Penpals
I need you. Did you know that?
I’ve had the shaky leg lately. I’ve eaten waaaay too much popcorn in full-on fits of what can only be described as ‘nervous eating’. I’ve more to-do lists than I care to admit. I shouldn’t even mention this weird pacing and sweeping the floor habit that I have.
I think I’ve been a little anxious in the world. Earthquakes. Taxes. Tornadoes. Bin Ladens. I dunno. I’m feeling it.
There’s this thing I do when I’m anxious… I try to make other people feel better. Thinking about making other people feel good makes me feel good. So! I pick up a pen, bust out my box of stationary, and write letters. I know how much I like to receive letters, and I feel compelled to pass on that sensation.
I know I’ve written a handful of you letters for my 30 Things Before 30 Years post, but I wanted to broaden my reach. I want to write more of you. Can I?
Here’s the deal:
Send your address, or the address of someone you think might really enjoy a handwritten (albeit entirely silly) letter. I will, in all likelihood (and in due time) write you a letter. If you receive a letter, please (please!) snap a quick photograph of you and said letter to email to me. Deal?
I have a feeling I’m going to need to stock up on stationary.
Oh! And I should mention that if you entrust your address to me, I will only use it for purposes of friendly letter writing… I won’t stalk you… although if I did stalk you, I’d probably bring cookies. So. You know. Not so bad.
Email you mailing address to: joy the baker is my penpal (at) gmail (dot) com. No spaces… silly.
Check your mail.
Ps. I sometimes use crayons. I’m one of the cool kids.
Pps. Judging by the response so far… I’m really going to need additional stationery.
Ppps. An update. It’s been less than 24 hours, and I’ve received nearly 1,000 addresses. I’m stoked. I’m amazed. I’m going to get a hand cramp. I’ve written six letters so far. Six. Keep the addresses coming. I love you.
251 Comments Add A Comment
It would be so amazing to hear from JOY THE BAKER!
Very cool! One year I made a New Year’s resolution to write a letter a month (or was it a week?). I didn’t get a lot of handwritten replies, but it was fun nonetheless. Enjoy!
What a lovely idea! Do you think you can send letters outside US too? I would love to receive a letter from you! :X
I want a letter from you!
:-D
So cool! I can’t wait. I think I’ll do this myself. Although I won’t have nearly as many letter to write!
ooooooh great idea!!!! omg, i hope i get a letter! teehee nothing brings me more joy than hand-written letters :) .
I LOVE your idea of writing letters! I am a fan of a hand written note or card myself. Nothing brightens your day like getting one in the mail.
I enjoy your blog…yummy fun recipes and you write with such a sense of humour and honesty!
xoxo
I can’t wait to get my Joy The Baker Letter!! Crayons Rule!!
joy u r an inspiration :)
I’m not sending you my address as it sounds like you already have enough letters to write. At 33, I actually have a penpal – my husband’s cousin who moved to another city. We both love mail and inane chit-chat. I often buy cute cards and postcards to send “thinking of you” notes to friends. I’m sure everyone who receives your letters will love them. You’re an inspiration, Joy. Thank you for being you.
Hi Joy!
Just wanted to let you know that one of my readers recommended you as a “juicy blog.” You can see the full list of 22 juicy bloggers here: http://bit.ly/22juicyblogs2winners
~Britt
i want ooonnnnnnneee!!!! what a nice thing for you to do, what a lovely reaction to stress and a disordered world. thanks for caring, joy, you’re the best!
I think the worst song that could ever come on the radio whilst driving your friend home from a leg-amputation procedure is definitely WHAM’s “Careless Whisper.”
For your legs!
This is sooooo inspiring! Thanks, Joy! You do make people feel good and I’m always in for a good giggle when I go to your site… which is like everyday! ^__^
Love the Idea! I want/need to send letters too!!!!
I got a letter today, it was from Joy. I totally squealed and my mailman heard me.
I am incredulously happy – http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/1293/photoon20110507at00462.jpg
you’ll have to excuse the wall behind me.
i like the wall behind you.
Joy,
You are such an inspiration, and overall just an amazing person! This is such an awesome idea….you are such a sweetheart. Are we allowed to send you a letter back?
I love love love this! I was just thinking that I wanted to do something like this as well! Such an inspiration!
Thank you Joy for being so generous with your time and kindness. As if your beautiful blog wasn’t enough! You will be spreading a lot of sunshine around and I hope to pass it on as well!
oooh- I think this is a rad idea- :)
ks
What a nice idea! You’re great! If you write me, I’ll write back. I promise!
xoxoxo, Sabrina
I’m from Brazil and just send the email with my address…
Will you reply????
Only time (and the mail man) will tell.
oooh exciting, I’m emailing you ! grts, D@nielle
I wish people wrote letters more often. It’s such a lost art nowadays. I love writing and sending and receiving, and I especially enjoy sending little gifts in letters (pieces of ribbon, light necklaces, random items). There’s a special place in the heart for getting a letter.
1000 potential pen pals is incredible, well done. I won’t add to what is going to take you a massive amount of work, but just to say hand writing letters has something very special about it that we seem to have lost in the busy Internet age.
i know this is probably wayy too late, but i would love to receive a letter from you! i’m in college, home-sick blues, and listen to your podcast alll the time! it totes cheers me up. hope to hear from you? if not, i’m still a devoted joy-the-baker-blog-ee
I just sent my email! I can’t even begin to tell you how much it would mean to me if you wrote me. You’re the best!!
HI Joy I signed up too. I sent 3 emails since last year. Hoping you are still doing this . Much Love and hugs. x
email us at enjoy at joy the baker dot com if you’re having an issue.