3 Unique Resolutions to Make for 2021

Snail Mail - 

Join the snail mail revolution! Set a goal to send out handwritten cards or letters weekly or monthly throughout 2021 (and hopefully beyond). Traditional mail is a terrific way to build upon relationships and stay connected, especially in the COVID-19 era. I’ve worked with students for the last 15 years and have made it a point to send out handwritten and addressed encouragement cards a couple times a year. Many of my former students have mentioned how much they appreciated receiving these letters and actually held on to them (up to a decade later)! 

No one to write to? Below is a list of organizations that can pair you with a pen pal or have opportunities to write and send out letters to random people. 

More Love Letters
More Love Letters is a global organization that calls upon folks to write and mail letters to strangers all over the world.

Love For Our Elder
Founded by a teenager in 2013, Love For Our Elders is a nonprofit that helps bring support and appreciation to elderly people who may not have friends or family to care for them.

Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals
With nearly 35k members, Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals is one of the largest and most active pen pal groups on Facebook. This free service helps to find all involved someone to write to.

Reread - 

Spend 2021 rereading 12 of your favorite books from throughout your life. These could be children’s books (Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Berenstain Bears), books you read in middle or high school (The Girl Who Owned a City, Lord of the Flies), some of your favorites from college and beyond (Jemima J, Ready Player One, The Serial Killers Club). I find that rereading is a great way to jump back into the habit of picking up a book at night opposed to a iPad or smart phone. Plus, its like greeting an old, yet familiar friend, evoking memories of days long passed.  

Joy Jar -

Create a joy jar to capture all the good that happens in 2021!

First find a cool vessel. This can be anything. A box that you should have gotten rid of years ago but love it too much to let go. A mason jar, although I prefer Weck Jars. Just make is something that you like to look at. Next create some paper strips. This is a great way to recycle random notes, kid’s artwork, computer printouts or scrap paper. Set up a designated joy jar area with paper, pens, pencils, sharpies, whatever your favorite writing utensil is. Anytime something makes you laugh, a fantastic memory is formed, or anything brings you an once of joy, document it on a strip of paper, fold it up and place it in the jar. At the end of 2021, read through everything to remember all the good that has happened. I would encourage you to try and write at least one thing every day. 

Bonus -

You know that thing that you have wanted to do or try forever but have been putting off? Make it happen (or a least take a step towards it) in 2021!

Happy New Year!

much love, B

🎶 la la la la la la la la la means I love you.....hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask over my nose and mouth while around people outside my household, and sometimes missing out on events I want to go to....means I love you 🎶

Love is punny card by @PaperVibes! Find it here.

Enamel pins are an inexpensive and EASY gift for anyone on your list! There is literally something for everyone no matter their personality, hobby, or obsession. From co-workers to distant cousins to your BFF, enamel pins are a simple go to gift that will bring a smile to the recipients face.

Check out our selection of soft enamel pins featuring witty sayings, famous faces (hello Dolly) and social causes.

After launching Paper Whale with a pop up event at the end of 2019, I was working hard to open a store front in early 2020. Months were spent trying to secure an amazing location, finding unique products, perfecting an online store, and then, February 2020 happened. This year has been something else. It took me awhile to get out of the Covid/quarantine/soul crushing social unrest/election year/everything is horrible rut I was in but I’m happy to be back; refocused and ready to bring Paper Whale into fruition (even if only online for now). Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me on this journey! 

much love, b

I had a pop up shop during a local market over the weekend and it was such a blast! I have been hard at work for the last few months finding unique paper goods from some of the best stationary creators throughout the country. It was wonderful to see folks finding the perfect cards and treats! Many smiles and laughs were had!!

Thank you to all of my friends, family, and local community that helped to make my first event with a success! I'm so looking forward to what 2020 has in store for Paper Whale!

much love, b