Showing posts with label Paper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paper. Show all posts

Thursday, July 23, 2015

I'm a Paper Whore, Specifically, a Postcard Whore

The title says it all. I collect paper and postcards like a nymphomaniac collects notches on her bedpost. I just can't help myself. I have a problem. Just like a whore who sleeps with every Tom, Dick, and Harry to fulfill some void in her soul, I need postcards, notecards and paper to fulfill something missing inside of me. If it wasn't paper, it would be something else. I know this because I have an addictive personality. I was addicted to cigarettes before I was finally able to quit ten years ago. Once I quit, I substituted smoking with eating. Yep, I turned to sweets. I'm just barely weaning myself away from that but not quite. I could go on and on with things that I need, but overall, I guess it's a positive thing that I'm addicted to buying paper, (unless it really turns into hoarding) because there are certainly a lot worse things I could be addicted to. You get my jist, I'm sure. 

Take a look at my stash. I'm sure it will make you feel much better about your own. 


All of the boxes in the above photo contains vintage postcards. I have them organized according to years, and whether or not they have been used/written and stamped.


These are the postcards in the big box that weigh about 35 pounds. All of these postcards are vintage but are unused. They range from early 1900's all the way to the late 90's or early 2000's.


This box contains all used/written/stamped cards from 1980's to 2000's.


The variety is quite extensive in this box.


1900's to 1940's. All used and written or stamped. This box contains a lot of my favorites, not neccesarily because of the images, but rather what is written on the back. Some of them are funny.


Just love all the colorful cards from the olden days.


1950's, 1960's and 1970's. All used, written or stamped.


When I first began collecting postcards, I was drawn to the early 1900's, but the more I collect, the more I am beginning to love the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Lately, I feel really drawn to old motel cards and roadside attractions. I love them all.


I started this box of postcards to put all the ugliest cards in and then I bought another couple of hundred mixed lot to add to my collection, and I didn't want to take the time to organize them so I just put them in the box with the ugly postcards. Some of these are used and some are unused.

Are you starting to see why I call myself a postcard whore?


This box contains all foreign postcards. I believe they are all unused but there may be some used ones that slipped in by accident.


This is where I store the vintage postcards that I am keeping for myself at the moment. Of course, the cards inside could be on rotation because what might be my favorite today, may not be my favorite tomorrow.  I'll show you a few samples of what's inside.


Don't you just love how colorful they are?


These little black and white dog postcards are one of my all time favorite series of cards. I think these cuties got their own blog post awhile back.


This drawer is full of notecards. This is only half of my stash.


This drawer contains only Christmas cards and Christmas related stuff like invitations, etc.
I love, love, love buying Christmas cards. I love sending Christmas cards every year to friends, family, acquaintances, pen pals, and for swaps. In fact, the only way I get Christmas cards back is to join a swap on swap-bot. So sad, don't you think?


This is my postcard stock that I have specifically for Postcrossing. These are all new cards that I get when I travel and/or that I buy from amazon.com. I like being prepared.



Of course, I need decorative paper for my computer. These are for the days when my arthritis is bad or I'm just lazy and would rather type than handwrite my letters.


I almost forgot the drawer that has stationery and writing sets/envelopes.

I still have hundreds of postcards that I didn't show you. These are the ones I get from Postcrossing and from pen pals, family and friends. I have them in a special place. When they first arrive in my mailbox I pin them to my bulletin board and they get displayed until new arrials take their place. I do not ever throw away pen pal letters or postcards but they are special to me. I cherish every word that everyone writes to me, including complete strangers.

So, do you feel better now. I bet your stash doesn't seem so huge now that you've seen mine.

What?

Did I hear you say, "I'm a paper whore"?


I totally agree.

Smile.

What are your favorite types of postcards?

If you'd like me to send you a random card from my collection, leave a comment specifying if you prefer it already written on, unwritten, or if you want me to write something on an unused card. You can send me a private message with your address after you leave a comment. 

Have an amazing night! 

















Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Receiving Abundance

Wow! I am truly blessed. Lately, I have been receiving various things without asking. I've been surprised by the kindness and generosity of my fellow bloggers which has made my mailbox, and me, very happy.


First, from the wonderfully talented Limner over at Oh Write Me. This is not only a great envelope on the outside, it's bursting with delicious papers on the inside.


The variety is superb.


Patterned Postcards among the awesomeness.


A variety of writing papers with the other side a different pattern or picture.


Unique cut-outs to use in mail art or whatever project calls you to use these fun items.


Pretty tags.

There were a couple of more items that I didn't photograph but all were fun and pretty and unique.
Thanks Limner.

Next up is a package I received from one of my favorite blogs that I've been following for quite a few years, Titere Con Bonete. Alicia, the author of the blog was doing a book review from this post back in March. Well, I made a comment about the post and the next thing I know Alicia asks me for my address so she can send me the book that she was doing the review on. I was not expecting that at all.


I haven't read the book yet, but I was very happy to receive it and hopefully, I will learn something from it. Damn, I sure wish my body looked like the girl on the cover of the book. 

What Acts of Random Kindess have you performed or received lately?









Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New Year, New Mail...........

I'm the only person I know who goes to the post office every single day.
 
 
I'm afraid I'll miss out on finding something like this in my mailbox.

