We are horrible about checking our mail. We drive by the line of mailboxes that are at the end of our long driveway everyday with the thought that oh it’s nothing but circulars. We pay bills online so we aren’t derelict about that. And I just hate seeing all of that paper trash. What a waste.
So when we do check the mail it’s usually quite a haul. I’m sure the postman loves us.
As we returned home on the first from visiting friends. I spurted out check the mailbox. We always dread opening the box during the holidays. I’m about to reveal something that will seem completely hateful. We don’t do Christmas cards. And I don’t just mean we don’t send them. And this is where it always sounds horrible. We would rather not receive them. It’s honestly a clutter thing. Paper just piles up. And I never do anything clever with them. I’m lucky to have a tree up. So they just pile up. Then I feel bad because what am I to do with this. I want to toss it with the rest of the mail. I’m trying to figure out how you say oh please don’t waste the card and postage on me. If you want to email me your picture or just mail me a little slip of paper that says merry Christmas. I’d love that more.
So while many people find my view on Christmas card giving rude or unspirited I’m truly sorry. Would you rather know that we open it look at it and toss it in the trash. I love your sentiment really I do but I’m drownding in paper.
A few times this year when I was asked for my address I tactfully tried to share this. When one such friend started this conversation with me I began my speel.
Oh I’m not sending a card. It’s a package.
OH? I love packages.
So I forked over the address and promptly got busy with those million and one things that seem to come up right before the holidays. Totally forgetting I was expecting a package. Nothing big she said just something that made her think of me.
I’ve been communicating with Misty a lot lately concerning our artistic endeavors. She inspired me to take some first steps early last year but I never got fully committed to it. Not enough of a conscious effort.
So how happy was I to finally bring in the mail and find this.
“Wreck This Journal” by Keri Smith. It’s full of prompts and nudges and really pushes you out of your comfort zone.
And just in time on the first of the year. When I had begun to lament that I had half envisioned starting some kind of art everyday project but hadn’t prepared for. Misty had me covered.
No reason not to start now.