Monday, 29 September 2014

The song, the snail and the smile.

I feel a bad friend at the moment.
Struggling to get through what I have to do (our TAX) let alone what I want to do with regards to keeping up with friends.
 
Facebook is handy and instant yet lacks that personal connection.
I can tell my friends I am thinking of them or
  • email them
  • Twitter or Facebook them
  • comment on their blog or guest book diligently (if they blog)
  • Skype - that is something I did with one lovely friend while our children screamed or played in the background.
It is the same the world over.We all want to be a friend of someone.

Everyone loves to receive personal mail ...except bills and overdue reminders.


my dream letter box is actually a Cow shape - this is just a pretty picture !

Some of us may be really good at keeping in contact via the social media and FB groups (running or medical ) etc.

Truth - I want to develop an enviable reputation for sending a beautiful hand-written note, card or even a rare handmade crafty thing (I started a pay in forward to play out over the next year).




Yesterday I found a huge bundle or old letters and cards (some from 25+ years ago). I haven't time to wander down Memory lane yet.

In real life I try to find ways  to get together for a day out, coffee or lunch...not just with real life friends but friends met through blogging . Sometimes it doesn't happen any more and friendships wane.

With some people I could probably pick up where we left off , the nagging doubt exists to whether I matter. When they forget to answer private messages or don't remember your birthday do you pursue it or accept that season of friendship has ended.

I don't dwell on those friendships, I accept life changes and challenges us . I cherish those who hold me up and message, email or ring or send snail cards. Some dear new URL friends - that I've recently had the pleasure to meet are dear to me too. I appreciate that there are people THERE for me in many shapes and forms.

I digress. It makes me feel bad when I can't be a good friend. I confess I still find it lonely here because my network of in-real life friends are 4-5hrs away. They are busy dealing with their own lives and problems. I miss seeing and being with them. I have some new friends just no besties. The one I did make moved away 18 months.



While not all my friendships are perfect and close or even 'local'  I have some of the nicest friends and acquaintances a girl could wish for. I am so thankful.

Maintaining contact is the key. Real... Live... Contact... being genuine (even via fibre optic cables or whatever waves those wireless connections use).  

My earworm for today !


Wherever you go

wherever you may wander in your life

Surely I know I'll always wanna be there

Holding your hand and standing by to catch you when you fall

Seeing you through I ev'rything you do Let me be there in your morning

Let me be there in your night

Let me change whatever wrong and make it right

Let me take you through that wonderland

That I only two can share All I ask you is let me be there

Watching you grow And going though the changes in your life

That's how I know I'll always wanna be there

Whenever you feel You need a friend to lean on here I am

Whenever you call You know I'll be there

Let me be there ...

I'm still standing because of people holding my hand, walking alongside me.

Ever mindful that in this age of insta-everything these days picking up the humble pen to write a handwritten note or card is still the most appreciated form of snail mail ...(in an envelop - unless it's a cheque )  I am setting myself an October challenge (one of many lol).

I plan to send a card, note or letter or something a day to 31 friends and family (and more if I manage it).



How do you maintain friendships with those you can't see regularly (or at all - URL friends in another state or country) ?


Oh the smile Claire Hewitt (she inspired a handwritten challenge 2 yrs ago) says


Mail, actually written by you has a secret power that you never even realise. Only the receiver gets the magic. That extra smile you have when you get a surprise letter, the joy of hearing from someone real, of learning some news, of knowing someone far away was thinking about them.
How many days has it been since you last sought a big red post box and popped inside it a handwritten note sealed with a smile - destined for someone you care for?"

 

Comments (4)

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I think a true friendship is one that doesn't depend on you being together. The world today moves so fast, even though I think of my friends often and care about them, I don't always get time to tell them so. Email and social media make it so quick and easy to make friends and keep in touch but at the same time I think it's created an acute sense of social laziness and a lack of personal connection. Whereas in the old days we would have phoned, now we text, where we would have written a letter, we send an email and I kind of miss the good old days. I've sent a few postcards while we've been away, it seemed so foreign to put pen to paper but also lots of fun. I've made some lovely penpal friends through blogging, there's nothing better than getting a letter! I think you're 31 days plan is just awesome! Keep us updated, won't you?! xx
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This is beautiful Trish!

I used to sing "Let me be there" with my Dad when I was a young girl. Gee, you just took me back a way. Special lyrics with special meaning.

Receiving hand written cards when I was going through treatment was magical. There IS something special about someone taking valuable time out of their day to sit and hand write a message just for YOU.

I won't wish you luck with your October challenge because you won't need it... when an act comes from your heart that's all the motivation you need.

I still have cards and notes I wish to reply too and some I wish to send for gratitude. You have inspired me to set my own October challenge.

Thank you Sandra x
I have been thinking of setting the challenge to people again, but I never know if others just think it's a dorky thing to do.

But I have never regretted sending a letter and never not loved receiving one.
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I love writing and receiving snail mail. It's the nicest thing albeit a bit old fashioned by today's standards. I have also just started a pen pal scenario for my four year old and he finds it a bit strange but seems to be enjoying it all the same. It's something I grew up doing as a kid and I'd like him to understand communication doesn't have to all be done via technology.

There's something nice about making time, sitting down, reflecting and putting it down on paper. Enjoy the process x
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