In just 13 min. he creates a beautiful pocket of space for us to live in, a tiny world where letter-writing is possible, and we aren't rushed around and tech-addicted. He is modeling the qualities we need to be good letter-writers: calm, thoughtful, reflective, real, funny. Inspiring
This guy is an old soul in a young body. Spent my morning watching several of his videos. Imagine having him as a friend? WOW! I miss letter writing but, sadly, have no one who would truly appreciate one.
Definitely agree with you. I just stumbled on this and seriously resonate with your views. How nice if Rajiv could start group of letter writing friends. I suggested this to my friends and family and I received blank stares. They must have thought I am going nuts. It would be good to have him or anyone else as a friend to write to. Anyone keen on writing to a retired teacher from Malaysia?
Rajiv - I hope this inspires you to start you personal channel. You are clearly a person with a unique eye which many of us would love to hear more of. Beautiful backdrop by the way. You are a master at work, as well as your dear friend in Ireland in “splendid isolation”.
Just at the time the world went into lockdown, I found a wee leather bound notebook. I have been writing letters for my granddaughter to read when she’s in her teens. She’s two now. I write as if a young woman will be reading and I am writing of her and the world as it was and is now and how we are navigating it. I love that one day she will hold this book in her hands and know how much she is loved and the story of her growth. I have held letters my mom wrote her mother when my parents immigrated from England to Canada. My mother passed a king time ago when I was young, but as you said holding the letters, seeing her beautiful handwriting and the way she expressed herself is a gift of herself to me.
Oh I would love receiving a journal from my Mom or Grandma. What a great way to experience the women who were so important in my life. Thank you for sharing this. ❤️ angie
I am doing the same. My mother came to America from England as a child and missed her grandparents so much. She never got back to England but received many letters that I still have. I love my mother’s beautiful hand writing which is no longer taught in schools. What a shame. I journal every day.
Wow! Before he read his letter, I was already thinking: anyone who has him as a true friend has hit the LOTTERY! I can’t even imagine how great it must be to have such a unique, lovely, inspirational, & extraordinary person as a valued & cherished friend!! This video & his presentation are sooo calming & relaxing, that it feels like such a wonderful meditative session! He is a true KINDRED SPIRIT!! We are all very lucky to be following Rajiv!!
Does he choose his friends as he does everything in his apartment? As every bit in his place must be dear and important to him, does this transfer to people?
@@oliverabone4564 I think he comes across people like him..In his home video he talked about his weaver friend a lot, then about the pottery artist.From how he shared his story I felt that he respect arts so when he meets artists they see the way he values it & wants to learn it and that's how they become friends.
I agree. To have a friend who is intentional in everything that he does would be such a blessing. Did you see the video of how he prepares for a guest staying at his home. Monogram sheets that were pure cotton, fresh flowers and freshly squeezed orange juice waiting for you when you wake up in the morning. He is wonderful, unique and such a beautiful spirit.
I want to thank the Almighty Algorithm for placing several videos of this talented man in my feed. I’m so impressed by his creativity and charm, but oh! The envy! His bone structure is perfection. Gorgeous.
My best friend of 30+ years and I FREQUENTLY write handwritten letters to one another and send by U.S. Postal Service. We don't even text each other. It is SO wonderful receiving a package from her in the mail - as well it is so wonderful to compile and send a package to her. I'm so grateful that she and I have kept up this practice all of these decades. I believe most communication these days has become too rushed and throwaway, and there's something to be said about _taking good care_ instead of just tossing comments off or hurredly posting half-a55ed videos. Thank you for this delicious video, Rajiv.
That was so lovely. I am nearly 80 and I have saved all the letters I ever received from those I loved. I was so lonely when my parents moved cities after I married and was just 19 and very unwell starting a baby. My father new me so well that he wrote to me every day for 3 years. We then moved up to live near them. I saved every letter. He would tell me all about the day he spent with my mother. Little things that were so special. He was very humorous. He kept mine too. I found them after he died. I never said I was lonely but I could feel the pain and burnt mine. I’m sorry now. I always did little drawings. Recently I was showing my school blazer to someone and found a note in the top pocket. A school friend passed me a note in class asking if she could borrow my homework to copy. I have my dads wallet. In it is a little letter printed from boarding school when I was 8. Quite short but telling him how we had played pretending we were in Enid Blyton Faraway tree. So many others I have had bound . I just don’t know what to do with them. I know my daughter would burn them. Thank you for the memories. Do you have your own blog site ?
