Yesterday, I wandered next door to chat with a neighbor. Minutes later in her kitchen, I mentioned how I’d recently met a distant relative from New York State for the first time. In retrospect, I realized I’d forgotten to ask that person if they’d attended the same Quaker boarding and day school in Pennsylvania as did my mother and her sister, and later a cousin.
My neighbor mentioned her grandmother’s twelve-sibling circle letter. A large family, so each had to use thin paper to fit a dozen letters in one envelope. Once read, the recipient was given two days to peruse the letters, then to write a new one, add it to the others, and send the bundle on its way.
“A quick turnaround,” I said. “Most Amish readers of circle letters are given a week.” My neighbor smiled. She’s an Economics professor, who has politely listened to me speak of the Amish often.
I walk to this mailbox often.
Circle letters can cover any subject, such as a support group or common interests, but I like the idea of a family circle letter. I don’t have much of an extended family. My sister, who lives across town, emails and calls often. Not to mention our many lunches out. My favorite cousin in CT and I are a phone call away. I enjoy the sound of her enthusiastic voice. Her parents were my favorite aunt and uncle. She doesn’t use the Internet, so I receive no emails from her. Neither my sister nor my cousin is on Facebook.
Truth is, I know few of my relatives that I know of, partly because my father, a single child, moved to the Pacific Northwest for his job to chair a department at the University. Both my parents have died, as have my aunts and uncles.
I can’t hang onto everything, but my saved letters bring back fond memories.
How about you? How many letters do you receive? Bills and junkmail don’t count. Thank-you notes seem to be a dying breed. My mother-in-law writes many, but I wonder if they’d subside if she were on Facebook. Are emails and Facebook adequate substitutes for letters? I love Christmas cards, but I’ve received less over the past few years and admit I send fewer.
As an author, my readers occasionally write letters and I love them! And I’ve collected personal letters for many years. I reluctantly force myself to toss out most Christmas cards after a few months.
Would you like to be part of a letter circle or start your own? Which would you rather receive: a handwritten letter, meaning you should reply in kind, or a Facebook message or post you can immediately respond to? A telephone call or a rap on your front door from a neighbor? Do you save correspondences the way I do?
Amish-made Shop-N-Tote from Lancaster County.
Leave a comment and enter to win this Amish-made Shop-N-Tote (unfolds to a bag) plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: winner’s choice of CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA & Canada.
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN.. IMISS GETTING LETTERS & CARDS .
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sheila! Good luck!
Kate
I WOULD LIKE TO WIN SHOP-N-TOTE
Thanks for writing, Wanda! I’d love to have you win too. I wish I had a Shop-N-Tote for every person entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love receiving real mail from someone…be it letters or cards….I remember having a penpal in school and it was the highlight of my day to go to the mailbox and see a letter from France…..
I also enjoy seeing real handwriting on a letter, Lisa! My grandmother had a pen pal from France. Years later, her pen pal’s grandchildren visited my grandma for the summer in CT. I had so much fun getting to know those French teenagers. Thanks for writing and entering the give away!
Kate
I love getting cards and letters, it is so sad seems like a dying thing. I don’t know seems so much more personal to send a letter and receive one back. I have been sending out over 20 a month to quilting friends we swap a square and send cute cards to each other. I really enjoy this I know going tot he mailbox and finding a card there puts a smile on the face. I hope we can keep this going.
What a delightful idea, Diana! I’m so impressed you send out over 20 letters a month. A quilting group would be perfect. To receive not only a card but also a square of fabric would certainly bring a quilter to her mail slot with a smile on her face. Thanks for leaving this delightful comment. I hope others will read it and be inspired.
Kate
I would love to win. I think we need to get back to writing letter I would just love to get a letter in the mail.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Leanne! I am so happy when I receive a letter amongst all my bills. Such a treat! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love getting mail, and sending cards\letters to my 97 yr old Grams.
