My son turned 21 in June as well, Sam! We went out to the restaurant of his choice and he picked out a cocktail from the list (mojito)…when the server came around to collect our orders, he went into autopilot and asked for a root beer 😂
Your handwriting is quite readable, a nice combination of print and cursive, which I believe most of us adopt when we find our own penmanship. I've been reverting back to cursive, though, just to retune my hand/brain connection.
My daughter learned D'Nealean. I realized it blends print with cursive in a really easy transitional manner. Google referenced to a book, "Draw Your World." Hmmmmm?
I love this so much. The writing, the sentiments, and the tribute (yes, everyone, I’m Pam of the handwritten letter and yes, Samantha’s book but also Sam herself, saved my life maybe even literally). ♥️♥️♥️
Thanks Daniel, I wasn’t sure but just wrote by hand thinking that if I liked it I could share. I wrote letters before I knew I could “write” so it still feels most authentic!
I go to the Ohio Pen Show every November, pick up some writing gear, and think I will write more letters this year. I have gone in stages, but wrote many to cousins the year after my mother passed away. It's kind of disheartening to get few responses. I don't know if people think I'm over-sharing, or they just can't see themselves as letter writers any more.
I talked about this with the representative of the local pen club, at the Pen Show. She said it doesn't matter if the receiver doesn't write back; that's irrelevant. I wonder how you think about this. Do people usually write back, or is it just a gift you give, without expectations?
hi, so I usually write to my pen pals so I know they will reply, and when I dont, I am not worried about written replies. Honestly it makes it easier when I dont receive a letter back!
Oh Sam what a lovely treat to see and read your handwritten letter. It was not messy at all. There is such therapeutic value in handwriting. I start off each morning with coffee and a sweet little journal which I keep, sort of like a diary. I wish I lived closer to be able to join your book celebration party. As others have written, your books have been so inspiring to me and sparked my love of sketching again. I can’t wait to get my copy of your new book. I’m so delighted and grateful to be a
follower, especially now with what life is like for me now.
And……
Happiest of birthdays to Ian.
He sounds like such a nice young man. You did good!!!
I enjoyed you sharing your handwritten letter and I understand how sometimes it's therapeutic to get thoughts out onto the page. I have a Uniball pen I love to write with because the ink is thick and creamy feeling while I write on the page, just the physical act of writing feels good. Sending handwritten letters is becoming a lost art and I love that you are keeping it alive!
I don't think your writing is messy- not hard to read. And it led me to your post on the joy of letter writing, which I posted on my FB page, Donna Otter Loves Snail Mail & So Do You.
I’m glad you found that post. So many older posts get lost over time, so it’s nice to have an opportunity to share again. And I’m glad you found my writing easy enough to read. I was trying harder to make it neater and more legible 😅
Hi Sam, thanks for the handwritten note! We’re all used to reading your writing with your drawings, so it wasn’t difficult to decipher. I agree with how hot it is this week and how it’s hard to focus. Have fun opening those boxes of books when the time comes. I’m really excited to read your next book! I know it will be inspiring. ❤️
Thanks Sam for the hand (and beautifully) written letter… it felt like you wrote to each of us… it felt more personal than a typed one.
Love how your book touches and saves so many people…you should be so proud of your accomplishments!
I believe we’re in a time when we need each other even more… more creativity to take our minds off the awful happenings which are subject to World News right now.
If I was near Dumbo I’d come and draw with you tomorrow.
your books changed my life too, sam, but you already know that.🫶🏼
love the handwritten letter. i feel so nostalgic for less-digital times. sometimes it all feels too much; i think that is where more of my personal art is heading—just big nods back to a screenless culture [or fewer screens, anyway].
