As an unrepentant logophile (lover of words), I’ve assembled a list of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way,” and that’s my plan for approaching this a-to-z challenge—keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.
R is for…
Republic of Letters – (n) the post office, 1903 slang, now obsolete
The original Republic of Letters was the long-distance intellectual community in the late 17th and 18th centuries in Europe and the Americas. It fostered communication among the intellectuals of the Age of Englightenment. The Republic of Letters relied heavily on handwritten letters for correspondence. That’s the reference leading to it to become a slang term for the post office.
I’m on a not-so-secret mission to spread love into the world widely and encourage everyone else to join in as well. Something that has me firmly in its grip is my continuing dedication to a steady outflow of love letters. I truly believe the world is a better place when we make a point of telling each other we love them, and I like doing my part in keeping the post office busily engaged in the task of transporting love across the globe via actual snail mail. Just think of all those love vibrations mixing it up with the stream of junk mail and bills. Think of love letters energetically lighting up the conveyor belts in post offices across the world, sending little sparks of love into machinery. Do you suppose the mail carrier’s bag is a little happier when it has a stack of love letters nestled amidst its load? Well, perhaps you can’t imagine that, but I’m certain you can imagine the delight of receiving a note.
I absolutely believe we could do a far better job in our world, living as heart-centered beings devoted to loving-kindness. Can you imagine how different everything might look under the pervasive expression of love and appreciation?
What if we all sent love letters to one another? What would it be like to be more generous with our love? Doesn’t everyone deserve a little reminder they are seen and recognized, loved and appreciated? And have you ever written a love letter to yourself? Do it! You deserve it.
There’s another side to this coin as well. Some people are actually really good at expressing love and gratitude, but they totally stumble when it comes to receiving it, brushing it aside as though it were unwarranted or undeserved. If we really did have a practice of widely exchanging love letters, think of how this might change – having all those opportunities to receive graciously, to hold those words in your hand and be with them, allowing them to sink in. To literally practice your receiving skills. I suspect that would be a wonderful gift in balancing our hearts as well.
Alas, the U.S. postal service has been targeted for the next round of DOGE’s disruption and dismantling, with the ultimate not-very-secret goal of destruction. Perhaps it’s time to get those letters in the mail before there is no mainstream to enter.
In the meantime, I’m reminded that Marcus Aurelius counseled: “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” I certainly believe that’s true and I want mine colored in love.
What about you? Inspired to send a love letter? Like the idea of your physical mailbox filled with an actual hand-written letter or card? Are your skills at receiving as good as those of giving? What color is your soul wearing today? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Love letters make me uncomfortable. I definitely wouldn’t want to receive one. I don’t know, maybe I’m weird that way. Show me appreciation through deeds. Remembering that I like chocolate and giving me some. Mushy cards and notes? I just can’t. But that’s me. Everyone has their own feelings on this.
Everyone indeed has their own feelings, Liz, and hopefully they are respected without judgment. Appreciation demonstrations involving chocolate sound delightful, and I’d never turn those down.
Hari Om
For many years, my sister and I exchanged cards every month. That commitment got stranded when she had to put all her focus on her daughter. I still have many of her cards in a scrapbook. Not something one can do with online greetings.
That said, the Royal Mail in the UK has just become the property of a Czech tycoon, and he’s already cutting back services……………. YAM xx
I’m sorry to hear about the Royal Mail – that’s discouraging. But how lovely to have had the card exchange ritual with your sister and a scrapbook bearing evidence.
Yes, more power to you and your mission of spreading love! I have taken to signing all my emails “Love,” which people think is weird… but why not, after all? I do love snail mail cards and letters, but I do send a lot more emails, day in and day out, so I may as well send love over the ether as well as through those conveyor belts and mail satchels.
https://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com
Why not, indeed, Anne! Keep that love flowing into the ethers.
