March 3, 2016 (063/366)

« L'écriture est la peinture de la voix. » - Voltaire

The moment I opened this lovely note, I could hear the voices of my dear friends in Provence. The gifts inside the package were very nice, but it was the card -- the words and the distinctly French penmanship -- that spoke to my heart. Sandrine and I have been friends since 1999, and even after marriages and children (hers being human, mine being canine), we still exchange gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Regrettably, this year, I took the easy way out and sent gifts to Sandy and her family via Amazon.fr. The packages arrived promptly and I didn't have to bother with shipping costs or customs forms; yet I also denied my friends the pleasure of hearing my voice in a handwritten letter. Sure, it's the thought that counts, but given my delight in their sweet words today, I'll remember next year that words written by my own hand add so much more value.