Receiving and sending mail to your 97-year-old grandma sounds fantastic, Marsie! I was so sad when my 99-year-old aunt died last year. I’m sure your Grams enjoys your correspondence just as much as you do. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love getting cards and letters, it is so sad seems like a dying thing. I don’t know seems so much more personal to send a letter and receive one back. I have been sending out over 20 a month to quilting friends we swap a square and send cute cards to each other. I really enjoy this I know going tot he mailbox and finding a card there puts a smile on the face. I hope we can keep this going. I hope you have a Bless week!!
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
Kate,
I like to receive & send cards, letters, (including thank you cards) in the mail. I save some of the Christmas cards I get & set them out each year. Through the facebook group, A & E ( Amish & English) Secret Sisters, we get a “secret sister” who we send cards to & whoever has your name sends you cards. It is fun to get those cards (& sometimes little gifts) in the mail.
Blessings, Tina
Thanks for writing, Tina! Your Secret Sisters cards sound terrific! Do we ever get too old for fun surprises? Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love sending and receiving cards and letters! I so enjoy keeping up with friends and family on social media, but to me it doesn’t replace a personal note.
A personal note is just that, Donna! Personal and tangible. I was touched by one letter I peeked at from my father while taking the photos for this post. I didn’t dare look through them all or I’d still be doing it! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love writing and receiving letters in the mail. It is more personable.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Janice! Writing and receiving letters is more personal, but it seems to be becoming obsolete. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love receiving cards and letters in the mail. Nothing is better than something happy in the mailbox. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cindy! Seems as though I get mostly bills and fliers, not happy mail. Guess that’s one reason I turn to email and to FB so often. Good luck!
Kate
I love writing and receiving letters and cards. They are more personable.
Thanks for writing, Janice! Cards and letters certainly are more personal. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love getting cards and letters in the mail do not like sending letters on the internet it does not seam real like holing a card in your hands. would love to win the shop an tote
My email inbox gets so full some days I completely miss out on emails, Susan! But when a real letter arrives it grabs all my attention and I can’t wait to open it. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love getting cards & pictures in the mail but prefer phone calls so I can hear their voices!
Good point, Eileen! I enjoy hearing a person’s voice, especially someone I love or don’t get to speak to often. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate Kate
I love getting letters, but I find it hard to receive them because most people don’t want to take the time to reciprocate. Perhaps I’ll make that a goal for the next 12 months….writing a letter each week to someone and maybe something will get started.
p.s. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
A great idea, RaSheena! I admit, I owe a few letters, even a sympathy note. Sometimes those are the hardest to write, but necessary. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I not only like to get letters and cards, I love to send them. Yes, there is a place for Facebook and texting, but I love the idea of opening the mailbox to something that is not junk mail.
I admire you, Val! Not many of us love sending letters as much as receiving them. I spend so much time at the computer that I avoid texting. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
It is so sad now when all you receive in the mail is junk mail and bills. I make my own cards and send to people. It takes more time but a lot of people enjoy them and they know you made them by hand.
I imagine people enjoy receiving your homemade and unique cards, Julie! You or so right about the junk mail and bills. That’s all the postal carrier delivered today. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
To me nothing beats walking out to the mailbox and pulling letters and cards out! Facebook, myspace, messengers and e-mails are not even close to the thrill of opening that mailbox out side!
I do not mind e-mails or even messages on the computer. But I grew up in a time when there were no home computers or cell phones. I remember having to pay for every minute of a long distance phone call. And writing a letter sure was cheaper!
I have said many times, Letter writing is becoming a lost art..
You are so right, Tammy! It just occurred to me that one reason may be because school kids don’t learn the art of cursive writing anymore. Many can barely print legibly. Thanks for leaving your great comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I still write letters, but mostly with occasion cards. I’m also good at responding to mail.