i’m very excited for your book! so glad i pre-ordered to get it on release day. hope to come see you again soon. maybe nyc or france one day! much love xx
Thanks, Elly. Yes any time off of screens is good time spent these days.. no way to avoid but little bits of off screen challenges are helpful. And yes to meeting again in NYC or France!! 😍
Sam, thank you for “writing.” It’s a perfect antidote to today’s world (especially this week) and such a good reminder to consciously make ways to stay connected to each other. I worry, too. At 81 years old I frame future scenarios in my mind out of fear for my dear grandchildren and their lives. My grandson turns 20 on July 21. He’s spending this summer at College in a House with 6 other young humans “learning life skills” - his words. I miss him. And his sister, my sweet Sam, is approaching her senior year in high school with all the weight of being a 17 year old girl ! So I read your words somehow comforted that all these transitions are easier if we do them together. I seriously considered a trip from Park City to NYC just for your Book Party. 🙂. That doesn’t work for my family so I’m looking forward to photos, stories and drawings!! Hope you will do a meet up to tell us about it and how it felt to you. And I’m encouraging my neighborhood Book Group to do a “creativity” conversation based on Draw Your Day as a starting point. You and your work are a positive, constant presence in so many of our lives. Thank you ❤️
Oh Michelle I would have loved to give you a big hug at the book party! But I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck with so many people around so I’d rather meet you in real life in a different setting! I’m sure we will get to Park City again soon. Thanks, too, for sharing your worries too, it’s just the result of loving our people so much. And yay to a Draw Your Day addition to your book club!
I loved your long handwritten letter and I certainly love your NOT messy handwriting! I’m so thankful that the pandemic let me find you and that your my pen pal! It is such a win & joy to have you in my life and to learn from you. ❤️
Haha yes, I love talking about my handwriting. I think because I have seen some that is so exquisite I’m a harsh critic. You get to read my writing more often so you’re used to it! 😆 and I was being extra careful for this exercise so it’s a little easier to read
Hi Sam. I’m far away in Oregon so I just “lurk “ and this is my first post. I was very moved by your hand written letter. I love your honesty and openness about your work. I’m learning a lot and so appreciate your encouragement to keep drawing every day!
My son turned 21 in June as well, Sam! We went out to the restaurant of his choice and he picked out a cocktail from the list (mojito)…when the server came around to collect our orders, he went into autopilot and asked for a root beer 😂
Haha love that. Yes my son would be doing the same if we didn’t say “why not- just get a beer because you can!”
His mom peer pressuring him 🫣
Your handwriting is quite readable, a nice combination of print and cursive, which I believe most of us adopt when we find our own penmanship. I've been reverting back to cursive, though, just to retune my hand/brain connection.
Oh yes, cursive—we need to have more of it out in the world now that kids aren’t learning it in school. At least not many kids
My daughter learned D'Nealean. I realized it blends print with cursive in a really easy transitional manner. Google referenced to a book, "Draw Your World." Hmmmmm?
Wait, really? That’s so funny —I am going to google now!
Let me know what you find. Another book by the same name? Alas, that happened to me. Far more Paradise Ridge's than we need.
I love this so much. The writing, the sentiments, and the tribute (yes, everyone, I’m Pam of the handwritten letter and yes, Samantha’s book but also Sam herself, saved my life maybe even literally). ♥️♥️♥️
It was all kismet/meant to be because my book found you at B&N. I am just so happy the timing was right and now we are friends!
Me, too.
Love the handwritten letter. Reads (and looks) beautifully. I share so many of your thoughts about addiction yet repulsion to devices.
Thanks Daniel, I wasn’t sure but just wrote by hand thinking that if I liked it I could share. I wrote letters before I knew I could “write” so it still feels most authentic!
I go to the Ohio Pen Show every November, pick up some writing gear, and think I will write more letters this year. I have gone in stages, but wrote many to cousins the year after my mother passed away. It's kind of disheartening to get few responses. I don't know if people think I'm over-sharing, or they just can't see themselves as letter writers any more.
I talked about this with the representative of the local pen club, at the Pen Show. She said it doesn't matter if the receiver doesn't write back; that's irrelevant. I wonder how you think about this. Do people usually write back, or is it just a gift you give, without expectations?
hi, so I usually write to my pen pals so I know they will reply, and when I dont, I am not worried about written replies. Honestly it makes it easier when I dont receive a letter back!
Good point!
Oh Sam what a lovely treat to see and read your handwritten letter. It was not messy at all. There is such therapeutic value in handwriting. I start off each morning with coffee and a sweet little journal which I keep, sort of like a diary. I wish I lived closer to be able to join your book celebration party. As others have written, your books have been so inspiring to me and sparked my love of sketching again. I can’t wait to get my copy of your new book. I’m so delighted and grateful to be a
follower, especially now with what life is like for me now.
And……
Happiest of birthdays to Ian.
He sounds like such a nice young man. You did good!!!
Sending love and gratitude your way…
Dorothy
Thank you so much Dorothy. This comment means so much to me.
