The simple joy of getting a handwritten letter in the mail is one of my favorite experiences! I love the surprise of getting something unexpectedly. I love the anticipation of the unwrapping, the moments when I'm excited about what is inside but have no idea what it is. I love the intimacy of a hand written note, a piece of paper that sat pressed against someone else's skin as that person thought of me, took the time to write a note and put it in the mail. Though I regularly send handwritten notes to my loved ones--because I also love writing letters of my own--it is rare that anyone writes me back. To help me celebrate my 31st birthday, I am asking that you take a moment to gift me with this simple pleasure.

You can write about all sorts of things! Describe the room that you’re sitting in. Tell me a story about how we met. Tell me a story about anything. Send me a simple affirmation. If words aren’t your thing, send a little sketch or a drawing, or an exquisitely wrapped nothing-- as I said the anticipation of the unwrapping is its own joy.

Send it by USPS. Yes I know this may mean that I never receive it based on how things have been going. I also know that the continued existence of the USPS is important. The USPS is required to deliver to everyone, no matter how remote, no matter what the cost. This means that in rural areas, remote areas and near reservations they may be the only access that people have to receiving mail. Historically the USPS has been a provider of stable, steady employment that has helped many working class folks to build a better quality of life for themselves and their communities. As we complain about the USPS, and their unreliability of late it is important to keep context in mind. The USPS is a public service that has been under attack. The US Postal Service is being systematically defunded and dismantled ( if they can do it for the post office we can do it for the police- ha!). This attack on the Post Office is an attack on poor folks and disabled folks, people who receive their benefits by mail via the USPS. This attack on the Post Office is also a voter suppression tactic. Mail-in ballots are delivered by the USPS. If the USPS is unable to do their job, it compromises many peoples’ abilities to have their votes counted.

So yes, write me a letter by hand. Send it in the mail by USPS. It will literally make my day!

DM me for a mailing address.

*For my birthday this year I’m asking you to celebrate with me by supporting my joy, my work and my communities. Each day I’ll be sharing one simple thing that you can do to support me in each of these areas.