In our tech-savvy century, we take for granted the speed and immediacy of cell phones, e-mails, and text messaging. But is technology the best way to send important messages to those who are most significant to you? To convey thoughts and feeling that will really make an impact on others or to recognize the magnitude of certain life events? Taking the time to select a special card and then penning a well-crafted letter is a beautiful and simple way to deepen your personal relationships. It tells the receiver she's worth it!

Because of the extra time and care involved, your hand-written note holds a lot more weight. It is a special keepsake of you that people can hold in their hands and reread as often as they would like. Even your handwriting, a unique piece of you, is shared when you actually use a pen to communicate instead of the keyboard. At Twisted Limb Paperworks, we've compiled a list of circumstances that call for a hand-written note. Remember, you don't have to write an essay for the gesture to be significant. However, the more you write letters, the easier and more natural it will feel and you might not be able to stop!

• To wish a loved one happy birthday

• To say thank you for a gift (do this within 1-2 weeks of receiving the gift)

• To thank a mentor for his or her time and advice

• To send words of encouragement to a sick friend or one struggling through a difficult time such as family problems, job loss/career change, divorce, death of close friend, family member or pet

• To congratulate and praise a friend or family member, especially a young one, for meeting personal challenges and goals, for attaining school and career achievements, and to show support at milestones and transitional periods in his or her life

• To woo a love interest— whose heart doesn't flutter at a beautiful love letter?

• To express love, whether you've been together two weeks or twenty years

• To let a sweetheart or a child know that she or he will be missed while traveling

• To share stories and memories with a loved one; to pass on family history

• To tell your elected officials how you feel about issues affecting your community

• To say hi and rekindle a relationship with an old friend or family member with whom you haven't spoken in awhile

• Because receiving a piece of personal mail in a world of emails and texts is sure to brighten anyone's day