Too Many Hobbies?

Hello, It's way past evening here. In fact it's pretty dark outside. It's night time, however I'll say good morning because I know it's morning for some of you reading this post right now.  It's been awhile since I've posted anything mail related, even though I have been sending and receiving some good, happy mail.

The other day while I was getting my nails done, my manicurist/friend mentioned to me that she needed to get a hobby because she doesn't have any. She then preceded to tell me that I have too many hobbies. What does this have to do with a mail related blog, you ask? Everything, I say. Obviously, blogging about the mail I send and receive is one hobby, just as writing letters to pen pals and sending postcards all over the world via Postcrossing are another. I collect vintage postcards, new and used as well as vintage postage stamps. I also enjoy crafty things such as making my own envelopes and making mail art.  I enjoy many different types of creative pursuits.  I once wanted to start a newspaper column entitled, Ecclectic Wisdom.  Now, I write anonymous love letters to strangers and leave them in random places.

I am a gun owner and so I like to shoot. I enjoy picking up brass from spent rounds in the desert where gun enthusiasts go shooting.  It's very meditative in a weird sort of way. I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

I belong to a camera club, a psychic development group, and a spiritual group. I am interested in astrology, numerology, reincarnation and dream interpretation. I love engrossing myself in anything metaphysical and spiritual in nature. I am a certified Angel Card Reader and a certified Reiki II Holy Fire Practitioner. 

(Me and a couple of ladies from my psychic group at the John Edward event this past Friday)

I've always called myself a serial Entrepreneur. My longest and most successful business venture was my Private Investigations business which I closed in 2009. Since then I dabbled in a side business as a photographer, but realized I much preferred it as a hobby than a job. Currently, I am a wellness advocate for doTerra Essential Oils, I'm a distributor for the MakeUp Eraser, and I'm a distributor for OXO World Wide.  I also run an ETSY shop where I sell mail related items and other stuff.

Every week I pamper myself by getting endermologie treatments, Qigong, and every other week I have quantum biofeedback therapy sessions. 

Road trips? Yes, please. Anytime, anywhere. I'm a free spirit, an explorer, an adventurer. 

"You have too many hobbies", She said. What I heard was a very limiting statement. Too many hobbies? I think not. I am open to limitless possibilites. All of these hobbies and interests keep me evolving emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. These hobbies are growth spurts. As Emily Dickinson says in my favorite quote, "The soul should always stand ajar, ready for the ecstatic experience." I believe her and so that's how I live my life, ready for the ecstatic experience. If I could only use one word to describe my true essence in this physical body, it would be this: CURIOUS.

I hope all of you feed your spirit with many hobbies because it only makes you more of what you already are-----an interesting person. be curious, be adventurous, just be.

I have so many more hobbies that I did not list.

Postcrossings to Russia, Germany, and the Netherlands

Good afternoon. Other than my husband and I eating breakfast at IHOP this morning, it's been an uneventful day. I've been on the computer for hours, not really doing much. My eyes are burning and it's time for me to get off this thing and get some blood circulating through my veins.  Here's three more Postcrossings out the door. I now have 11 traveling out og 15.

To the Netherlands.

I write: Hello Brigitte, I've only been to New Jersy once in my life but I have very fond memories of the trip. We rode a train from New Jersey to the "Big City" of New York. It was a great experience and New York was awesome. I wish you the ery best in your life. <3 Take Care, JarieLyn

To Russia.

I write: Greetings Natasha, the mint juliep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Each year almost 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs during a two day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby horse races. I attended the Kentucky Derby last year for vacation and I tried a mint julep and I thought it was terrible. Maybe you will try it too. :) 

<3 JarieLyn

To Germany.

I write: Hi Peter, Boulder City is a quaint little town just outside of Las Vegas. The bighorn sheep come and graze in this park often. Another wildlife common in the desert are wild burros and wild horses. the burros are my favorite because they are so darn cute. Have a happy day. <3 Wishing you all the best. JarieLyn

Outgoing Postcrossings

Good morning my lovelies. I'm getting caught up on letters and postcrossings today. Fortunately, I don't have a big pile of letters to reply to because I've slowly been dwindling that down. I sent two packages out yesterday, but didn't photograph them. One is headed to San Antonio, TX and the other is headed to Lynn in Connecticut. Today is already an awesome day. I have a date night with my husband to look forward to and I'm having a candle party tomorrow night with the girls.

