August 17, 1859, John Wise boarded his hot air balloon Jupiter--along with a locked U.S. mailbag--in Lafayette, Indiana.  The parcels of the mailbag were addressed to New York City; and that's where he intended to deliver them.  

Alas, a lack of wind forced him to land a mere thirty miles away, in Crawfordsville, Indiana ... where the mail proceeded to board a train...    

Happy August dear readers!

Did you know, on this day {August 2nd}, 1858, the first street-side mailboxes popped up in New York and Boston?  Oh yes, it's true. 

So in honor of the occasion, when you traipse out to get the mail, may you find a letter or two, waiting just for you ...

xoxo

July 26, 1893, in a small back room of the old Caxton Building in Chicago, Illinois, the Addressograph was put to work. 

This initial model {Baby-O model} actually consisted of rubber type glued to wooden blocks that moved along a belt.  As one address was being impressed, the next block was being inked for duplication...

The advantages of a quick note are many:

They're ... 

**perfect for the beginner or those short on words; 
**brief and to the point; and they're
**fun to receive.

They ...
**don't require a lot of time;
**may require less postage {standard postcards, for instance}; and they
**have multiple uses {business, sales, simple hellos}.

And yet, they get the job done.

As summer begins, think of all the recipients who might like a short note--friends and family, business associates and potential clients. Send them from your home or office, vacation or staycation.

Let them know you're here... thinking about them ... that you have something to celebrate ... something to give ... that you're thankful to have them in your life. 

And that, my friends, is the beauty of a short note; while they may be brief, they're oh-so-powerful!

One week from today--May 31st, 2010--the US will celebrate Memorial Day. It's a day to remember those who have paid the higest price for our freedom.

It's also a good time to remember those who were willing to die, so we might live free.

If you know a veteran, send him a note; let her know you appreciate the sacrifice.  And don't forget their families!  

And rest assured--sometimes simple is best. Perhaps a notecard with an inspiring quote, a patriotic image--even a photo of a red poppy. 

Mother's Day is fast approaching for those of us living in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, even if you live elswhere, you can still join in the fun.  After all, any excuse is a good excuse to thank mom for all she's done--and remind her just how much she's loved!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear readers!  In honor of the day, an Irish blessing ...

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the United States.  For many, it's just another day; for some, it's an extra day to frolic in weekend activities; for others still, it's a day to remember a great man. 

We hear a lot about Martin Luther King, Jr.  Like any historical figure some things are true, some are not.  That's what is so great about letters.  We can read a letter and catch a glimpse of the real man...

...letters such as this one, written from a Birmingham jail.   

Do you know?  Have you heard?  The second week of January is Letter Writing Week!  If ever you were planning to pen a letter and send it to a friend, this would be the perfect time to do it. 

So how many of your friends will find a little something in their mailbox from you?  One ... two ... three ...