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Here I would love to share with you our travels and adventures as international mushroom consultants. MEMOIRS about husband Pieter Vedder, who was a SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Mushroom Cultivation Education. His practical handbook is in 9 languages and is called the MUSHROOM BIBLE: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2020/08/modern-mushroom-growing-2020-harvesting.html

Monday, October 14, 2013

{Writing a Thank-You-Note and Acknowledging a Parcel Received}

For sure most of you have received over the years some meaningful and touching Thank-You-Notes, hand written for a gift received, or for something else special.
Example of hand written thank you note on Cotton Crane & Co. Stationery...
In the front you see my Montblanc travel fountain pen.
LOOK: this beautiful Thank You note we received in the mail on Friday, October 4, following a dinner that we hosted for sweet friends. This is such an incredible thank you note, with a sweet personal touch...
Dear Friend Pam's Grandmother actually hand tatted these lovely thank you cards...
They are the most precious thing I've ever seen!
Such labor of love...
Even the back of the envelop showed a lovely tatted pink flower...
It got a bit smudged by handling in the mail but what a lovely presentation!
~♥~
Below is another example of ready printed thank-you notes, also in Cotton Crane Stationery
My husband Pieter receives the monthly Rotarian magazine; being a long time Rotary member himself.
In the September issue of 2013, there was a nice article about Writing Thank-You Notes...
Below post you can also read it in full screen mode.
Much obliged
Writing thank-you notes is hard. Too bad
By Paul Engleman
Expressing thanks is a fundamental social skill and should be a simple task..
The best way to do this is by a hand written note!
~♥~
We often have sent parcels from the USA to The Netherlands for family and friends and most of the time we never got even notified when they arrived...

Only after we called, following a long wait and worrying that maybe the parcel got lost... (God forbid) we got the statement: 'Oh yes, we received that a long time ago...' 

Except for brother Martin, who always right away picked up the phone and told us very excited: 'Wish you could have seen their faces...' when my niece and nephew unwrapped things that got delivered in the mail.

Is this only both of us, or are there more examples out there, where acknowledging a parcel/gift in the mail did never happen?

Whenever we ourselves received anything in the mail, we hastily grab the phone to let the generous sender know that things arrived in good order and that we're very pleased with them.

With Germany we do have excellent back and forth rapport but not so with The Netherlands.

However, some of my clients from The Netherlands did follow up and let me know they received my parcel. 
That too is very courteous and it is more the exception than the norm!
Some very touchy notes I received from happy customers, from Australia and from the UK also.

Is this culture related? Or are people's morals and standards lacking...?
Both of us have always followed our moral compass!

What are your thoughts on this subject?
~♥~

ISSUU - September 2013 vol2 by Rotary News India | On page 16 here you can find the same story from above - just click to open below. It will fully enlarge for easy reading. Just click Esc to exit full screen mode. 

41 comments:

  1. i must admit, i've not written a proper thank you note in years. i always send an email to acknowledge the receipt and thank them, but very rarely hand write a thank you card. that tatted design is wonderful, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Theresa,
      But you still react in a correct and courteous way!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  2. Dear Mariette,
    what a lovely, wonderful Thank you Note! I love those tiny flowers on it!
    Oh, I do write always some propper notes , specialy on Birthdays or like you, as a Thynk you note. Yes, it is much easier to write a quick email, but for special things it is so mcuh nicer to find a wonderful card in the post box, isn't it?
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Love and hugs
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Claudia,
      Not only do you hand write them, you also know how to artfully create personal embroidered cards with a lot of meaning for the receiver!
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  3. Liebe Mariette,

    das ist wieder besonders eindrucksvoll.

    Frohe Sonntagsgrüße
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Elisabeth,
      Danke und ja es ist so herzerwarmend.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. Ma è dolcissimo questo biglietto, così romantico! Io trovo bello scrivere e ricevere un bel biglietto, magari come questo, è una bella abitudine che si è persa, ora tutto con il cellulare e un sms freddo ed impersonale. Complimenti Mariette davvero una carinissima idea. Paola

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cara Paola,
      Hai raggione che con il cellulare o sms è freddo ed impersonale...
      Grazie mille e un bacio grande,
      Mariette

      Delete
  5. Liebe Mariette,
    es ist wahr. Man sollte sich immer sofort bedanken. Das erfordert
    die Höflichkeit. Aber manchmal sagt man auch immer wieder danke:
    So ich, wenn ich den kleinen Engel berühre, der immer um meinen Hals
    hängt.
    Einen schönen Sonntag wünscht Dir
    Irmi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Irmi,
      Ja die Höflichkeit verliert vieles heutzutage aber es heisst nicht das es dadurch auch akzeptabel ist. Ich bin so froh dass du den Engel damals gewonnen hast!
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. °º✿✿°•.¸

