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

Postcrossings out the Door

Three more Postcrossings out the door. 

This cute lions are headed to Indonesia. 

I write: Greetings from Las Vegas! I am a collector of vintage postcards. I have about 5,000 cards in my collection. I especially love the ones that have detailed messages written on the back. I hope you get lots of key chains for your collection. Wishing you the best! <3 JarieLyn

This one is traveling to Canada.

I write: Hi Catherine, Today I hosted a Party-Lite candle party and had pizza for dinner. It was a hot day so I spent most of my time inside where it was cool. Now, the TV is entertaining me with recorded episodes of "Leah Rimini, It's all Relative". Cheers to a good life. <3 JarieLyn :)

These beauties are taking a slow boat to China.

I write: Greetings Luyu! It's been awhile since I"ve been horseback riding but I really enjoy it. All of my husband's family own horses and his brothers and nephews like to participate in roping competitions at the rodeo. Horses are magnificent animals. I wish you a happy life. <3 JarieLyn

Animals of Austalia

"That Dingo Ate My Baby". That's what I always hear in my mind when I see a photo of a dingo. I can't help it. Of course, that incident was a sad situation but it's funny how one little sentence can stick for years and years. How many people on this earth have used that line in a skit? No offense to anyone in Australia or anywhere else for that matter. 

This Postcrossing is obviously from Australia. See the dingo in the bottom right hand corner? 

The sender writes: Hi JarieLyn all the way from the east coast of Australia. We are surrounded by beaches and often see whales and dolphins at play in the wild. I'm a mum of four kids and we love to go camping and spend most of our free time outdoors. Winter has just started. Our days are still warm and sunny but nights chilly. Sending you peace and happiness. <3 Bel

Other animals pictured above are Koala, Wombat, Sugar Glider, Pretty Face Wallaby, Eastern Water Dragon, and Dingo.

My neighbor's sister-in-law had a sugar glider as a pet. She used to bring it with her wherever she went. I saw it once and got to pet it. That was about five years ago. The sugar-glider died just a few months back. My neighbor's sister-in-law is heartbroken.

:(

Incoming Postcards

Over the week-end, I received two postcards. One is an official Postcrossing and the other is from my pen pal, John who lives in the UK.

This Postcrossing came from San Diego. (I love it)

The sender writes: Hi JarieLyn! Greetings from "America's finest city"-San Diego, CA. Hope you have an awesome day. Happy Postcrossing! Mary Lou & Greg.

This beautifufl image is of Tolsta, Isle of Lewis. My pen pal John is visiting his brother in Scottland.

I never tire of receiving postcards in the mail. I especially like it when friends and family send me cards while they are away on travel.

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.

3 Well Filled Out Postcards

Good afternoon. Today is my perfect kind of day. I woke up early and there was nothing pressing that I had to do, nor anywhere I had to be. It feels good to not have to be stressed out about doctor appointments, personal appointments, or household errands. Maybe it's the air that is making me feel so good. It hints at the possibility of rain and I can smell it. I love it. I also enjoy the little bit of humidity. Yeah, it feels like home, but somewhere far away from my current home. I dream.

A Postcrossing from China.

Sender writes: Hi JarieLyn! I know you like cute map cards. So I pick out this postcard. Hope you can like it. I love dog too. My family had raised a Schnauzer. I called it Douding. I like it very much. Every day with him together but because of various reason, it is no longer live. I always feel sad for this. Look forward to your reply.

This Postcrossing comes from Portugal.

The sender writes: Ola' Jarielyn, (hello in portuguese) I was born in Rio de Jainero, Brasil, and always like to travel. So when I did 23 years I decide to see the world! Now I am 37 Y.O. and I am taking my PhD in Coimbra. I fell in love with the city (and my husband :)) So I chose this postcard. It is a special edition in celebration of 725 years of the University of Coimbra. It is where I pretty much live, because beside studying I also work as a jounalist. I hope you like it! Best. Karine.

This little tiny angel comes from Russia.

Sender writes: Hello JarieLyn! My name is Katherina. I live in Tver, Russia. I hope you like this "angel" card :) on it is the words of Coco chanel and Sharon Stone. "If you were born without wings-let them grow." and "What vounts in life is not how you fall but how you rise!" All the best, Katherina.

Message from a Kitty

Yesterday felt more like Friday than today. Woo Hoo. That means I still have a good week-end ahead of me. I'm going to be preparing lots of Postcrossings and writing letters. In the meantime, here's a Postcrossing I received in the mail yesterday. It traveled all the way from Taiwan.

It's really cute.

The fine print on the fron of the card reads:  Where are you?  No matter where you are, I will send my best greeting for you.

