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.

Letters to Two Southern Ladies

I recently became aware that I don't have any pen pals on the west coast. It's not something that happened on purpose but I find it ironic that I long to live in the south and that's where most of my pen pals reside. Two more pen pal letters are south bound, one to Texas and one to South Carolina.

Darn, I forgot to photograph the envelope after I decorated it.

A newsletter pen pal letter. I tried it once before and thought it was a fun way to write a letter .

A Summer in Paris

How many of you have ever spent a summer in Paris? How many of you wish you could spend a summer in Paris? I think most of us romantacize the city. But hey, that's what we do when day dreaming of far away places. It makes us smile. I may not be spending my days walking the streets of Paris, but this summer I will be coloring the streets of Paris, thanks to the wonderful and amazing Limner. Confused? Well, keep on scrolling and you'll see what I mean in a second.

An envelope from Limner. On the other side it reads: Do not open until package arrives.

Fortunately, both the envelope and the package were in my mailbox yesterday.

The package. Notice the FYI in the lefthand corner. It stands for: For Youthful Impulses..... I like it. I also really like the map paper. I wish you could all feel it because the texture is amazing. It feels like an old vintage linen postcard. 

The contents of the package. Pretty in pink.

What a fun gift to receive.

So many little details to color in. Now you know why I'll be spending my summer coloring in Paris. I will share with you when I've got some of the pages colored in. These are pictures on the backside of the long mural to color in. I will definitely be busy, and I can't wait.

I also received another letter from Cat on the same day. I love having mail in my mailbox.

Her hand drawn characters are so cucte. I love all the different expressions. My favorite is the cat on top. He just looks worn out and relieved to be resting.

Incoming Letters

Good morning my friends. I've been up for over an hour yet I'm still yawning. Have I mentioned before that I'm not a morning person? I've got a busy day ahead of me but I always like to start my day reading blogs and posting on mine if I have something to post. Well, knock me over with a feather because I got some letters in the mail yesterday which means I am able to make a post. I know some people don't like showing the mail they receive because they think it's showing off. Well, in a sense it is, but not in a "look at me, I'm so special" kind of way. but more like a "see, there are people out there who still enjoy writing real letters" kinda of way. And that's why I show them off. But all of you mail people know that all ready. This is for those of you who stumbled on my blog accidentally.

Two great letters, one from New York and one from Connecticut. Reading a letter is like reading a really good book, except it's a lot shorter. Every time you read a letter from the same person it's like reading the next chapter in a book, only it's the next chapter in the person's real life.

Have a great day creating your next chapter.

Four More but Who's Keeping Score?

Good morning. It's bright and sunny with a chance of sweating to death. Ugh! I'm staying cool though. When I finish this post, I'm out the door and I can't wait to get Amazing Greens Smoothie from Jamba Juice. Whole foods, no sweeteners added, and good for me. My mouth is watering all ready. What are you looking forward to today? A letter, possibly?

A long, overdue letter headed to New York.

Another long, overdue letter but this one is traveling to Wisconsin.

This one is going to Georgia, sweet Georgia.

This little alien is hitching a ride all the way to The Netherlands.

I'm also all caught up on my correspondence. It feels great to have written so many replies that were so overdue. I promise to never get that behind again. I love to write letters.

Outgoing Letters

Personalize a free picture collage

Love Letters Left Behind

Hello lovely, lovely, awesome people. Isn't love grand? Even more grand is proof that love exists through confessions jotted down in letters. Have you ever stumbled upon a box of romantic love letters that belonged to someone you knew? I once spotted a box of letters that belonged to my mom which were sent to her from my dad while he was in the army. I never read them, and sadly, I believe those letters were lost in a move back in the 1980's. My mom and dad were divorced when I was ten years old, and my dad has since passed away, but I would love to have had those letters passed down to me. But I digress.

I stumbled upon a website the other day called globalloveletters.com. After browsing the site and watching the videos they posted, I felt truly inspired to write my own love letters anonymously to complete strangers.  Yesterday, I wrote my first letter and left it at the grocery store for someone to find. Oh how I wish I had access to a hidden camera to catch the reaction of the person fortunate to open the envelope.

I'm not sure if anyone saw me leave it in the basket. I hope not. 

I wrote another letter today but haven't placed it anywhere yet. Here's today's letter.

So what do you think?  Would you be curious enough to open an envelope that said, "Open Me"?

I encourage you to check out the Global Love Letters website. Maybe it will inpire you as well.

I wish all of you much love and a warm heart.

<3 JarieLyn

Update:  Last night at dinner I decided to leave the above letter for our waitress. She was awesome.

Letters In The Mail

Good afternoon my lovelies. Did you miss me? I sure missed all of you. It's been awhile since my last post and the only excuse I have is pure laziness. I've received lots of mail but I'm so far behind in posting on the blog that I'm certainly not going to show you everything. Today, I want to tell you about a wonderful site for writers that I discovered awhile back. It's called The Rumpus. It contains essays, reviews, interviews, and all sorts of interesting things. But the most interesting thing about their site that I want to share with you is their Letters in the Mail Subscription.  Each month you will receive two letters in the mail from other letter writers. (I am not an affiliate nor do I receive any compensation for talking about this website) Some of these letters come from famous persons. I subscribed a few months ago and I am always so excited to get my Rumpus Letter in the mail. I know what you're thinking-"why should I subscribe to a service to receive a letter in my mail when there are so many pen pal sites out there?" That's a good question, and one that has a simple answer. Because you are guaranteed to receive two letters every month. With a pen pal, you never know when they'll reply to a letter that you have written. I have been pleasantly surprised with each letter I receive.  Here's what the letters look like.

Some of the letters are handwritten and some of the letters are typed, but each one is different in the letter writing style. I even received a letter that had doodles in it. Some of the letters have an address so that you can write the author back. It's very cool really. Not only are the letters interesting, but they are inspiring. These letters are from real writers and some read like a chapter from a book. 

So go check it out now.

The Rumpus.

Have a great evening.

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.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day. This isn't just a day for lovers. It's a day for self-love as well. I mean, if you don't love yourself how can you love someone else. You can't give out what you don't have, so if you don't have self-love, there's no love to give. Make this day special for you, especially if you are single. Treat yourself with kindness and look in the mirror and tell yourself that you love you. Don't cringe. It feels awkward at first, but it's good for the soul. And if you have someone to celebrate this day with, remember that it's because you love yourself and attracted the same love back to you.

Outgoing mail to New York and to North Carolina.

LetterMo Begins

I wasn't sure that I wanted to participate in LetterMo this year, but at the last minute, meaning just now, I decided I would take on the challenge. What is LetterMo? Copied directly from the LetterMo website, following is the explanation.

The Challenge

I have a simple challenge for you.

1. In the month of February, mail at least one item through the post every day it runs. Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture, or a cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch.
2. Write back to everyone who writes to you. This can count as one of your mailed items.

All you are committing to is to mail 23 items. Why 23? There are four Sundays and one US holiday. In fact, you might send more than 23 items. You might develop a correspondence that extends beyond the month.

Write love letters, thank yous, or simply notes to say that you miss an old friend. Send a fabric swatch from your new dress. A feather you picked up while on a walk. Whatever it is, let yourself step away from the urgency of modern life and think about an audience of one. Think of it as sending 23 little gifts. And, who knows, you might enjoy going to the mail box again.

Feeling intimidated? It’s fewer words than NaNoWriMo and I know how many of you do that. Join me in The Month of Letters Challenge.

Sincerely yours,

Think you want to give it a try? It all starts tomorrow so go sign up at LetterMo.com. It'll make you stretch your cognitive muscles. ~JLR~

Oh Happy Mail Day!

It's a good sign when I open my mailbox and spy anything in there at all. I always get so excited when I see colorfully decorated envelopes. It means that somebody put extra effort into their correspondence just for me. Well today, I'm feeling all sun-shiny and giddy because I received two colorful envelopes from the same person.

The top envelope contained a chatty letter which I am totally stoked about. The letter contained some  good news and now I feel like a kid who's waiting to go to Disneyland for the first time. I'm like, Hurry Up Already!  Ha Ha.

The second envelope contained some vintage postcards and vintage ephemera. Thank you!!! I love it all. It doesn't take much to please me. 

Finally, I received this card from a postcard swap I joined on Swap-Bot. 

Mostly, I'm just super stoked at the news in the letter. Thanks for making my day. 

Letters, Swaps, and Postcrossing: Outgoing Mail

Yesterday, I busied myself with the task of completing swaps, writing letters and postcards.

 

One of these envelopes is for a notecard swap and the other one contains a postcard and some extras for the Adventures of the Traveling Postcard swap.

 

 

A pen pal letter to Jackie.

 

 

A pen pal letter headed to John.

 

 

A Postcrossing headed to Pennsylvania.

I write: Hi Jessica, I'm writing to you from my home in Las Vegas, NV. I love to read anything about the occult, metaphysical and paranormal. However, one of my favorite books has nothing to do with any of these subjects. It's called, The Instant Millionaire-A Tale of Wisdom & Wealth. It's a cute story with real life lesson. I try to read it at least once a year. :) Wishing you much happiness. <3 JarieLyn

 

 

This is a Postcrossing on the way to Taiwan.

I write: Dear Zoe, I could eat Mexican food everyday, but that would be very bad because I'd probably gain 200 lbs. My favorite Mexican food is a chile relleno. It's a mild chile pepper stuffed with cheese and fried wit an egg batter coating and then topped off with a mild sauce that can be varied in how it's cooked and how it tastes. I'm wondering if you have ever had Mexican food in your country. Wishing you much laughter. <3 JarieLyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can't believe that the week-end is half over already. I'm a little behind on posting mail but I'm still sending and receiving oodles of it.  I probably won't post everything that's come in and gone out, but I will post most of it.

 

First some Postcrossings that I sent.

 

 

This one is traveling to Germany.

I write: Greetings from sunny Las Vegas! The weather is perfect to start riding my bike again. Life is beautiful even when some circumstances are ugly. Embrace each moment and peer beyond the surface to see the magic that it holds. Wishing you all the best. <3 JarieLyn.

 

 

This one is headed to Taiwan.

I write: Hello Lucas, the world famous Hoover Dam used to be called Boulder Dam. I prefer the latter. Anyway, it's just past noon here and I'm already thinking about what to make for dinner. Last night I made beef stroganoff and it was pretty good. My husband really like it. :) Have a wonderful day and a happy life! <3 JarieLyn

 

 

This one is traveling to Belgium.

I write: Hello Raquel, it rained earlier today in Las Vegas but it didn't last long. The sun came out from behind the clouds and cast its rays across the valley. It's nice to be in a warm climate and I am grateful that I do not have to shovel snow. I hope you are doing well. Much happiness to you from me. <3 JarieLyn

 

 

This one is on the way to Lithuania.

I write: Dear V, greetings from Las Vegas. Every time I mail a postcard I feel like I'm sending love out into the world. That's why I like Postcrossing so much. It's my way of smiling at a stranger to whom I've never laid eyes upon. It's a great feeling. With this card, I send to you good vibes and lots of well wishes for a happy and healthy life. <3 JarieLyn

 

 

This is a postcard swap which are inside the envelope.

 

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

INCOMING

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

 

I have received lots of good mail over the past week or so.

 

 

A package from my pal Lynn.  She always writes the most awesome letters.  Also, she sent me a really nice gift that is so very thoughtful and I will cherish very much.  Sorry, no picture.

 

 

A card from Randall, who enclosed a little something extra. It was very thoughtful of him.

 

 

From my pal Rachel. She also enclosed something that she thought I might be interested in. 

 

All of the above letters and notes came from kind hearts. I felt very lucky all week long for the amazing thoughtfulness that came my way.  Thanks to all of you for sharing your generosity with me.

 

 

A Postcrossing from Hong Kong. I really like it a lot.

The sender writes: Hello Jarie! Many greetings from Hong Kong! :) My name is Vivian. I like photography and travelling too. And summer is also my favourite season. Although it's really hot in HK but I love the symbols of summer, like gold fish, watermelon, hydrangea, snow ice (dessert), fireworks etc. It's way like more in Japanese style and I planned to visit Tokyo in the coming summer :) Wish you all the best! Vivian.

 

 

A Postcrossing from Taiwan.

The sender writes: Hello, JarieLyn. Greetings from Taiwan :) My name is Quak! The back of the card is Mt. Ali. During Chinese New Year, it's filled with people, ha ha! Lots of family plan a trip there. (Because there's a cherry blossom) BTW I live in Kaohisung, we have 85 sky tower! I usually go to Siziwan to have a cup of coffee. I really enjoy that wonderful moment. Hou you can visit there one day! Best wishes :) from Quak.

 

 

This is a Postcrossing from the Netherlands.

It's not a postcard, it's an actual photograph that they sent in the mail.

The sender writes: Hallo JarieLyn, (the rest of it is in another language).

 

 

This is from a swapper for a notecard swap I joined on Swap-Bot.

 

 

From another swapper for a notecard swap.

 

 

A letter and some postcards from my pal John. Yep, I was the recipient of lots of extras this week. :)

 

So, I have more mail to post but I think I'll save it for another day. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.