Pen Pals ✉
I love receiving/writing letters! As a child, I always wanted to have more people to send letters to.
The term pen pal was introduced to me in the 2nd grade, my class was practicing letter writing and we had been assigned a pen pal from a neighboring school. Sadly, I have no memories of my pen pal nor can I remember the gender or school my pen pal was/from. I can only recall the day my teacher told us that we would be paired up. I remember writing out my first letter to them, but again, no memory of what was actually said.
As I grew up, I still found joy in the idea of writing out a letter or sending a package to a friend. I exchanged letters with friends, whom I’d met at school from time to time but nothing that actually remained constant. It wasn’t until my first semesters at university did my best friend and I start exchanging a notebook where we would keep our letters in. She had moved to another state, me to another city and we wanted to keep in touch. Life got in the way but we kept it up for while and I was pretty proud of us. She and I still send each other mail from time to time and that always puts a smile on my face. And then this year for Christmas, the wonderful Whimsical Joy sent my sister and I a Christmas card with two crochet bookmarks. I just had to respond with my own handmade item so I wrote her a letter and made her a knitted mug cozy.
And when Matt and I first started to date, he went out of town several times during those beginning months and he would send me a post card from each place he visited. Such a thoughtful souvenir to receive from him. Also, a friend from college and I have agreed to write each other letters from time to time. He lives in Galveston, so we aren’t very far away from each other but he’s currently going to Med school and we’ve decided to stay in touch in anyway we can. Don’t know how he does it, but he’s always been a very positive guy and I’m glad to be reconnecting with him now.
I’m excited and hope to maintain a consistent back and forth of letter writing. It’s nice, getting a letter from a good friend. I plan on upping my card game. He’s in for a surprise.
That’s fall for now. Thanks for reading. ♥
Leta Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 2:18 pm
I love the idea of having a pen pal. I like sending postcards and getting them from all about the world. I used to use Postcrossing regularly but turns out that postcards and mail is quite an expensive hobby these days 🙂
-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Kimmy Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 1:37 pm
@Leta, Oh yes, I’m sure it can get pretty expensive. Luckily, my friends aren’t too far from me. But it is a lot of fun, and I like the idea of my letters making my friends happy. It makes me happy when I receive a letter or card. I’ve never heard of Postcrossing. You send post cards to different countries? That does sound like fun.
Thanks for reading.
Joy Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 2:31 pm
I love sending and getting snail mail! I’ve had a couple of pen pals but they never seem to keep in touch because their personal lives seem to become way more interesting ?
Its nice to know someone else that loves receiving letters in the mail. We don’t have be pen pals but we can definitely send one another happy mail every once in a while if you would like ?
Kimmy Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 2:36 pm
@Joy, People can get busy.
But I’d definitely love that! Whenever the moment strikes, I’ll definitely send you some happy mail.
<3
Jeanie Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 5:46 pm
Hi! It’s my first time here in your blog and I must say your theme is so cute! I love the idea of writing letters. When I was in high school, we have our retreats and each students are required to write letters to the person whom they feel wronged or just want to thank for. Letters may be old fashioned but it is one of the most thoughtful gift you can receive, ayt? I’m happy you still managed to write letters in this digital age <3
All the best! | JeaniebeansPH
Kimmy Said:
on February 18, 2017 at 9:23 am
@Jeanie, @ Welcome! Thanks so much, my lovely sister made my layout for me. I love it!
And yes, letter writing is considered old fashion, but I’m pretty happy to continue sending letters.
Thanks for reading!
Rezina Said:
on February 17, 2017 at 6:49 pm
Snail mail is great! I think snail mail adds a personal touch to your letters, which don’t get translated over e-mails. That’s also awesome that you and your friend have kept touch over the years via snail mail 😀
(Also I saw your “currently reading” and I love V.E. Schwab!)
Kimmy Said:
on February 18, 2017 at 9:25 am
@Rezina, I love this V.E. Schwab series. I haven’t read any of her other books though. She’s going on a book tour and stopping by in my town so I hope I can go.
Snail mail makes me smile! So I love sending things to friends.
Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Augustin Ra Said:
on February 18, 2017 at 2:20 am
I made a blog project just last year and it’s #TheMailProject where people will fill out the form I provided and I’ll be sending out letters every month. I already started since December and I’m so happy to see the receiver’s post on their social media. I’ve always been a letter writer since I was a kid and until now, it makes me happy to write and receive one. 🙂
Kimmy Said:
on February 18, 2017 at 9:28 am
@Augustin Ra, That’s an adorable project! I love what social media and the Internet does by bringing people together (on the positive side of things) and then you can add to that with something like Snail mail. Love it!
