Margin Notes | The AlphaBet J

Bulletin board with photos and mementos from Japan, evoking a sense of connection and pen pal correspondence

Why I'm Looking for a Pen Pal in Japan

I didn't set out to write about Japan. I set out to write about wanting a pen pal. When I thought of Japan, everything clicked.

Why I'm Looking for a Pen Pal in Japan

I didn't set out to write about Japan. I set out to write about wanting a pen pal. When I thought of Japan, everything clicked.

Closed journal on a jute background with colorful markers and pretty pottery, representing a daily writing ritual

The Morning Ritual That Started Everything

I started keeping a journal over forty years ago. It wasn't much of a habit because my writing was pretty erratic over the next thirty years. Then, about ten years...

The Morning Ritual That Started Everything

I started keeping a journal over forty years ago. It wasn't much of a habit because my writing was pretty erratic over the next thirty years. Then, about ten years...

Upright envelope resting against a flower arrangement with an open typed letter in front of it

Why Letters Still Matter in a Distracted World

One of the most treasured letters I have was written by someone who only wrote to me once in 50 years. I can only imagine how difficult it was for...

Why Letters Still Matter in a Distracted World

One of the most treasured letters I have was written by someone who only wrote to me once in 50 years. I can only imagine how difficult it was for...

Thoughtful and affordable gift ideas for mom, including small meaningful items she'll love

The Most Thoughtful Gifts for Mom Under $15 (Sh...

You know the gifts. The candle in the gift bag. The bath set in the cellophane. The thing she'll smile at, set on the counter, and quietly donate next spring....

The Most Thoughtful Gifts for Mom Under $15 (Sh...

You know the gifts. The candle in the gift bag. The bath set in the cellophane. The thing she'll smile at, set on the counter, and quietly donate next spring....

Letter to mom next to floral artwork and a flower arrangement.

What to Write in a Letter to Your Mom (Ideas Sh...

After a lifetime of writing letters, I can tell you the secret is simple: write from the heart. The only problem is that you actually have to start. The prompts...

What to Write in a Letter to Your Mom (Ideas Sh...

After a lifetime of writing letters, I can tell you the secret is simple: write from the heart. The only problem is that you actually have to start. The prompts...