    Boa semana!
    Beijinhos¸.•°♡彡
    ¸.°º✿♫ •°
    °º✿✿Brasil°•.¸

    ReplyDelete
  7. The hand tatted thank you card is very lovely! It feels nice to receive hand written cards.
    I tend to do via e-mail, haha. My parents always call me from Japan when I send presents to them. It sure is good to hear the package was received and they loved it :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Oh, e-mail from the USA to Japan is a lot better I must say and one can instantly reply. But this is more so meant for people living close to each other where such a card can reach destiny in one day.
      Acknowledgement in whatever form is at least showing some courtesy!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  8. Dearest Mariette,
    The hand tatted thank you card is so sweet and delicate, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful friends. I think we live in such a hurry most of the time, that we do not stop for a while and think about doing this kind of sweet and simple gesture for our family or friends. With all the technology we have, emails, cell phones and we simply send messages like that because is "faster". Maybe we should just think about put a little more love on everything we do.
    Hugs to you,
    Love,
    Laura :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Laura,
      A personal touch or anything handwritten is so much different from electronic mail.
      Sending some love with a handmade card is precious!
      Hugs to you and lots of love,
      Mariette

      Delete
  9. Hello Mariette, Yes, thanking people is unfortunately becoming a lost art. A phone call or email will work to acknowledge receipt of a gift, but a beautiful, personalized note like the ones you describe will also make the giver glad that they sent it to you.
    --Jim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Jim,
      That is exactly as you mention here above. A lot of common courtesy is being lost but still, it does matter and for certain jobs and for certain countries this still will set the ones apart that will excel because of it.
      For a friend it is a very warm personal gesture too. Acknowledging a parcel received should always very promptly be done; no excuse. That is just plain rude if not followed up.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  10. Oh Mariette, this is a subject close to my heart! I always send you Thank You cards to family and close friends. If it's just a casual friend or blog buddy then I'll usually send a Thank You email. I know the elderly especially love to receive hand written cards and notes, my husband's grandparents are always thrilled when they receive one. But I treasure cards and notes myself so maybe that's why I enjoy doing it for others. I have an entire bag of notes and letters from when I was a teenager and I often think how sad that our young people won't have that to look back on.

    My boys will text or email thank you's and my husband will make thank you phone calls to people but I don't think men send actual cards as much as women do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Victoria,
      Being from the UK maybe did prepare you for this very courteous gesture. Here in the USA thank you notes, at least here in Georgia where I live, are quite the norm. It is such a great gesture and is always appreciated. Yes, the elderly are often being forgotten in this fast paged age electronics.
      You are a very sweet and caring girl!
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  11. Ik ken dit fenomeen van bedankt kaartjes helemaal niet, maar ik krijg dan ook nooit pakjes toegestuurd en stuur zelf ook nooit pakjes. Wij sturen wel eens een foto met de mail naar iemand en dan krijgen we ook niet altijd een reactie. Mijn man moet ik ook vaak aansporen om te reageren als iemand hem een mail heeft gestuurd. Nederlanders zijn wat dat betreft misschien minder formeel en soms een beetje bot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Marian,
      You say that you don't know this phenomenon in The Netherlands. But I do know that they are being sold as such at stores that sell cards. Plenty of thank you cards. But you are very right, it is very much a cultural thing too. The Dutch are rather Calvinistic in that respect and by far cannot measure up to the southern countries. Even the Germans do bring nice gifts as chocolates or flowers when being invited to coffee or dinner. Dutch seldom invite someone either...
      Living in Italy was a pleasure as they are artist in paying attention to such little presents for the host family. Even in Indonesia it is their culture! It is not about being formal as you suggest for the Dutch being less formal but it is all about courtesy and attention.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  12. I think writing thank you notes is a forgotten art, the youth of today don't do it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Sadly this is becoming more and more true but for certain functions it can become quite detrimental.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  13. Dearest Mariette;
    Wow, what a sweet and lovely hand tatted "thank you cards"♡♡♡ I've never received or sent these heartfelt card. I don't think we have this custom in Japan but I'm sure it is wonderful to receive them♬♬♬
    Take care of yourselves, my dear friend in America. Lots of Love and hugs, xoxo Miyako*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Miyako,
      But for sure in your country I did witness that little gifts were being exchanged as personal courtesy for a visit or such. It does not persé have to be a card all the time.
      Hugs to you and thanks for your special friendship.
      Mariette

