Pamela's Daybook: July 15th

Today: It's Friday! I had the best talk with my Aunt Jean. I called to find out about Aunt Posie, but we chatted about a lot of other things, too. One thing she told me is about a family (near my childhood home) who lived in a three story house, a bathroom on each level. But -- they had only one towel and they had to carry it from floor to floor. That just made me laugh. 

Both Aunt Posie and Uncle Jim are in a care facility. They share the same room. Uncle Jim cannot hear anything. The last time I tried to talk to him on the telephone he couldn't hear me at all. All I heard was him telling Aunt Posie, "I can't hear a thing she's saying." Aunt Posie isn't doing well, but at least she's in a place that provides great care. I'm so thankful for that. 

At my writing desk: Lots of writing going on today. 

Praying for:  Uncle Jim and Aunt Posie

Thankful for: Aunt Jean!

I'm reading: I asked Aunt Jean if all my cousins read. My Great Papa Gromley read, my Grammy did, all of her daughters, my mother and three aunts, are (were) readers. Aunt Jean thinks all of the cousins read, too. We are four generation readers -- my daughters read voraciously, making them fifth generation readers. My grandchildren are sixth generation readers. That makes me smile! Is it hereditary or environmental? 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about something you made by hand.  I was crocheting a shawl, probably back in the 70s. I crocheted the whole way to Chicago. We were staying with RB's sister, on Lake Shore Drive. Someone broke into the car, stole my shawl and leather coat. I could understand the coat, but who steals a half-crocheted shawl? 

Postmarking: I got all my mail out this week. I also had six young women from a Bible Study join our group. They all played volleyball together and now have formed a Bible Study. How awesome is that?!!

Favorite quote: The journey of a lifetime begins at the turning of a page. Rachel Anders

Pamela's Daybook: June 22

Today: Melanie and the kids were here for lunch. Sloppy joes on homemade rolls -- the boys' favorites. So many laughs. The kids are all reading books this summer, and I love to hear about them. Landon finished "The Boxcar Children" -- a favorite of mine at his age. I wanted to live in a boxcar! 

At my writing desk: Traded cooking and some house cleaning for writing. Tomorrow is another day. It all gets done eventually. 

Praying for: James Pinkerton and his family. He has been through so many physical issues and received more bad news this week. 

Thankful for: Daughters and where they live. I'm aware not everyone can have theirs close by, so I'm especially thankful to God for allowing my sweet girls to live ten minutes away. 

I'm reading: Reading "The Widow of Larkspur Inn" for my book club. I'm not a big novel reader, but this club is pushing me to read them.  Once I get into them I'm okay, but it takes me a while to shut off my mind. I downloaded a sample: "Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life." Love the title!

Postmarking: Didn't work on cards at all today. Did receive some names sent for the next list.

Favorite quote:   "It's not luck, it's God's favor."  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16).

Pamela's Daybook: June 13

Today: Oh my, the to-do is long, but I'm eager to get started marking things off. The problem is, everything around me is swirling in miles-per-hour mode. I'm hoping it will cease soon because RB teaches tonight and you know what that means!

At my writing desk: Fun projects waiting for me after my Day Journal is written. I'm starting with curriculum, then will work on my article for The Banner. After that I'll continue my own project. I was able to work on it this weekend.

Praying for: The victims' families in the Orlando terror.

Thankful for: Book stores -- and the shelves of books-yet-unread

I'm reading: Dress Your Truth by Carol Tuttle and a novel for my book club -- The Widow of Lakespur Inn by Lawana Blackwell. This month the book had to be set in somewhere I always wanted to visit.

Postmarking: For the first time, I was late getting my postmarks out. I still have three, then on to this week.

Favorite quote: Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone when you are going through your own storm. (Loveoflifequotes.com)

Daddy-Daughters Date
Emily-RB-Melanie

Pamela's Daybook: June 6th

Today: It's Emma Day! I have Emma today and tomorrow because Emily is at a conference in French Lick. The 8 oldest Clemens boy cousins are at Shawn's sister, Stephenie's, this week for a basketball camp. Melanie has the three girl cousins. So Emma's spending some time there, too.

