Perhaps it's because my mom owns a personalized stationery business, or maybe it's because I've had a pen pal ever since I could write. Whatever the reason may be, I love hand-written notes. So after more than a quarter century of receiving (and forever keeping) some pretty phenomenal hand-written pieces, I share with you a few of my favorites.

This is a thank you note sent to me from Aimi, a Japanese exchange student who lived with our family when I was in 10th grade.

For my 19th birthday, my neighbors in the San Diego State dorms made me a Saturday Night Live-inspired birthday card, complete with illustrations.

My mom has beautiful handwriting, and she mailed my significant other and me The Barbecue Bible, along with a personal greeting.  

Each of these may not have cost much money to buy (or make) or have even taken much time to write, but I'll always love revisiting the memories they represent.