceremoniously "dumped" me after I quit going to the Catholic church she attended. I've never sent it (and won't) but it helped me explain my surprise and pain over the loss of that relationship. That helped me clarify and express my feelings even though it remains unsent. I think letter writing is valuable and I hope it isn't permanently lost.
I always have enjoyed getting handwritten letters. And I used to send them. Just as I enjoy going through all my travel journals occasionally, I also enjoy reading letters I have kept over the years. It fills my heart. Handwriting is not only a wonderful eye-hand coordination exercise, it becomes a release of whatever is happening within our worlds that we want to share or not.
I love the way you see this as an artist. Obviously you make art through your hands, and that is a release of sorts, too. Thanks for your beautiful perspective, Michelle.
Love learning more about your life, as usual. Scandinavia, half my gene pool! Can't wait to get one of your postcards from there, and thanks for your thoughtfulness. A good friend's birthday is coming up, and I took my desire to send a handwritten card in steps. Got out my collection. Chose a pen that won't wobble too much in my aging hands (my fountain pen writing finger is actually bent from a lifetime of journal-writing). Looked at our cool stamp collection. Chose a frog stamp. Looked at our eco-contribution return address collection. Chose the right animal. Laid it out here beside me so tomorrow I can craft a loving message to arrive on her birthday. As she's done for me so many times. You're a jewel, Ilona Goanos!
What a gorgeous photo of joy and love! And, such a great post, Ilona - letter writing does seem to be a lost art. I'm happy you're helping it make a come back, and a lovely reminder for us all.
Thanks Paulette! I think there's something special a good ole handwritten letter. So much fun to open the envelope!
Indeed.
I love your description of the blush book, and I would also have been helpless against its sparkly, charming powers. I think it’s beautiful that you are susceptible to that kind of charm, and it speaks to what lives in your heart.
Yes, I think the book cover is beautiful in its elegance with just a touch of gold, and of course the perfect shade of pink. There must be a whole marketing department that develops book exterior! The surface of the cover is also nice to rub your fingers against, making it a tactile experience as well. You get me, girl!
Congratulations!! True joy.
💯 % Thanks JoSo!
Ilona Goanos: Julian is a happy looking young boy with a vital, loving Grandma, with a long bright life in front of him!
Postcards?! I‘m in — I‘ll send you the return email!
I love writing long letters, or, by hand, long essays.
I am just returning to Memphis from the beautiful Rheinpfalz.
Wunderbar! I look forward to adding you to the list.
#1 Adorable smiley faced grandson. #2 I still love to send and receive letters (and personal emails). I think it's very satisfying to write out how I'm feeling or thinking (and maybe that's a "writer's thing." It helps me organize my thoughts and feelings. I have written a letter to a friend who unceremoniously "dumped" me after I quit going to the Catholic church she attended. I've never sent it (and won't) but it helped me explain my surprise and pain over the loss of that relationship. That helped me clarify and express my feelings even though it remains unsent. I think letter writing is valuable and I hope it isn't permanently lost.
Yes, letter-writing is therapeutic as well. But as you say, some letters are best left unsent.
I always have enjoyed getting handwritten letters. And I used to send them. Just as I enjoy going through all my travel journals occasionally, I also enjoy reading letters I have kept over the years. It fills my heart. Handwriting is not only a wonderful eye-hand coordination exercise, it becomes a release of whatever is happening within our worlds that we want to share or not.
I love the way you see this as an artist. Obviously you make art through your hands, and that is a release of sorts, too. Thanks for your beautiful perspective, Michelle.
This was great - I'm happy you walked into that shop! Love the smiling Julian and grandma!
Love learning more about your life, as usual. Scandinavia, half my gene pool! Can't wait to get one of your postcards from there, and thanks for your thoughtfulness. A good friend's birthday is coming up, and I took my desire to send a handwritten card in steps. Got out my collection. Chose a pen that won't wobble too much in my aging hands (my fountain pen writing finger is actually bent from a lifetime of journal-writing). Looked at our cool stamp collection. Chose a frog stamp. Looked at our eco-contribution return address collection. Chose the right animal. Laid it out here beside me so tomorrow I can craft a loving message to arrive on her birthday. As she's done for me so many times. You're a jewel, Ilona Goanos!