tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69079984739231426572024-02-19T09:31:06.749-06:00Letters & JournalsJackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-48756113904985110132018-09-17T07:04:00.000-05:002018-09-17T07:07:06.440-05:00Letters & Journals Blog Has MovedThe <i>Letters & Journals </i>blog has moved to <a href="http://lettersandjournals.com/blog/" target="_blank">Wordpress</a>. You can find it <a href="http://lettersandjournals.com/blog/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWBIrs8d-pTFxliwqLcp_YHyLTOyT8xCHphpD8UJafimnAN_vfNbT8YI_7qG4Y-60s6UKz6hM0kahL3K-ReO8TsMyvKqPUT-8NoFZ8Pqc7V1VTRaETKKh0S0r6A3ht6AUSMmGtJf3RW8/s1600/we+moved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWBIrs8d-pTFxliwqLcp_YHyLTOyT8xCHphpD8UJafimnAN_vfNbT8YI_7qG4Y-60s6UKz6hM0kahL3K-ReO8TsMyvKqPUT-8NoFZ8Pqc7V1VTRaETKKh0S0r6A3ht6AUSMmGtJf3RW8/s1600/we+moved.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you're kind enough to include a link to <i>L&J </i>from your blog or website, please let me know so that I can send you a thank you card!<br />
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The <a href="http://lettersandjournals.com/" target="_blank">new website</a> is still in its beta stage and is being updated and tested as we continue to enrich and expand it. Your feedback is welcome.Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-36152205182928912092018-09-01T18:01:00.002-05:002018-09-06T06:50:51.956-05:00Antarctic PostmarksExotic postmarks have an allure and charm about them, especially the more well-known and scarce postmarks, such as mail postmarked from the Titanic or the Hindenburg.<br />
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When I heard about an opportunity to possibly receive mail postmarked from Antarctica, I prepared four envelopes and sent them off to the first two addresses listed on this government <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/philatelists.jsp" target="_blank">website</a>. I wanted to see if I received anything before sending to all three locations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVghU5cRmPdgVmhT5ODPu8NT9P9sKIdR0b4IlUJBrstf_fe_hlcNnmjpsx7hkFTXwKUmy7R7-cofROgsw5UhfERhNoyKqmREjEcCO0uTlEd1T8bH1mKef-vN6gGHDPsp1T-hxGiZL740/s1600/Antarctic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="349" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVghU5cRmPdgVmhT5ODPu8NT9P9sKIdR0b4IlUJBrstf_fe_hlcNnmjpsx7hkFTXwKUmy7R7-cofROgsw5UhfERhNoyKqmREjEcCO0uTlEd1T8bH1mKef-vN6gGHDPsp1T-hxGiZL740/s320/Antarctic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There's no guarantee that you'll receive your stamped envelopes back, but I thought it was worth a try and was glad to see two of them show up in my mailbox with their deliciously clear postmarks- especially on the envelope above with the postage stamps of Arctic explorers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp9BCDW3kTJTcOT4jDcVvS8-p-XpYkOLl9teoAO3K2PlJHUgZWK_mYo9NOvgDuwSoUoxjeKaFzSu253mZHHJbwcskrpy6pingXeKTYNyCwtFupSfRr3bF1HIna-Amdbb2mfs_IyYXn30/s1600/Antarctic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="346" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp9BCDW3kTJTcOT4jDcVvS8-p-XpYkOLl9teoAO3K2PlJHUgZWK_mYo9NOvgDuwSoUoxjeKaFzSu253mZHHJbwcskrpy6pingXeKTYNyCwtFupSfRr3bF1HIna-Amdbb2mfs_IyYXn30/s320/Antarctic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These both came from the McMurdo station as you can see from the postmarks above.<br />
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I've previously posted about postmarks <a href="http://lettersandjournals.blogspot.com/2011/07/postmarks.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lettersandjournals.blogspot.com/2009/08/exotic-postmarks.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Do you collect postmarks? Do you have a favorite or a place you wish you could have one from? <br />
<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-58299708390972004302018-08-23T05:45:00.000-05:002018-08-23T05:45:10.612-05:00Porcelain MailboxThis lovely mailbox was created by Kelvin Chen who is known for his collection of enameled porcelains. I found this in a gift shop in San Francisco when I was there this past March for my first ever <a href="http://officialplannercon.com/" target="_blank">PlannerCon</a> which I wrote about <a href="https://lettersandjournals.blogspot.com/2018/03/planner-con-2018-in-san-francisco.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-r0vwk1xx5LtHF5t7yuSj9xE4LUmDyNqyGGc-BkdKDQJN0Sb3pWaHHRS19UNRx6xUdvN1olQ1x80ep7I8Bemif2a9LzFG9mlOJSvpQeuCV20JMq3B3ZjoHYbHpwwQFDytiGMS4rjBz0/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-r0vwk1xx5LtHF5t7yuSj9xE4LUmDyNqyGGc-BkdKDQJN0Sb3pWaHHRS19UNRx6xUdvN1olQ1x80ep7I8Bemif2a9LzFG9mlOJSvpQeuCV20JMq3B3ZjoHYbHpwwQFDytiGMS4rjBz0/s320/IMG_3142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Don't you love the morning glory vines painted all over? Plus the butterfly, a bee and a tiny bird, a flower and a