Oh are you sure your daughter would burn them? My father passed in December and we found letters from him to my Mom when he was stationed in Japan. We enjoyed reading each one and we divided them up between the siblings. My father, Abraham Lincoln, was a calligrapher, an author and artist and although I didn’t appreciate it much when he was alive, I now have purchased fountain pens and I’m learning calligraphy. I loved this video that Rajik made. I just discovered him on a video of his home. He has inspired me to start writing again. I’m sure your daughter would value any letters you have. Perhaps you can ask her about them? I hope you have a lovely weekend. I’m in Ohio and it’s hot but so humid you feel like you are melting. ❤️ angela
Yes quite sure . When she came after 15 years when my husband died she tried to find them. I had them well hidden. 😊still leaves the ? Thank you for being so kind..
@@enamary1 Sweet thought thank you. Just can’t bare to part with them. When I read them I feel like he is sitting beside me talking. Letters were wonderful. There’s just no feeling in texts or emails especially when words are broken down like u for you. 🥰
I love this! I deleted all of my social media accounts (except for RU-vid) in January. I've started sending letters and postcards to family and friends all over the world. It feels so relaxing, the rhythm of my fountain pen, slowing down to take in my surroundings and share my thoughts on paper. I've been encouraging all of my students to start writing letters and postcards during the pandemic, too.
What a great idea! During Covid I started correspondence with my God-Child who is in 3rd grade. We write letters and draw pictures to each other. I has certainly added to our relationship and we know each other so much better!
Letter writing has indeed become a forgotten art . When I was in college, I waited with so much anticipation for a letter from my father. Written in his impeccable hand he brought alive all that I missed when I was away from home ,and yes made me miss my parents and home all the more. He mentioned the passing seasons, the smells and sounds as summer gave way to unending monsoon, the work in progress in our compound, from weeding to pruning to Ithinayi bringing his bulls to plough our terraced 2acre piece of land. He moved on to what mum was cooking for lunch, and how she kept some sardines specially aside for my pet cat Nunu. It brought me great joy as I pored over the contents , while we were served our evening tea and snacks , the hour when post was distributed to all the hostelites. I stowed his precious letters away carefully, pulling them out from a case, from time to time, to go over his lines, cry sometimes and kiss his signature as if he were there in my room. Yes , holding a hand written letter is so precious, as it fills you with such a warm feeling , and is a great source of comfort to cling to, when the need arises! I do look forward to see your handwriting. Thank you Rajiv for this delightful video.
At 53 yo, I am an old school letter writer who had a beloved collection of stationery. When I started my own business, I used them all, and purchase more bespoke note writing cards! Rajiv, your friend’s letter made me break down in tears.
People keep saying he needs his own channel or show on mainstream. But imagine how much creative control he will lose. Imagine how stressful this would be for him. It will become about ratings and someone else's content. This gives him full creative control and allows him to indulge in the things he truly love. He's fine where he is.
I just came from a channel that seems like a personalized space that's dedicated to his craft. It's called HGTV Handmade, he dedicates time to show his other skills. Highly recommend it, it's very relaxing! But I do agree with you. there is Marie Kondo and others who put their work out there and they, if they read their contract, can keep some creative control over their work and what their schedule will look like once the first three episodes air. As for Rajiv, I believe he has done some interviews with different media. He looks very happy and that is good news for us. 🌼
I can breathe again. I have been holding my breath for so long, afraid to hope or be inspired by anything or anyone and then I watched you and all that troubles me slipped away and like the breeze flowing through your window I was able to exhale and hope once more. Thank you.