This Postcrossing is headed to Ely, MN

I write: Hello AmyJean, I'm smiling because I loved reading about you carrying on the tradition of your grandmother's gum wrapper chain. Back in the 80's, my cousin made me a picture frame made out of gum wrappers and it's awesome. I still have it. My cousin passed away earlier this year so I am glad I have the frame in memory of him. Best of luck with your project. <3 JarieLyn

This Postcrossing card is traveling to Spain.

I write: Hello Carmen!! :)  My husband and I have lived in Las Vegas for many years but I grew up in Bakersfield, California which is where I hooked up with my husband at a reggae festival back in 1991. We've been together ever since. We are both ready for a new adventure somewhere else. I guess time will tell where we end up. Wishing you much love and happiness. <3 JarieLyn

This Postcrossing is headed to the Czech Republic.

I write: Dear Lucie, Mt. Charleston Lodge is just a short drive my home. They have cute little cabins you can rent for one night or more. It's a great place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Oh, and the air is fresh and smells of pine trees. I love it. Wishing you all the best! <3 JarieLyn

Wishing everyone a happy weekend. I'm looking forward to my date night.

Friday's Outgoing Postcrossings

This card is traveling to Poland.

I write: Hi Alex, my husband and I have lived in Las Vegas for over 16 years. Nevada is the only state in the U.S. where prostitution is legal, but not in Las Vegas. I had lunch inside a brotherl once and was given a tour of the quarters. It was quite interesting and enlightening to say the least. I wish you an amazing day and much happiness in your life. <3 JarieLyn

These two are dancing all the way to Russia.

I write: Hello Anastasia, I love dancing too! It's good for the soul. It raises our vibration which makes us more in tune with our true self--divine love. Keep on dancing and feeding your soul with good stuff. <3 JarieLyn

These characters are going to Finland.

I write: Hello Leena!  I too, love wolves. They are beautiful animals. The symbolic meaning of the wolf totem is this: Wolf symbolizes the supreme meaning of freeom. He is capable of shape-shifting and walking the Spirit realm. He can teach us how to fo the same. There are many different meanings for which the wolf symboliezes but I love this short description. I hope you find it usefull too. Much happiness to you. <3 JarieLyn

Colors of Mt. Charleston and Remnants from Bodie

Good evening my dear friends. It's been hot as hell here today. If I didn't know better I'd think somebody shoved me into an oven and shut the door for me to bake. But, life is still good.

It's hard to believe that Postcrossing had its 10th anniversary recently. Wow! I am so happy that people around the world still enjoy sending postcards and writing letters. Thank you Postcrossing. Here's to another ten years or more.

This lovely card is on its way to The Netherlands.

I write: Hello Jorien, Mt. Charleston is a 45 minute drive from my home. I love to come here for the day when I need a change of scenery. It always makes me feel cheerful. There is a lodge/restaurant that has a wonderful wiew of the mountains from their patio seating outside. It's like being in another world. Remember to nurture your soul. <3 JarieLyn

This postcard is traveling to Brockport, NY.

I write: Hi Sandy, My husband and I live in Las Vegas, NV and we love to travel. Recently we took a road trip to Bodie Ghost Town with our camera club. It is absolutely amazing how many structures are still standing. We didn't see any ghosts, but you can definitely feel the spirits of the past lingering. Have a wonderful day and an amazing life. <3 JarieLyn

Delivered by an Angel

I love angels. I talk to them and I channel messages from them. Some of you may think it's crazy talk and that's okay. We all believe what we want to believe. Some people talk to God and listen to his guidance. For me, it's the same thing.

This Postcrossing is traveling to Nebraska.

