There's More Charm In Snail Mail

Today I am writing to VSO with a few questions about volunteering with them for a year. VSO is the world’s leading independent, international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.



And writing to VSO, made me ponder writing letters in general. In my opinion, there is no charm in text messaging in ungrammatical abbreviations, and when friends are far away, I much rather pour over a heartfelt letter than shoot out an email.



Letters are yes, arguably slower, and will eat up more time in one's schedule than say, an email or a text message, but it is the time one gives a warm letter that makes them so much more endearing. Letters, after all, can be most revealing of it's author, imparting with the receiver a little key to the writer's heart.



I do adore, especially, when a letter I receive includes quirky little doodles to illustrate thoughts and words. And to hold your sent photos in your hand, is surely more magical than downloading them from an email attachment.




And when one's hand inevitably begins to cramp from embracing a pen and inking paper, there's always a typewriter which provides rhythmic and comforting little notes of click-click.



A rule of thumb: letters are best stuffed with stickers, pictures, and little memorabilia that slips perfectly into a brown envelope.



Perhaps I'm an 18 year old, oddly fixed in old fashioned methods, but letters are magic to me, warming me like a cup of tea.



And packages delivered to one's doorstep is always lovely... though I've never had a cat arrive on my doorstep (as in the above Polaroid), but perhaps, someone will send me one!

Now, might I ask you, what is your verdict on written communication? Do letters warm your heart, or would you prefer the speed of a text message or email?

Photos from various members/photographers at www.flickr.com .