“If only I had the time to write of this hell, but I can’t. I will not be able to for some time yet, but the sights, the experiences will never die from memory.” ~Robert L. Wiley Reading real letters written by wartime soldiers is a powerful way to connect with history. Some lines hold … Read more
Return to Sender: Juicy Dilemmas from the Edge of the Envelope My Pen Pal Confessed Romantic Feelings… Now What? Dear Maisie,I’ve been corresponding with someone for over a year through Postcrossing, and it turned into a beautiful pen pal friendship. But in their last letter, they confessed romantic feelings for me—and now I feel totally … Read more
The Paper Trail of Advice for the Hopelessly Handwritten Dear Maisie,I love sending postcards and handwritten letters, but I never know what to write beyond “Hope you’re well!” I freeze up every time. How do I write something that feels heartfelt or interesting without sounding awkward or like I’m trying too hard? Sincerely,Tongue-Tied in Tennessee … Read more
Hello lovely readers, There’s something incredibly nostalgic—and deeply personal—about asking for advice in a handwritten note. Something that whispers, “I trust you with my truth.” And oh, have I waited a long time to answer that call. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a brand-new series here on the blog:💌 Dear Maisie — your inky confessional … Read more
If you ask me what I hoard more, postcards or journals—the answer might just depend on the day. I’ve had a journal in my life since I was nine years old (yes, I still have my lock-and-key diary). Over the years, my journals have held everything from heartbreak and hope to bucket lists and doodles. … Read more
📮 Postal Playlist #2 – Postcards from the Past If you read Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Set to Music or Postal Play List # 1, then you already know I’ve developed a teeny-tiny obsession with songs that mention postcards, letters, and anything that can be stamped, sealed, and sent with love—or lust. And while I … Read more
I love my Google alerts. They’re like little literary elves dropping scrolls of fascination straight into my inbox. Recently, one such gem had me swooning. It was an article about historical writing boxes, those elegant tools of the trade that once carried ink, imagination, and intrigue across continents and centuries. I fell hard. And fast. … Read more
Let me just start by saying: I’ve always adored art supplies—the scratch of a good pencil, the smudge of graphite, the blank page begging for magic. The glide of the perfect pen (like these beauties)? Instant dopamine hit. But real talk? Drawing realistically always felt a bit out of reach. Until now. Heads up! This … Read more
Mail art is a creative adventure that’s part postal tradition, part art movement, and part DIY culture. This form of art brings together stamp collectors, painters, illustrators, sculptors, and just about anyone looking to try out a little creativity and a postage stamp. Over the years, mail art has grown well beyond its early days … Read more
Building a pen pal friendship through letters feels pretty retro these days, but there’s a lot you can get out of it. Instead of just sending quick texts, swapping letters gives you the chance to dig deep into someone’s life, culture, and way of seeing the world. Cultural exchanges through letters have brought people closer … Read more