Mr Surendra, in my lifetime I have rarely been inspired to meet famous people but you, I would love to meet you. I saw your video tour of your NYC apartment and then I watched your blackboard art tutorial and now this heartwarming reminder of letter writing. You are so charming I think because of your authenticity. And sweet! Bless you.
Gosh he is so gorgeous! His inner light shines through! His genuineness, his intentionality, his authenticity! I also love writing letters so this video is spot on! Namaste!!
I am working on my graduate thesis in art history, and these videos are helping me survive. It’s easy to lose sight of why I started the program in the first place. These videos remind me of why creativity and being in the moment when working on something is important. Rajiv, thank you for the spoonful of sugar to help the grad school medicine go down.
I get it. Being old school at 64 I did write and sealed it with wax and stamp. Had it not been for a typed letter I uncovered after my mom passed away I would not have known that her entire life was effected by a doctor that did electric shock on her. My life entirely changed by this revelation. Thank God for seeing that letter now.
Rajiv, you wee charmer, singing”Bonnie Banks” and wearing your Black Watch tartan shirt, your acute sense of detail is mesmeric and greatly appreciated. Big love from Scotland
Rajiv, you are a joy to watch. This video was a whole experience. How could anyone dislike a man who sings beautifully, hand writes and has a wonderful eye for interior design?!
Rajiv, I love everything you do. I am 75 years old and love the fact that you bring back how things used to be. And that you do everything with thought and excellence. You have many talents. Thank you for your videos. I sit here crocheting an afghan for my sofa as I live in Maine and it’s winter. I am enjoying your video while I work on the blanket. God bless all you do. Grammie Beckie
Postman, Postman don't be slow. Get on your bike, and go man go. My childhood friend and I used to write this poem I made up on the envelopes when we corresponded in the holidays. And we sent a 2p piece back and throw. I spent a lot of time in Kent (UK) with family. But I missed my dear friend Merrill in Hastings by the sea, so writing letters was a wonderful way of staying in touch. I was taught ITA English Twaddle in School. A backward Alien language that made no sense at all, especially coming from an English Town in the UK. Being Dyslexic, school was hard. But I did not let that stop me enjoying the love of writing. Thank you for this entertaining video, which I loved watching . May we all continue to write letters and keep the tradition going. ✒️♥️
I think I’m thee only one in my family who still writes letters and actually sends them in the mail. I made homemade cards, not the commercially looking ones but really pretty ones, and my family would just text me to tell me how “cute” it was. Hmmm? I’m so glad there’s still more people who write letters. Your handwriting is absolutely gorgeous. Please make more videos?
I love this. When I was growing up, I wrote letters and notes to friends and family. Then, in my 30’s came cell phones, email and texting. I recently decided to start letter writing again. It’s become a lost art, and I’m excited to know I’m not the only one that sees the value in hand written letters.
As much as I love watching and wish he had his own Channel, I think his peace and process is top priority. Thanks Morgan Library & Museum for bringing him to this platform for us.
I just love this beautiful human Sooo much. Multi-talented and a sweet grateful heart. My grand mother studied flourishing in late grammar school. We as young girls were always sat down together at the dining room table to write our thank you notes, and birthday, and holiday wishes, sentiments and more. Stationary was a staple in our home, for which I have old vellum, parchment with old watermarks, etc. Let's begin to revive what is far more natural and rewarding for all the senses. Love, k from the sea
The lace curtains fluttering in the wind is just perfect. I have just discovered you and have been devouring all of your videos. Thank you for your presence!
I am so happy to see that someone else loves writing and especially receiving letters like I do! There is a real joy in it that nothing else can bring.
Strikingly unique subject in today's times. The room has such a pretty and happy look about it. Preserving a letter is just not the same as saving an email
The very second he approach the table with a teacup and what looks like a scone, it reminded me of the openings of Peter Rabbit scenes with Beatrix Potter. Love this so much 💜💕🐰
Rajav you are beyond fabulous. The universe and God were showing off when you were made. I write letters and cards every week. It fills with joy to do so. Mamma wrote three letters a to me whilst attending university if my house ever burst into flames my letters would be my first thought to rescue. Your delivery is perfection. I just discovered you and this warms my Heart. With respect and gratitide. Australia.
