Monday Mail

I've been feeling so very blessed lately. I've received so much *love* in my mailbox and my heart is so full of gratitude! This beautiful letter arrived today from sweet Anita. I love the flowers! The day before she sent an envelope of historical info about her city for Bella. So fun.

And this AMAZING scarf from Kimberly made me *swoon*! She picked the purple yarn out just for me...I am so humbled and in awe of her. The best part is that Kimberly and I randomly ran into each other at the Portland Saturday Market after being in touch online for quite some time. So crazy.

Cheryl and I have written back and forth several times...she sent this lovely handmade paper folder with textured paper inside. On the back, it says:

"In Nepal, we would never write on the card, it is considered to be part of the gift. This card is meant to be used over and over again, with just the insert being replaced. The older the card is, the more valuable it becomes because of all of the giving that has been associated with it, when it is finally worn out, please frame it and hang it in your home as a sign of prosperity. You can sign and date the card if you like to document it's travel."

How fabulous is that?! I've so enjoyed corresponding with Cheryl...even though my heart is breaking for her family right now as her husband is battling cancer. Please lift them up in your prayers and thoughts.

I always love receiving mail from another country. I'm in awe of the mail system and that a little package can make it's way ALL the way across the ocean to my mailbox. It's a miracle! This is the necklace that beautiful Helly sent me from Australia. It feels SO good on...so smooth and lovely. I've been wearing it almost every day...the weight of it is comforting and yummy. The carved piece of wood is made from reclaimed wood from the goldfields.  She has had an Etsy store in the past, so I'll be sure to let you know if/when she stocks it again! :)

My cousin Trish sent me a fun package with some goodies, including some chai spice mate and chai flavored honey...she knows what I like!

There have been several other day-brightening letters and packages...and I'm sure I'm missing someone. But thank you so much to all!

I believe in the POWER OF THE MAILBOX! Make someone's day. Send mail.

I've been having fun sending out goodies myself...mail makes me so happy!

Lettergirl Giveaway

*address is intentionally altered for privacy

The first time I saw the Lettergirl store on Etsy, I squealed with excitement. If you've been reading my blog for any time at all, you know that I LOVE anything that has to do with mail and stationary. And you will understand why I went nuts over these adorable stamps. I'm a little obsessed with mine (above). It's so unique...just looking at it makes me want to run to my desk and start writing letters!

There is just something magical about one's address. It's home. It's familiar. It's happy. I've always loved learning the address at every new home we've lived in. And I couldn't think of a better way than to say "we're staying!" than to get a custom stamp of our new address! :)

These custom beauties are the handiwork of Gina in Minneapolis, MN. I just had to know more about her story and give you all a chance to win your very own stamp. She does more than just address stamps too...if you have a sweet idea, she can help! Wedding stamps, business stamps, bag or tag stamps for your retail/Etsy store, book plate stamps, you name it.

When did you first fall in love with handwritten or "real" letters? When I was in college, I somehow tested into an advanced French class which was way over my head, and the only other class I could find to transfer into was called “Crafts”.  I hadn’t planned to take another art class, but this one turned out to be my favorite – we did traditional crafts like weaving on a loom, copper enameling, ceramics, and calligraphy.  It was a lot of fun!

Have you always had beautiful handwriting!? As you can see, I didn’t always have great handwriting!  This recipe card is from high school when I had the same handwriting as everyone else.  My lettering style has developed through years of practice.  I started by doing traditional calligraphy, but I would always provide my clients with a sample in my regular handwriting to make sure that everything was just right before embarking on the “real” calligraphy.  One of my early clients didn’t want me to rewrite it, she wanted her stationery in my handwriting instead.  Since then, I’ve developed almost a dozen different lettering styles.

How long have you been in business for yourself? I’ll celebrate my 19^th anniversary in May.  Things were pretty different back in 1992!

What is your favorite part of your job? I have two favorite parts.  One is getting to know my customers – I’m grateful for a lot of repeat business.  I’ve enjoyed working with couples on their wedding stationery, and then helping them with their baby announcements.  I’m about to work on a bar mitzvah invitation for the son of a couple I first worked with 14 years ago!  My second favorite part is the flexibility.  I love being home when my kids get off the school bus.  Depending how much work is on my plate, I’m not always relaxed when they get home, but it’s still nice to have a little break and hear about their day.

What are some of your other passions? I love reading and sewing and hiking.  I wish I had snowshoes because we’ve had a lot of snow in Minneapolis this year!

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This giveaway is for one custom stamp of your choice.

There are three wonderful ways to enter the giveaway (you can do them all if you want — leave a SEPARATE comment for each one).

• Leave a comment and tell me one delightful little thing that happened today.
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook page.
• Share this giveaway on Twitter.

I will randomly choose a winner on Tuesday, February 22 (entry cutoff is at 12:00 p.m. MST).

AND...Gina is offering FREE SHIPPING to my blog readers through February 28!! Just enter the discount code "HAPPY" when checking out of her store on Etsy (be kind and please remember to do it when checking out so she doesn't have to do a lot of shipping refunds!).

Happy letter writing! :)

Mail Goodies

Over the years, I have gotten so many lovely little things in the mail from blog readers...and I am embarrassed to say that I haven't really posted much about it! But this week, I got TWO packages in the mail and it truly made my day...I knew I had to share it with you.

It's been a fun week, but a little stressful...and these gifts made me so happy. They arrived just in time to put a smile on my face after a couple of really long days.

The felted wool purse is from Jessica in Salt Lake City and the magnets are from Naomi in Indianapolis. Thank you ladies for taking time out of your own busy day to bless mine. I know it takes extra effort to package some love up in an envelope and send it on it's way...and for your efforts, I am GRATEFUL!

I challenge each of you to mail just ONE thing in the next week...to someone who has been on your mind. It could be a card, a small "nature" something you found outside, a teabag...the options are endless! If you need help, here are some ideas from an archived post about my mail obsession.

Leave me a comment and tell me about a special package that you have received in the mail! Or, if you have already answered that question in my previous mail post, tell me something special that you sent someone!