mailbox flag on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgi81O_pieTso3PG3uKO-C8TbaHtBc7sv_bwVd43dW3fAhc50UQ10GYp9I1MYkWUP4kBLTIApD7puxuVFuM9sXknr1n4BSwXqn-hwaQhcQdQsYpf9ftnEADYlOEE30z4cvNmCT5sApu4/s1600/IMG_3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgi81O_pieTso3PG3uKO-C8TbaHtBc7sv_bwVd43dW3fAhc50UQ10GYp9I1MYkWUP4kBLTIApD7puxuVFuM9sXknr1n4BSwXqn-hwaQhcQdQsYpf9ftnEADYlOEE30z4cvNmCT5sApu4/s320/IMG_3144.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The mailbox measures approx 5" tall, 1 1/2" wide, and 2 1/8" deep. It is number 2406 and was made in 1999. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hmtc0FS_Y-LKu6Y3apccxnbfz2d0QtNz3dzx4mi0GMMntLbn-ZvcMdYt5uHSJ00qanckqUHEIj-nKaWcNIezkYbWIjJC1nNypQMKGBkjPm0X72zOKaVZEYZ7NyNFdgLVr3Y-Ng9JCMw/s1600/IMG_3145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hmtc0FS_Y-LKu6Y3apccxnbfz2d0QtNz3dzx4mi0GMMntLbn-ZvcMdYt5uHSJ00qanckqUHEIj-nKaWcNIezkYbWIjJC1nNypQMKGBkjPm0X72zOKaVZEYZ7NyNFdgLVr3Y-Ng9JCMw/s320/IMG_3145.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here are some views from different angles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f3Oe0ERhnU5tPcLH0sxtuhiFQvEhZ1Mr9e3fVDTT9cXOYSUiRwQlcyUF025QnxlgMrI9ava5ODRLnqKRTQhVM04eAtUHiIKTxb9OFTyYax_cu3yRduzE4LsJ0FeOX_TyXivYF89GqCI/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f3Oe0ERhnU5tPcLH0sxtuhiFQvEhZ1Mr9e3fVDTT9cXOYSUiRwQlcyUF025QnxlgMrI9ava5ODRLnqKRTQhVM04eAtUHiIKTxb9OFTyYax_cu3yRduzE4LsJ0FeOX_TyXivYF89GqCI/s320/IMG_3146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here's a close-up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kGa8doDqH9rS59eWet8FL5vla11SonySWZlzzXqR4SUcPHzcthw-ue1p_qdh8BHvtZZQHhQFDx0pBm1QFEpARlhP9nl0mGU8K1bNHTEFi8whGbtpXSiBn6gzpoIzXD1nqSsAnQ_dEgA/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kGa8doDqH9rS59eWet8FL5vla11SonySWZlzzXqR4SUcPHzcthw-ue1p_qdh8BHvtZZQHhQFDx0pBm1QFEpARlhP9nl0mGU8K1bNHTEFi8whGbtpXSiBn6gzpoIzXD1nqSsAnQ_dEgA/s320/IMG_3147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Now the door is open. What's inside? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB8O9y1fnm3xH0hE9MAtsFLt2gi0tOeSSK-SDFzG5U7SFWnnr7zEwzySpSSMd4_dzGxI0NTfBXjnhamFuaDC2a_bXFJf_gnuqcLTLc8Uc9fuem7PisWtXxP5eI3J-VnuJtrhpruw_u8s/s1600/IMG_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB8O9y1fnm3xH0hE9MAtsFLt2gi0tOeSSK-SDFzG5U7SFWnnr7zEwzySpSSMd4_dzGxI0NTfBXjnhamFuaDC2a_bXFJf_gnuqcLTLc8Uc9fuem7PisWtXxP5eI3J-VnuJtrhpruw_u8s/s320/IMG_3148.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Sadly, nothing today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjsBFhulMOVq9JfadgQDmsZYi51x2PwQeFQwkNVLovhXWzxsJBx542zdMJ3XUoJjJHQBwMNzvIp6Dtpy9uwyg8VhnqResWD04sIkPEHIehLw-VOERS9rsQ2otRTNV7DPq_ahAEq5sBn0/s1600/IMG_3149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjsBFhulMOVq9JfadgQDmsZYi51x2PwQeFQwkNVLovhXWzxsJBx542zdMJ3XUoJjJHQBwMNzvIp6Dtpy9uwyg8VhnqResWD04sIkPEHIehLw-VOERS9rsQ2otRTNV7DPq_ahAEq5sBn0/s320/IMG_3149.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Back view. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw0zxAj7pIteJk27dHSAePlW4czHKtJLq5hUvSwfFO16p75OZSbsETPQQba2PH54U1BLh9mtYarb8lBWI9UtuZJ6FxAbdxFxSd8oE6nQUiPYGLeIyoKVHXOYCRf22_wZwLER5Vn54Wwg/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw0zxAj7pIteJk27dHSAePlW4czHKtJLq5hUvSwfFO16p75OZSbsETPQQba2PH54U1BLh9mtYarb8lBWI9UtuZJ6FxAbdxFxSd8oE6nQUiPYGLeIyoKVHXOYCRf22_wZwLER5Vn54Wwg/s320/IMG_3150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY2rIyeqBskC88VnfwwFaH8FmjydFWKZidvqQPOP4difz09zy3xRRP1UQgThsX68cze4HRPCUJr_1j4miloP3lzKAgFnGKIG-HYQgnkAC5lO0_K0Q3xT_0cCOdtN_HjecOSI1p15VDYA/s1600/IMG_3151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY2rIyeqBskC88VnfwwFaH8FmjydFWKZidvqQPOP4difz09zy3xRRP1UQgThsX68cze4HRPCUJr_1j4miloP3lzKAgFnGKIG-HYQgnkAC5lO0_K0Q3xT_0cCOdtN_HjecOSI1p15VDYA/s320/IMG_3151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I happen to have a teapot with a trio of cats also made by Kelvin Chen. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC0tS-vCjGV8KM0iMoWiNfWHF7iHiXXWY1YHuZMk7GLt3AHx6YXVeB5_zE8mHIm3VAijd4cqL9fdmxJT7FK9RAKrp8hwT03DaZM73KlgUKlRlaQDKd7sScgnx3darDlwtrXj0O1xte6E/s1600/IMG_3152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC0tS-vCjGV8KM0iMoWiNfWHF7iHiXXWY1YHuZMk7GLt3AHx6YXVeB5_zE8mHIm3VAijd4cqL9fdmxJT7FK9RAKrp8hwT03DaZM73KlgUKlRlaQDKd7sScgnx3darDlwtrXj0O1xte6E/s320/IMG_3152.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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What's in your porcelain mailbox?Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-60290165214619324752018-08-16T07:24:00.000-05:002018-08-16T07:36:55.544-05:00Scooby Doo Mail GiveawayI have postcards and envelopes of the Scooby Doo First Day of Issue stamps and I thought it would be fun to have a contest and mail some of them out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLwqJnkaw93UiK8WxQDy9MkcGntNvmYWlWde_yDMTdaGhrLvFuVcfjsF3B839OIYToElf8AEeWQnyg0qdPJzEC0omw802ybEkKC4C81Omm1ctsOUr-092410zPofz_tZCm0cMSLl1wFs/s1600/IMG_6063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLwqJnkaw93UiK8WxQDy9MkcGntNvmYWlWde_yDMTdaGhrLvFuVcfjsF3B839OIYToElf8AEeWQnyg0qdPJzEC0omw802ybEkKC4C81Omm1ctsOUr-092410zPofz_tZCm0cMSLl1wFs/s320/IMG_6063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The postmarks come in color and also black and white. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWk3S5lGLB_pV0ADgoeL_cPYfREXvpzv73SwUXLYx7AkQ1iwmMZv_nqktpnUql5mf2xN6lzVmnM5nT41EBF7kYwcock2EqrGuCWNMJKJoR-8WXWyv5fkKRDP9DAE_UlEjx8_mDhpN8GU/s1600/IMG_5993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWk3S5lGLB_pV0ADgoeL_cPYfREXvpzv73SwUXLYx7AkQ1iwmMZv_nqktpnUql5mf2xN6lzVmnM5nT41EBF7kYwcock2EqrGuCWNMJKJoR-8WXWyv5fkKRDP9DAE_UlEjx8_mDhpN8GU/s320/IMG_5993.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
There will be 10 winners. Will you be one of them?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeFYRhIuOWW_0KVHSoUXmLDDc57IlBf1MTA5kKj41D409WykZnbORDgLVfU7BfcCoKpMrntDoekvCsgfBAb1U0MC-qTBArHl_y1CMJXQ5wc17srYgUWT6T7DJ0Rl1VwX-1E_nU5ITCJU/s1600/scooby+stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="648" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeFYRhIuOWW_0KVHSoUXmLDDc57IlBf1MTA5kKj41D409WykZnbORDgLVfU7BfcCoKpMrntDoekvCsgfBAb1U0MC-qTBArHl_y1CMJXQ5wc17srYgUWT6T7DJ0Rl1VwX-1E_nU5ITCJU/s320/scooby+stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Contest Rules:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Share this blog post on any social media and <a href="mailto:jackie@lettersandjournals.com" target="_blank">email me</a> a link to your post using this hashtag in the post:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#ScoobyDooMail</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Mail an entry to:<br />
