If we're close, it's likely that you have received one of my hand-written notes at some point in our relationship. I'm positively obsessed with writing my sentiments down on paper, which is both old-fashioned and old-worldly, but also equally expressive in such a pure sense. It's positively thought-provoking, enriching, and magical. Quite frankly, it's positively me.
I have received a number of notes in my life, many of which are from past loves and most of which are from the people that I hold closest to my heart. I keep all my notes and I re-read them when I am feeling sad as the emotion that derives from reading something in which someone has spent precious time organizing, collecting, and writing down on paper, are the type of emotions that make you feel wonderful things. I'm positively certain that my little black book of notes trumps any of yours, and for good reason.
My mother was a discipline about manners and she made sure that I was too. When it came to thank-you notes, there was absolutely no gift too small or event too inconsequential that didn't deserve a wonderful hand-written thank-you note. I have carried this lesson with me throughout my life and it has served me well throughout both my personal and professional life. To receive, you must give, and my how my gifting sure makes me giddy. Why is it that we have succumbed to communicating with those near to us using only technology?
A few weeks ago, my dear friend Nikhil Kalghatgi (Co-Venture) was interviewing Mike Novogratz (Galaxy Investment Partners) at an LP Crypto event and Mike mentioned that his mother would have been insulted if he ever sent her over a digital card, but now we are in a generation where everything is done digitally. We are moving into a world in which sending digital flowers to someone is going to be a very normal thing to do and receiving digital flowers will still derive the same emotional response as to if you were to receive those flowers in real life. There is something very sad about this, but also very true. Coming from me though, I happen to have a very different approach to sharing my appreciation for those near to me. So, I love hand-written notes. I love sending them and I love receiving them, and all the love in them, means the world to me.
If you read my blog, you know my closest friend in the entire world is Bethany. She is my biggest fan, aside from my Mother (the super fan of all fans) and has supported me with my blog in every way possible. Bethany launched a new art business a few years back called Awakened Art and she is selling her drawings as flat-cards, notecards, and prints. She is also working on large-scale murals for businesses and doing several other custom production pieces with a particular interest around animals. She's so ridiculously talented! We recently collaborated together on a modern art piece (so not her style, but sooooo mine) for my apartment and it looks just fabulous. I cannot wait to prop it up in my living room and stare it every day. Speaking of which, Bethany also launched her own 501(c)3 called Paint The World, an art non-profit that supports collaborative art pieces and installations. She's set up shop at Burning Man, Summit, TED (also, her amazing TED talk, "What Fuels Brilliance?" here), and several other creative & entrepreneurial communities are next. By no means is this an ad, but a mere appreciation and support for my friends considerable talent. It's really quite the life to have such wonderful and multi-faceted friends.
You can find her incredible cards here and use the discount code: COCOZAZA to receive 15% off your first purchase. Try something new today- support a wonderful artist, write someone a hand-written note, and see how it changes your relationship with them.
Coco wears: Alexander McQueen Sweater with Built-in Shirt, Vintage Levi's Denim, Chanel Sling-backs, Black Wool Beret. Photographer: Bethany Halbreich. Location: NoMad, New York City. City Guide: New York City