Nancy Said:
on February 18, 2017 at 11:59 pm
I remembered having a pen pal as a class assignment when I was in 5th grade. I only remembered about my pen pal talking about his PS3 but that’s pretty much it XD.
It’s great that you keep in touch with others via snail mail. Considering how it takes more effort to send out mail, I find it being more valuable. Hope you’ll continue writing letters and enjoy receiving them :)!
Kimmy Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 8:51 pm
@Nancy, That’s funny! Yeah, I was in the 2nd grade and cannot remember how long we carried on. I can’t even remember the gender of my pen pal.
I hope to continue on for as long as I can. It also depends on the other person, but I don’t mind waiting. It will be an extra surprise when I receive something in the mail.
Thanks for reading!
Jane Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 2:03 am
I think I tried it a few times when I was a child but never really kept it up! I love the idea of snail mail but I’m not very creative when making things by hand haha.
Kimmy Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 8:54 pm
@Jane, I kept remaking my last cards, I kept messing up on a detail and just had to scrap the whole thing and start over. I’m not really a perfectionist but there are times I get extra critical and can’t make anything I like.
I think it’s just one of those things that you have to do for fun, if you’re not having fun then no use in doing it. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Cassie Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 5:27 am
I love penpalling, it’s one of my favourite current hobbies through International Geek Girls Penpal Club and it’s great fun to receive things in the post that aren’t bills etc. Plus it’s a great excuse to buy/use cute stationery and work on my handwriting!
Kimmy Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 9:06 pm
@Cassie, I’ve been wanting to work on my handwriting too! I want to learn calligraphy, I just haven’t put any effort into making that happen. XD
Thanks for stopping by!
Pauline Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 7:26 am
Awww this is so cute! I don’t really have penpals but over christmas last year I sent out christmas cards to bloggers around the world. It was awesome seeing photos of them on twitter/social media. 😛
Thanks for sharing!!
Kimmy Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 9:08 pm
@Pauline, Awww, that’s too cute! I’m sure everyone loved the cards. I may want to try something like that one year over at my art blog.
Thanks for reading!
Mija Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 4:57 pm
101 down the hall~!!!!
Kimmy Said:
on February 19, 2017 at 9:11 pm
@Mija, XD Yup!
Becca Said:
on February 20, 2017 at 9:26 am
I remember doing pen pals in school, too! We did it when I was in the first grade and we had a pen pal in the fourth grade class that we would write to each other. At the end of the year, we got to meet them and hang out. I remember my girl being really nice in the letters and then when we I met her she ignored me and just talked to her friends. Oh well haha.
I love receiving things in the mail. I did a Christmas card exchange with some fellow bloggers (including Joy!) and it was so much fun to look forward to them and finally find them in the mail and open them. I’ll have to send you one next year as well!
Kimmy Said:
on February 21, 2017 at 9:15 am
@Becca, That sucks that she wasn’t as nice as she was on paper. Kids aren’t always very nice to begin with. I don’t think I ever met my pen pal, or if I did, I have no memory of it. >.< And this Christmas card exchange sounds absolutely lovely! I can't wait to join in! 😀
Kathryn Said:
on February 20, 2017 at 3:27 pm
There is really something special about receiving hand written notes or letters. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like it’s done that often anymore, so I love the idea of a pen pal!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
Kimmy Said:
on February 21, 2017 at 9:17 am
@Kathryn, It is sad! That’s why I get super excited when someone sends me a letter/card. Because then I get to send one in return and make it all pretty!
I hope to continue sending letters to my friend. We shall see, I know life might get in the way, and that’s ok. A letter once in awhile is also pretty nice. 🙂
Eena Said:
on February 21, 2017 at 3:25 pm
I love sending out snail mail! When I was younger, I lived in the Philippines and had a pen pal from Sweden! We lost contact after I moved to America but she found me on Facebook back in 2014 and we’ve kept in touch since then – no more snail mail though unfortunately 🙁
The only person I still write letters to is my best friend! We became bffs in third grade, back in the Philippines but after I moved to America, she ended up moving to Australia a few years after. We send each other yearly packages and it’s usually one of the highlights of my year, ha.
Okay, I totally started ranting I’m sorry! I’d be down to be pen pals if you’d like!
Kimmy Said:
on February 22, 2017 at 7:27 am
@Eena, Those yearly packages sound wonderful!
I had a pen pal from the UK and from the Netherlands, sadly we don’t send any mail. However, I have connected with both of them on FB, so that’s pretty nice. Snail mail is just a great way to give someone a little extra something. I love the feeling I get when I get a letter or post card.
I’d love to be pen pals! 🙂 <3
Joy Said:
on February 23, 2017 at 10:09 am
I used to have a penpal too, sadly the time we needed to reply always got longer and longer untill one of us evenutlaly stopped replying for good. Now i enjoy recording voice messages with someone I met online, too. She’s from Spain and we share the same interest. Occasionally we send each other letters and presents too, it’s really nice especially since I feel like I’m not the type of person that enjoys writing with a pen that much.
