IN PRAISE OF QUIET JOYS. . . . .

For thousands of years, letter writing has been the primary form of communication.   In fact, I recently read that George Washington wrote over 40,000 letters in his lifetime, many of which were written while he was in office.  Sadly, the personal letter has turned into an email in which to say hello, thank you or come for dinner.  The joy of letter writing is becoming a lost art and that walk to the mail box is producing less and less excitement when all that awaits us is junk mail and bills.  I have decided with  the vast assortment of writing materials available, we have no excuses NOT to take the time to sit down and compose a letter to a dear friend or loved one.   First thing to do is create an atmosphere that is quiet, peaceful and cozy.  .  .  .  .

                                                        

                

                     This desk is over 100 years old.  It belonged to my grandmother.

I sat at this desk as a child and played school.  I had my crayons in the

small drawer to the right and they stayed there all of the time.  When I

would spend the night with my Grandma and Aunt, my crayons were

always waiting for me.  Then one day, this desk became mine. . .

This desk sits in a cozy corner up in the loft and I have

recently gathered a lot of my writing materials into one place.

A cozy lamp, a tray filled with great stationery, a brass container

full of birthday cards,  thank you note cards, old books,( but of course),

a picture of my mom and me, a candle, fresh flowers and stamps.

No excuse here for not having all of the accoutremonts necessary for

sharing thoughts with a special friend in the absense of a computer!!!

I have put a few pens into a flower vase which works well

and looks attractive . . .

The oval crystal and silver box on the silver tray is a find from

France that was under dust and piles of old papers.  The silver top

was black as was the little tray beneath, polished it looks

 wonderful.  It used to be used for pates.  Today I use it for my

stamps and paper clips and I love how perfectly it works on my desk.

Tonight, I lit a candle, drank a cup of tea and wrote my daughter

a letter. . . . . it was quiet and the ambiance perfect.  Thoughts

came easily and I couldn't have enjoyed more, putting my pen to

paper and sharing thoughts that would be mailed in

the morning.  Have you seen the new Chinese New Year stamps?

They are beautiful in shades of powder blue and coral with touches

of soft yellow. . . .and yes, that coral envelope matched the

stamp beautifully . . . . ok, I guess that is just my design

sense kicking in . . . but it did look pretty.

The cubbies of this desk are half the fun. . . they are packed full of note cards

letter press stationery and fun seals for the back of an envelope.

This chubby little blue bird sits on the upper part of the desk.

He holds dear memories for me.  In preparation for the Christmas

holidays when I owned the store, my mom admired him .

She and my dad helped mark product as it was shipped and made

Christmas a little easier that year.  .   .  .  .I wanted to pay them

for their help and they wouldn't take a penny.  Christmas morning they

each opened one of these birds that I had attached a hundred dollar

bill to the underside.   SURPRISE!!  I think we sold over 100 of

these little guys.

Fresh flowers, and a letter to

be answered. . .

It truly was a joy sitting here tonight with pen in hand, classical

music, a cup of tea.  All was quiet and serene in this little

corner of my world. . . . . I encourage you to try it and help

me to revive the lost art of letter writing.     When you have a little

space with a hard surface, pretty note cards or stationery, a cozy

atmosphere in which to write, you too will be encouraged

to take the time. . . . . . . no searching for writing materials

and no excuses to answer letters (and they will come!)   Who knows

someday, if I had your address, you might go to your mailbox

and find a letter from me!

SOME OF MY RECENT FAVS:

New from crane's

Poor photo but oh so charming this french thank you note, by

cheree berry

One of my very favorite note cards from a company

called local wisdom

 

This is another design from cheree berry .  Great white card stock,

lining of envelope to match the  engraved printing oxox on the card.  I think

some of her designs are the best I have seen in awhile.  Even the edges

are painted on these cards.

The new stamps that were just released to celebrate the

Chinese New Year.  .  .  so colorful.  These stamps are

referred to as Commemorative Stamps.

Ashley's in Clarendon Hills (suburb of Chicago) will not disappoint!

She has selected for her customers some of the most beautiful invitations,

announcements and personalized stationery for adults as will as children.

Her staff is friendly (ask for Denise) and always ready to assist you with your writing needs.

Wedding invitation offerings are plentiful and always so beautifully

done.  Save the date, shower invitations, books on wedding etiquette await the bride. 

Sample books are numerous for your custom selections as you finalize

your special day.   This staff is so ready to ease your concerns and make

wonderful suggestions when you are sometimes so overwhelmed. 

  Ashley's also carry

Vera Bradley accessories and Lilly Pulitzer stationery, books, calendars

and desk accessories,  as well the stationery line of Kate Spade.

    Great gift ideas and decorative accessories for the home complete

what you may find at Ashley's.

If you wish to visit, in order to get your little corner of the world ready

for writing, they can be found at:

ASHLEY'S Custom Stationery  & More

22 S. Prospect Ave.

Clarendon Hills, Illinois 60514

630-794-0804

ashleysinclarendon@gmail.com

If you happen to be in the neighborhood at lunch time, just walk across the

street to REDD HERRING  ~ great food and open for lunch! (and of course

dinner too!)