Homesick remedy #1 – Writing Letters

That’s right. I said writing. Not sending emails or whatsapping people. Writing an actual letter on actual paper that people can actually keep. Writing cards and letters is something I grew up doing. My proper southern mama (hi mom!) always had us write cards for special occasions or to say thank you and it kinda stuck. Letters are a dying tradition but they are one of the most squishy, mushy ways to make someone feel appreciated, especially when you live far, far away from your lovies. Those of us who live abroad can appreciate it most of all. (hint: card giveaway at the bottom!) 

I even have a box of letters from over the years that I’ve kept which includes old notes passed at school, love letters from past boyfriends, and cards from family members. Going over them every few years is a real treat. A look at how silly you once were or how someone really felt about you at that moment.

One of the most important parts of a good letter is penmanship. If your handwriting isn’t great, it could be hard to fix but it’s good to take the time to writing slowly and nicely, even if you can’t write in cursive, like me. Who needs it? Cursive is hard to read anyway. Just make sure it’s legible so your reader can, well, read it.

Next is choosing a card or the stationary. A beautifully-made card which is original, elegant, or funny is the best option. Stationary that was made for you or represents something you like is also nice. I often send cards with butterflies as many of friends and family know that I love them (or a ^^shark since I’m from Florida!)

Thirdly, you have to decide what to write. The best tip I can offer is try and avoid cliches and trite phrases which everyone uses and that don’t express your true feelings. I like to be funny and sweet, which keeps it light but meaningful at the same time. The best cards are those that say something original and heartfelt. Another tip – when you’re writing a card or a letter which you expect the person to keep or for a special occasion, write or type the text somewhere else first. That way, in case you’d like to change it, you can without ruining the nice card. I’ve done that too many times to count.

Here’s a card that I’m giving to my Polish friends who are getting married in September. I love the pun! The best part?

 

 

It’s gender neutral so you can buy the card for any couple whose wedding you may be attending. Marriage equality for the win! The card is from Pelican Post, a company based out of Amsterdam that makes fun, eco-friendly and high-quality greeting cards. In honor of summer, the perfect time for writing to friends far, far away, we’re doing a giveaway with Pelican Post for 3 cards of your choice from their Etsy page. In order to take part in the giveaway, you have complete to these three short requirements:

1. Like @polonization_leah on Instagram
2. Like @pelicanpost on Instagram
3. Comment on this post with who you’d like to send a card to this summer, why you’d choose them, and where they live! The more exotic, the better 🙂 After 7 days we’ll choose 2 winners with the most interesting comments to choose the 3 cards they like the most to receive for free!

So be sure to comment for a chance to win!