Emma picked yellow searsucker material at Joann Fabrics for a skirt. Tomorrow we'll be sewing.  She loves to sew. Of course we'll have to make a skirt for her babydoll, too.

Supper at Melanie's house in the woods. Her lasagne is the best.

At my writing desk: No writing yet today (Emma came at 6:00), but after a good nap I'll get some curriculum editing done.

In the mail: I had three letters and a postcard yesterday. Funny how they all come at once. 

Praying to: Be more like Jesus (Thomas Chisholm)

Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Thankful for:  An evening without cooking!

I'm reading: Last evening at Barnes and Noble I picked up "Spark Joy" by Marie Kondo, author of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing." Those who know me know I believe there's no need to use something ugly if something beautiful is available. But I just shook my head when she suggested taking the label off your laundry soap bottle and tying a ribbon around it's neck. People do that?!! It seems a bit far-fetched -- Do any of you tie ribbons around your Tide bottles? Would it "spark joy" when you did the laundry?

Postmarking: One of our team members is on vacation and plans to buy notes wherever she goes. That's the number one thing I look for when I'm in tiny gift shops. 

Favorite quote: You don't need more space. You need less stuff. (Marie Kondo)

Pamela's Daybook: June 3rd

Today: I got to see both my girls today, which was good for my soul. I saw Rhonda, which was good for my body -- and got rid of my eternal headache. As I was leaving Melanie's, Camron said, "I love you, Mawmaw, to Infinity and back." 

At my writing desk: Well, it happened. Something I never thought would. I wished my time at Barnes and Noble would hurry and be over. I just couldn't get comfortable. I don't think it will happen again any time soon. On Monday I'll be eager to go again!

In the mail:  I came across this site: Cards for Hospitalized Kids. The creator of this program was an 11-year-old girl after she received a handmade card while in the hospital. It would be a great summer program for your children.

Praying for: A very special boy, William's, graduation. Praying he stays healthy through all the celebrations.  

Thankful for:  My eyes. The red strawberries picked from my yard make me smile. What if I couldn't read? Or see my grandchildren?

I'm reading:  I finished my book on Huntington's Disease last night at Barnes and Noble. The subject was depressing, but I learned more about the disease. If you like your book to end with a bow tied on it, you wouldn't enjoy this one.  It was fun to hear what Melanie, Emily and the grandkids are reading today.

Postmarking: Mailed four today. The post office personnel know me. Today the clerk asked if I wanted stamps on the envelopes or the print-out postage sticker. She knows I don't like those big white stickers. 

Favorite quote: Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them. Lemony Snicket

Pamela's Daybook: June 2

Today: It's been a few days since I wrote a Daybook post. I've had a fun Red Lobster date with my love, traveled to Pennsylvania, spent time with my daddy, Melodie and Steve (my sister and husband), Nathan and Lori (my nephew and niece), and Aunt Jean. I actually left my computer at home and just relaxed, read, and worked on a few cards. We got home last night at 11:30. Today is catch up, and then a Barnes and Noble night.

At my writing desk: Curriculum this morning (still working on Abraham) and some fun research and writing tonight at Barnes and Noble. 

In the mail: We've been away since Monday, so I had 5 wonderful envelopes: one from Canada, one with 2 old 6-cent stamps, one 10- cent, and one 3-cent with a new first class stamp. So cool! Traci used a paper sack for her envelope. I still have 3 to open. Spreading them out!

Praying for:  Missionaries Jason and Becky Corbin, and Sam and Christine West. 

Thankful for:  A husband who makes sure I'm as comfortable as possible every. single. day.

I'm reading:  I'm reading a book on Huntington's disease. Riveting. For my June book club selection I'm to read a book by an author that's new to me. I haven't settled on one yet, but five hours at Barnes and Noble tonight may fix that!

Postmarking: I'm trying to use up some of my notecards, but I'm drooling over these and these. 