I write: Hi Lindsey, I can't imagine what it's like living in a town with a population of 386. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada where the population is over 2 million. I do long for small town life though. My dream is to someday live on the outskirts of Nashville, TN. There, I could have the best of both worlds. Small town life with access to the big city. Wishing you all the best. <3 JarieLyn

Princeton Battlefield

Howdy!  Hope your day is going well. As always, mine is fabulous because it just is.

Here's a Postcrossing that went out last night.

A beautiful tree in the Princeton Battlefield State Park, New Jersey.

This postcard is traveling to China.

I write: Hello! My name is JarieLyn and I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's currently 110'F but I'm keeping cool by staying inside. In addition to Postcrossing, I enjoy being creative. I like working with paper crafts but I also enjoy making wire wrapped trees of life. I wish you much happiness. <3 Be true to yourself.  ~ JarieLyn

Smile!!!!!

What a gorgeous day it is. It's only 10:00 a.m. and my husband and I have already been down on the Las Vegas Strip photographing people and architecture with some other camera buddies. Can you believe I made it out of bed at 3:45 this morning? I am NOT a morning person, but it sure does feel good to have been so productive already. Our group also had a huge breakfast at The Peppermill. Excellent food I must say, but gigantic portions. Too much for me.

Smile! Here's some outgoing postcards and a letter to brighten someone's day. Enjoy the visual.

This happy guy is going to Germany.

I write: Hi Kathleen!  I live in Las Vegas. Today, my friend and I drove to the mountains and had a picnic and went for a hike. I absolutely love the smell of the pine trees. Have a beautiul life. Remember to stop and smell the roses. <3 JarieLyn

This is a condolence letter to a person I've never written to before. Her boyfriend died suddenly and unexpectedly at the young age of 24. My heart goes out to her.

This one is traveling to Japan.

I write: Hello Reiko, I am 50 years old woman living in Las Vegas, Nevada with my husband. Summer is here and it's hot but I love it. It's currently 104'F outside but I am relaing inside with the air conditioner on. I love my life. <3 Wishing you lots of joy. JarieLyn

The Flower Fields

It's a gorgeous Sunday here in Las Vegas. Normally, I pamper myself by getting an endermologie treatment every week on this day, but I decided that today I would stay home and attempt to organize my writing and creative space. I really need to get rid of some stuff. It's quite overwhelming.

Late last night I prepared a postcrossing for Monday's mail. It's traveling to Brazil

I write:  Hi Erich, my name is JarieLyn & I am married. We live in Las Vgas and enjoy photography and traveling. Tofay we went to a nurseery called Cactus Joe's where we walked a labyrinth. It was really hot tofay reaching nearly 100'F. Hope you are doing well. Wishing you lots of happy moments. <3 JarieLyn

Postcrossings Out The Door

Today was a holiday in the U.S. so no mail in or out. I have two postcrossings that I prepared for tomorrow's (Tuesday) outgoing mail.

The above card is going to Russia.

I write: Hello Elena, you have the same birthday as my dad. He passed away in 1993 but I think about him all the time. I know he is here with me in spirit which is comforting. I hope you will have a wonderful birthday this year. I will be on a mini vacation in California during that time, so I know I will be having fun on your birthday. Wishing you much love and happiness in your life. <3 JarieLyn

The above card is on its way to Poland.

I write: Hello Ada, I live in Las VEgas, Nevada with my husband. Friday morning we felt an earthquake. My couch was moving with me on it and the walls were reattling. It was a little bit scary but no damage was done. Have a wonderful day and may you experience lots of sunshine in your life. Lots of love, <3 JarieLyn

I hope all of you are spreading the love around. I'm no Pollyanna but I do like to be positive.

Traveling Postcrossings

Hello, Hello, Hello. 

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." ~unknown~

Today's postcrossings are traveling to The Netherlands, Chicago, Germany, and Belarus. 

I write: Dear Frank and Susanna, it's a pleasure to be sending you a postcard. The image on this card represents all of the wildlife we have in our desert. It's my personal opinion that the card is prettier than the actual desert. On antoher note, it's been a fairly lazy weekend for me and my husband. We have been watching lots of movies on TV. Wishing you all the best. <3 JarieLyn

I write: Hi Alena, I love your name. I don't have any romantic couples on a postcard, however, I hope this will delight you. (I doodled an image of a face)  San Diego is a great place to visit. It's about a 5 or 6 hour drive from Las Vegas. Have a wonderful life. I wish you much happiness and love. <3 JarieLyn

I write: Hello Mirjam, warm greetings from Las Vegas. I hope you like these love monkeys. I got this card a few week ago when I was on a field trip with my camera club in Carlsbad, California. We photographed the flower fields, walked barefoot on the beach, ate good food, drank margaritas and snapped a photo of the sun setting behind the pier. Good times were had by all. May you be blessed with many things that make you smile. Have a great day. <3  JarieLyn

I write: Dear Anna, greetings from Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a member of the League of Extraordinary Penpals. It is a fabulous group with penpals for every age. I am 50 years old and I have a mal blog where I showcase my incoming & outgoing mail. "Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind." ~Johann Wolfgang Goethe~  <3 Happy Mailings. <3 JarieLyn

Found!

I know the day is nearly over but I still want to say, Happy Sunday!  Yesterday I was looking for something in the massive pile of junk that I had on my desk and I found two postcrossings that I wrote at the end of March and never sent. Shame on me. I always put the date on my postcards, so now, I will add the mailing date as well so the recipient will know that it didn't really take almost two months to travel. Without further ado, here are the postcards.

The above postcard is goin to China. 

I write: Hello pretty girl. I had the priveledge of traveling to Death Valley last weekend with my camera club. We photographed wild flowers, salt flats, and the badlands at sunset. It was a vrey long day, but a lot of fun. The weathr had been very hot for this time of year. Ihope your world is a sunny one. <3 Many Blessings! <3 JarieLyn

This card is on its way to Italy.

I write: Greetings Agostino! My husband and I traveled to Kentucky last year for our vacation. It is a beautiful state with lots of lush green grass and horse farms. It is quite a contrast to the desert landscape of Las Vegas where I have lived for 16 years. Life is good and I am most grateful for everything I have. <3 Wishing you lots of sunshing. <3 JarieLyn

Postcrossings out the door

Good afternoon gorgeous people. I feel like I've been really busy, but in reality I think I've been spinning my wheels. Anyhow, these went out well over a week ago but I'm just getting around to posting. I have some things to photograph that came in also, but I'll save that for another day. Here's the Postcrossings that made it out the door.

This playful card is on its way to Germany.

I write: Hello Anne, I am a 50 year old woman living in Las Vegas, Nevada with my husband. I have many interests and I am not the type of person who gets bored easily. I think it's becaus I enjoy my own company and I iknow how to relax and do nothing. St. Patrick's is coming up and we celebrate by wearing green and drinking green beer or other foods that are dyed green. Have a wonderful day. <3 JarieLyn

This card is going a short distance to Bellevue, Wa.

I write: Hello from warm & sunny Las Vegas. I took al ong walk earlier today and enjoyed the smells as I strolled along. Fresh cut grass has such a great aroma and it gives me such pleasure to be able to breathe it in. I'm sure you have lots of nature to enjoy where you are. Have a wonderful day. <3 JarieLyn

This sweet card is traveling to Russia.

I write: Hello Galina it is my pleasure to be writing to you. I live in Las VEegas, Nevada with my husband. I too, admire Thomas Kinkade's beautiful artwork. I felt so sad when I heard he passed away. He was too young. Life is magical and I am so grateful for nature. Wishing you many blessings. <3 JarieLyn

Outgoing Mail

Good morning peeps. It is a gorgeous day here in Las Vegas, but even on the dreariest days I find beauty hiding in various places just waiting to be noticed. I went out and had some fun last night.

Michelle on the left and me on the right. We've been friends for 46 years. She lives in Central California and she and her fiance' decided to come to Vegas for a few days. We went out to dinner, then went on Fremont Street to experience all the craziness of the freaks, geeks, and tweeks. Seriously, we had a great time and I'm so glad I got to meet her fiance'. 

Now for the outgoing mail:

A letter to my friend Deyanira who lives in Texas.

A Postcrossing going to Svetlana in Russia.

I write: Dear Svetlana, I am a former private investigator turned housewife. I love being creative, especially through mail art and journaling. I have many hobbies including reading tarot cards, writing pen pals, traveling, photography, collecting piggy banks and much much more. I strive to learn something new every day. I hope you do too. Dream big. Have a great day. <3 JarieLyn

This is going to Karen in Florida.

I write: Hello Karen, I enjoyed reading your profile. It's been rainy here in Vegas the past two days, which I love. It was a beautiful day on Saturday, warm and sunny. My brother and his family surprised me by coming to town for their twin daughters jiu jitsu competition so my husband and I attended the match and then we all went to dinner afterward. It made for a great week-end. <3 JarieLyn

This is going to Anke in Germany.

I write: Hello Anke, the mint julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby. (horse race) My husband and I were lucky enough to attend the derby last year for our vacation and trying the mint julep was on my list of things to do. The drink was the most awful thing I have ever tasted, however, my taste buds were soon satisfied with another derby favorite, The Pink Lady. Now that was yummy. Be adventurous! <3 JarieLyn

***************************************************

Incoming:

A Postcrossing from Germany.

The sender writes: Dear JarieLyn, we are pretty much the same! I also love snail mail, I have a wonderful pen friend in Hong Kong. I like Chistmas and bright colours. I like all kins of music except heavey and hard head banging music. I love dogs (especially huskeys). Best wishes, Jasmin.

Liberate your art

Good afternoon lovely peeps. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been feeling quite creative lately and in order to keep those creative juices flowing, I signed up for Liberate Your Art over at Kat Eye Studio. It's a postcard swap, but it's much more than that. The premise is that you create a piece of art whether it's via painting, sketching, drawing, photography or mixed media. Once you create your piece of art, you have it professionally printed onto a postcard (or you can make your own) and you send 5 postcards to the organizer of Liberate Your Art and she sends you 5 postcards in return created by 5 different artists.  She lists a resource page that will help you determine where to get your art printed, etc. Why don't you click on the above links and sign up for the project. It's an annual thing so it only happens once a year. Don't miss out. Get creative and send your art on a journey.  I will post mine once I get them on postcards. I can say that I created a doodly piece of art and I also have some colorful photography that anyone would love to receive.  But until then, I will share two postcrossings that I sent out a couple of days ago.

This dehydrated fellow is going to a young lady in Portugal.

I write: Dear Margarida, it is nearly midnight and I am wide awake. Earlier tonight I met with my psychic development group and then my firend and I went out to dinner at a place called Ghenkis Grill. this is my first postcard to Portugal. I'm always excited when I get a new country to send to. I live in Las vegas, but I traveled to Arizona last year for a weekend get-away. Many blessings! <3 JarieLyn

This picturesque beauty is traveling to India to be with Ashok.

I write: Dear Ashok, you don't see this type of landscape in Las Vegas unless it's a garden in somebody's backyard. I hope this card meets your expectations for your request of flora and fauna. You must see all kinds of amazing mail working in the postal department. Wishing you much happiness. <3 JarieLyn

I always sign my name with a heart first. It makes me feel like I'm creating more love for the universe when I do that. 

Go have an amazing day my lovely peeps. I adore every single one of you.

<3 JarieLyn

An angel to watch over you

Good afternoon lovelies. This morning I woke up to an awesome text from my esthetician telling me to come in to the salon for a complimentary microdermabrasion facial. Well who am I to turn that down. It's normally $65.00 for this service and I got it for free. Not only that, but she also gave me a couple of gift certificates to give to my friends. ( I was already planning to buy one for somebody) So, I tipped her $50.00 because really what she gave me was worth four times that amount. I am one blessed lady. What does this have to do with mail? Well, nothing but it is a prelude to the first postcrossing card I'm about to show you.

Outgoing Mail:

This little angel is on her way to Natasha in Russia.

I write: Dear Natasha, I'm sending this angel to watch over you. Of course, there are angels all around you all ready, but one from me to you is special. I send you positive thoughts with divine love from my heart to yours. May the angels keep blessing you all the days of your life. <3 Peace and happiness to you. <3 ~JarieLyn

These two beautiful creatures are headed to Svetlana in Belarus.

I write:  Hello Svetlana, it's currently raining here in Las Vegas, Nevada where I live. We don't get much rain here in the desert so it is a nice welcome. I turned 50 last year. Yikes! I am a positive thinker. I believe in the law of attraction and that we create our circumstances by what we focus on. I talk to angels and spirit guides and I am currently studying to become a Reiki Master. I love my life. <3 sending positive vibes your way. <3 JarieLyn

This postcard is going to Emma in the UK.

I write: Hello lovely Emma. I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada but I travel to California a lot, which is where the image on this postcard is located. Congratulations on becoming a pediatric nurse. I am studying to become a Reiki Master. I believe in both Eastern and Western healing modalities. Love from my <3 to yours. JarieLyn

This touristy card is traveling to Megan in Taiwan.

I write: Hello megan, I have lived in Las Vegas since 1998. There's lots to do here, especially for photographers. We have one of the best camera clubs in the world, with over 300 active members. You can check us out at www.nevadacc.org. We have phenomenal photographers in our club and you can see some of their photos on the website. Wishing you much joy. <3 JarieLyn

This linen postcard is headed to Australia for Amber.

I write: Hi Amber, I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I believe this is an actual vintage postcard of Hoover Dam, not a reproduction. (not 100 % sure) I spend most of my days creating art, blogging, reading, and watching TV. Tonight I'm looking forward to watching Vanderpump Rules. :) Make your life awesome. <3 JarieLyn

First Outgoing Postcrossings of The Year

I did not realize that it had been so long since I mailed a Postcrossing. According to my profile, the last postcrossing I sent was to Russia in September of 2014. No wonder my mailbox has been empty. I just haven't been writing or sending anything to receive anything in return. It's true what they say, you've got to give exactly what you want to receive. It's just how the universe works, not just in the postal system but in all areas of life. It's universal law.

I decided to mail five at a time to start with since I am allowed 14 to travel at this time.  The first postcard is headed to The Russian Federation to a woman named Vera.

 Vera likes anything related to Christmas and prefers those types of postcards. I got this one from the Pottery Barn of all places. I was there buying my brother a wedding gift and saw a tin of vintage reprodcution postcards so naturally, I bought it.  I didn't write much to Vera because I don't think she speaks english. I wrote her name in artistic syle and said a big hello. I wished her happiness and love and that is all.

I had to honor the King's birthday month by sending out at least one card with his image. The Elvis postcard is going to Colorado to Mary Esther. I told her what a fan I've always been and how I went to Graceland for my honeymoon which was a dream come true.

This postcard is going to Stefan in Germany. He really wanted a postcard that showed football or football stadium, but unfortunately, I don't have any postcards that represent football. The Kentucky Derby racetrack isn't exactly football, but it's an american sport. I told him how going to the Kentucky Derby had been on my bucket list for years and I finally realized that dream in May of 2014. I told him how exciting and amazing the energy was.

Jac in the Netherlands loves collecting postcards depicting churches. Well, since I live in Las Vegas, I had to send him a postcard with a wedding chapel on the front,  Wedding chapels have always been a huge thing in Vegas. It's part of our history and one of the things we're famous for. Elvis once married at the Little Church of the West Wedding Chapel. Again, I'm honoring the Kin'gs birthday month.

Emily in China requested art cards or cards with plants and animals. I'm not particularly crazy about this card and I think it's ugly. However, I think it will be perfect for Emily. I talked about my parents and how they go out dancing at least four times a week and how much I wish I could do the same.

Well that's about it in a nutshell. Speaking of nuts, I'm craving some almonds right now.

Have a great day everyone and I will touch base on the next round or whatever.