Letters & Journals</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PO Box 120052</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St Paul, MN 55112</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This can be a postcard or short note (or letter if you'd like!). Just be sure to mention Scooby Doo. </div>
<br />
Entry deadline is August 31, 2018. Winners will be selected September 10, 2018.<br />
Limited to United States entries.Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-28993338043702225372018-08-10T06:15:00.000-05:002018-08-10T06:15:14.845-05:00Cherry Blossom Tree Calendar Giveaway Winner AnnouncedThe winner of the Cherry Blossom Tree Calendar is Natalia G from New Mexico! Congratulations, Natalia! And thanks to all who entered.<br />
<br />
Thanks also to Kate Murray at <a href="https://www.quickbrownfoxletterpress.com/" target="_blank">Quick Brown Fox Letter Press</a> for donating and sending the calendar to Natalia!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7UKmv440LQnRceFs83u5oLUGCKID7ZPAmYjudBxsq6Q7Cko9CNKBuG6Tq38HswRP5qH-ZY8kyAHLR0Gj-sxHlfehdR1_iavJrIOhd6QyljCG7q4YQudAC-SrcdVWLMbHq9IIE-aGHrI/s1600/cherry_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="743" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7UKmv440LQnRceFs83u5oLUGCKID7ZPAmYjudBxsq6Q7Cko9CNKBuG6Tq38HswRP5qH-ZY8kyAHLR0Gj-sxHlfehdR1_iavJrIOhd6QyljCG7q4YQudAC-SrcdVWLMbHq9IIE-aGHrI/s320/cherry_blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For any of you who would like to purchase this lovely 2019 calendar, you can do so at the Quick Brown Fox <a href="https://www.quickbrownfoxletterpress.com/shop-1/" target="_blank">website</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhShSw9VtlqtcvqsYzle6KTiaJnLMO20igSIp14Bu6A5bc1RgbncDlEokXL44ujzVNSy_Hp1e1RpZqtbuVMwKeWzrcH68IGqjVHn4lsy5jQkmbTAph7zLLKjq7zhe6wDEnUV-73Zy1qo/s1600/chery_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="735" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhShSw9VtlqtcvqsYzle6KTiaJnLMO20igSIp14Bu6A5bc1RgbncDlEokXL44ujzVNSy_Hp1e1RpZqtbuVMwKeWzrcH68IGqjVHn4lsy5jQkmbTAph7zLLKjq7zhe6wDEnUV-73Zy1qo/s320/chery_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-40383922743040824552018-07-30T21:51:00.001-05:002018-08-07T09:36:10.560-05:00The Shape of Ideas SketchbookI am on a mission to improve my drawing skill set, or, as I like to call it, my doodling. I've never been confident of my drawing ability and don't have an eye for the horizon line and other drawing concepts. However, I do realize that the key is practice and that's where<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419729195/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1419729195&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=a8309a8feddee3c98a4caa597cd00bc5" target="_blank"> <i>The Shape of Ideas Sketchbook</i> </a>comes in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLx-V-TIVZGuXvhxYZ8JPBWlQ7MGI5goEbvw8vuSN5O9N05-_wsmNjSp09_gU4CqXnw2XqSroVkm00nlW_q-yJTqwBxa-_ZmZZxLutVOQ9iTJvzdh1fKc3HlYWPudUuyJSrLDGfyb2I0/s1600/shapeofideasjournal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLx-V-TIVZGuXvhxYZ8JPBWlQ7MGI5goEbvw8vuSN5O9N05-_wsmNjSp09_gU4CqXnw2XqSroVkm00nlW_q-yJTqwBxa-_ZmZZxLutVOQ9iTJvzdh1fKc3HlYWPudUuyJSrLDGfyb2I0/s320/shapeofideasjournal.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
This 144-page book was sent to me by the publisher for a preview before its release this September. The book was created by Grant Snider who published <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419723170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1419723170&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=0cd17fee29ad3c56d57058ece4f1b902" target="_blank"><i>The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity</i></a> in 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4xt5rykOMe6yLmDngy-YNAfNPefL6GCp_5vRW8K3UBS7QGf6NFS6srmu0YioAiBZhUxre2iCkfGvs9snRiJQb0qa96XR76o7rnhq74BSeCnv5brMOyoXLjc9g_-rERGbkXn2R6DzMko/s1600/shapeofideas_book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4xt5rykOMe6yLmDngy-YNAfNPefL6GCp_5vRW8K3UBS7QGf6NFS6srmu0YioAiBZhUxre2iCkfGvs9snRiJQb0qa96XR76o7rnhq74BSeCnv5brMOyoXLjc9g_-rERGbkXn2R6DzMko/s320/shapeofideas_book.jpg" width="220" /> </a></div>
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The smooth white pages of the sketchbook are mostly blank, except for a few pages interspersed with colorful illustrations; it lies flat for ease and comfort while drawing; it includes a pen holder and comes with an elastic binder to keep the book closed flat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZc2W9snF7S0ynC5xbwosSANdAjXDNzPtfanQ8fqDzOdZf0Lc3SbWiWc3j45TmWOUdwBcE-iOXBi0jwiTsedetWmzKOudU9gBZoL6dDFuqXhvEYizPutd5OIwdy6LjiTIX-hBBbEMgqg/s1600/sketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZc2W9snF7S0ynC5xbwosSANdAjXDNzPtfanQ8fqDzOdZf0Lc3SbWiWc3j45TmWOUdwBcE-iOXBi0jwiTsedetWmzKOudU9gBZoL6dDFuqXhvEYizPutd5OIwdy6LjiTIX-hBBbEMgqg/s320/sketch2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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Grant Snider is an orthodontist by day and an artist by night. You can follow him on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/grantdraws" target="_blank">@grantdraws</a>) where he regularly posts thought-provoking illustrations such as this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRQ-707Tw2LtJ-7jIMO5DTiv8HlU_9nwhVzN6SStxH8evvP5G5-O7pcVcOfIuihJwlY_lI4STp8TQJ0ymcJxkrh-2_EWANs8X3Ge_HpG1UvlzqhnsTeXIQBVo7jOGoIGvvCAKh8frb9w/s1600/grant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="524" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRQ-707Tw2LtJ-7jIMO5DTiv8HlU_9nwhVzN6SStxH8evvP5G5-O7pcVcOfIuihJwlY_lI4STp8TQJ0ymcJxkrh-2_EWANs8X3Ge_HpG1UvlzqhnsTeXIQBVo7jOGoIGvvCAKh8frb9w/s640/grant.