The power of putting pen to paper

It’s been an incredibly long year and with Valentine’s Day approaching it reminds me of how important being connected really is.

Now more than ever is the time to connect with friends and loved ones, and what better way to do that than with a handwritten letter.

A letter can make you feel something, it speaks to you, you can touch it. It’s as personal as you can get without being there in person. It’s your written word that becomes something that one can hold onto and reflect upon, forever.

Here are some of my favourite letters from not-so-everyday people, expressing their love for one another.

Jimi Hendrix to a girlfriend

An image of Jimi Hendrix's letter to a girlfriend "Little girl, Happiness is within you... So unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself glow- like the sweet flower you are... I know the answer - Just spread your wings and set yourself FREE. Love you forever. Jimi Hendrix.
Source: https://lovelettersfromdopepeople.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/love-to-you-forever-jimi-hendrix/

Johnny Cash to his wife June

An image of Johnny Cash's letter to his wife June "Hey June, This is really nice June. You've got a way with words and a way with me as well. The fire and excitement may be gone now that we dont go out there and sing them anymore, butbut the ring of fire still burns around you and I, keeping our love hotter than a pepper sprout. Love, John"
Source: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/118149190195781656/

Britney Spears to her LGBTQ fans

An image of Britney Spears' letter to her fans - " This is a letter of love to all my LGBTQ fans. Continuously through out my career, you've always been so vocal about what an impact I've had on you - that I've instilled joy, hope and love in you at times when there was none. But I have a secret to share with you. You see, it's actually you that lifts me up. The unwavering loyalty. The lack of judgement. The unapologetic truth. Acceptance! Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy and make me and my sons strive to be better people. I love you. Britney."
Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/06/04/britney-spears-love-letter-lgbtq-fans_a_22125217/

Gerald Ford to his wife Betty

An image of President Ford's letter to his wife Betty.
Source: https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/gerald-r-fords-love-letter-to-betty-ford-considered-one-of-greatest-love-letters/

Madonna to her fans

An image of Madonna's letter to her fans - " Hello to all of my Valentines. My vacation is over and its back to the grindstone. I just recorded a new song called "I'll Remember" for my good friend Alek K's new move with honors. So look for the soundtrack. Its my valentine's day present to all of you. I haven't slept all week cause we've been shooting the video but it's been finished and I can close my eyes in 2 seconds. Im starting to get ideas for my next album, which I can't wait to start working on. Wish me luck and in those of you who missed the HBO special, the "Girlie Show" is gonna be out on video any second. Im sending you a million kisses and hoping that you're all being either very good or very very bad!!! XXX Love, Madonna"
Source: https://www.billboard.com/photos/7597055/madonna-photos-through-the-years

Beethoven to his “Immortal Beloved”

An image of Beethoven's letter to his “Immortal Beloved” - See text below image.
Source: https://lettersofnote.com/2011/06/10/immortal-beloved/

“Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved. Be calm–love me–today–yesterday–what tearful longings for you–you–you–my life–my all–farewell. Oh continue to love me–never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.”