Rajiv, thank you so much, you are inspirational! I am going to write to my grandchildren in DUrham NC and in London UK (I live in Singapore) I’m 60+ so I am familiar with this form of communication but you’ve given me the boost to reignite an old pastime and hopefully introduce it to a younger generation.
My thoughts exactly. I have a granddaughter who has recently turned seven years old and I am going to see her a letter, with little drawings.... a la Beatrice Potter!
Oh of course you added an accent to the reading! I love that Rajiv doesn't shy away from authenticity and keeps his quirks and how he wants to present everything. I've always been this way but w a weariness bc of a fear of being judged. I love and have a penchant for everything he dives into with his full self. We should continue to encourage craftsmanship. Promised to write so many letters to so many pple but never sat down to write and send. Need to start. Love Beatrix Potter and her life story!
I used to write my penpals a lot. I'm 49 now, I would love to start it again. I sense that you are a magical writer of many generations long past, thank you, you are a delight to watch!
Thank you. You inspired me to start writing again in my diary to my son. It's been a few years since my last entry due to my health. Your post belies upon me the importance in continuing the writings to my son, something handwritten for him to remember me by is by far the most precious thing I could ever give him. ❤
I love this! Several years ago I began to write love letters to my mom. I’d write every month or two. Now I live with her part time to help care for her. I was just sharing your video with her and she told me she still has every one of my letters. I will sit down today and write another letter to my oldest friend who was just made to move across the state from me. I’m really looking forward to making letter writing a regular practice. Thank you
Wow that letter was AMAZING 🥰🥰🥰 I had no idea these letters existed let alone online for me to also read and find like a treasure. I am so very grateful for you. I’m so glad for RU-vid that I have discovered you, thank you so much for all your fun stories. I really wish you had your own show!!!! I keep watching your curtain flow in the wind and think wow that’s 100% cotton because I watched your handmade show last week and this is how I found out about you. Now you’re always showing up in my feed and I love it. You brought tears to my eyes because my teachers always told me what ugly handwriting I had. It was soul crushing because I really have loved journaling my whole life and I love writing little stories. My heart is filled today and you’ve inspired me thank you so much!!!
Beatrix Potter was amazing at giving many a legacy of her very productive life...as are you I am discovering...writing and expressing with calligraphy beautifully executed. Hope to see more of you thru this medium..thank you for sharing..⭐
Who else keep watching these. Hoping that one day Rajiv eventually starts a writing channel!? I feel so talented sitting in his room reading and writing letters.
Rajiv, I recently sent my granddaughter a copy of the book, The Art of the Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd. She fell in love with it as I had. She is now writing me letters!!! AND taking interest in calligraphy. Success! Now her baby sister has taken up the joy of writing letters. I will be sharing your video with them this evening. Thank you, Rajiv.
Dearest Rajiv, your gentle countenance has lit a glimmering light in my soul that has at once shown me that I am not alone in my quiet likes and preferences but that it is possible to love another’s soul while betrothed. That other is you.
Rajiv, They do not even teach cursive in public schools any more. This is so sad! In school I Was taught Script. In the past I did calligraphy, but I have to really stay in practice to keep it looking nice. So, it has been put aside for years. I have letters my grandmother sent to me & I even have a letter from Mother Theresa. I wrote to her & she wrote me back! This is an art I do hope we revive! Thanks for your video. You read Ms Potter’s letter so well. Oh, almost forgot, I write God a letter every morning. Starting, Good Morning dear God, I spend time thanking him for blessings I received the day before, I list them, then I turn to Gods word & write It down & I listen to what God has to say to me. Asking him for direction for that day. Pray for others & then I am ready for the day!
i was watching a minimalist apartment tour that bored me when i saw the thumbnail... ngl i clicked through cause i was like WHO IS THAT HANDSOME PERSON and the fact that this is about letter writing. As someone who used to write a lot of letters, this was so relatable and nostalgic. I loved it!