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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Do you doodle in your letters and on your envelopes? It's like sharing a piece of your self when you are willing to share your art. I do occasionally and would like to do it even more. </div>
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Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-38574896642394929282018-07-20T21:46:00.000-05:002018-07-20T21:46:21.228-05:00Highlights from the Scooby Doo Stamp Release CeremonyHighlights from the Scooby Doo Stamp Release ceremony last Saturday at the <a href="https://www.mallofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Mall of America</a> include getting a free envelope with a canceled Scooby stamp ready to mail (or save), a Scooby Doo pin, and an agenda for the stamp release ceremony. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7HENdOvIQ2Pcet5PRVJwZ65QZSoJ0yXYNSVADZ39mXYVxsvIYcr7XVphO10r5lYhjsk6KjsZZ6lbgKp4pt0ZJEVaWEbtK_MMa23zKxoPq66E_iyv33ZJbu6uUsAvryWzigLwiFJAdNI/s1600/IMG_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7HENdOvIQ2Pcet5PRVJwZ65QZSoJ0yXYNSVADZ39mXYVxsvIYcr7XVphO10r5lYhjsk6KjsZZ6lbgKp4pt0ZJEVaWEbtK_MMa23zKxoPq66E_iyv33ZJbu6uUsAvryWzigLwiFJAdNI/s320/IMG_6061.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceremony Agenda</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0vPKAM7vwMcYeMskbkLIcu3D9AQx1Xhyphenhyphen1m_6aC24kSK0i0FDcwYb8utFmE0ydyHMgNhfFwY2EgH5a83P62Le2ZKANE7tIo-wfKh_tjSIeXLugguAwTWrinteWfH9HSKTQ7IdYC6MsDw/s1600/IMG_6063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0vPKAM7vwMcYeMskbkLIcu3D9AQx1Xhyphenhyphen1m_6aC24kSK0i0FDcwYb8utFmE0ydyHMgNhfFwY2EgH5a83P62Le2ZKANE7tIo-wfKh_tjSIeXLugguAwTWrinteWfH9HSKTQ7IdYC6MsDw/s320/IMG_6063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamped envelope with ScoobyDoo cancellation and commemorative pin</td></tr>
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Stamps from the <a href="https://www.usps.com/" target="_blank">USPS </a>were available for purchase along with pre-cancelled envelopes in color or in black-and-white Scooby cancellations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlLfoSoVHPjtCawYUQQ0k4MnrpzAn7VzgFsiUVW5ARPR7xcJsJRExPAvYelDQTOmoFWbnMajmfPhGMbQZp0lNfomppzKl_UiSBn6roRl84AhSS_JNeNpGlUoadvnufVFa1bROG7P8zg/s1600/scooby+stamp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="648" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlLfoSoVHPjtCawYUQQ0k4MnrpzAn7VzgFsiUVW5ARPR7xcJsJRExPAvYelDQTOmoFWbnMajmfPhGMbQZp0lNfomppzKl_UiSBn6roRl84AhSS_JNeNpGlUoadvnufVFa1bROG7P8zg/s320/scooby+stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since this was my first time at a First Day of Issue ceremony, I wasn't sure what to expect and didn't realize that I could have brought my own postcards or envelopes to have them hand-cancelled after putting one of my brand new Scooby Doo stamps on them. So I stopped at a store that sold some Minnesota postcards and purchased a dozen of them that I could send out to friends, relatives and pen pals. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIxLOV4BHSMcWjNLLHgTBl2HqF5ezsV7oYXF10QlZMmIynAHvM3VMT-uBbLtht-G5xesIikiRhVCdJhMPbrwExLhB-iTrcXXYhcXdLGDv3VBdTZFDQ9NI3VZ_HSJVMRzyovWFdvlA8QE/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIxLOV4BHSMcWjNLLHgTBl2HqF5ezsV7oYXF10QlZMmIynAHvM3VMT-uBbLtht-G5xesIikiRhVCdJhMPbrwExLhB-iTrcXXYhcXdLGDv3VBdTZFDQ9NI3VZ_HSJVMRzyovWFdvlA8QE/s320/IMG_6010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The friendly postal worker in line in front of me had a wonderful t-shirt that she allowed me to photograph. Don't you love it?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmrQyU9yblI7JS3CaXd4aTEzKCy210YFDa40j0LrRA0K3biz9RM5jyCXxQ5t13jwugWpU_D4l0isqwbtlO-yFpjSzky8Y3KCqI3kcWRawyt4iv2UQ9CtmnHsbIQDjfNPakQpnZEYvgXw/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmrQyU9yblI7JS3CaXd4aTEzKCy210YFDa40j0LrRA0K3biz9RM5jyCXxQ5t13jwugWpU_D4l0isqwbtlO-yFpjSzky8Y3KCqI3kcWRawyt4iv2UQ9CtmnHsbIQDjfNPakQpnZEYvgXw/s320/IMG_5986.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
These lovely ladies were hand-cancelling the envelopes and postcards that people bought.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0thsPLsS0Jd0-IJwQVDHqcjt6D-RkzGI4y2P9hnZph5MKzv4kbdkNxutfton1IsU8rXNWhuKSlVkxdLypJ7tCUFL5I7Xh3IwTaQf1KAnfVKAL8qYIXGG3ghieonD57iBIUpA3twFLElc/s1600/IMG_5990+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0thsPLsS0Jd0-IJwQVDHqcjt6D-RkzGI4y2P9hnZph5MKzv4kbdkNxutfton1IsU8rXNWhuKSlVkxdLypJ7tCUFL5I7Xh3IwTaQf1KAnfVKAL8qYIXGG3ghieonD57iBIUpA3twFLElc/s320/IMG_5990+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are four of the postcards I purchased and then put on a Scooby stamp and had them canceled by the two ladies shown above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75aqNavGYn9rheVSENJ-bSWuF96FF5fKD8niqFjQfsN7cCtLtkXShzemUcXLzdvEzuivlU3gq54nocYcCeZrD9rceDifQbnazp_aF9Haia6cXzNeh2-Gm3n-kaYhmD7wUgAiWyYyuet0/s1600/IMG_5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75aqNavGYn9rheVSENJ-bSWuF96FF5fKD8niqFjQfsN7cCtLtkXShzemUcXLzdvEzuivlU3gq54nocYcCeZrD9rceDifQbnazp_aF9Haia6cXzNeh2-Gm3n-kaYhmD7wUgAiWyYyuet0/s320/IMG_5992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the stage where the official ceremony took place. There were quite a few photographers on hand although I'm not sure who they were all with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69jYmxNutgBOmc5GgkMYz-TgtIztow17PiOBAAYmX2MAQ2RRvxR9Rb62rkyFpvT-PS2T0un0SRAEXWr7povYfxW-yt5YIir7AgPg21V7gRwtD8rIsNQv84Tu_KN30CKbYIkAc8C42axk/s1600/IMG_6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69jYmxNutgBOmc5GgkMYz-TgtIztow17PiOBAAYmX2MAQ2RRvxR9Rb62rkyFpvT-PS2T0un0SRAEXWr7povYfxW-yt5YIir7AgPg21V7gRwtD8rIsNQv84Tu_KN30CKbYIkAc8C42axk/s320/IMG_6013.