Thank You Notes

One of my favorite things to do is write letters and notes. Some would say it was therapy, and if therapy was what I needed I might agree. What I need is a different entry altogether! What note writing is for me is an opportunity to think deeply on the subject and be truly grateful. It gives me a chance to breathe. For that moment, I am only thinking about whatever it is I am writing about and the person I am writing to.

It is also a love affair with the medium itself. Note cards and papers are expressive. They convey the aesthetic of the sender. It is an act of love and empathy to give notecards as a gift to someone. It is also wonderful to receive a handmade card, something I have been lucky enough to experience.

Of course, I have sent and received my fair share of hastily scrawled notes, vapid and superficial. In my advanced years (ha), I am realizing - and I believe there is a cliche dedicated to this train of thought - that if something is worth doing at all, it should be done well. Or at least with the best possible intentions and attentions paid.

So last night, as Gigi was stalking around amidst our new wealth of books, clothing and toys, I took some time to really think about the effort it took our guests to come and add to the happiness, to say nothing of the nice gifts they brought. And that was my perspective as I wrote out a first round of thank you notes. And even if no one could tell but me, even if I was the only one who benefited from the process, I was so grateful for the opportunity.