A lost art
It sounds easy enough, doesn't it? So why don't we do it anymore? I'll tell you why. Because it's easier TO pick up a phone AND dial a few numbers or TO dash off a short e-mail, peppered with emoticons, than it is TO spend time thinking of just THE right words TO express yourself IN a personal letter.

I have read frequently that letter writing is a lost art form. Let's revive it. "But I don't have time," you whine. Don't deny it. I can hear you whining from miles away. You do have time. We've decided you have one hour each day, remember?

"But THE letter will BE for someone else. How does that count as Me Time?" Allow me TO answer that with an imaginary trip TO your own mailbox. Picture yourself opening THE box, collecting what's inside AND sorting through it. Your eyes are immediately drawn TO a lavender envelope with a hand-written address AND an actual stamp. You glance at THE return address AND smile at a name you recognize.

Back at home, you toss THE rest of THE mail IN a heap on THE kitchen table, then eagerly rip open THE lavender envelope. THE outside of THE card reads, "Thinking of You." THE once-blank inside is crammed with familiar handwriting, all for you AND all just because. This person has just made your day.

How would it feel TO be on THE sending end of this scenario? Wouldn't it make you feel good TO know you've brightened a loved one's day? Come on, you know it would.

Now for more practical matters -- THE how-to of letter writing. At THE beginning of your chosen hour, gather everything you will need: several pieces of paper or a greeting card, a couple of pens, your address book AND some stamps. Decide TO whom you'd like TO write AND get TO it.

Don't let that blank paper intimidate you. Start with THE basics: THE date AND the greeting. Then talk about what's BEEN going on IN your life recently. None of that "How are you? I am fine" nonsense. Tell Aunt Edna how you recently joined THE fund raising committee of THE local Humane Society, AND it reminded you of THE way she has always taken in AND cared for strays.

Tell Cousin Jack that your kids have BEEN begging you TO take them snorkeling ever since he showed them his gear. Also, create an opportunity for a response by asking a question. "Grandma, do you have that recipe handy for your famous coffee cake? I'm hosting a gathering at my house next week, AND I'd love TO try making it."

You'll BE surprised how quickly THE page fills up. You may need more than one piece of paper if you're really long-winded, like me. THE important thing is not TO take it too seriously. Have fun with it. That's what Me Time is all about, after all.

Happy writing!