Hello! Today we are talking about how to write a letter. Yes, a letter! It's time to practice an art which, in this age of instant messaging, is quickly falling by the wayside.

Do you remember how it feels to open y our mailbox (the kind that dispenses actual paper mail) and see a letter from a dear friend or a favorite relative? Well, today is the day we do that for someone we know, and we'll take you through the steps.

Letter writing is an art, restorative for both the writer and the reader. It requires a different kind of mental process, believe it or not, than composing an email or an IM -- the act of putting pen to paper and writing your thoughts engages different parts of your brain!

Let's get started...

1. Make certain you have set aside enough time to give your letter proper attention! Make a time when you are not distracted by the pressure of an upcoming appointment, and find a time when you can focus your attention without being pulled away by a child, a spouse or other urgencies. You need continuity to compose a good letter.
2. Be comfortable -- find an uncluttered space with comfortable seating, allowing you to relax. Set the mood: light a candle, have music playing if it helps, and be sure you have adequate lighting!
3. Gather your writing materials. Over the years, I have collected papers and cards so that when I feel the urge to write a letter, it will be on something a little finer than lined notebook paper, or paper I steal from my printer.
   Next, the writing instrument: find a pen that writes smoothly and has plenty of ink. Do you like colored ink? Pick your favorite, but make certain it can be read on your chosen paper. If Aunt Tillie's eyesight is not so good, consider choosing an ink that stands out clearly.
4. Now, what is your subject? Are you writing to cover something specific, or will this just be chatty news? Will you have pictures to include, or references to something you've read? Bring them along so you can refer to them.
5. Make sure you have your recipient's address! It's a little difficult to send a letter without one; also make sure you have proper postage.
   Do you use return address labels? Have those on hand as well.

Now we're ready to start writing.