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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And here I am with Scooby himself. Smile! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtPECgoq4VCXpRXmM8iIYjQaojEEXToKx-cgZFuQdRbUeqoryxuhuf08y_yI1YPpOWTU_Oa1HEsFj7MT9Eya34NeG2kHFGXM9r16UPu8BzpNmwFIXebsSAqKkGTY4NpLYWFTaCbmd0bY/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtPECgoq4VCXpRXmM8iIYjQaojEEXToKx-cgZFuQdRbUeqoryxuhuf08y_yI1YPpOWTU_Oa1HEsFj7MT9Eya34NeG2kHFGXM9r16UPu8BzpNmwFIXebsSAqKkGTY4NpLYWFTaCbmd0bY/s320/IMG_5998.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-58910494892446332902018-07-13T07:21:00.000-05:002018-07-13T07:32:40.321-05:00Cherry Blossom Tree Calendar GiveawayKate Murray at the <a href="https://www.quickbrownfoxletterpress.com/" target="_blank">Quick Brown Fox Letter Press</a> has offered to send this Cherry Blossom Tree Calendar to one lucky winner! I met Kate at the <a href="https://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/" target="_blank">National Stationery Show</a> this May and was delighted when she agreed to help me out with a giveaway!<br />
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Quick Brown Fox Letter Press is where you find quirky letter press printing and design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJxd3rHNTJm2HP2HQSRU-_Th4sabL8fEhP38bF2_B2oDfquyFkTFCkYW5EclhsZvUd6-d4xtcyXu-eZEaDGMKUDeekpXCo2kC_loqLkeGd5-ENiBVyciWL-P6vnMJ6llOKCSz7GuwltM/s1600/cherry_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="743" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJxd3rHNTJm2HP2HQSRU-_Th4sabL8fEhP38bF2_B2oDfquyFkTFCkYW5EclhsZvUd6-d4xtcyXu-eZEaDGMKUDeekpXCo2kC_loqLkeGd5-ENiBVyciWL-P6vnMJ6llOKCSz7GuwltM/s320/cherry_blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Cherry Blossom Tree calendar measures 5x7 and is Kate's bestselling calendar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd153dyz3EI1KLniWgTgbQwe6p_SJgDPtQmcsAEBSD34_55F5Q8QpN3sCScA5B29tx_wM3T46oV3-VeHpvxRo6xTw4QnzI3iF5s8FUy4h962UVKfwmuX0LSTBhLy1RoULeUeIdfHqYGo/s1600/chery_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="735" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd153dyz3EI1KLniWgTgbQwe6p_SJgDPtQmcsAEBSD34_55F5Q8QpN3sCScA5B29tx_wM3T46oV3-VeHpvxRo6xTw4QnzI3iF5s8FUy4h962UVKfwmuX0LSTBhLy1RoULeUeIdfHqYGo/s320/chery_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can visit the <a href="https://www.quickbrownfoxletterpress.com/" target="_blank">Quick Brown Fox Letter Press</a> website to learn more about the calendar and to see each of the month's designs as well as other stationery themed product that Kate offers.<br />
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How to enter? Choose one of these two options:<br />
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1. Share this blog post on any social media and <a href="mailto:jackie@lettersandjournals.com" target="_blank">email me</a> a link to your post using one of these hashtags:</div>
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#CherryBlossomGiveaway</div>
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or</div>
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#QuickBrownFoxGiveaway</div>
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2. Mail an entry to:<br />
Letters & Journals</div>
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PO Box 120052</div>
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St Paul, MN 55112</div>
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Entry deadline is August 1, 2018. Winner will be selected August 10, 2018.<br />
Limited to United States due to mailing costs.<br />
One entry per person.<br />
<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-49181142899752052742018-07-09T16:37:00.001-05:002018-08-07T09:37:27.437-05:00Scooby Doo Postage Stamp Release is July 14 in MinneapolisExciting times are here in Minneapolis as we look forward to the stamp release event for the new <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/scooby-doo-S_565504" target="_blank">Scooby Doo postage stamp</a> this Saturday, July 14 at the <a href="https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/16916" target="_blank">Mall of America</a> in Bloomington, MN.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f7aiY_beGkRm6P2XrQSlR5KOEEWtI1aX03dh8UlzgO2RlT99XOMnfs9fPhC6ekzGPGVzgqmo0zROStCOK97zBAdcI28gOwc5aHBL0nNumCBL6I4MfVkyDsbxt3AOUfcM66zb0_kADhE/s1600/scooby+stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="648" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f7aiY_beGkRm6P2XrQSlR5KOEEWtI1aX03dh8UlzgO2RlT99XOMnfs9fPhC6ekzGPGVzgqmo0zROStCOK97zBAdcI28gOwc5aHBL0nNumCBL6I4MfVkyDsbxt3AOUfcM66zb0_kADhE/s320/scooby+stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I heard about this event at the <a href="https://www.postaltimes.com/postalnews/usps-to-feature-beloved-canine-scooby-doo-on-stamp/" target="_blank">Postal Times </a>website. There is a doo-good campaign going on in conjunction with the stamp release. Scooby-Doo has teamed up with <a href="https://doogood.scoobydoo.com/" target="_blank">generationOn</a>, the youth family division of