PS I hope you found a good sushi place ^^
Kimmy Said:
on February 23, 2017 at 11:30 am
@Joy, Time is usually an issue with Pen Pals. You need to receive letters before you can send off another letter so waiting on that other person can get frustrating. XD
I think if you find someone that is similar to you in ways and doesn’t get mad when you don’t send off another letter pen pals can work out pretty good.
It all depends.
Still looking for another sushi place, hopefully we find one not too far. 🙂
Thanks!
Mili Said:
on February 23, 2017 at 9:59 pm
I used to remember having a pen pal when I was younger too but haven’t written an actual letter in years. That’s so sweet that you have so many nice memories from sharing letters with your boyfriend and friends 🙂 I remember when I was younger I tried collecting postcards but didn’t have the patience to follow through with it lol.
Mili | Sharmtoaster
Kimmy Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 10:51 am
@Mili, I always get really excited when I receive letters. I’m not sure how long it will last, but I’ve been trying to get better at staying in touch with friends.
Patience is key. But since I wasn’t used to it in the first place and I never know when he will send off his letter, being impatient isn’t really a huge deal for me. That only happens when I send off packages or buy things online. XD
Thanks for reading!
Cat Said:
on February 23, 2017 at 11:53 pm
I used to have a pen pal in China! After moving to Texas, I also kept writing letters to friends in New York. After a while, especially with the internet, we all stopped doing it. It was always exciting to receive a written note in the mail though, and it makes me miss it.
Now I only send cards during Christmas, and if I’m traveling somewhere interesting, I’ll send postcards back. I think that was sweet of Matt to send you a postcard from each place 🙂 That’s also nice that you’re writing letters with someone again!
Kimmy Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 10:55 am
@Cat, The internet does make it seem pointless when you’re just sending them a, hey-this-is-an-update-on-my-life card. Sending an email or FB message/text would be faster. The other day my friend was texting me and letting me know that he was in the middle of writing a response letter. XD I just thought that was a great way to combine both forms of communication.
I wrote Matt a card after hanging up with him on the phone one night. I just thought sending him a card sounds fun and I wanted him to feel even an ounce of what his postcards made me feel.
Thanks for reading!
Elisa Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 7:09 am
ah, pen pals. i’ve always thought having one is such a…nostalgic dreamy thing. i like writing but i’ve never really written letters. i tried once but when international shipping is expensive (i live in indonesia) so it’s quite impossible to write and exchange letters to online friends. similarly, i don’t write letter or have pen pals who live in the same country because i never really connect with any indonesian blogger haha
plus, imo, due to expensive shipping fee, doing it for just a letter is not something i favor. i’d rather utilize digital medium for that lol
still, i can understand why pen pals are amazing 🙂
Kimmy Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 3:37 pm
@Elisa, It can be expensive. Luckily, my friend doesn’t live too far. Too far to visit on a regular basis, but not far to mail a letter to.
It’s pretty fun so far and I wouldn’t want my friend to see it as a chore, so I think we both will understand should we not be able to continue. But for now it’s just fun. 🙂
Mariz Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 7:35 am
I never had any pen pal. But I remember, I used to write letters for my parents before as a way of showing them my love. The idea of having a pen pal sounds so interesting. I wish I could experience having one. ?
Kimmy Said:
on February 24, 2017 at 3:40 pm
@Mariz, That’s cute! I bet your parents loved getting letters from you.
I send emails to my baby niece, my sister set up an email address for her, for when she’s older. So every now and then I’ll send her an email. When she get’s older she’ll just have a ton of unread emails to read. XD I’m looking forward to it.
Alissa Said:
on February 27, 2017 at 2:23 am
I’m in an LDR and as much as I want to send him a handwritten letter, I couldn’t cos he’s a seafarer and they travel all the time. What I do is, write a handwritten letter, scan it and email it to him. lol.
Kimmy Said:
on February 27, 2017 at 9:16 am
@Alissa, I think that is the most adorable thing ever!!!
I love that and I’m sure your boyfriend loves getting your emails. Too cute!!
Thanks for reading!
Georgie Said:
on March 4, 2017 at 2:20 am
I have had pen pals before, but I remember having a letter unanswered, and I think I even sent another one just in case the previous one got lost, but I never heard back from her. We became pen pals after our school (I was in fifth grade) wanted us to make friends with students from another school who would be attending the same school camp.
I don’t spend a lot of time writing letters but I do write emails. And I still enjoy receiving postcards from my friends when they visit new places. I still write some handwritten cards as well!