There's few things nicer than receiving a letter in the post. Not a bill or piece of junk mail, or a catalogue full of things you wish you could afford, but a sweet handwritten letter; written with care and love and with the ability to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. Over Christmas Josephine and I wrote cards and letters together, and she burst with excitement whenever we received one.
For a couple of months now I've been meaning to ask all you Mamas if any of your children would like to be penpals with Josephine. And after seeing her reaction to those letters at Christmas, I knew I had to finally get round to putting it out there.
For us snail mail loving grown-ups, there are a few projects on offer right now. Oh Comely Magazine's Perfect Strangers project and Capture by Lucy's Springtime Surprise Project (yep, I signed up for both!) are each wonderful. But what about our kiddos?
The community, the village, I've found myself in, through blogging and Instagram, is a true blessing. It's a wonderful place to be, full of support and advice, ideas and inspiration, friendship and connections and it seems only right to extend that to our children. To allow them to connect in a way that generations before them have (before email and FaceTime, as awesome as they are!); to exchange stories and reveal new traditions and cultures to each other.
Plus, it's a wonderful focus for crafting; writing paper can be painted (like we did earlier this week) and cards can be drawn; artwork you're not sure what to do with can be sweetly wrapped and sent to new friends in faraway lands.
I've had some ideas if a few people decide to get involved, and am putting together a few more details to ensure every child involved would get a letter they'll cherish, but first I thought I'd put it out there and see what you all thought. It really would be lovely to get our children writing (or dictating!) letters and connect children who would be friends if there wasn't thousands of miles between then :)
So, if you're interested if finding your little one a penpal just pop me an email, or leave your email address below, and i'll send out more details. No matter how old your children or where you live, get involved xx
ps. to ensure only genuine penpals are assigned, an established blog or IG account is needed so let me know your account name or URL too.
Oh my goodness my four year old little boy would love this! We live in Australia. I don't follow you on Instagram as you're a private user but have followed your blog for quite awhile now. My email is lucindawhite@hotmail.com or my IG name is lucyandthelittles. I don't have a blog. No problem if Josephine would rather have a girl pen pal but if there's anyone wanting a little boy to write to them my little man would take it very seriously (he's a bit of an old soul!)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for wanting to get involved :) I've requested you on IG, and please do feel free to do the same on my account. I'd love for you to follow. The response I've had via the blog and IG has been amazing and we have over 30 families wanting to get involved to there will definitely be a penpal for your son. It's really exciting. I'll be in touch soon xx
DeleteOh I LOVE that paper and those leaves!! Good work Phiney Bird! xxxx
ReplyDeleteHey Nell,
ReplyDeleteMy son Olly is nearly five. I think he would love to become penpals with Josephine. He often laments the fact that there is never any post for him, and enjoyed making his Xmas thank you cards this year. My email is paxton3@sky.com
Leanne xx
I am new to your beautiful blog--I think this is a fabulous idea! I have 3 girls who would love this! One of my resolutions this year is to send out more 'snail mail' to family and friends (since most of them live afar). I've got personnel projects I plan to send out each month, but I'd love to get my kids involved in a project like this. You can find me at wrightb97@gmail.com or pickingpeonies8.blogspot.com and located in the northeastern USA.
ReplyDeleteHello, I've really been looking for something just like this for my six year old girl who spends her time writing letters and posting them to me and her brother but is so desperate for someone else to write to! We're from London and I blog sporadically at listoflovelythings.com and have recently started thimbleandtwig.com xxx
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute idea - I think it's great that you want to involve Josephine in an older past time. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Would love to do it for Coco (7) if there was a match and Henry (4)! Will email you.
ReplyDeleteYes! Would love to have your two involved :) xxx
DeleteKyra is 9 karma620.tp@gmail.com
ReplyDelete