Good for you, Susan! I keep cards in the kitchen right next to the stamps as an incentive to write more often. And if I see a card I like I might buy several extra like it. It seems I can never have too many birthday or sympathy cards. Thanks for entering to giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I would love to receive actual correspondence thru the mail. To me Facebook and emails are not replacements and can never replace an actual letter can hold and read and re-read. I’d really love an Amish pen pal. I call my daddy daily at least once a day, sometimes more. 🙂
Good for you, Nicole! I don’t know how old your daddy is or his health situation, but I encourage everyone to spend time with their parents. They can never be replaced. I wonder if there is a venue to getting an Amish penpal. I don’t know of any, although they do apparently advertise in Amish newspapers for people who wish to become part of letter circles. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I get greeting cards, but never letters. In today’s world texts, emails and social media is the main way of communication. I’m from a large family that communicates mainly though Facebook.
I love the writing circle idea.
I love the writing circle idea too, Wen! That being said, I’m terrible about returning letters, probably because I write so much every day. When I get an idea for a book or blog post, I need to dive into it … I love that you’re large family communicates on Facebook. Many families lose touch. Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Love reading old letters…at one time I wrote letters but after moving back home I quit. A lost art…
I agree that letter-writing will be a lost art for the most part, Virginia! From what I hear, children are not taught cursive writing except in private schools. I hope I’m wrong on that. When my husband hires a new employee he asks them to write something by hand. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love getting letters, but rarely do. A circle letter sounds like fun but I have no family to write to, everyone is pretty much local.
You’re fortunate to have your family in close proximity, Tracie! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love getting and sending letters and cards.
I get so excited when I get the mail and I see a handwritten envelope.
A handwritten envelope is a beautiful sight, Marilyn! I hope you receive many. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I have many pen pals so on average I get three letters a week. I enjoy writing and receiving letters.
How unusual and splendid, Angela! I assume that you are in the minority, a lovely place to be. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win 🙂
My dream has always been to have an Amish Pen Pal. So I would say I’d like a letter 🙂
Apparently, some Amish do advertise in Amish newspapers for people to join letter circles, Angie! People with common interests or even grief support groups. I have no idea if the letter writer must be Amish, but my first guess is yes. Although I have Amish friends, I have not heard of Amish pen pals, but they could exist. If you find one, please let me know. Thanks for your comments and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I still enjoy getting letters, but not writing them. I’d love to win this.
I’m sure you’re not alone, Mark! Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I haven’t received a letter/note by mail for a long time. Love them.
Would like to win!
Fewer and fewer letter writers these days, Phyllis! Although you could send a friend or relative a note and include a stamped and self-addressed envelope. The recipient might get the not-so-subtle message. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoy snail mail. But if the sender decides to communicate thru email I’ll take it!! I still send birthday and anniversary cards to most of my extended family. My husband and I used to “race” to the mailbox! I have siblings and children in other states and think a circle letter would be a great idea. Of course Facebook does a good job of helping families keep in touch with pictures and notes about activities. Thank you for sharing!
It sounds as though you have a marvelous family, Anne! Great that you send out birthday and anniversary cards, and keep in touch with siblings and children in other states. Thanks for your comment and for entering in the giveaway!
Kate
I love getting letters but don’t get any these days.
Maybe it’s time to start sending out some cards, Ola! That’s one lovely element about Christmas: Cards are more likely to arrive, although I notice fewer people are sending them too. It’s tough competing with the Internet and cell phones. Since I write on the computer all day, I usually turn off my cell phone and I don’t text. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love getting letters, but I love the speed and cost of emails. My sister and I used to write frequently, but I feel so much closer to her now that we email daily – sometimes multiple times!
I’m also very close to my sister, Janet, so I can relate! A day rarely goes by that we don’t speak on the phone or email a couple of times. Thank you for leaving your nice comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love all of your books and would be honored to win. A treasure to keep.
Thank you so much, Nancy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I used to write letters to friends at Christmas time, but since we got computers , I stay in touch all year long with my friends far off.. It just seems easier to keep in touch with email and text messages….
I love this tote and hope I win.. Thanks
Sounds as if you got your communications under control, Janice! Half of my relatives don’t use the Internet, but that doesn’t stop me from accumulating hundreds of emails. I desperately need to go through them. I’d Love it if you won the tote bag. Good luck!
