This is something I'm still figuring out. I tend to pick up my mail when I am either a) on my way to work, or b) on my way home from work, with kids in tow. Either way, it is not an ideal time for sitting and reading letters. Ideal meaning, in this instance, sitting down in a quiet place in a big comfy chair with cup of tea and bikkies to mull joyously over letters, etc.
I like this idyllic picture so much that I have even been contemplating buying a special chair for reading mail in. Yes, really.
I know that some of you have enough patience to wait til the evening, when all the business of the day has gone and you can have some time just for you and your letters. I like that idea, too, but I'm not good at postponing pleasure. So, I'm a bit embarrassed to say, but I usually end up reading mail in the car, at my desk at work (in between work tasks) or standing at my kitchen bench. Does this give the letters their due? I tend to think not.
I've asked before where it is you write your letters, but now I'd like to know where you read them...
Love from Kaz
My significant other picks up my mail at the post office before picking me up at work. I usually read all my mail in the car, on the long ride home. It is a wonderful way to unwind from a stressful job, and I guess I sort of do have a special chair to sit in for reading mail. I keep a letter opener in the glovebox and it is the first thing I reach for after putting on my seatbelt.
ReplyDeleteI often read bits of the mail aloud, and sometimes I even write a letter or postcards in the car on the way home. It's a rather long commute.
That sounds lovely - it's like you're wrapped up in your own little letter-reading capsule. And I love that you read bits of letters aloud to your SO.
ReplyDeleteI think I am swaying towards saving my letters until the kids are in bed... then I can hop into bed with a nice cup of tea and read and answer letters all together.
Back when my children were young (1980s), I think I used to save my letters for quiet times. Probably not until evening because I don't have that much discipline .... the suspense would have killed me! But I think I probably brought the mail in and left it until both girls were occupied in play or a project of their own. I do remember reading bits of my letters to my daughters, though. I had a penpal in Australia and my youngest daughter was quite captivated with Australia. I wrote to Pat for about 5 years, but lost touch and all her letters to me were misplaced on the move from Boston to Pittsburgh 6 years ago.
ReplyDeleteQuiet times can be hard to come by... but next week I am only working one day so I have a plan: I'll walk the kids to school, then walk around the corner to the post office and check my PO box, and then head to a cafe to read and write letters over a latte, or two, and then walk home again. Exercise + latte + letters = a perfect morning.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you lost touch with your friend in Australia.
Just think, ypu can rip your treasures open and greedily read them right away--and then re-read them with a cup of tea or a glass of wine....
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