Is the Art of Letter Writing Lost?

In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, we forget what an important part it used to play in people's lives. ~Anatole Broyard

Is the art of letter writing a lost art?

I was reading Pia’s Answers to her five questions from me and the mention of writing wonderful heartfelt letters and even including a drawing along with other personalised details and including all of this into a beautiful envelope, reminded me of days gone by. These art full creative letters have now been replaced with emails and the like.

A Letter is a Joy of Earth -
It is denied the Gods
~Emily Dickinson, 1885

Personally I love beautiful stationary and a comfortable, smooth pen to write with, but alas I don’t send out these beautiful little hand written art pieces very often these days. I would not call it laziness in my case, however I think it is more a lack of interest on behalf of the few who would be at the receiving end of such a beautiful personal gesture from me.

To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart. ~Phyllis Theroux

I have an aunt who sends out lovely hand written cards in decorated envelopes, whenever she wishes to correspond. She also does the same as a thank you card or letter to a person for some kindness which they have bestowed upon her.

This I admit is always a wonderful experience to receive something from her, because it conveys so much personal, warmth and beauty.

One can see and enjoy the toil of her handiwork that went into creating this very special card or letter.

Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls. ~John Donne

I know as time goes by, my hand writing has deteriorated considerably from the grade five student who toiled diligently to create master strokes of cursive, using pen and ink from the inkwell.

I am tired, Beloved,
of chafing my heart against
the want of you;
of squeezing it into little inkdrops,
And posting it.
~Amy Lowell, "The Letter

I found some wonderful quotes about letter writing and they ring so true. I am sharing them through out this post.

One of my favourite purchases to this day is still beautiful stationary packs and this leads me to believe that I will take up creative letter writing again in the future.

When he wrote a letter, he would put that which was most material in the postscript, as if it had been a by-matter. ~Francis Bacon, "Of Cunning," Essays

PS. Please tell me what you think of letter writing and in the next post I am going to attempt to write a letter to you all.

Hugs Milli.

What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human hand-clasp. ~Author Unknown