Monday, February 21, 2011

Why Don't You...


When Diana Vreeland was fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar she wrote a short column each month entitled "Why Don't You..." She filled it with stylish ideas that continue to inspire modern style icons like Kate Spade. I've recently become fascinated by Mrs. Vreeland's life and accomplishments. But, most of all, I love her "Why Don't You..." columns. I thought it might be fun to have my own Why Don't You post each Monday. I hope to offer food for thought and a bit of inspiration to kick off your week.





... commit to sitting down one evening a week and writing at least three handwritten notes, cards, or letters?
... actually mail the notes or cards you write?
... make the time to connect in non-digital ways?
... visit the stationers and order some gorgeous, personalized stationary?
... go to a museum gift shop and stock up on art postcards? They take almost no time to write.
... mail a thank you note to someone who won't expect it?
... carry a few pretty note cards in your purse? When you receive excellent service, leave a real thank you note behind.
... write personal correspondence in colored ink? Kelly green is so much more cheerful than black.
... save the letters and notes that make your day? They will make you smile every time you read them.

See what I mean?

Happy Monday, friends.

36 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this idea. I am so bad about writing notes and sending cards. I need to commit to doing this. Thanks for the prompting.

Jennifer Richardson said...

You ARE a very great!
And I love your whys.
Think I'll write a love
note before bed.....
-Jennifer

Rita said...

I especially liked the one about leaving a note for someone who has given you great service. Never thought of that one. Love it! You have always been a great note writer. I've been the recipient of many of them and they were so appreciated.

Deborah Carr said...

I often find myself fingering beautiful handmade note cards, then walking away...because I know I don't have TIME to write them. And because I have been writing on a computer for so long that my handwriting is horrid. But, you are so right. I love receiving handwritten notes and it is a joy to sit with a blank one and wait for the perfect words to come...words that will make someone smile.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to have your "Why Don't You?" column, and also I particularly like the idea of carrying some small cards in your purse just in case.
I'm just about the only one I know who still writes cards these days (except my daughter, bless her). I find it a bit of an effort to handwrite well these days, but that's why I think it's doubly important to do it.

Jeanne said...

I love that idea.
I love hand written letters and notes and cards.

More than words letters mingle souls.

Love you
Feel better
Big hugs
Love Jeanne♥

Char said...

hope you're feeling better. all great suggestions

Gayle at Planet M Files said...

Very good advice. That is so cute! I love the spelling of "everybody"!

Georgianna said...

Wise advice, indeed. I keep pretty much every note and card that is sent to me and they account for many boxes in the guest room closet! I also have a fleet of colored pens, a habit left from high school, I think, when purple was my color of choice. Thanks for sharing these wonderful thoughts and I hope you are much better today. xoxo – g

K J D said...

What an inspiring post.

I love the note you received..... so sweet :)

I just decorated some plain boring white envelopes containing photographs (and a handwritten note by my husband) for family, with washi tape and stamped them with a smiley stamp.... and I wrote in BLUE and that was before I read this post... now I am going to aim higher.... buy some nice postcards and other stationery and USE THEM!!!!!

Thank you


Karen

Dutchbaby said...

Great words of wisdom. Harry Potter's acceptance letter from Hogwarts was written in green ink.

Unknown said...

All lovely ideas. Stationary is something I love splurging on every few months. And you're right--there's nothing like a great card that someone sent to cheer you up. Hoping you're having a wonderful week Relyn!

xo Mary Jo

HKatz said...

Art postcards are so much fun; same with writing in colored ink :) I'm glad you're always sharing new inspirations that you find; one of many reasons I love your blog.

auntpearl said...

Well you are off to a wonderful start. Such good advice. I still try and do a handwritten thank you note when needed.
I still love getting cards but I must say they are few and far between....It means so much to take the time.
Take care,

Anonymous said...

fabulous idea...it is the little things that can brighten someone's day.

christina said...

so inspiring and just plain out beautiful!
xoxo

Marilyn Miller said...

Great idea, why not we all participate. I love your special not from a student.

robin-bird said...

your advice, suggestions, questions and now your 'why don't yous' always make me want to take notes on how to be a better person, a happier a person.

XOOX

i' m listening :)

Elizabeth Halt said...

I do the first 3, the unexpected thank you, and the last one. Yay.

I shall find art cards someday, but in the meantime, I am kind of a sucker for etsy. :)

Anonymous said...

If I knew your address I'd write you a thank you card for the suggestion ... What an awesome idea
Regards Anne

Tracy said...

Wonderful new series, Relyn--I'll look forward to this on Mondays. And I love your ideas for writing & sending notes. At the moment I'm more real life than digital life, so this goes beautifully. VERY sweet card you received... YOU ARE GREAT! :o) ((HUGS))

Amy said...

Oh I love it ...

Speaking of which, I do need to get back to writing letters, the good old-fashioned way.

And that sweet little note is just too much! :)

margie said...

thank goodness for people like you, who remind us to take time for the little things.

beth said...

i love "why don't you".....so much !!
seriously, i love it !!!

Joanna said...

I LOVED this post, all of it and especially that cute letter at the end - how wonderful is that letter?!

I like this new Monday 'Why Don't You' idea!

xxx

Anita said...

I love pretty stationary and note cards. I like your idea of always keeping some on hand in my purse.

cristie said...

what don't i? why, i think i will!
once again thank you Relyn for a great idea. xox

Kirsten Steen said...

Great idea, Relyn! Love the note. And wanted to thank you for your comments recently. I've been gone but have appreciated the comments. Look forward to the next "Why Don't You..." posts!
Kirsten

Jeanie said...

I love this list! And what I loved most about it was that I had done 7 of the things in the past week! (My favorite was visiting not one but TWO museums!). I'm glad you put this list out there. It reminds me that these things really do mean something to other people!

Bee said...

One of the British magazines has taken up DV's signature column, and each month a guest author has a go at suggesting things. Usually, there is quite a bit of "why don't you buy this . . .". Your ideas are much nicer, I think. xx

GailO said...

I think I am going to copy this and put it where I can see it on my desk! I think I am going to love you r "Why Don't You" posts if you keep up with them:)

susanna said...

Great idea! It's always a treat to get a handwritten letter in the mail, isn't it? I must do that soon. Thanks for the reminder.

PS: What a wonderful letter from your student. I especially like the Dare Mrs. Lawson.

gkgirl said...

Oh....I love this idea! And too funny that I happen to have a letter for you sitting in my journal
Just waiting for me to pop it in a mail box
( which I just might do today when I go outside to take some photos of the beauty of winter...also inspired by you...heehee)

Xo

Unknown said...

Relyn ,
I keep popping over here and then forgetting to add you to my blog roll.
a must do.

and I completely agree. I have to admit to having great intentions and not the best follow through, but I try:) another of my favourite bloggers started a group to commit to this. again, I said I'd join but haven't .

I agree with what Deb Carr said as well. My handwriting and artsy abilities feel more "pretty" online . Isn't that silly?

I also love the idea for the Why Don't You , Monday.
I sometimes join Ann V's gratitude community on that day, but this is very intriguing as well.

Elyse said...

That note is 100% adorable. I love kids in elementary school.

Jaime said...

That is seriously adorable!
I have a few of these saved from my students as well. They are little treasures.

Oldies, but Goodies