 
Yeah, I know it will still be there waiting for me if I skip a day or two.
But I just can't help myself.
 
 
I knew this paper was coming and I wanted to greet it right away.
I wanted to touch it and feel the texture and imagine whose name would be at the top of this paper when I write my next letter.
I still haven't a clue.
This paper is courtesy of Derrick, and don't you just love the map envelope and the stamps too.
Thanks, Derrick.
 
I received two postcrossing cards today.
 
 
The first one from Germany.
It is so cute.
The sender writes:
Hey JarieLyn!
Best X-Mas wishes from Germany!
I just came back home from a short holiday in Finland.
It was nice and there was lots of snow.
(In Germany we have 13 degrees celcius today!!)
Take care,
Monika
 
 
I really love this card.
It comes from California.
The sender writes:
Hi JarieLyn
Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I was a photographer with Elle mag years ago now I work with the airlines.
Hope you are well.
Happy Postcrossing.
Ron.
 
Here's what went out today.
 
 
This letter is for a swap on swap-bot.
 
 
A different swap.
 
 
And a different swap.
 
Three envelopes, three separate swaps.
 
 
An official postcrossing card on its way to Croatia.
 
 
This postcard is for a swap.
 
Same swap, different person.
 
That's it for today.
 
I still have a lot of letters to write.
 


Friday, December 28, 2012

Friday Fulfillment

Today is Friday and yet, I thought it was Tuesday.
Following is two days worth of mail and let me tell you I got some good mail.
All mail is good, but I got a couple of unexpected surprises:
 
Like this box below from Becky.
 
 
I won't show you everything, but there were lots of paper goodies inside.
 
 
I love this ephemera.
But then again, I love anything that looks retro or vintage.
Honestly, I think I was reincarnated from another era.
 
In addition to what you see, there were many notecards, postcards, old photos, scraps of paper, etc.
I love that everything inside is something different.
 
I recall as a kid, there was this store we used to go to called Grant's.
They sold all kinds of toys and other things and they had grab bags that you could buy.
My sister and I loved the grab bags.
It was the excitement of not knowing what was inside and the anticipation of finding out.
That's kind of how I felt when going through Becky's gift of goodies.
It was very exciting and I did feel like a little kid again.
Thanks, Becky.
I loved everything inside and I definitely will put the items to good use.
 
 
Another surprise from a blog reader who found my address via Mailbox Happiness.
She made this postcard with her own photos.
It's very well done and shows some lovely places.
Quite beautiful, Mariska.
 
 
An official postcrossing card from Poland.
The sender writes:
Hello JarieLyn,
I'm a teenager from Poland.
This postcard shows beautiful place in our polish mountains, The valley of Five Ponds.
This photo shows the big pond. I hope you'll like it.
Best regards,
Natalia.
 
Yes, that is a big pond. It looks more like a river.
Thanks, Natalia. It's very pretty.
 
 
My first postcard from LR who found me via sendsomething.
She wrote a wonderful note on the back of the card.
I love this card.
 
 
This is a Christmas card from my mom's cousin.
But she's closer to my age than my mom's age.
 
 
This is such a cute card.
I'm not sure but I think someone that I sent a swap to sent this to me.
I have no clue who it is.
I log all of my mail and my swaps and I can't trace it.
I do however, seem to vaguely recall writing an envelope for this person.
Shame on me.
I love this card.
 
 
A thank you card  from our nephew's in-laws.
We met them for the first time in December and had dinner with them and our nephew and his wife.
Tucked inside this Thank You card was a $100.00 gift card for Outback restaurant.
It was a total surprise and very thoughtful.
 
 
A nice holiday card from my penpal Lisa.
And.....
she sent me this lovely postcard from La Papierre.
 
 
 
I adore this postcard.
I immediately went to Julie's Lapapierre.com shop and browsed.
An order from her shop is in my future.
 
 
Speaking of Julie, this card from her was in my mailbox today.
She has the neates handwriting ever.
Maybe I should practice my penmanship.
 
 
An official postcrossing card from Singapore.
I think it's a fabulous card of the city.
The sender writes:
Hi Jarielyn,
"If it comes from your heart, how can you fail?"
I love that last statement of yours.
Sorry could not find the card that you like.
I picked this as I was walking towards the subway going to work in Marina Bay; the area that you see in the postcard.
Singapore is a very small country and this area is one of the nicest spot that I'm proud to share with you!
Sincerely Azhari.
 
Very nice.
 
 
A letter and a card from my swap partner for six weeks of snail mail.
I received week one and two on the same day.
This card is one of the prettiest landscape cards I've ever seen.
This photo does not do it justice.
It really is beautiful.
And her letter was very nice too.
 
 
This is a really nice postcard from another swap I joined.
I'm not sure what the picture is of but it is quite beautiful.
 
Here's my outgoing for yesterday.
 
 
This is for a swap I joined called snail mail.
There are some paper goodies inside for my partner.
 
 
An official postcrossing card on its way to Belarus.
 
 
An official postcrossing card on its way to Georgia.
 
 
An official postcrossing card on its way to Germany.
 
 
An official postcrossing card on its way to Ukraine.
 
I had three things going out today but I forgot to photograph them.
 
I have lots of letters to reply to.
 
Have a wonderful evening.