I do miss receiving a physical letter in the mail. It was very special. Recently, I found my husband’s love letters from 43 years ago, and it was a treasure to read them again. I did not know the post office was formerly called the Republic of Letters. I like that!
Oh, what a wonderful find, Brenda! A precious treasure indeed.
This is a great idea for spreading delight while supporting our besieged post office.
My thoughts exactly, Joy!
I love getting (and sending) postcards and letters and have trouble throwing them away. Emotions don’t embarrass me unless I feel them unjustified. When someone treats me poorly and then says “I love you,” it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If someone tells me, “I love you for your laid back, calm personality,” it means they don’t actually know me well enough to feel that way. I’m neither laid back nor calm, although much more so than I used to be.
Yay for snail mail brightening our mailboxes and our hearts. And yay for increased calm, even if it takes years to develop.
Deborah, I like the concept of spreading love through actual letters, postcards, etc. Have you heard of the Poetry Postcard Festival? I’ve been doing it for a few years. It’s done every July/August. When you sign up, the registration is over, each person is sent a mailing list of 31 names (including your own) and over the course of the months you send a postcard to every person on your list. You can create your own or buy pre-made postcards. But your mission is to write a poem on each, one poem written each day. I really love doing it. It’s healing and it feels great to be part of a community.
Here is more info on it:
https://cascadiapoeticslab.org/poetrypostcards/
Oh, Lisa, what a fabulous project! I’ve not heard of it, but I’ll certainly be checking it out. Thanks for the heads up.
I love the idea of the post office being the republic of letters! Better than what I usually call it – the PO, which then makes me think of BO! But I do send letters and postcards often, so I don’t mean PO in a bad way – I appreciate all their work and hope they make it through the current events relatively unscathed…
– Allison
https://lightningflashwriting.blogspot.com/
I absolutely delight in the slang term Republic of Letters. I simply cannot say it without smiling. And I’m happy to hear you’re a kindred mailer – long live our beloved Republic of Letters!
Oh my my…THE REPUBLIC OF LETTERS! I am the Children’s Librarian in a local library and a wonderful patron always brings in greeting cards and postcards that she receives from her donations to Tunnel to Towers and Wounded Warriors. I leave the cutie animal ones out for the kiddies with a little note…TAKE A GREETING CARD AND SEND IT OFF TO SOMEONE…the good old fashioned way…SNAIL MAIL!!! Seal it with a sticker and a kiss! IT WILL SURELY MAKE THEIR DAY! Well a young boy picked a couple up a couple cards with stickers and then asked his Mom, “How is a snail gonna get this to Grandma?” Yeah, a good little giggle, then she said, “I’ll tell you when we get home”.
And my arty friends and I always send ART MAIL to each other. Decorate an envie front and back, no contents inside, and send it off to a random member. When they receive it, they have to create their own and send one back! WHAT FUN SURPRISES!!!
I think I may do that now… hmmm!!! Wonder who will get it this time???
Oh, Vicki, how did I not know you were a children’s librarian?! And what a delightful query about snails. Kids are the best!
I love your envie practice. It’s always such a treat to find an unexpected surprise in the mailbox. May yours always be full!
I love receiving mail that is not bills. It’s amazing, really, how much junk mail we all receive seemingly daily, so that if there is a lovely little personal note, or work of art, or letter or card, it pretty much makes my day. I have just a few mailings per year that I send out now but I hope it brightens the recipient’s day temporarily. I share your hope that our beloved USPS continues as we know it…and thank you 🙂 And long live mail art and those dedicated people who are still involved in it!
Your mail always brightens my day, and I’m sure that’s true for everyone receiving it. And yes, yes, yes to the continued long life of mail art and the beloved community. May it be so!
Such a lovely idea.
Ronel visiting for A-Z Challenge Queen of the Underworld: Hel & My Languishing TBR: Q #AtoZChallenge2025 #Books #Bookreview
I’d love to see us all living in Republics of Love Letters. Makes me smile just imagining it.