Favorite quote: A pretty face is nothing if you have an ugly heart.(Unknown)

Pamela's Daybook: May 10

Today: This is an at-home day. Dreary outside, but the candles are lit and it's cozy in here.

At my writing desk: Whatever. It seems more like a reading day than a writing day. Maybe I'll take a mental health day!

In the mail: Happy mail from Michigan and Maryland. One of them included a deliciously long letter.  

Praying for: My Emily. She inherited her Pop's back issues. She was acting silly last night and put her back out. 

Thankful for: My pinterest pin that went viral -- 7.7k almost overnight. One near and dear to my heart -- Affirm a Child.

I'm reading: Excerpts from "The Life Giving Home" by Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Melanie sent some pictures of a few of the pages about letter writing. "In the lilt of each loop, the way we dot our i's and cross our t's, we infuse ourselves into our words. The very act of writing tends to bring out a greater depth of emotion in us, and it communicates to the receiving individual that we are invested personally in this gesture." 

Postmarking: I worked on some cards last night at Barnes and Noble. I found a box of cards to buy, too. By Paperstyle -- a new brand to me. You Make Me Shine.

Favorite quote: "What happens most is developing the habit of noticing and appreciating the gifts we are given and learning to express our gratitude, love, encouragement and support in the most gracious and effective ways possible -- in the words we speak, type, or write by hand." Sally and Sarah Clarkson

Pamela's Daybook: May 9

Today: Barnes and Noble for five hours. Enough said!

At my writing desk: Finish June Banner article and have-to writing. I'm racing the clock so I can do some fun writing at the bookstore. Fun writing is something I'm not under contract or obligated to do.

In the mail: Happy mail! A special Kate Spade package from my friend, Eleanor. We live in the same town, but she knows just how much I love my mail, so pays postage to send it.

Praying for: Family coughs! RB, Emily, Melanie, Ethan, Morgan, Camron -- that's quite the list. It seems to just hang on and on and on.

Thankful for: Memories from yesterday's blessings from my daughters and husband, text messages from my sons-in-law and so many friends. I am blessed.

I'm reading: Just started "Comedy Writing Secrets" by Mel Helitzer. "When the mouth is open for laughter, you may be able to shove in a little food for thought" (Virginia Tooper).

Postmarking: Starting on the list for this week. Planning on taking a few notes with me. We sent over 100 cards out this week.

Favorite quote: "Dinosaurs don't read. Now they are extinct" (Sign outside a bookstore).

Pamela's Daybook: May 6

Today: Today includes a trip to Hobby Lobby. That's a day-brightener! The trip includes CVS and the post office -- not nearly as fun. I'm waiting for the new stamps to come in. Have you seen them? Vintage trucks. I don't like to put flower stamps on my cards to men. There's an awesome tiger stamp out, but they give a donation to the wildlife society so they cost more. 

At my writing desk: Working on a Mother's Day post. Thinking about my June article for The Banner.

In the mail: A two and a half page typed letter from Massachusetts, a note from Virginia, and a thank-you from Urbana, Illinois. RB is doing much better about bringing in happy mail. Ha!

Praying for: Four little girls who are facing their first Mother's Day without their mother. 

Thankful for: Sunshine! It's just beautiful today. 

Creating: Decorating my envelopes, wrapping wee parcels. 

I'm reading: Downloading "Rules" by Cynthia Lord. It's a Newbery Honor Book Award recipient. "Rules" is a young people's book, but Emily thought I'd like it since I just read "The Eagle Tree."

Postmarking: Wrote 13 cards last evening. I'll mail them today.  I have three I need to have weighed.  I have a postal scale, but I'm still not sure on anything over 2 ounces, or over 1/4" thick or one that won't bend. 

Favorite quote: "Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the Biography of Souls." David Thomas

Linked to: 

Coffee Shop Conversations

Pamela's Daybook: May 5

Today: Moving slow, but from the looks of my to-do list, I need to get a wiggle on.  RB is in Marion for a meeting. 

At my writing desk: I'm reading aloud today. It's amazing how many errors you find when you say the words instead of just reading them.