Kate
Honestly I will have to say I am a fan of email and Facebook. I come from a large family of 8 children. Over the years we tried chain letters. It always got held up somewhere. Being a military wife living away from home, I love that I now have instant access to my family. I get to see pictures of reunions that I was not able to attend. I get to see babies from the time they are born until the time they get on the bus to go to school. Weddings, birthday parties, etc are made available to me because of my 10” tablet!
I can certainly understand why you’re a fan of email and Facebook, Martha! Especially as a military wife living away from home. There’s a lot to say for instant access and photos. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I love getting hand written letters and cards. Love home made cards. There is a much more personal touch to getting those than just a quick email. Seems like it’s getting to be a lost art these days.
Writing letters and cards, especially homemade, does seem to be a disappearing art, Kathy! Such a shame and yet I’m guilty of neglect also. I keep cards and stamps in my kitchen so they’ll be close at hand, yet tend to dash off a quick email instead. Thank you for leaving your comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to receive letters, but they are so rare. Thank you for the chance to win.
Receiving letters is fun, Lucy, even if a rare occurrence! Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
Hi Kate! Unfortunately I don’t get many letters, but I love to write & receive letters! It’s so much more personal than emails or Facebook. I hope I can win, & God bless!
Not many love to write letters anymore, Mallory! Good for you. They are so much more personal then emails or Facebook, but take time … I have several relatives who don’t write emails, but I find myself calling them more often than writing. I need to follow your example. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck. It would be fun if you won!
Kate
Would love to win but would also love to get involved in a circle of friends circle. Would love to get letters from someone. I would be willing to help coordinate a circle if you need help.
You are very kind, Rhonda,, but I must admit I’m not a great letter writer. I spend so much of my day writing on my computer or by hand in my journal that I seldom send letters. If you coordinate a circle letter, I wish you the best of luck and many participants. Let me know if you get one started and the results. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love correspondence of any kind. I was always a long letter writer when that was the only way. I have/had a huge family. My mother had 7 brothers and sisters and my dad had 13. I had 40 aunts and uncles and many cousins. We moved often, too, and I always kept in touch with neighbors and friends. We now have 4 children, eight grands, 7 great grands and with the spouses, 28 in all. Most don’t live here so we keep in close touch by phone, e-mail, Facebook, texts and visits. Even nieces and nephews and grands keep in touch. We are blessed that our family is so “close” and loving.
You certainly are blessed by such an extended close and loving family, Linda! Marvelous that you keep in touch. What could be better? Thanks for leaving your heartwarming comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win. I love to write letters, i still write letters to 2 pen pals that i have had since 1993.
I would love to join a letter writing exchange. I love to hear about others where they live, and learn about other people. its fun.
Wonderful that you love to write letters and still have two penpals, Tammie! I also love learning about people and how they live, one of my reasons for writing novels. People are fascinating. Thanks for entering the giveaway. It would be fun if you won!
Kate
I got to know my husband through several letters a week, and of course phone calls. At the time we met in 1996 I lived over an hour away, couldn’t drive, and was caring for my sick momma. The excitement of checking the mail everyday for his letter or card was the best! Then of course I would have to get a letter back in the mail as soon as possible. Letters are so special! I miss them. The Internet is a wonderful thing, but I do miss more personal ways of communication. Talking on the phone is not even the same anymore.
