I think we all want beautiful lives, lives that are touched by simple and gracious acts. I also think we want to be the people that make the lives of others delightful, warm and special. Sometimes though I think we forget about the little gems of care, attention and love we can sprinkle on one another as our more practical selves get on with the day to day living of life. I decided I would post reminders, or little dares, if you will, that speak to taking small actions of grace to enrich the lives of those around us. I know I am always up for a fun dare so join me in this if you wish to feel how wonderful it is to share in even the tiniest of ways just because you can.
Currently in the United States the cost to mail a postcard is $.28. So for less than $1.50 you can mail postcards to five people in your life that can use a dose of cheer delivered straight from your heart to their mailboxes. Postcards themselves can cost a dime or 100 dimes. They can be picked up most anywhere or crafted from the heart. What they must be in this instance though is an extension of care to another person for no reason other than to surprise and delight. Extra credit: Send a card to yourself too!
Let’s get rid of the excuses real quick, shall we?
If you can’t think of five people, send them to five celebrities you admire.
If you are shy, send a smiley face and don’t sign it.
If you are tight on funds, send one a week for the next five weeks.
If you think this is goofy, do it anyway just to be sure it doesn’t make you even the slightest bit happy.
Our mailboxes are filled with bills, catalogs, advertisements, magazines and the like. When was the last time you found a postcard waiting for you, read the back and just smiled? I bet you put it on the fridge or propped it up someplace you could see it. You probably imagined something about the image on it. Perhaps it was a beach you longed to be on or an antique floral print that reminded you of your grandmother’s curtains.
It only takes a moment to create a moment, for both the one who gives and the one who receives…the ultimate two for one bargain!
I know the idea sounds rather charming but, will you do it? Will you invest from the heart and with a sense of whimsy and mirth pick out some lovely postcards and make sure they get to the five people they belong to? I am picking my cards up on Friday. They have towering redwood trees on them and remind me that something small can turn into something very, very big…like a moment.
Here are some sites with enchanting postcards to peruse and possibly treat your friends to:
Cavallini Cards at Amazon.com
Butterflies and more at Zazzle.com
Retro Postcards at Etsy.com
Thought to ponder: Will you take a moment to make a moment?
Emma,
What a completely wonderful and caring (and love-filled!) idea! Your heart shines through so brightly and beautifully in the words you have written today.
Will I? Will I do this? Will I choose to take a moment to make a moment for someone else (and for me)? I choose yes…
And Emma…I thank you, deeply, for writing this…and for daring us all to be more heart filled and loving…
Lance recently posted..Lead The Way
If anyone of the postcards sent leaves the recipient as happy as I am with this lovely comment then the dare has been a total success! Thanks so much for the kind words and for seeing the beauty in simple gestures, Lance.
Hi! I absolutely adore this idea. I am a snail mail nut and romantically embrace anything involving post and paper and writing of any kind. Postcards are one of my weaknesses. Also, want you to know that the first sentence of your post is BEAUTIFUL…And so absolutely true. Keep it up! Loving your stuff.
I love snail mail too, especially when it’s not a bill! Thanks so much, Elana for always being so supportive and such a joyful spirit.
Hi,
I came over from Lance’s tweet on the postcard. I’m going to do it! I also went to your happy bubble post. Love it and your energy! Chow!
Hi there Tess and welcome!
Yay for more postcards going out. This tickles me to no end.
Looking forward to visiting your site!!
Emma,
I really like this idea. I’m going to do it with you. Let’s compare notes next week and see how this affected the people we sent them too! This is fun and it will definitely bring some sunshine into 5 people’s lives.
Angela Artemis recently posted..Are You Blocking Your Intuition
I am so glad you are joining in the fun, Angela. My cards are going out on Saturday so next week I will post again and we can see how this went for everyone.
Thanks so much for seeing what I see in this little dare.
This is a great idea. I have a teacher friend that takes the time to use up old stationary (it used to be a very popular gift to give people and she has a box full of it) to send me and others short letters throughout the summer. They don’t have to say much, it is just a treat to get something special in the mail.
I am going to a local State park today … I think I will pick up a few postcards.
Bearyweather recently posted..Nature a Potpourri of Change
Just think of how your friends will be surprised and just beam over the time you took to jot a quick note and send it their way. Congrats to you on a spirit of generosity!
Hi Emma
I only come over to see your great smile but am hooked by this fantastic idea.
Usually only send postcards when I’m on holiday but what I great surprise it would be for five people to receive a card from me when I’m not on holiday!
Keith Davis recently posted..Two way traffic
Hi Keith!! Always smiles to be found here…oodles of them.
I think it would be a hoot to send a neighbor a postcard when they know you haven’t gone anywhere recently. Fun stuff.
Don’t tempt me!
Actually, now that you mention it…
Keith Davis recently posted..Two way traffic
*lol*
Emma,
What a neat idea, we always try to send hand written notes to grand parents and family and friends and it is always cherished in age of emails and video phone chats!
Something to share kids’s artwork! but I love all the card links too, they are pretty neat!
Preeti @ Heart and Mind recently posted..Web Design- Overwhelm and Good Reads
So glad you liked the post, Preeti!
Kid’s art would make awesome postcards and I think it’s great you see the charm in old fashioned snail mail too.
I love that post card- that reminds me that I should send those more often!
Simply Life recently posted..Hot- Flat and Crowded
You so should! I picked mine up today and it made me feel like a summertime Santa!
Hi Lovely!
Oh my gosh………it has been too long since I have stopped by. Your site is gorgeous!
Love the idea of postcards. Being in the technology age, the beauty of receiving loving and heartfelt mail is getting lost. I am all for reviving that wonderful art. I had to laugh at the snailmail comment.My husband is a postal worker, so it makes me laugh. If people knew how fast they run daily!
Thanks for the beautiful idea, and I am so glad to be in your space again!
(((Karen)))
It is tickling my heart and warming my soul that you visited and liked it here!!
My entire family is or has been in the postal service and I know how hard they work and hustle for us all. Kudos to the hubs!
Thank you so much for coming by and sharing here, sweets. It really does mean a lot.
Hi Emma,
What a great idea! I’m a sucker for sending hand-written letters to loved ones and do it randomly and often. But, it never occurred to me to send a post card. I love it!
(I liked this line, it made me chuckle, “If you think this is goofy, do it anyway just to be sure it doesn’t make you even the slightest bit happy.”)
Thanks for including the links at the bottom of your post, too. I can’t wait to peruse them.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for your lovely comment at my blog, too.
~xo
Lori (JaneBeNimble) recently posted..Describe Your Awesomeness
Welcome, Lori, and thanks so much for the lovely comment. I really enjoyed my time at your site and will definitely be back.
I thrive on the goofy. Goofy keeps ya young at heart and just feels good. *lol*
hello cc,
how are you.
thanks for sharing this. it was reported in the news yesterday(london) that the sales of postcards, note pads, envelopes, pens had gone up and people are beginning to see the importance of sending heartfelt messages traditionally rather than emails or texts. although the monte blanche pen is quite expensive £450($700), people interviewed stated they bought it and used it as a tool for penning down their emotions constructively.
anyway cc, you bring a different approach to expressing care and i love it.
take care of yourself and do have a lovely weekend.
Ayo! Lovely to see you as always.
I am not surprised one bit by that report, though the cost of the pen made me gulp. *lol*
Hoping your week brings much joy. Take good care and thanks for adding to the joy I have when people leave thoughtful comments here.