In the mail: Written on one of the cards I received this week -- "Thank you for listening." Alfred Brendel said, "The word listen has the same letters as the word silent."

Praying for: A friend who lost her mother this year. Sunday will be a hard day for her. 

Thankful for: God's Word: "Thy words were good, and I did eat them; and thy words were the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jeremiah 15:16).

Creating: Does making heart-shaped waffles count? Many years ago, RB's roommate in college took him to his home.  Karl's mother made waffles with chicken gravy. RB still asks for it from time to time.

I'm reading: Reading the May/June issue of Bible Study magazine. I noticed an article on "Revealing the Wonder of the Bible." It's Sally Lloyd-Jones on writing for children. I'm making myself wait until I get to it. 

The focus of this issue is on the Gospel of Mark. Cheilca Hitunen wrote, "Mark weaves together stories to present Jesus as a particular kind of Messiah -- a Messiah of action, who gathers disciples, heals the sick, teaches with authority, debates the religious leaders, and overcomes evil forces. Jesus' actions manifest the kingdom of God that he proclaims."

Postmarking: Sending a card to the friend who lost her mother this year. Last year was the first Mother's Day after my mother went to Heaven. My friend, Eleanor, sent me a gift -- shelter for my heart.

Favorite quote: “The more you study the Bible, the more you'll love its author." (Anon)

Pamela's Daybook: May 3

Today: Hmm...what should I do today?  Oh, right -- VOTE! And when I'm done, I get to head to Melanie's for a couple hours. 

At my writing desk: Curriculum

In the mail: Not much.  I tell RB it's his responsibility to bring me happy mail. Sometimes he doesn't fulfill his responsibility.

Praying for: A wife dealing with her husband's alzheimer's. "We remember their love when they can no longer remember."

Thankful for: "Hymns that focus on peace: "There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave;" "Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth;" "Peace like a river;" "Peace, perfect peace."

Creating: A fun project with Melanie and the kids. Check in tomorrow to see it!

I'm reading: I've had some books recommended to me I'm looking forward to reading. One is, "We Are Afghan Women," by the G. W. Bush Institute.

Postmarking: I found a new tuck-in for my cards -- Colorful Blessing messages by Christian Art Gifts. They are 3"x4" cards with a message or Scripture to color, or can be sent for the recipient to color. I was delighted with them. Only $4.41 for 44 cards -- 10 cents each.

Favorite quote: "Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ." Sheila Walsh

Pamela's Daybook: May 2

Today: Today is Rhonda day -- she loosens me up so my neck doesn't creak every time I turn my head. I'm going to have to make my own sunshine, because there's no sun until Thursday.

At my writing desk: A little bit of this, a little bit of that...

In the mail: RB picked up our mail and woohoo -- three letters and a postcard. I saved them until I could sit and enjoy them.  Heather sent me this quote from Monet: "Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love."

Praying for: The family of a ten-year-old boy who found a gun and shot himself, and for the chaplain ministering to the family.

Thankful for: The sermon by Pastor Danny -- God Always Finishes what He Starts.

Creating: Emma and I worked on two projects Saturday. We also had a tea party with hot chocolate. Actually I didn't read the pods right and it was mocha. I didn't ask if she was bouncing off the walls when she got home.

I'm reading: Still reading "Eagle Tree" by Ned Hayes. You may have to use some filters, but for me it's been an important read. I've learned more about trees than I knew there was to learn. I have to force myself to put it down. In fact, it was in my purse calling to me yesterday afternoon at the Anderson Children's Choir and Youth Chorale. Three of my grandchildren were singing (singing beautifully, incidentally). I may or may not have been a tad bit bored when they sang in different languages.

Postmarking: I added a new member this week, and that's always exciting. We send 134 cards out last week. We have some heart-breaking needs this week, and I'm so thankful for my ladies who not only send cards, but pray for the recipients, too.

Favorite quote: "Buy the new book. Wear the old coat." Austin Phelps

Pamela's Daybook: April 15

Today: I have an appointment with Rhonda today. She works therapeutic magic on my neck and shoulders. Shopping for a gift for a friend.

