Is RAK a noun or a verb? Can I say "RAK Grandma?" Or should I say, "I've sent Grandmother a RAK?"
In any case, for mail art beginners, "RAK" is an acronym for a "Random Act of Kindness." It's simply a little handmade token, usually sent through the mail for no particular reason except as a surprise for the recipient.
Sometimes I'm so busy coordinating mail outs for my arty friends, I forget some of the other important people in my life.
In northern Minnesota I hear there's already snow on the ground. My Gram is nestled into a new assisted living apartment, her cozy home has been winterized and shut tight against the coming blizzards. I know the adjustment is not easy, and I need to get into a consistent habit of sending her little notes and letters so she knows we're thinking about her.
My favorite part about mail art is the envelope. In this digitized mass-generated world I love the idea of a hand made envelope passing through the hands of mail carriers who just might pause to consider what it is.
Grandma's RAK was this printed, punched and sewn ATC. And in case you don't know my BBF concept, get informed here. That's right, the tiny pic is the backside of the card! That paper was painted with an old German rubber wallpaper roller and stamped with my hand carved initial stamp.
Maybe for Christmas I will make her a little box to hold her ATCs and this will encourage me to create her an entire collection!