The sender writes: Hi JarieLyn! Greetings from Taiwan! I love dogs as you do! We have a crogi named Betty in my fgamily. I also like boots, but the weather here is warm, even in the winter, so I usually wear ankle boots. :)  Happy Postcrossing! Chien-Wen

From Arizona to Taitung County Taiwan

This Postcrossing is traveling to Taiwain.

I write: Dear Sabine, I love writing in my journal. Each day when I meditate, I get a word of the day. At night, I will reflect on the word and write in my journal how it impacted my day. It's a great way to gain insight and a deeper knowledge of myself. <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

Life is Better with Friends and Twins

I'm a loner but I agree that life is better with friends. There's no need to elaborate on the subject.

This Postcrossing arrived in my mailbox from the Netherlands.

The sender writes: Dear JarieLyn, a life together is so much nicer. I'm married now 1 month at 15 May and we are 7 years together. Happy Postcrossing greetings. Rog

This Postcrossing came from Canada.

The sender writes: Hi JarieLyn! We are 6 year old twins from Alberta Canada! We joined postcrossing with our mom so we could learn how mail works. It is so cool to see the postcards in our mailbox! Have a good week. Audrey and Sophia.

Those two twins signed their own names which is adorable. That alone makes this card special.

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

Summer Fun

Good Morning Lovelies. I'm probably stil sleeping, as this is a scheduled post. I like getting up early but really, I'm not a morning person at all. I love to sleep. My dreams are usually vivid and full of activity which is probably why I love sleeping so much. Ha ha.

Here are a couple of Postcrossings that I catergorized as summer fun because they both contain water.

Doesn't that look like fun? 

This postcard comes to me from the Netherlands.

The sender writes: Hi JarieLyn, I live in a small village nearby the sea and some lakes. On a hot day like today, it is so nice to jump in the water after work. Love that :) Have a great day! Corien.

This postcard comes to me from Portugal.

The sender writes: Ola! Greetings from a very hot Lisben. (+ 31'c) Here you have the map of the south of Portugal-where you find the most beautigul beaches of the country. (and also lots and lots of tourists) I've never been in Las Vegas. My favorite cities are Chicago (I lived there) and Boston. All the best. Alice.

Beautiful water. I will dream of a house on a lake, and dive in before I wake.

Today's outgoing mail

Hello. I planned on writing this post early this morning but as usual, procrastination took hold of me. I'm sure some of you can relate to that. Ha ha.  Well, here's the mail I sent out today. One Postcrossing and one pen pal letter.

This image of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville is headed to Russia.

I write: Dear Olesya, I live in Las VEgas, Nevada but I really love Nashville, Tennessee. Sometimes I can see and hear spirits. I belong to a group where we practice giving each other readings. Wishing you all the best. <3 JarieLyn

A letter on the way to Rachel in Illinois.

It's a hot one here, but I'm not complaining. I feel very fortunate to have the sun shine down upon me.

Have a great evening.

A Puppy and a Kitten!

I love, love, love animals. I especially love dogs and cats and adore them as puppies and kittens.  And I am sure you are going to love these postcards. If they don't make you smile then I'm not sure what could melt your cold, cold heart, because these fur babies are just the cutest ever.

This little guy is from France.

The sender writes: For you this little dog as you like! As you, I love any animals. I love a cat called "OLYMPE". Best regards, Catherine.

This little sweetie traveled all the way from the Czech Republic.

The sender writes: Hello :) My name is Romana and I send you hello from Czech Republic :) I read that you like shoes. Me too. I have a lot o high-heels shoes and other style :) My favorite season is summer too. I like swimming and sunbathing. Best Wishes. Romana.

Two little cutie patooties wishing you a good night.

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

Little lambs from Germany

It's a hot one outside, but I'm surviving the heat and apprecaiating air condition in my house and car.

Today's incoming Postcrossing traveled all the way from Germany. Two little lambs, so cute.

  

The sender writes: Hello JarieLyn, my name is Klaus, I am 59 years old and married. We live with our two dogs in a small village in Germany, near the border to The Netherland. "Viele GruBe aus Deutschland" and happy postcrossing.  Klaus

Husky at my doorstep!

Husky's are probably my favorite breed of dog specifically because they are so beautiful and smart. Yes, they can be a handful but they are so loveable too. I really miss having a dog, which is why receiving postcards of huskies, or any dog for that matter really brings me joy. I don't know what it is but when I look at the image on the postcard I feel such a connection to animals. My heart expands.

I received this beautiful postcrossing from Switzerland. The expression on the dog's face reminds me of my own dog who has since left this earthly plane. It makes my heart smile.

The sender writes: Hello JarieLyn, Greetings from Berne, Switzerland. I'm married and mother of a 18 years old boy. I like astrology too, but I don't take it seriously. I like reading novels, walking and knitting. Best wishes. Happy Postcrossing. Catherine.