At my writing desk: Isaac Singer said, "The waste basket is a writer's best friend." The delete button is mine. I've overused it lately.

In the mail: An oversized postcard with a bio of Marianne Moore, an American poet. Diana used four stamps, including a 10 cent Robert Frost.

Praying for: Emma, Jonathon and Emily's foster daughter. Selfishness always hurts the innocent.

Thankful for: My lunch with Eleanor yesterday.  We may or may not have have visited for two and half hours. No doubt about drinking too much tea.

Creating: Does buying paper feathers count?

I'm reading: Half way through "Love That Boy." Started "When a Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life's Hurts and Using Your Story to Make a Difference" by Jo Anne Fore.  She talks about her fears, doubts, and insecurities sparkling much brighter than her trampled tiara. 

Postmarking: Made my five.  I'm almost done with cards for the week, but I have some letters to write.

Favorite quote: "Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth, and that is not speaking" (Naomi Wolf).

Pamela's Daybook: April 14, 2016

Today: I'm having lunch with my friend, Eleanor. We've been "ships passing in the night" for the last couple months, keeping up through messages and Facebook. We are meeting at McAllisters (hashtag: best-tea-in-town) -- a stone's throw from Michaels, so I may be forced to run in there.

At my writing desk: Getting most of my curriculum writing out of the way before I leave. Planning another chapter for when I get back. 

In the mail: A sweet note from my daughter, Melanie, with two of the cutest teacup tags. With four children, she has a busy life, but she always makes time to encourage others. 

Praying for: Nathaniel -- Jonathon's brother. He finished his four years of service in the army. Praying the adjustments will be easy, and God/church will become a priority in his life again.

Thankful for: My postmarking team. These ladies have a heart for encouragement. I love it when others ask to be a part of our team. I'm happy to welcome anyone God sends to join.

Creating: A headache gave me some extra time to crochet. Looking at the computer screen was making it worse. Still working on the prayer shawl. Looking for my next project to use up little bits of yarn -- any suggestions? 

I'm reading: If you don't have time to read, you don't have the tools for writing. It's that simple (S. King).When I turn on my Kindle, there's a book advertised.  Yesterday when I turned it on, there was one authored by Grace Livingston Hill. They are reprinting some of her books. Does anyone else remember preachers proclaiming, "Don't read these books"? I think reading them gave me my aversion to scripted plots.

Postmarking: Five more today! Five is the perfect amount for me to fill up a quiet evening. 

Favorite quote: “I have one desire now -- to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it" (Elisabeth Elliot). 

Pamela's Daybook: April 13

Today: No place to go and nothing pressuring me to be done. The sun is shining through my window, and it promises to be 59 degrees. 

At my writing desk: Three hours of curriculum editing/writing and then free-time writing. I've been doing some writing in my head and it's ready to be put on paper.

In the mail: Fun letter from a friend. $1.56 postage due. She had two stamps on it, but I think it was more than 1/4" thick. Beth taps her trees for maple syrup. Thinking about it made me hungry for pancakes, but sugar-free syrup just isn't the same!

Praying for: RB as he works on his dissertation. His sabbatical ends at end of the month so I'm praying this will be a profitable day.

Thankful for: Strawberries for breakfast. They are starting to taste "real" again. I'm thankful for the man who washes and slices my strawberries for breakfast, too. 

Creating: I made some fun pig and floral envelopes from calendars last evening. I had a sweet little boy sitting on my lap while I was making them.

I'm reading: Started Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations. It was released just yesterday. 

Postmarking: No postmarks yesterday.  Plan to do five today. 

Favorite quote: 
Pawpaw: Camron, I love you a little bit!
Camron: I love you a little bit, too. And I love Mawmaw a whole lot!

Pamela's Daybook: April 12

Today: Tuesday started with a smile. Jonathon wasn't home last night, so Emily and Emma spent the night. I loved having them here. The newlyweds made it 13 months without staying apart -- certainly longer than RB and my 7 months. It was 1976...We were traveling with the quartet and stopped at West Virginia Camp. It was a 4-H campground, so the lodging consisted of girls' dorm and boys' dorm...