I enjoyed you sharing your handwritten letter and I understand how sometimes it's therapeutic to get thoughts out onto the page. I have a Uniball pen I love to write with because the ink is thick and creamy feeling while I write on the page, just the physical act of writing feels good. Sending handwritten letters is becoming a lost art and I love that you are keeping it alive!
Thank you, Randi. Having a pen or pencil that you love to write with is everything. An inky and smooth pen makes all the difference!
I don't think your writing is messy- not hard to read. And it led me to your post on the joy of letter writing, which I posted on my FB page, Donna Otter Loves Snail Mail & So Do You.
I’m glad you found that post. So many older posts get lost over time, so it’s nice to have an opportunity to share again. And I’m glad you found my writing easy enough to read. I was trying harder to make it neater and more legible 😅
Hi Sam, thanks for the handwritten note! We’re all used to reading your writing with your drawings, so it wasn’t difficult to decipher. I agree with how hot it is this week and how it’s hard to focus. Have fun opening those boxes of books when the time comes. I’m really excited to read your next book! I know it will be inspiring. ❤️
Thanks, Paige. Yes so hard to focus in the heat! It should subside tomorrow…
Thanks Sam for the hand (and beautifully) written letter… it felt like you wrote to each of us… it felt more personal than a typed one.
Love how your book touches and saves so many people…you should be so proud of your accomplishments!
I believe we’re in a time when we need each other even more… more creativity to take our minds off the awful happenings which are subject to World News right now.
If I was near Dumbo I’d come and draw with you tomorrow.
I hope the heat subsides.
Sending peaceful thoughts.
X
Thanks, Char. I wish you could have joined also, though it was still super hot! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip ❤️
Oh I love this!
☺️☺️
Oh, and a very happy birthday to your son!
your books changed my life too, sam, but you already know that.🫶🏼
love the handwritten letter. i feel so nostalgic for less-digital times. sometimes it all feels too much; i think that is where more of my personal art is heading—just big nods back to a screenless culture [or fewer screens, anyway].
i’m very excited for your book! so glad i pre-ordered to get it on release day. hope to come see you again soon. maybe nyc or france one day! much love xx
Thanks, Elly. Yes any time off of screens is good time spent these days.. no way to avoid but little bits of off screen challenges are helpful. And yes to meeting again in NYC or France!! 😍
Sam, thank you for “writing.” It’s a perfect antidote to today’s world (especially this week) and such a good reminder to consciously make ways to stay connected to each other. I worry, too. At 81 years old I frame future scenarios in my mind out of fear for my dear grandchildren and their lives. My grandson turns 20 on July 21. He’s spending this summer at College in a House with 6 other young humans “learning life skills” - his words. I miss him. And his sister, my sweet Sam, is approaching her senior year in high school with all the weight of being a 17 year old girl ! So I read your words somehow comforted that all these transitions are easier if we do them together. I seriously considered a trip from Park City to NYC just for your Book Party. 🙂. That doesn’t work for my family so I’m looking forward to photos, stories and drawings!! Hope you will do a meet up to tell us about it and how it felt to you. And I’m encouraging my neighborhood Book Group to do a “creativity” conversation based on Draw Your Day as a starting point. You and your work are a positive, constant presence in so many of our lives. Thank you ❤️
Oh Michelle I would have loved to give you a big hug at the book party! But I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck with so many people around so I’d rather meet you in real life in a different setting! I’m sure we will get to Park City again soon. Thanks, too, for sharing your worries too, it’s just the result of loving our people so much. And yay to a Draw Your Day addition to your book club!
I loved your long handwritten letter and I certainly love your NOT messy handwriting! I’m so thankful that the pandemic let me find you and that your my pen pal! It is such a win & joy to have you in my life and to learn from you. ❤️
Haha yes, I love talking about my handwriting. I think because I have seen some that is so exquisite I’m a harsh critic. You get to read my writing more often so you’re used to it! 😆 and I was being extra careful for this exercise so it’s a little easier to read
I love handwritten letters too! So glad you did this.
Hi Sam. I’m far away in Oregon so I just “lurk “ and this is my first post. I was very moved by your hand written letter. I love your honesty and openness about your work. I’m learning a lot and so appreciate your encouragement to keep drawing every day!
Hi Jean, so glad this sparked you to post a comment ☺️ Love that through these venues and letters, too, no one is really that far away!