Saying Thank You

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it all into words is all that is necessary.” —Margaret Cousins

Do you think writing thank you cards and actually putting them into an envelope and sending them snail mail has gone the way of 8 track tapes? Or manual typewriters? Or phones on the wall? Or coffee percolators? I’m sure you can think of plenty of things that used to be common that seem to no longer be in vogue.

When I went to the post office Monday, I found out that there are still people willing to take pen to paper and write a thank you card. I have a PO Box that is advised when you send out a newsletter the way I do. Hope to send out one this weekend. So, if you aren’t signed up for my e-mail news, now would be a good time to do so on the form in the border here on my website. If you haven’t been getting one of my News and thought you were signed up, your name might have been one of the many that got lost when I had to change to a different newsletter service. I guess I’m showing that sending out a written newsletter by mail is another thing that has mostly gone by the wayside. But email still works for most people.

Sometimes when I open my PO Box, nothing is there or maybe an advertisement. But Monday there were four bright envelopes. Not exactly a sack of mail, but still a pleasant surprise. And then when I opened the cards, I was smiling even more when I read the kind words of thanks four readers had sent me. One of them, Betty, said she is 95 almost 96, and here she is still taking time to write me a note of thanks for sending her some bookmarks.

Nancy also thanked me for sending her bookmarks and she wrote her note in teal and two shades of pink. But the best part of her note was the kind words in those pretty colors as she wrote “Asking God to continue to bless you in your writing.” I’m always touched by those of you who remember me in prayer. That helps me get my stories written.

Mayris and Shelly took time to thank me for sending the books they won in one of my giveaways. I do often get thank you notes or emails (which are appreciated too) letting me know they received my giveaway prizes in the mail.

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” —Maya Angelou

I don’t say thank you as much as I should. I’ve read about those who make it a point to tell someone thank you or that they appreciate them every day because as this quote says, there is always something to be thankful for and often a person behind the blessings we receive each day.

“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” —Anonymous

I am always thankful for every reader of my books, my posts here, my social media posts. You have enriched my life as a writer with your comments and support. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life and you’ll find that you have more of it.” —Ralph Marston

One way I say thank you to my hometown reading friends is by having a Hometown Book Party each time I have a new book release. And now it’s time to celebrate The Pursuit of Elena Bradford with those who live near enough to come join the fun at my local library. If you are one of those readers, I would love to see you on the 28th. If you live too far away, I still appreciate you and hope someday our paths will cross. I will be at the Columbus Book Festival (Ohio) on July 12th and 13th. That will be a lot of fun with many authors there for you to meet.

What do you think is the best way to say thank you?