Points of Light, to inspire, equip and mobilize kids and families to
create meaningful change in their communities! It’s all about DOO-in the
right thing. Find out more information at the Mall of America on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or visit the website <a href="https://doogood.scoobydoo.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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You can pre-order your Scooby Doo stamps (sheet of 12 for $6) at the <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/scooby-doo-S_565504" target="_blank">USPS website</a>. I think it costs $1.25 for postage to have the stamps mailed to you, even if you order more than one set, or additional stamps.Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-81391611498070856392018-07-04T10:27:00.001-05:002018-07-04T10:27:40.675-05:00Letter Enclosed StampI enjoy decorating my envelopes when I send a letter and I think most people like to receive envelopes that have been decorated - I know I do! Recently I've been using this lovely "Letter Enclosed" stamp that I purchased at the <a href="https://wellappointeddesk.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Well-Appointed Desk</a> shop (online).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZOfQpC8Sxtf1vjfMAn11CcQeJmGzwcR6WUZoKN_HgPqsTLn84r7slN_d7hP7C0Qiil_PGMLZST-Tjc_iZoIsS54uIEUUDcOxLuNbDFN9wBD074ddShUfCokWQ6mR2sGB8bZrmB0eDtU/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZOfQpC8Sxtf1vjfMAn11CcQeJmGzwcR6WUZoKN_HgPqsTLn84r7slN_d7hP7C0Qiil_PGMLZST-Tjc_iZoIsS54uIEUUDcOxLuNbDFN9wBD074ddShUfCokWQ6mR2sGB8bZrmB0eDtU/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You can see how the stamped image appears in the images below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5kT2o4uoaUae1gyOG90Elyp-86E9GlZYHByuU6T53QNS39S9qBZCoMK7SGwN5qyPCWqplxZg3g9wL6fKfXMgBTLMthyB7v6wi9IeOlmX2tM2U0xrcwb82mGXgS9NGsLWhyTDtPmzQPE/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5kT2o4uoaUae1gyOG90Elyp-86E9GlZYHByuU6T53QNS39S9qBZCoMK7SGwN5qyPCWqplxZg3g9wL6fKfXMgBTLMthyB7v6wi9IeOlmX2tM2U0xrcwb82mGXgS9NGsLWhyTDtPmzQPE/s320/IMG_5837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Every other month or so I send mail to "Donate a Letter" which is part of "<a href="https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/" target="_blank">From Me to You</a>", an organization that delivers these letters (and others they collect) to cancer patients.<br />
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If any of you would like to receive a note card or short letter, you are welcome to either comment with your mailing address to this blog post, or send me a card/letter/postcard with your request to the address at the bottom of this post. I will plan to use this lovely stamp on each one. and will max my sent responses at 100 or until September 1, 2018, whichever comes first.<br />
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Jackie Flaherty</div>
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Letters & Journals</div>
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PO Box 120052</div>
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St Paul, MN 55112</div>
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Making the world a kinder, gentler place, one letter at a time.</div>
Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-41380972628301812862018-06-28T05:43:00.000-05:002018-06-28T05:52:32.107-05:00A Visit to the University of Minnesota BookstoreI love a bookstore that has an insane amount of notebooks and pens. Welcome to the <a href="https://www.bookstore.umn.edu/" target="_blank">University of Minnesota Bookstore</a> (Minneapolis).<br />
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On the right we have a long aisle of notebooks - all sizes and bindings.This is one of the few places where you can buy a left-handed notebook.<br />
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On the backside of the same aisle are even more notebooks and some folders! The selection doesn't get any better than this. </div>
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Notebooks are everywhere! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8cPCoyFhyeN4FqWuqRx0gadXXWV8UCcIMqwMA5hbTXaFj8GDOULK0s5_1zf_WDJaWIlQLt_ojKLPl_NC-1QO17HV8snOM37nc5iqfybLrzuDSNC8EFSRF9g2oGf-_gTXxSZwT3nnSDY/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8cPCoyFhyeN4FqWuqRx0gadXXWV8UCcIMqwMA5hbTXaFj8GDOULK0s5_1zf_WDJaWIlQLt_ojKLPl_NC-1QO17HV8snOM37nc5iqfybLrzuDSNC8EFSRF9g2oGf-_gTXxSZwT3nnSDY/s320/IMG_2545.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the left we have an aisle of pens, pencils and markers. As a good pen store does, they have slips of paper available so that the pens can be sampled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fB1QR4HTyHMY70chzUxTxWMxVIW5JNs3_6e8mO75H7KQF5ZN_8iLyJBIIoxBhENKk07sm8PK8qgkfmRzbcjlWG9M8cXTNd_JHjJGlGhTgLFb1ryz0Xtu1C1vyUlTdd0XY4XJyqywLzs/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fB1QR4HTyHMY70chzUxTxWMxVIW5JNs3_6e8mO75H7KQF5ZN_8iLyJBIIoxBhENKk07sm8PK8qgkfmRzbcjlWG9M8cXTNd_JHjJGlGhTgLFb1ryz0Xtu1C1vyUlTdd0XY4XJyqywLzs/s320/IMG_2549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must have spent two hours at the store. They do have quite a bit of other items for sale such as gift items, school clothing, etc. It's a wonderfully laid out store with a wide selection of items. Index cards, anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNr4HcH7yVJAt-qbVVJ0UkIjNImHe4YQskskB26Z1MjFUS72boixO80V6OqTVog1RaAQXKV14O9H0XO53tYuRFjD7MFHep1NnMTCOOpCgD2Cu4bDUFDqdOB4e6RZdx0Z39tTaR_lSv9w/s1600/IMG_2552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNr4HcH7yVJAt-qbVVJ0UkIjNImHe4YQskskB26Z1MjFUS72boixO80V6OqTVog1RaAQXKV14O9H0XO53tYuRFjD7MFHep1NnMTCOOpCgD2Cu4bDUFDqdOB4e6RZdx0Z39tTaR_lSv9w/s320/IMG_2552.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