At My Writing Desk: Yesterday I finished my goals for other people (The Banner article: The Cleaning of a Wintered Heart), but my personal goals didn't get done.  I'm starting with them today, and will work on curriculum this afternoon. "Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say" (Sharon O'Brien). I'm eager to know what I'm going to say!

In the Mail: A letter from Vanessa. Sweet Emma hand delivered a note when she came last night, along with a green rubber band bracelet.  

Praying for: My friend, Denise, as she has treatments for cancer.

Thankful for: Our friend Ben's successful heart cath and stent insertion yesterday. 

Creating: Pig envelopes -- I'll post pictures tomorrow.

I'm reading: I finished "Girl of the Limberlost." I read this book over forty years ago, and the re-read was like meeting an old friend. 

Postmarking: Wrote five notes/cards.

Favorite Quote: From my 7-year-old granddaughter -- "I was afraid I wouldn't get my goals done, so Daddy prayed with me and it worked!"

Pamela's Daybook: April 11

Today: Mondays are fun at my house -- The grands take turns coming after school. Alone. They get my undivided attention. They choose the menu. Tonight is Morgan's turn -- Papa John's pizza and cookies-n- cream ice cream.

At my writing desk: Working on editing curriculum. It goes through 5 stages of editing before I send it to the office. It's edited there and sent to the layout people. All of it is sent electronically. But after layout, I receive a package in the mail for a final editing. Such a fun process!

I will also be writing an article for The Herald. It's due the second Tuesday of the month. If my day goes as planned, I'll also complete a chapter for another project, and a devotional. I'm blessed to do what I love.

In the mail: I received an encouragement card from my friend, Anne, whom I met through her blog, Anne's Phamily.

Praying for: Ron and Marjorie who lost their adult son, Jamie, last month. Today is Jamie's birthday, and it will be a hard day for them.

Thankful for: My daddy is finally feeling better after a round of this horrid flu (of course the flu shot didn't include the strain he had...)

Creating: I'm crocheting a prayer shawl for someone who needs comfort. I'm half way, and I'd love to finish it by the end of the week. I'm using Orchid Red Heart yarn, but wish I would have used a softer yarn.

I'm reading: Girl of the LimberLost by Gene Stratton-Porter for my book club (A book set in the state where I live.); The Contemplative Writer by Ed Cyzewski; HGTV magazine.

Postmarking: The new lists went out last evening to 36 team members. I'll start the new lists with a goal of four tonight.

Favorite quote: Sent to me this morning by my sweet Emily -- Rise and shine. I've always held such fondness for that sweet old phrase. As though we are all little Suns. As though we are all someone's day. ~Taplin (Perhaps Em is recalling how I woke her up each morning with "Rise and Shine" when she was a tiny little gal...)

Envelopes -- The Jane Austen Way

In a letter to her sister, Cassandra, Jane Austen wrote, I have now

attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper exactly what one would say to the same person by word of mouth. 

Too often our words are stilted. We write politely, yet if the receiver couldn't see our return address or signature, they wouldn't know who wrote it. 

3 Ways You Can Shine through Your Letters

1. Write in the same voice in which you speak.

I wouldn't expect my friend Janene to write a letter that wasn't peppered with exclamation points. Whatever happens in her life is told through her excitement or dread. If you give hugs freely, create an atmosphere of closeness. If you are matter-of-fact, write your letters with a matter-of-fact voice.

2. Use stationery to match your personality.

If I open a teacup or teapot notecard, I immediately think it's from my sister, Melodie. Her home is filled with china teacups -- glowing with the flame from tea lights, artfully arranged on her antique organ -- and tea pots filled with fresh flowers. 

In the same way, I have a friend who writes on notebook paper. I'd know who it was from from the notebook paper and safety envelope. And I love it just as much because it is a reflection of her personality.

