It never ceases to amaze me how much I love a handwritten note. Not the kind a store sends. You know the ones… its not really a note so much as an acknowledgement. To me, a “real note” implies a beautiful sentiment that springs from an authentic inspiration. Fortunately, in the last few weeks I have received a couple. All treasured … and not just for the sentiment. To craft a “real note” takes time. Time has become today’s greatest luxury. Imagine purposefully sitting down at a desk and thoughtfully crafting a message without care for the time it takes. To really honor the recipient I choose a beautiful stationary – heavy card stock with a lined envelope. The message sincere and heartfelt – deeply personal. I feel the same way about selecting gifts although my feelings are generally not aligned with my actions. That takes us back to the luxury of time and is a post for another day.

The note featured in the photograph is from the daughter of friends of mine. We don’t even remember when we first met, although I know it to be measured in at least a decade. She was a soulful girl who has grown into a charming woman more worldly than her years. I am envious of her calm exterior and the ease with which she approaches life. There is a nice happiness that surrounds her and rubs off on anyone in her company.

And so it was that I found myself hosting her for a few days during a recent visit to our fair city. What a lovely memory and the card made me believe it to be of equal value to her. A new life is awaiting her and I, luckily, get to be a close observer. I can’t wait to see how she grows and makes her choices. I am blessed to be a part of her journey and for all we have shared, I feel the scales unbalanced in my favor. She has brought me great joy.