Stamped with Love
Receiving mail is, was, and always will be one of my favorite simple sources of joy. An envelope of surprises just for me? Why yes, yes thank you, I love it! I love that you took a few minutes of time to prepare something, especially for me, because you thought I’d like it. My grandma was the best at sending mail. She consistently sent mail well into my adult life. Most often it was a greeting card with a single dollar bill stickered to the inside across from where she'd penned a sweet note, always signed in cursive: Love, Grandma Lorraine.
During a time when we can instantaneously communicate with anyone we want at any time, let's take a moment to re-learn about the benefits of sending and receiving messages the old-fashioned way - through postal mail. Studies have shown that even just checking the mailbox provides sweet serotonin, you know her, she regulates emotions and can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. If just checking the box can improve our mood, it stands to reason that actually finding a piece of fun mail in it makes us feel even better. In fact, I know it does. I fondly remember the joy that a simple letter or card from my grandma would evoke.
They say, “be the things you loved the most about those who are gone.” And to honor and remember my sweet grandma, I want nothing more than to share that joy with the people I love and care for too. A few years ago I started preparing and sending individual pieces of mail to all my nieces and nephews (there are several!). Sometimes it's a short note and cute holiday-themed game or puzzle, sometimes it's a small handmade item with their name on it. There are almost always stickers involved. Sometimes, there’s even a dollar or two! I take my time and prepare each one with each specific niece or nephew in mind, pouring all the auntie love and goodness I can muster into every detail. I make the envelopes fun, hand letter the names and addresses, and often decorate them with doodles and stickers. When something I send arrives in the mail, the kiddos know right away it's from Auntie Carrie and they love it – my siblings often reach out to tell me just that with thank you texts, pictures, and even videos of smiling kids opening their treats. (Thanks, ya’ll!) I will continue to do this for as long as I am able - I want these babies (currently ranging in age from 0-20!) to feel loved, important, and valued. One day, when I’m no longer here, maybe my silly stickers and trinkets will be some of their favorite things to remember about me and they’ll continue the practice in my honor. I want them to know the joy that receiving fun, thoughtful, surprise mail brings.
And now, I want to give the special people in your life the opportunity to feel that same joy! I’ve been dreaming of expanding Auntie Carrie Mail into a bigger project, a subscription service of sorts, and well, it’s about dang time! It’s really quite simple.. once enrolled via the subscription link on my website shop page, the person you’ve designated will be added to my ever-growing list of Niblings (the plural form of nieces & nephews, fyi!). Your designated ACM Recipient will then begin to get personalized pieces of fun mail!
That’s it – sign up – send mail – share joy.
In a world where digital communication takes the spotlight, there's something timeless and incredibly special about the personal touch of receiving a handwritten letter or a thoughtfully curated envelope. Through Auntie Carrie Mail, I hope to carry on this tradition of love, joy, and connection, and I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to experience the happiness that only a little surprise in the mailbox can bring. So, let’s spread the joy, one stamp at a time—because, as I learned from Grandma Lorraine, sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest impressions.
Have you made it this far? Have I piqued your interest? Read more about Auntie Carrie Mail here. Check out the newly launched Shop section of my website for subscription details!
Love,
Auntie Carrie
