Clip for Love

I was reading in Real Simple (July 2009) about a woman whose retired parents send her newspaper clippings regularly. She divides these into a variety of categories, including imminent health dangers, odd wildlife experiences in suburbia, and "last of a dying breed" ("Doctor still makes housecalls!"); in general, she can't figure out most of the time why her parents send her these articles. Except of course, that they love her and are trying to communicate with her just as they would if she lived nearby and they could make small talk. People just want to share what they find interesting and to send along things they think you might find interesting too.

I have a few "clippers" in my life: Lambeth sends me fascinating, informational, and sometimes just wacky clippings from the Times (London) and other local papers, while my Uncle W sends me links to interesting things he's found online. My mom doesn't do if often, but has in the past saved whole magazines for me to peruse (like the Time mag on faith and healing). I read them, in time, but most often forget to comment to the sender.

I realize I do it too, in my own way. My "In the Papers" posts, with numerous links to articles I've read and enjoyed, are my own virtual little envelopes of clippings to send to you. So, go read them and get back to me! I promise to read yours, too.