Let’s go old school

When I was a little girl I was blessed to have two beautiful sets of Grandparents. My fathers parents had migrated from England when my father was 10, and they lived only  a few streets away from us. My dad’s father passed away when I was only 3 and I have only one faded memory of him. He would put down his newspaper when I would burst into the room and he would let me jump on him whilst he tickled me. I knew I loved him, and I felt loved by him, I only wish I had more memories and more precious time with this amazing man. My mothers parents lived a half a day drive away from us so we didn’t see a lot of them. They had the most amazing garden and when we would stay with them it was always an adventure and loads of fun. I was lucky to have Grandparents on both sides who I felt very loved by.

I spent lots of time over the years as I grew up with my father’s mother Dora. She spoke with her thick English accent that my friends struggled to understand, but I knew every word she said. I loved her dearly. When I was old enough I would ride my bike around to see her and eventually I drove my car around to visit her when she moved to a retirement home.

It was great being able to see lots of Dora, but my other Grandparents were a lot harder to see and visit, despite the distance though we always remained very close. One way we did this was through hand written letters. I used to be so excited when I would receive their letters in the post, some from Granddad, but most from Grandma Hazel.

Sadly my mother’s father Douglas passed away in 1993, I was shattered, my mum was heartbroken, she was daddy’s girl. I was blessed though that both my Grandmothers were at my wedding and I have a beautiful photograph of my husband and I with them. Shortly after my wedding Dora passed away and a few years later Hazel developed Alzheimer’s, which she lost her life to 7 years ago now.

Those letters are even more precious now, they are memories of an innocent child writing to the grandparents she adored. They are treasured pieces of history that I can share with my children, and one day my own grandchildren. Every time I open the envelopes and look at the pretty paper I feel like I have a gateway to a precious moment of the past.

It is amazing now how grandparents and other family members can connect via Skype, email, FaceTime and text. My husbands parents live in North Queensland, we live in Victoria, and my children keep in touch through phone calls and Skype and my mother in law see’s photos on Facebook. We email each other and sometimes we send pictures that the kids have drawn and they send letters to the children. My children love getting these letters, they get so excited! We keep them in a treasure box and I know that one day they will look at these letters with the fond memories like I do mine.

I notice now at Christmas that most people no longer send Christmas cards, we tend to get Facebook messages now that wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. It is even more rare to receive a hand written letter in our letter box, it is so much easier to call up or send a quick text or email. But in memory of the old days, (not so long ago) and in memory of my Grandparents I thought I would share some links to some beautiful writing sets that might inspire you to put pen to paper,

Letter set with case from Kiki K, perfect for hand written letters

Letter is Love Set from Kiki K, super cute for sending letters to people you love

Writing pad Birch Monarch from the Rifle Paper Co. This is absolutely stunning! It has gorgeous hand-illustrated, gold foil, floral wreath designs by Anna Bond.

Lets face it writing set. This is so adorable and perfect to encourage children to get writing to family or friends. This is by Paperchase a UK co.

Handmade Indian Paper Writing Set. Just stunning, again from Paperchase in the UK

Pretty Vintage Floral Writing Set. Just gorgeous. Ships Worldwide from Brisbane.

There are plenty of gorgeous writing sets, just google them or click on the links I provided for inspiration. Having pretty paper is  great way to encourage children to get writing, or even you! You don’t have to write lengthy letters, just a short note letting someone know you are thinking of them. Perhaps a friend who has moved overseas, a grandparent, aunt or parent, or even a friend who lives close by just as a little surprise.

Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx