Want to know how to surprise a friend, whether they are in quarantine across the country or one of your “far away/so close” neighbors who you saw daily in pre-quarantine days? Want to cheer up someone totally alone in their home due to COVID-19?
SEND THEM SNAIL MAIL.
Last week, I had done some coloring of “color yourself” postcards my daughter had, and then sent off little haikus on them to some people who thought would appreciate them. I got texts and emails and phone calls from people thanking me for them, and that was yet another nice human contact (albeit remotely).
But by the end of three days of coloring, my hands were super unhappy with me.
I spent a big chunk of this week doing some deep cleaning and a lot of organizing. I found a slew of cards and old stationery! Now I can send off more little notes and haikus w/out coloring first!
Want to know how to write a haiku?
Usually, the first line is 5 syllables long, the second is 7, the third is 5. There are other configurations, and honestly, you don’t have to be strict with yourself. The tone is sometimes nostalgic or full of pathos, but often, they are funny.
Here’s an example of something appropriate for a neighbor:
I’m sorry I can’t
bump into you in the milk
aisle. We’ll schmooze soon!
(If you choose to use mine for your card, PLEASE ATTRIBUTE IT TO ME.)
If you want me (for free!) to help you workshop your first attempt at a haiku to send to a friend or relative, drop me a comment. 
Me with some of my stationery find from deep in a file cabinet!
Rebecca Klempner 
That is a nice idea. Tbh, even without lockdown I like getting snail mail that isn’t (a) from my bank/credit card, (b) bills, (c) charity appeals or (d) letters confirming medical appointments/medication changes. Unfortunately, almost all of my mail falls in those four categories!
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