“My heart was trembling as I walked into the post office, and there you were in Box 237. I took you out of your envelope and read you, read you right there. Oh, my dear friend…”

Klara Novak (to Alfred Kralik), via post "The Shop Around the Corner"

Does it ever get old, that thrill of anticipation you feel when you spot something in the mailbox that looks handwritten and personal?

I received these two lovely letters and gifts in the mail last week and they made my day!

They made Scout's day, too. She loves to post my letters when I send them, and can't wait to see what people write when they reply. On this day, we picked up both letters from the Post Office on our way home and I had to promise not to open them until she woke from her nap.

Scout also likes to "read" my letters to me before I can get to them. Generally, they go something like this: "Dear Naomi, one-upon-a-time, it is a scary dinosaur to EAT YOU UP. ROAR. Now you are a cat. The end."

These real letters (from Anke in Germany and Sara just up the road) were even better. Warm, funny, friendly, offering me snippets and glimpses into their lives. As so many letters do.

This blog and my little snail-mail project have brought me so many friends, met and unmet. Thank you!