They also had some name brand notebooks including <a href="https://rhodiapads.com/" target="_blank">Rhodia</a>, <a href="https://us.moleskine.com/" target="_blank">Moleskin</a> <a href="https://www.clairefontaine.com/?langue=en" target="_blank">Clairefontaine</a>, and <a href="https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/" target="_blank">Leuchtturm1917</a>.<br />
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Where do you find the best selection of pens and notebooks for brick and mortar stores?<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-54051564548623533242018-06-18T19:44:00.004-05:002018-06-20T06:02:03.591-05:00Put a Stamp On ItThere was a scavenger hunt at the <a href="https://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/" target="_blank">National Stationery Show</a> (NSS) this year! <a href="https://legionpaper.com/" target="_blank">Legion Paper</a>, NSS,<a href="https://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"> Paper Chronicles</a>, <a href="https://parseandparcel.com/" target="_blank">Parse & Parcel</a>, and the<a href="https://riflepaperco.com/" target="_blank"> Rifle Paper Company</a> sponsored this year's stamp collection called #PutAStampOnIt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ_UcM-0D_g_39ZSAykO3EeS9OgdM60JrMBrrdmdreTsBBdNPs9Sxljv6JXKnoUmJavz6A_hqasSIJeNnHPIMW85a5XqFyAlHrjYQTsCbrtV0Jztm61bAZqlAlOUSdkmlUR6momBSH20/s1600/IMG_5409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ_UcM-0D_g_39ZSAykO3EeS9OgdM60JrMBrrdmdreTsBBdNPs9Sxljv6JXKnoUmJavz6A_hqasSIJeNnHPIMW85a5XqFyAlHrjYQTsCbrtV0Jztm61bAZqlAlOUSdkmlUR6momBSH20/s320/IMG_5409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The box to hold all of the stamps was designed and created by Rifle Paper and printed by Legion Paper, who also printed most of the cards in this lovely 2018 card collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6Hxp_dua6vGwtV5Mqmw1zUrZFSvLQRH83io8jF6KMWLyVs7lIpVuIyqhMmjeBHMD8eAp-TrFk0E7yo9Uyv861KTi6xwrJKfKtFCucsGrbDwvhVQuaYSMqo7U-Gnzmv5GwoEq8adDSlw/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6Hxp_dua6vGwtV5Mqmw1zUrZFSvLQRH83io8jF6KMWLyVs7lIpVuIyqhMmjeBHMD8eAp-TrFk0E7yo9Uyv861KTi6xwrJKfKtFCucsGrbDwvhVQuaYSMqo7U-Gnzmv5GwoEq8adDSlw/s320/IMG_5410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.gingerpdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Ginger P Designs</a> with the Occasion Group created the glitter foil border design below. Like many, I miss stamps with their amounts on them and wish the USPS would find a way to re-incorporate them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfQpZjdnosL1UT-KAvW3DcKPouJOQnh95YWc4mJy5w9lItb3vm51aow9AJnuLORP5LPu2yG_g7lA_Jpy-ltUWx0mPuHJYwSpX54YjhM7Q8sSCE9wvzRpdPRdLJiaU563OcQMJcTbfy7o/s1600/IMG_5401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfQpZjdnosL1UT-KAvW3DcKPouJOQnh95YWc4mJy5w9lItb3vm51aow9AJnuLORP5LPu2yG_g7lA_Jpy-ltUWx0mPuHJYwSpX54YjhM7Q8sSCE9wvzRpdPRdLJiaU563OcQMJcTbfy7o/s320/IMG_5401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I met Val of <a href="https://lilyandval.com/" target="_blank">Lily & Val</a> and she was so sweet and personable I could have visited with her for hours. I love the gold foil stamp design on this floral image. Simple, yet evocative.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M73_xRwoQ9H5YuJqAt-0G2s2ysdTm1eHRPfG1OwAI6UM94GW-Ow-Cq4W2honHFHpJ1gDjZPtVsasroj_S5UnT747rVmXKwcyXjKiW6L6TAFSSgsVwiKrDfkuoAH3GHboAMbbNNSZrNw/s1600/IMG_5402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M73_xRwoQ9H5YuJqAt-0G2s2ysdTm1eHRPfG1OwAI6UM94GW-Ow-Cq4W2honHFHpJ1gDjZPtVsasroj_S5UnT747rVmXKwcyXjKiW6L6TAFSSgsVwiKrDfkuoAH3GHboAMbbNNSZrNw/s320/IMG_5402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Based in Knoxville, TN, the <a href="https://smartypantspaper.com/" target="_blank">Smarty Pants Paper Co</a> is all about bright colors, bold graphics and vintage style. Don't you love the lip stamps and wouldn't they be fun to use?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1OFweFhGgkDgLQbPUvtEr26vQsxE6RWyWH7gWbMWKN2CmdJzwW8lcgcHuywqnb1w2LZjbRXG4YQ5a4cBdvaZ-SscF-DIHdagE_IH-efeA7XHTBu3aoRyxID9a_3WoaahM0GFhRYor_I/s1600/IMG_5398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1OFweFhGgkDgLQbPUvtEr26vQsxE6RWyWH7gWbMWKN2CmdJzwW8lcgcHuywqnb1w2LZjbRXG4YQ5a4cBdvaZ-SscF-DIHdagE_IH-efeA7XHTBu3aoRyxID9a_3WoaahM0GFhRYor_I/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.euniandco.com/" target="_blank">Euni + Co</a>, based in Seattle, (below) started as a calligraphy studio and then expanded into other paper goods<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK6F6V_feuECkmtLEuLziDhZIhI8lEHmPugNzpfpcfOGfQh7QqiNO5CMKnD6bH374JMSyW5YCH5oBUl2SUAUfvByJ-JRe519abop9JdAknbJL_uatRx_RtK3TkGEyNZe63Woi2kgrsB0/s1600/IMG_5404.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK6F6V_feuECkmtLEuLziDhZIhI8lEHmPugNzpfpcfOGfQh7QqiNO5CMKnD6bH374JMSyW5YCH5oBUl2SUAUfvByJ-JRe519abop9JdAknbJL_uatRx_RtK3TkGEyNZe63Woi2kgrsB0/s320/IMG_5404.MOV" width="239" /></a></div>