      Delete
  14. Good Morning Mariette, Firstly I must say, the Thank You card you received from your friend is so beautiful and such a labour of love.
    I love writing letters and cards to say thank you, but it does not seem to be a popular thing to do nowadays. Both of my daughters always write thank you notes, which warms my heart. I think life is changing and people use emails and texts nowadays..... but do you know they are missing out on such a lovely experience. The anticipation of opening a card or a letter and the smile that it brings to my face when I read the card or letter is something which an email or text will never do.
    Speaking for myself, I will continue writing letters and cards as I love receiving them.
    Best Wishes to you.
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Daphne,
      Glad to hear that you as well as both your daughter still adhere to this proper etiquette. It might be old fashioned but nothing can replace the personal touch and love you forward in this way.
      Even receiving a text or email as acknowledgement for a parcel received is far more courteous than not hearing anything at all. That is plain rude!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. Dearest Mariette,
    What a lovely thinking of your friend has writing cards,
    I has too much written letters after I has bing a sickness, but I will tryid hard for me.
    Please take care of yourself.
    Hugs and love to you.
    Michiko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Michiko,
      For you, having been in such a terrible accident, hand writing of course was not feasible at first.
      Hope you are doing well dear friend.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  16. Olá

    Que bonito ter recebido esse agradecimento, devíamos fazer o mesmo mais vezes.
    Que bons amigos que tem, também gostava de receber mensagens dessas.

    Beijos

    Manuela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Manuela,
      It is indeed very nice for receiving such a beautiful personal thank you; hand made with love.
      We feel blessed for having such courteous friends indeed!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  17. Een bedankje schrijven is wel het minste wat je kunt doen. Is zo leuk om te ontvangen. Af en toe een hand geschreven kaartje is al zo schaars in deze digitale wereld. Je hebt helemaal gelijk.....groetjes Bianca xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Een bedankje schrijven is wel het minste wat je kunt doen. Is zo leuk om te ontvangen. Af en toe een hand geschreven kaartje is al zo schaars in deze digitale wereld. Je hebt helemaal gelijk.....groetjes Bianca xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lieve Bianca,
      Ja, ja het is het minste wat je kunt doen maar toch gebeurt het heel vaak niet. Leuk om te ontvangen en ook leuk om te schrijven!
      Jámmer dat het verloren dreigt te gaan maar niet totaal. Mensen met een zekere stijl zullen dit altijd blijven handhaven.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  19. What a lovely hand tatted card you have received!!!! I have a small collection of beautiful cards I received in the past, but it is not so common anymore ! And I was very disappointed when I did not receive not only a thank you note but not even an email for a couple of gifts I had sent to some blogfriends!!!! I thought it was very rude!!!!
    Have a nice week, my dear Mariette!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Marie-Anne,
      Indeed a lovely and sweet hand tatted thank you card!
      Oh, we have had the very same experience as you describe for hearing nothing after sending a parcel with a gift. Not with bloggers so far; I only encountered very courteous ones.
      It is rude and there is no excuse for it!
      Hugs and happy week to you in Greece.
      Mariette

      Delete
  20. Dearest Mariette ... as you know I love a handwritten card, letter , note both receiving and sending. What beautiful treasures in the thank you note you received with the crocheted flowers. I am blessed that my friends and family take the art of saying thank you with a handwritten note as serious as I do. I always say that late is better than never ... when it comes to acknowledging.
    I think good manners is not cultural ... it's just that good manners ... but in today's society and technical past paced world ... most people are too quick to click a generic thank you on their key board that is easily lost in the mounds of emails, texts that consume a person's inbox. hugs and blessings ..C. (HHL)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Celia,
      You sure are blessed for having friends and family that take this serious too! Sure, late is better than never; you are absolutely right there!
      It is a shame that these good manners are on the decline indeed, just out of convenience becoming meaningless words that get drowned with all the spam and clutter at our inbox.
      Hugs to you and thanks for your special friendship!
      Mariette

      Delete
  21. Dearest Mariette,
    Like you, I still believe in thank you notes!!! It is so endearing that some people still take the time to write a handwritten note, and of such a beautiful kind! The card with the hand tatted little flowers is so sweet!
    Lots of hugs to you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Anna,
      Guess that's why we became blogger friends because we adhere to the same moral values of life. Little tokes of affection and love towards others...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...

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MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS © 2009. All rights reserved - Text and images may not be copied for distribution or sale.

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