the art of the written word

I am clearly a fan of writing. I was reading Real Simple magazine the other day and there was an article about 5 rituals that should make a comeback. Handwritten letters was one of them and I could not agree more! I have always gotten cards throughout the years from my grandparents, parents and friends. The time I loved it most was when I was in college. It remind me of home and made me feel special.

I try to bring that into my teaching as well. Every grading period I write a note to one boy and one girl from each of my six classes. The reception is generally a warm one. I decided to send them to my students from last year who are now freshmen in college. I got responses from about 50 of their parents with the addresses, so I had a lot of writing to do. However, I loved every minute of it! I am just now starting to hear back from a few of them, but that is not the point. My hope was that they would know they are loved and that I am thinking about them all, wishing them well.

Just a few of the letters I sent out to former students

Christmas is no exception to this rule. I know people receive an influx of cards during the holiday season, and I want to make sure we are one of them. I went a little bigger than last year. We had my parents take the photos and I bought bow ties for Max and Chunk (thank you Target dollar section!). Unfortunately Max is 100 pounds and all fur, so you could not see his bow tie, but Chunk looked dapper in his. I giggle every time I see the photo. Anyways, whether it is writing a handwritten note or sending a "thinking of you" card, it is so important to communicate with loved ones. And who doesn't like being on the receiving end?!

Chunk, such a Southern gentleman :)

Merry Christmas!