Way, way back...before texting, or heck, even before personal phones became the norm for teens, my best friend and I came up with the idea of Happy Pills. No, no, not actual pills. Little notes. Anything really, that could be printed on a sheet of notebook paper and folded (and folded, and folded) until it resembled a tight little half inch square. My friend had it down to an exact science, mine never looked as neat as hers.
We would each write (and fold and fold), stockpiling an entire jar full and then exchange them with strict instructions to only open one as needed (such as if we had to endure an entire weekend without contact--can you imagine? The horror!).
The jar itself, full of unread notes just waiting to be unfolded, gave me such a powerful feeling. Like I held the antidote for anything life threw my way. Sometimes they were silly things: acrostics, word searches, ransom note-style letters. Other times heartfelt outpourings, as teen girls are wont to do.
I feel the same way about my mailbox. Just one personal letter or card inside and it turbocharges my whole day!
While my sister is stuck at home recovering from some minor surgeries I thought I would send her some "Happy Pill" cheer via mail since I am not close at hand to bring her dinners or keep her company.
Inspired by the 13 oz or less idea and this post I made up some of my own "happy mail." Starting today I will drop one item in the mailbox a day.
I can't wait to hear if the goodies arrive intact!
In case you're interested, from left to right:
1) Cardboard tube (re-purposed one that held wrapping paper) = latest gossip rag
2) Cone of cotton candy...crazy, right? How could I not try?
3) Heart shaped Peeps (her favorite candy)
4) DVD of one of my favorite shows Coupling
5) Cards and notes from the kids and me
What is the craziest thing you've mailed (or received in the mail)?
We would each write (and fold and fold), stockpiling an entire jar full and then exchange them with strict instructions to only open one as needed (such as if we had to endure an entire weekend without contact--can you imagine? The horror!).
The jar itself, full of unread notes just waiting to be unfolded, gave me such a powerful feeling. Like I held the antidote for anything life threw my way. Sometimes they were silly things: acrostics, word searches, ransom note-style letters. Other times heartfelt outpourings, as teen girls are wont to do.
I feel the same way about my mailbox. Just one personal letter or card inside and it turbocharges my whole day!
While my sister is stuck at home recovering from some minor surgeries I thought I would send her some "Happy Pill" cheer via mail since I am not close at hand to bring her dinners or keep her company.
Inspired by the 13 oz or less idea and this post I made up some of my own "happy mail." Starting today I will drop one item in the mailbox a day.
I can't wait to hear if the goodies arrive intact!
In case you're interested, from left to right:
1) Cardboard tube (re-purposed one that held wrapping paper) = latest gossip rag
2) Cone of cotton candy...crazy, right? How could I not try?
3) Heart shaped Peeps (her favorite candy)
4) DVD of one of my favorite shows Coupling
5) Cards and notes from the kids and me
What is the craziest thing you've mailed (or received in the mail)?
I once accidentally committed a felony: I sent a small bottle of sparkling wine to my (then fiance) on Valentine's day. Oops!
ReplyDeleteI love sending and receiving letters, too! My pen pal and I have been exchanging for 6 years now :)