A romantic story, Katonda! The fact your future husband would send you several letters a week, plus call, tells me a lot about him. Did you keep them? Letters played an important role into of my novels. Thank you for sending your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love you get letters and cards in the mail. I miss people sending letters in the mail and Christmas cards
I’m fortunate in having a sister who sends cards, even though she only lives across town. Last year, I noticed fewer people sent out Christmas cards. I enjoy the cards with family photos of my friends’ children, who were my sons’ friends. I save those for my photo album. And also from family members who are not on the Internet. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I like the use of Facebook, texting and emails especially when I want to ask someone a question and receive a quick response. However, I do love getting letters in the mail. There is just something about the anticipation of wondering when u will get a letter and what it will contain in it. Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for writing, Tiffany! I also depend on Facebook, emails and the phone for a quick response, but do enjoy letters. However, my turnaround time is less than stellar. I shudder to think how many cards I owe. Really not fair when my friend or family member has gone to the trouble of writing me. Several do not use Internet, Including Facebook. Thank you for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love old fashion letters the best. Emails, messages are okay when in a hurry, but nothing is going to replace a handwritten letter in my humble opinion. I love writing them because I feel I can really put my feelings into the letter….and I don’t ramble on about nothing. Beautiful stationary is so hard to find anymore…..the scented kind was a favorite of mine…..I had both back in the day….always careful because some of my friends had allergies. Technology has really taken over correspondence. Would love to win!
You’re right, Linda! Technology has taken over correspondence. How delightful that you still enjoy writing letters. I’m sure the recipients appreciate your thoughtfulness. Yes, it’s hard to find good stationary. I wonder if you can buy it online. I’m one of those people who used to sneeze, but somehow outgrew my sensitivity to perfume, for which I am most grateful. Thank you for sending this lovely message and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
great gift item!!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Janie! Good luck!
Kate
I do enjoy getting letters but my favorite thing by far is visiting in person.
Nothing beats visiting in person, Carl! Over 50% of communication is accomplished through body gestures. Coming in second is tone of voice. Plus, if you like the person, you can give them a hug or at least shake their hand. Thanks for your great insight and thank you for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Rather get letters but cost for most of my friends overseas is high so email is better for them not me.
You’re right about the cost, Kim! Even sending a letter to Canada from the US it Is very expensive. Quite annoying. I’m sure your friends overseas enjoyed your emails. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
There is something special about a handwritten letter. I guess you could call me old fashioned but none the less the smile that comes to my face upon opening the mailbox and seeing a letter addressed to me is (as the commercial says) “PRICELESS”- a letter expresses love, warmth and a “hug” to know that someone has taken the TIME to sit and put their thoughts on paper goes above and beyond words. This is a world of people rushing to get things done because there is NEVER enough time to do it all in a day so we send the text, FB messaging or use twitter its easier and quicker of course. But to sit relax and make the time to say hello and keep in touch are what creates the memories one will always treasure. The love that fills my heart to see my mom’s handwriting brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye (it is all that I have tangible since her passing) — and so the lost art of letter writing is one that till today I vow to keep. And I DO write to my pen pals and look forward to the mailman’s delivery every day. They are then stored away in a special “box” to go back and re-read to take me back to that special day and time we have shared through paper.
I admire your commitment to letter-writing, Linda! When I brought out my files of old letters to take the photo for my blog post I couldn’t resist opening one from my father. His short note about how much he appreciate it me filled my heart with love. This world is moving at such a frenzied pace … I am just as guilty as the next for not sitting down and penning out letters. Thanks for your lovely post and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
For me I still enjoy the excitement of going to the mail box to find a card or letter from a friend. I really enjoy sending out both to my friends because it is something that shows them I care and thinking of them. I am always looking for ways to let people the old fashion ways seem to still work. Yes, I do enjoy being able to send a facebook message specially if I am concerned about the person that way I get a quicker response.
I guess none of us outgrows the excitement of finding a real three-dimensional letter with real handwriting, Lisa! I wonder if children growing up now will experience that unless we send them letters. A good reminder for me to write our grandkids. I hope they will learn penmanship in school. Thank you for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I personally like Facebook and email because of the quick response senders and receivers can get using them. Although my mother-in-law still sends handwritten Thank You cards which are special to receive.
My mother-in-law still sends hand-written thank you notes too, C! Her penmanship it’s exquisite. My husband also has excellent handwriting, which is apparently not being taught in schools anymore. I also like the quick FB and email response, I walked next door to speak to my neighbor, who is not on FB. Nor is my sister who used to be the communications manager at a large hospital and for the county. She obviously knows how to use the Internet, but chooses not to be on FB. Thank you for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate