Hello Reader,

I've been noticing a little uprising, a little slap in AI's face if you will. REAL mail, hand written correspondence, and handmade cards/postcards are having a moment.

Friends, I'm talking real pens with real ink on real paper in your real handwriting.

In this time where AI (artificial intelligence like Claude, chat GPT, and so many more) is taking over a LOT of the things we used to do with our own hands, the hand written or hand painted items are becoming more and more unique and valuable.

I'm seeing snail mail clubs popping up everywhere, books composed of correspondence, and this morning I found Winsor and Newton (one of the top watercolor supply brands) offering something called 'Art Mail'. Check this out:

Winsor & Newton's Art Mail

If you like to watercolor this is for you!

Buy one qualifying item from Winsor and Newton, and they will send you a free postcard pack with your purchase.

You paint it, and send it back to London (the postage is already included) and they will add it to their global art display.

I'm so impressed with this endeavor on Winsor & Newton's part! I ordered a Promarker Watercolor - Sepia for $8.99 and am now awaiting my package that will include the free postcard pack. Yes, shipping was a bit much for my neck of the woods, but alas, I think it's worth it.

Next, I'll paint one up and send it back to them and my art will be added to the gallery!

Here's a snapshot showing a portion of the gallery from Winsor & Newton's website. If you click on image, it will take you directly to their gallery on their website:

Click here to join Art Mail

Book Recommendation

Recently a friend recommended this #1 New York Times bestseller to me and I LOVED it!

It's a beautiful read, especially as an audio book. The entire book is letters back and forth between the main character and her friends, acquaintances, family, and sometimes enemies. Through this coorespondence, we see the main character work through major life issues with others.

At one point in the book, she describes how to properly write letters, which includes getting beautiful stationery, a really nice pen, slowing down, lighting a candle, and getting a cup of tea. Yes please!

PLUS, this is being made into a movie starring Jane Fonda.

Taking Action When Inspired

While reading this book, I found myself longing to do a little correspondence myself because receiving an actual card or letter among all of the junk mail and bills is like finding a little treasure in your mailbox.

When we finish a book a class, or anything that inspires us, we must act immediately or the inspiration will fade and eventually fizzle out completely as we open the next book or class.

So I got to work and sent this hand painted card to someone I needed to thank:

ACTION: I highly recommend reading "The Correspondent", AND to send a card or a letter to someone today!

Mother's Day is THIS WEEKEND

This is for my Kitsap County friends:

I still have some workshop spots open before Mother's Day!

Book a workshop and I'll guide you through making a hand painted Mother's Day Card (and you'll have three others to give out for whatever occasion presents itself next!).

These cards are beautiful and so much fun to make.

AND you'll have the added benefit of doing something good for your soul!

Here's a few examples of the current project offering: