Thank You Notes

“Thank you” is rare enough, even by email. If you want to stand out, send a handwritten note. Even if you practice often and own a passel of pens, it takes time. Making time says that you honor the recipient. You can improve your handwriting with a browse through a calligraphy book and some practice on scratch paper. You can spend 89 cents each on a three-pack of fiber calligraphy pens or you can invest $890 in a Mont Blanc fountain pen.

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You can go to extremes with paper or rely on a basic 25% cotton sheet.  Fine laid 100% cotton or linen are always nice, but not always perceived for what they are.  Be aware that some modern parchment finish or other fineries take modern inks differently. Covers (envelopes) are another parameter.  The U.S. Postal Service democratically treats all envelopes equally – by machine.  Therefore, anything oddly sized or shaped costs extra. 

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Sometimes, I am able to ask the USPS counter clerk for commemoratives.  Commemorative stamps celebrate special events that you might like.  (The "regular" stamps are called "definitives" to philatelists.)  If you know a local coin store that is a member of the American Numismatic Association, they often have sheets of old stamps at a discount, 80% or 90% of face value.  It is nice to be able to celebrate baseball, national parks, space exploration, or whatever else ignites your passions.

The important consideration is how the message is received. If you care enough to make the effort, it will show in the final product.

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