We are now completely immersed within the information age. When did this era begin? 15 years ago? The internet just got off its feet, and will continue to become a central part of modern culture. Day by day, you see less faxes, business to business phone calls, and even proverbial snail mail. Even looking into the classifieds, I see less wanted ads for receptionists, and more posted for networking and website management positions.

So living in such an era is exciting, and convenient. The times of rotary phones, 10 cent coffee and handwritten letters are over……..or is it? I would have thought the times of placing a stamp on an envelope with an enclosed missive to a loved one was in the past. But I received a personalized card from a friend of mine about a month ago. He had wanted to thank me for the birthday gift I sent to him. Ironically, I ordered the gift online and had it shipped directly to his address. I hadn’t seen the gift in person.

But receiving personalized stationery such as a thank you note really got my focused attention. The stationery was beautiful. It featured a deeply embossed monogram that presented his initials with classy flare. I almost wanted to hang it up. I’ll tell you what I DIDN’T do….throw it away. The professional look of the stationery mixed with a personal handwritten note made this piece priceless. I have probably read his note to me at least four more times. Ironically, I had received several texts with a similar message, but these texts last no longer than five minutes before I delete them, forever gone in the data world.

So, now here I am, giddy with excitement while I see a stack of customized stationery on my desk. My name is printed with mocha colored raised ink, and the ivory paper is triple thick stock. This combination makes me completely forget that I could easily send an email or a text to my colleges. I have forgotten the taste of a stamp on my tongue. Or even the squeaky sound my mailbox makes when I raise that tin red flag for the mailman. But with personalized stationery at my disposal, I won’t forget them again. Nor will my friends forget once they open up an envelope with my personalized note within.