submitted 4 weeks ago by zitronenschnitte@feddit.org to c/pen_and_paper@lemmy.world

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Maybe not the usually topic for this community, but there is paper and pen involved, so close enough?

Basically I decided on a whim to send a handwritten letter to a friend of mine. I don't think I ever did that before. I didn't even really know what to say, so it's just a few lines long. But nevertheless, I put in an envelope, got stamps and now it's on its way.

Well, what can I say. Now, I am sitting here like a little kid before Christmas waiting for the letter to arrive!
We basically text everyday and I did not tell her, so it will be a surprise. I am really exited for her reaction.
I already am thinking about sending a postcard to another friend. Just because. It just seems like such an easy way to give out a little happiness to someone? And I really enjoyed sitting down and taking time to craft the letter. Even if I struggled to come up with things to say, it feels so different to sending text messages or e-mails that arrive instantly.

Anyway, this also got me curious. Do some of you guys still send out handwritten letters? Or is it something you consider a thing of the past?

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[-] lemmy_outta_here@lemmy.world 3 points 4 weeks ago

Some of my favourite letters were silly. I have letters from old girlfriends that they wrote during boring high school classes 30 years ago. Many of the letters never even get to a point - some are just slice of life/stream of consciousness. The letters become artifacts, though: little time capsules that contain a feeling, an idea, a memory. I have letters from people who are long gone, but when I read the lines I hear the voices of my loved ones as though they were in the room.

[-] CoffeeTails@lemmy.world 2 points 4 weeks ago

oh, this is both lovely and sad to read. Thank you for sharing. I like the idea of them being little time capsules.

this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2026

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Pen & Paper

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This community is all about using pen and paper as a deliberate choice — because handwriting helps memory, deepens learning, sharpens focus, and unlocks creativity in ways screens often can’t. Whether you’re sketching ideas, drafting a to‑do list, or mapping out a semester, the physical act of writing slows things down just enough for the thoughts to really land.

All notebook and calendar types are welcome here: plain bound notebooks, bullet journals, Filofax systems, ring‑ and disc‑bound setups, sticky notes, legal pads, or whatever you throw together.

Privacy matters. With paper you keep control as your notes aren’t tracked, used to train algorithms or so. That sense of ownership makes paper a safe place for brainstorming, personal plans, and messy drafts that you don’t want floating in the cloud.

This is a place to share practical tips, clever layouts, before‑and‑after spreads, and what you’ve learned about staying organized (or unorganized) offline. Post pictures, ask for feedback, swap templates, or just brag about a perfect page.

Come as you are: Neat planner nerds, scrapbookers, list lovers, or anyone curious about slowing down. Bring your spreads, hacks, inserts, index systems, and the little rituals that make your setup work.

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