Letters and Notes:
More valuable than some thought!
More valuable than some thought!
Credit: The Smithsonian Archives
Greetings and Salutations,
Welcome to the realm of art and words. Here an inclination can becomes a thing of meaning with a thoughtful writing card and the stroke of a pen.
That said, the psychology of a picture allows one to "feel" while, at the same time "visualizing," thus making a more lasting impression. Images, such as those that don the cover of Laurel & Fishburne collectable writing cards, are thought-provoking, to say the least.
“The timeless elegance and warmth of Laurel & Fishburne collectables are designed to spark inspiration while always making a good an impression.”
Likewise, a fine writing instrument, such as, let’s say, a Mont Blanc fountain pen, used by heads of states to sign world changing documents, is an inspiration to write with. Its brand is iconic, with a deeply symbolic name and logo.
“Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, and the highest mountain in Europe.”
When we think of the importance of a greeting, whether it be a note of thanks or a remembrance during a time of loss, we think of warm feelings that are evoked in the heart of a family member, friend, constituent, or colleague because we have conveyed our timely sentiments. The power of a letter or note should never be underestimated. Think of these remarkable greetings:
“Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved.” (Ludwig van Beethoven to his “Immortal Beloved”)
“Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.” (President George Bush to President Barack Obama)
“Upon opening the package I received recently, I, of course, had no idea what to expect.” (Johnny Depp to fans who made him a quilt)
Novelist, Kurt Vonnegut had this to say regarding enthusiasm for the art of writing and a list of other artsy things in a letter to Xavier High School students.
“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
From particularly thought-provoking writing cards to the inspirational charge, one feels from writing with a luxurious fountain pen, writing a letter or note, no matter how simple, is genius on many levels because it says what no other mode of communication can say. AND, it is one of the most powerful ways that a writer, in a way, can live on forever.
Credit: Gerard ter Borch
Letter writing has been powerfully meaningful to the likes of Beethoven, Presidents Bush and Obama, and entertainers like Johnny Depp. In light of all this, we can conclude that the letter or note is more powerful than many may have supposed. It speaks well into the future, even after the writer is gone, and according to Vonnegut, IT MAKES YOUR SOUL GROW.
Write and live on - forever