Month of Letter Writing

Today is the first day in the Month of Letters Challenge.  The goal is to write a letter for every day the post office is open, and to respond to every piece of mail you receive.  Though I'm already pretty good about writing letters, I'm really excited to have the opportunity to dust off my stationery and send letters to people I haven't kept in touch with as much. 

Today I wrote two people from my high school years, one I have kept in touch with and one I haven't.  It was an interesting process, updating someone I haven't seen or spoken to in 10 years about where I am in my life.  It was nice as well, and made me feel pretty good about where I've been, and where I am going.

The other was a mentor of mine from my high school years, who I have kept in touch with since, though we've both shaken things up in the past couple years.  I'm looking forward to checking in, in letter form.

Letters allow such a different type of expression than e-mails allow.  I like the commitment of each word I write, that I can't tweak and so shouldn't worry about it.  It feels more direct from my mind.  I address different topics than I would in an e-mail.  Letters can dawdle, pour out gently, and form along the way.

I'm already gearing up for tomorrow.  Who knows if I'll be this enthusiastic by the end of the month, but all I wanted to do tonight was write letters.  My sister and childhood bf get the next round.

I'm also very excited to use the new Emancipation Stamps.  If only every month was a Month of Letters!  Though I suppose it could be, but it would make this one less special.