3. Choose your writing instrument wisely.

My Aunt Judy had the most beautiful penmanship. I'd recognize the flair of her words anywhere. My sister writes with an accountant fine pen and you have to use a magnifying glass to read her words. (Well, almost.) My mother wrote her letters with a blue pen -- never a black one. My daughter, Melanie, heard that and will only use a blue pen "like Grandma." My daughter, Emily, uses all colors of Flair markers. 

Here are some tips for making envelopes the Jane Austen way.

1. I used the Dear Jane Stack from DCWV purchased at JoAnns. The papers are 12x12 so you can make almost any size envelope.

2. If you have an envelope style you like, take one apart and use it for a template.

3. Line an envelope by tracing the envelope, then cutting 1/4" inside your line. Use a tape runner to keep in place.  

4. If a graphic you want to use is close to an edge, choose a  template with thin side flaps. (The book background is a paper in the stack -- don't you love it?!!)  

5. Reread your favorite Austen book. Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, or one of her other classics, to put you in the mood for letter writing. 

6. Share a quote in the next letter you write:

There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature. Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

My sore throats are always worse than anyone's. Jane Austen,  Persuasion

 Make My Saturday Sweet Faith and Friends Spiritual Sundays Family, Friendship and Faith  Dance with Jesus 
TGI Saturday

DIY Envelopes By the Book

DIY Printed Envelopes

Postmarking Vellum Envelopes



If tearing up books is a crime to you, don't read any further. But to send a book leaf envelope to a book lover makes me smile. I couldn't cut up one of my favorite books, or one I read to my children, but I ran into a Goodwill and picked up a couple for 69 cents.

Evidently musicians don't like you tearing up their hymnals either, so I'm in the market for some old sheet music.  For now I just printed one off, but in my mind I envision a musician finding a yellowing piece of music in their mailbox.

Here are some fun places to find wannabe envelopes:

Magazines
Children's coloring books
Maps
Old books
Old sheet music
Advertisements
Old calendars

I found a couple envelope templates on Pinterest (I'll link below) and printed them. You'll want to move the template around on the page a bit to get what part you want to see in the right place. Then just cut out and fold like we did in the DIY Printed Envelopes. Add glue and you're almost ready to use.

I'll be happy to give this to either one of my daughters...

I'm sure I'd get it back. 

The last step is to affix an address label. And guess what! It doesn't need to be in the middle like we were taught in school. (Gasp!) The post office will take them as long as the address is on the front. So take care to not obscure the picture.

Now you're ready to fill your envelopes full of encouragement! 

Envelope templates

Finding Joy in Incoming Mail

Ronna Vigil, in Pen it Forward, said, “I believe the world will be a better place, our homes a happier space, and our relationships better than ever when we take time to show we care in a kind note or a letter. Even more, your note or letter can be a meaningful gift and life-long treasure.” In beginning this ministry, I didn’t stop to think that I might get mail, too. So when I started finding happy mail in my mail box I was delighted.

I sure had a happy corner in my home when I settled in my chair to enjoy a letter that arrived in my mailbox yesterday. The envelope was fat and decorated with a teapot sticker. I think the Wind in the Willows sticker on the back was inherited from her mother. Tracy’s mom sent us beautiful personal Christmas letters every year. She had beautiful handwriting and a flair with words that made us feel so appreciated.
 

Tracy’s mother is in heaven, and thanks to Facebook, I’ve been able to keep in touch with Tracy, who lives several states away. I comment on her posts; she comments on mine. We push the like button. I promise to pray for her. She promises to pray for me. I watch her children grow up. She watches my children and their families. But as important as that connection is, there is a level of intimacy in a letter that cannot be met through Facebook.

So when I opened Tracy’s seven-page letter, written on beautiful stationery with its green border and line of feathers across the top (the envelope had the same feathers, and a beautiful square butterfly stamp our local post office doesn’t have), my heart bubbled joy. It was certainly a soul-satisfying visit through the written page – a meaningful gift and life-long treasure.

Who did you think of while reading this? Get out your stationery and have a “real” visit with a friend. Write a memory, a bit of news, and some encouragement. Then come back and count your postmarks with us.