The first part of this project is a personal one, but one that I am very excited about.  I share it with you in hopes that you may find inspiration to ask your own family elders similar questions and record your own history.  I think about how I let time run out with my Gramma.  I think about all of the stories that were never told because no one ever asked.  I am saddened by the fact that Poppy,nor I, will ever know those stories of war and escape, caring for sheep or working in a cigar factory.  All of it is gone and it makes my heart ache.

As it turns out, I was able to have arather serendipitous visit with my Nannie this weekend.  She was born in Montreal and so I asked her how she found herself on a farm in the tiny town of Maynooth, Ontario.  What followed was a most enjoyable story of a request written to a farming magazine stating that she would like to experience life on a farm in Ontario.  43 letters, 3 of which were immediate marriage proposals,arrived offering their hospitality (all of which she still has!!).  I quickly realized that she has an impeccable memory and is a gifted story teller with tales of escape monkeys, trapeze artists and the sound of whippoorwills serenading them at the Lake St. Peter dances she would attend.  And so, the first, and very personal, goal for The Great Snail Mail Revolution is to begin correspondence with my Nannie.  Handwritten letters exchanged between generations.  Recording her very important memories and enthralling stories so that they may live and be known. 

Without further ado I announce The Great Snail Mail Revolution!

The Plan:

• I will, in a completely random fashion, pair two strangers/future friends with each other.

• I will then send the two people the email address of their partners so that a mailing address may be exchanged and mailing date may be set.  Please keep emailing to a polite minimum as we don't want to ruin the surprise!

• The two people will then carefully craft a small package of found objects and a personal note to send to their partner.

• This will act as a kick off of sorts and hopefully induce further snail mail correspondence.

A Few Friendly Guidelines:

• After the initial email to exchange mailing addresses, each person should refrain from further electronic correspondence and should try to maintain a strictly handwritten connection whenever possible.

There is no need to purchase special items for your package.  Some ideas include leaves, sand, seashells, an extra copy of a book or cd  you may have, a piece of jewelry you never wear, a scarf, have your children create some art, create some art yourself, a recipe, etc. 

Get creative and be yourself.  Don't be afraid to infuse the package with your personality.

Each package should contain a handwritten note or letter to your snail mail friend.  Talk about the weather, the leaves, your plans for the day, your art, list your favourite things, make a list of random list of your traits and talents, etc.

I felt it was necessary to lay down a few ground rules so that everyone is able to have a similar joyful experience when opening their package. Remember to enjoy yourself and be present in the artful task of creating a care package.

If you are interested, please email me at applesforpoppyanne@hotmail.com "The Great Snail Mail Revolution" in the subject line and your first and last name (or last initial if you are not comfortable leaving full name), as well as your email and website (if applicable) all written into the body of the email in point form. All entries must be received by Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 12:00pm EST.

All care packages should be mailed out on or around October 15th, 2009 (if this is not possible, be sure to arrange another date with your partner in the initial email)

e.

Comments

[Jamie]

I am in love with the idea and I am totally in as well I love the new design on the page.

[Maggie]

What a great idea. My Nanna died just last week and this week at her funeral I heard things about her and my family that I never knew. You've inspired me to start writing to my Granny before its too late. I'll ask her one question each letter. I think I'll start with how she met my Granddad. Thank you

[Casey]

Such a wonderfully exciting idea! I recently found newspaper clippings and other things of my grandma's, I wish she was still around for me to ask her questions.

[redrecliner]

I'm very excited to participate! I love mail....and send it frequently. What a fantastic project you're organizing!

[heather]

this makes me feel like a young girl....free and curious, and i like that a lot. i'm in!

[Kristine]

Regrets are so painful - I am dealing with a few right now, and also mindful of stories that live in everyone, and how they disappear with us when we leave for the great beyond...

BUT sometimes there are surprises! Recently my stepmother sent me a letter that my father received in high school notifying him of his Honor Roll status. What a surprise! My dad never talked much of his achievements (which were many) and I new he was a major sports star in school and after, but I never new he did so well academically, too! The letter is typewritten on his high school's letterhead and I plan to have it framed for one of my boys' rooms. So moving.

K.

[Mandy]

I love this new project, Erin, count me in!

With two sweet little girls who crave and demand so much of my time, I find that my life is all about clockwork. I am always striving to find new ways to do things faster so I can accomodate more tasks, events, and mommy time into my everyday life. Often I find myself stopping in my tracks, feeling devoured by chaos, as my soul searches for more tranquil moments. So I think this project is a fantastic way for me to escape from my modern-day life and take it back a notch.

I look forward to this : )

[Desiree Fawn]

Brilliant idea!
I'm about to send you an email ^_^

<3

[Kara]

lovely idea! I always feel a little giddy when I get a personal package or letter in the mail! I love that you're organizing this! Hope the revolution takes off!

[abbiebabble]

What a wonderful idea!

[Jo]

Such a lovely idea. It is so wonderful when the postman brings something out of the ordinary.

[Glenn]

Count me in too!

[exhale. return to center.]

i've been away for a bit and missed this but just wanted to say how absolutely wonderful i think the idea is!!!!

kudos to you mama...

~erin

ps ~ love-love-love your new blog design.