You, sir, are truly fantastic! Your room is right out of Jane Austin. Your art makes me happy. And getting a letter is something special and always touches the heart. Thank you for sharing!
i cannot say how deeply I enjoyed this video. He has such an intriguing personality and is so multitalented! He reminds me of Mr. Rogers !! He should have his own kids show, feels like a warm hug!
I’ve watched other videos on this wonderful man, and I absolutely gutted that there isn’t enough videos or articles on this outstandingly talented individual. I get sooooo Inspired to create and get “in the zone” after watching Rajiv. Universe, please grant this man a show😩✨
Thank you. This is exactly a subject I spoke about at work yesterday. I even went so far as picking up stamps and stationary. This weekend i am devoting a few hours to the art.
Many years ago when I was a child, my mother had a business doing calligraphy for the local Chamber of Commerce. She would hand letter the various certificates they issued among other things. I have vivid memories of growing up in her studio watching her work. Fast forward about 30 years, I am getting married and we chose to make all of the wedding invitations by hand. We made accordion books with fabric framed covers. I did complex linocut block prints with gold embossing for the cover and interior and she hand lettered the invites. It was a staggering amount of work... about 8 weeks at least, but it was so special that we took the time to do it together. She shared that she had always dreamed she would do the wedding invites for her daughters and was so happy I had asked her. I am grateful and will always remember it. When the invites finally reached the guests, I received numerous texts and phone calls saying they were the most amazing invitations they had ever seen. It felt really great. Making items by hand takes time and care, but it really does make a huge difference. I love watching Rajiv's videos because his whole ethos resonates with me. I really wish he had his own channel.
Plaice rhymes with lace and is a delicious fish like flounder. Thanks for the impetus to put pen to paper! I half expected you to say you make your own paper and ink, you are so accomplished!
Rajiv Surendra you are an absolute joy and inspiration. I have only seen two videos featuring yourself, and you've left a lifelong impression. You inspire an urgent need to live authentically and creatively. I so very much hope we get to see more from you!
I cannot say how much I love this! I am the letter writer of my family and wrote to my siblings and mother when I lived out of state. When I moved back, I stopped writing to them, but now my sister is moving two states away and my brother bought a house in a town two hours distant and I’m going to start writing to them again. You’ve inspired me!
Rajiv, this was wonderful. I'm lucky to have pen-pals all over the world in regular correspondence, so you're preaching to the choir here, but I could watch you do it all day! Thanks for sharing the letter you received--it was beautifully done and inspires me for my next one!
Omg. Thank you. I love writing letters and the beauty behind it. i thought I was the only one and collecte old letters. You have inspired me to start writing again. Thank you
As I'm enjoying this time you share with us, the tag on my tea says, "Everlasting impact with compassion and kindness is called love". I'm toasting bread for tomorrow's lunch. The smell of the warmed seeds and rememberings of your concise tutelage will be part of my letter-writing this holiday season. Yes. I did just now decide to send letters instead of holiday cards this year! 🤗🙌 Another bit of beauty and pride that your sharing has inspired in my life. Thank you.
Thanks for this video that was so exquisite and charming. Although I’m in my 60’s, I have seen the decline in letters and postcards from family and friends. And yet when you receive something handwritten and waiting in your mailbox it’s always a special moment. I think I need to find a pen pal and begin to written. ❤️ angie
Rajiv , I look forward to your videos daily! So grateful for RU-vid Ai recommendations.. I'm discovering 2 year old content and I still find it so relevant and engaging. You have a charismatic quality about all the things you do and say. I'm so inspired by the way you can make anything feel and seem so exciting!! ✨More love to you!
randomly clicked on this video because it intrigued me. he started reading the letter and my heart skipped a beat because I live a stone's throw from Falmouth Hotel. what a little coincidence.
My daughter in the boarding school has been asking for a letter from me but I havent written any. Inspired after watching this, I will finally write her a letter.
My father and I could no longer communicate in person. We took up letter writing as a way to have a safer connection (as you are not as prone to argument in written form-at least we were not). My Father passed away recently at the age of 99 and I will miss his letters very much.
Just found this 10 minutes ago. This is a truly lovely person. I'm so glad I am not the only letter writer in the World. How fortunate to find this Wonderful young man.
