Letterquette

It has been a while since I’ve been able to make it to my regular parish on Sundays, but I can still remember one thing that an older gentleman in the congregation always talked about…proper manners for a man.  You know, take your hat off indoors, no phones at the table, standing up for ladies when they leave the table, etc.  He always mentioned that this beautiful tradition has gone out of style.  Working at a coffee shop, I can not believe how rude people are!  Ick.

Well, I had a friend point me to a blog called The Art of Manliness (though it was in reference to a coffee post) and I am amazed with the amount of material on the website.  Then, being homesick from not being at my normal parish (thanks to my friend Doris), I thought about my Pastor’s preference for personal communication and interaction (though he is on Facebook!).  Well, that itself is a lost art.

As it stands now, I’m awaiting a return phone call from a dear friend from college.  With both of our busy schedules (he’s a newlywed and I’m busy with school) I found a particular post of interest…a post on Letter Writing.  Now, as much as I’d love the sweet setup in the article, I took a gander.  Wow, it’s not that expensive!  We’ll, I don’t have it engraved (or personalized for that matter) either.  Now, where to find stationary.  The most common paper for longer stationary is Monarch size.  And to my amazement some of the Staples stores have this size stationary in their special paper section.  My nearby store doesn’t, and apparently only 11 stores in Illinois do.  The stationary is available either in white with silver foil or ivory with gold foil.  They are at the end of the paper list on the M by Staples website.   A steal at 9.95 for 20 sheets and matching envelopes.  I prefer the Gold and Ivory – it’s easier on the eyes, so I found.

Now, that is great for longer notes – but what about those shorter notes.  I still have some North Central College medallion note cards – those would work for thank you cards and the like.  They have them for a number of schools – the company is Traditions.  $15 for 20.

However, I also acquired some note cards from Crane and Company.  You’ve heard of them, right?  Well, open your wallet – you’ll see their products (hopefully!) as they supply the BEP with currency paper.  Apparently, the paper I picked up – correspondence sheets to be exact, is a wedding stationery.  They have very, very nice quality paper and the price for these notes are just $16.00 for 20.  I picked mine up at Swoozies (yeah, I know, it’s a chick store).  Crane’s shipping is expensive, especially when there are local shops to sell the product to you.  As long as it is not engraved stationery, their prices are very competitive.  Cranes has a good guide on social stationery.

Now, after talking about all that paper, thoughts of Jane Marple flitter into my head.  You ever watch her?  Well, the old English manors always had stationery desks.  Since I don’t have a collection of letterpress or engraved stationery, I always have wanted one.  But they are so very expensive.  Then, while perusing Crane & Co’s site, I noticed one on clearance (my grandmother would be proud) for less than half the price.  So, order went into Crane’s today…just under $50.00.  Perfect use for my gift card.

Well, once I get started with writing letters, you may be fortunate enough to receive one.  When you get it, don’t forget to let me know how your doing…and maybe be inspired.

Tags: Crane & Co; Stationery; Friends; Correspondence; Gasp - I'll need the Post Office; Manliness