Slow Mail

I had the most delightful Facebook chat with a good friend last night.  I have been waiting for moments like last night to share my little project with people.  Moments when I really miss an old friend, moments when someone says something that makes me think, "She might like to write a letter!", moments when I think I am going to be brave and share this.  

So, I thought she might enjoy this.  I also thought, since she recently got married she might have extra wedding themed stationary left with no purpose.  She could use that.  So, I asked her if she wanted to hear about my little project to which she said yes.  I sent her the link to the website.  Her immediate response was that this was so me. And then, it happened.  Again.  We spiraled into the most delightful exchange about mail…especially stamps for her…and more.

My friend told me that she orders stamps directly from USPS.com because she loves getting the non-boring ones.  How cute!  I got all excited and wanted to know if there were web secrets.  So of course I had to recount my visit to the Postal Museum in D.C. and going to the philatelic window.  Our exchange quickly led to a more thoughtful place.  She said this was like the slow food movement, but rather “slow mail.”  I loved it.  Yes!  Slow Mail!  That’s it.  Taking time to sit down, read, enjoy, savor, and reply.  Slow Mail.

Our conversation took the same tone.  Slow, savory, intentional.  The house was quiet, full of sleepy heads.  So it was easy.  It was fun to reveal what else we want to do…besides write letters and check Facebook.  We reveled in what neat things are out there, like the Slow Food Chicago events and more.  (www.slowfoodchicago.org)  It was such a rewarding connection with my friend that we instantly planned a fun gathering around food together…this time perhaps a luncheon.

I made me think about earlier in the day, when I was talking to our mutual friend.  He shared that he has all this motivation right now.  A new spark to do things that are new and different, yet how do you squeeze it in with everything else?  I mentioned that right now I am overwhelmed with ALL the things I want to do.  How do you do it? How do you prioritize?  I do know I want to be more intentional…and slow.  “Slow Mail” just might be my way.  Not only is it what I can do right now, it’s one thing I definitely want to be doing right now.

Thanks friend…I look forward to your letter!