It is January 10th, and since the weather has been so balmy here in South Dakota I’m having a difficult time getting into my usual winter shut-down mode! The busy Christmas season, however, has made me want to slow down and read a good book no matter what the weather outside. I’m going to take time to read Dancing with Colonels this month. A quick glance at the letters contained in this book causes me to stop and remember when I took the time to write letters. I used to write a family member every week, and I would expect to receive a letter in my mailbox from one of them. Today I just have them all in a “group” and email a quick note now and then. I think something is missing from the technology we think we enjoy. I’ve saved most of my received letters, and I just learned from mom yesterday that she has saved hers also. She read me a letter I had written when I had toddlers keeping me busy —we both laughed to tears. Now I routinely delete old letters off of my email. I think the impact of this will be felt years down the road. Anyway, maybe after I am done reading this new release from SDSHS Press I will go back to my old ways of writing letters—after I check my email of course.
LN
There is no skill that is more important to maintain (or develop) than the ability to compose a basic letter, and I’m not referring to texting, tweeting, or e-mailing. This is not to minimize or discount the utility of modern technology, but for me, going back to basics is therapeutic.
Thanks for sharing your insights, and happy letter-writing!
Best,
Kevin