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These little unicorns are in a stamped shaped envelope that opens in the back to reveal more information about <a href="https://halifaxpaperhearts.com/" target="_blank">Halifax Paper Hearts</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hm0UqzM8sHOjl1a_QHWCjm5Sv_N5W0TBdspFKkzhUahvkBfPlRPSOXk5QnX_pe4sCDMv-KEjk6zHRYmxccAueWBCFXtuOX80i2WsXdMssGZH2mRxz5428lYgFwa5QxF1NdIvalfaO68/s1600/IMG_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hm0UqzM8sHOjl1a_QHWCjm5Sv_N5W0TBdspFKkzhUahvkBfPlRPSOXk5QnX_pe4sCDMv-KEjk6zHRYmxccAueWBCFXtuOX80i2WsXdMssGZH2mRxz5428lYgFwa5QxF1NdIvalfaO68/s320/IMG_5405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This card by <a href="https://www.paperbanditpress.com/" target="_blank">Paper Bandit Press</a> was unique with its images and also the red clear overlay that went atop the white card to reveal the hidden images in the card. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK1BdR0NLX0fJ4TTxaopaTUCsoy7wK1dXSZessPf2OFn4Vwe_QH2r05U_Y-fR-WnM2lQGOgaI0p-2wI1t6jqxQZlGHlS423UnaeMAXlw0wxQV0ofBvWPtyiS-EqDJZpMjj1Lt-eDbtdc/s1600/IMG_5406.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK1BdR0NLX0fJ4TTxaopaTUCsoy7wK1dXSZessPf2OFn4Vwe_QH2r05U_Y-fR-WnM2lQGOgaI0p-2wI1t6jqxQZlGHlS423UnaeMAXlw0wxQV0ofBvWPtyiS-EqDJZpMjj1Lt-eDbtdc/s320/IMG_5406.MOV" width="240" /></a></div>
Paper Bandit Press makes letter press cards and posters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnJ_rJBHds12FkYx0FS2Ia8t5ZHBymo7GYI_Xd0jkuyiYyz4NrirfJy4Q0yJipI25nuMVC6QWbG0VNCuLCoWdBh7DZE47VuJHaPvI9cEDbjZFGS_-JQDOS1QzH06UT-mhSB58vDWYjjw/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnJ_rJBHds12FkYx0FS2Ia8t5ZHBymo7GYI_Xd0jkuyiYyz4NrirfJy4Q0yJipI25nuMVC6QWbG0VNCuLCoWdBh7DZE47VuJHaPvI9cEDbjZFGS_-JQDOS1QzH06UT-mhSB58vDWYjjw/s320/IMG_5407.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The stamp sheet below was created by the <a href="http://assemblyoftext.com/" target="_blank">Regional Assembly of Text</a> and they were creative enough to include "An Application for Maintaining a Friendship Over a Great Distance" application on the backside. Don't you love it?<br />
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They're based in Vancouver and once a month their <a href="http://assemblyoftext.com/letter_writing_club" target="_blank">LETTER WRITING CLUB</a> meets and everyone is welcome to attend and join in - all supplies provided. When I plan a trip to Canada, I will keep this mind for my itinerary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ZjEnLqLWSmziIVB_FDWQPqSWSRJW9ZpTzTQzZ2neQujkCLA24We0HI39ZZh8XS7Putf1fWqpV0c__oc0pKrBvTOLhU-88cYm3DIDiLZYvzCkCbStdriFBdu_AmQXw_kFavD-acM_RU/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ZjEnLqLWSmziIVB_FDWQPqSWSRJW9ZpTzTQzZ2neQujkCLA24We0HI39ZZh8XS7Putf1fWqpV0c__oc0pKrBvTOLhU-88cYm3DIDiLZYvzCkCbStdriFBdu_AmQXw_kFavD-acM_RU/s320/IMG_5388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhlQFI5hhWIeaex6pttA-dULtokz7l6G3TDp9a54zW6u4KKRzV-I0y3rXCtx8Gw2_5y36yRb6MVFxtBFFemd6SCcKucoVZVxCUHkhsQZlmFw0qphkm0kP-IWqLoby-VGtD40Xih9xYqo/s1600/card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhlQFI5hhWIeaex6pttA-dULtokz7l6G3TDp9a54zW6u4KKRzV-I0y3rXCtx8Gw2_5y36yRb6MVFxtBFFemd6SCcKucoVZVxCUHkhsQZlmFw0qphkm0kP-IWqLoby-VGtD40Xih9xYqo/s320/card2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The <a href="https://www.theimaginationspot.com/" target="_blank">Imagination Spot</a> has this adorable snail mail stamp. What adds to this stamp (in addition to whimsical illustration) is the postmark. Kind of wishing there was an option to purchase postcards of some of these super cute cards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjH_HQfOuRS41_7rh7ZUP0T5Qk4KI6Pvevv8g5d4m7Jj8KWJpTcTr6tyOry1ohCG5A2H6wTagTju-_u7MYIrf1JzSRdH9UxOgT07WQoUgFo0vVlMTr6_TgTlxmPat177Fwjdo5j0hh9s/s1600/IMG_5389.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjH_HQfOuRS41_7rh7ZUP0T5Qk4KI6Pvevv8g5d4m7Jj8KWJpTcTr6tyOry1ohCG5A2H6wTagTju-_u7MYIrf1JzSRdH9UxOgT07WQoUgFo0vVlMTr6_TgTlxmPat177Fwjdo5j0hh9s/s320/IMG_5389.MOV" width="240" /></a></div>
As you may have surmised, <a href="https://pagestationery.com/" target="_blank">Page Stationery</a> is based in Virginia. This stamp card captured the great outdoors with their heavy card stock postage stamp. On the back it says "Let the Adventure Begin".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz0jcfLmoCkikyCM__y4RxDkNwGt1G0kPCCdI9KfbH-KfbWkFMg1b9CiTL_SogcMLb0UQ2pIf1VXSHbjlKi8NRgD53X5qwhlU5Vwhe8BAge_eJOGxp3SFyOwz1Ter-JGHrgwWAfx5rSo/s1600/IMG_5391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz0jcfLmoCkikyCM__y4RxDkNwGt1G0kPCCdI9KfbH-KfbWkFMg1b9CiTL_SogcMLb0UQ2pIf1VXSHbjlKi8NRgD53X5qwhlU5Vwhe8BAge_eJOGxp3SFyOwz1Ter-JGHrgwWAfx5rSo/s320/IMG_5391.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://hesterandcook.com/" target="_blank">Hester & Cook,</a> based in Tennessee, offers a wide variety of stationery and gift items. This adorable, sparkly unicorn postage stamp card is emblematic of their style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX8yzOKP0dYet63IxUaSHNO5Jcvbg5DS5hB-RrkcU1edPPJZHBfgiO7OEt4NSDD3L3ui9jzslYM3sE3KQjof0Y1oXUUjCp6dSYC3zzhzu1-mf8JG50A0H62uLWlHTzt59VH5BX9n_-p4/s1600/IMG_5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX8yzOKP0dYet63IxUaSHNO5Jcvbg5DS5hB-RrkcU1edPPJZHBfgiO7OEt4NSDD3L3ui9jzslYM3sE3KQjof0Y1oXUUjCp6dSYC3zzhzu1-mf8JG50A0H62uLWlHTzt59VH5BX9n_-p4/s320/IMG_5392.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://bossdotty.com/" target="_blank">Boss Dotty</a> celebrates "strong women through playful illustrations that are laced with humor and a can-do attitude".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS69ZjLyJTT6hfCaZuVf3KitJCCQGdQbyjRQFseADCEQdCuxLr2D3BVwdgFB7jJ1hufHd1EBtNn2cS5CcbkHiAGmoXU8mEdI-Ci2uXAjjWtwnNvDZo2lzMYkogUhkVQvghRZ42g9YnH8/s1600/IMG_5395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS69ZjLyJTT6hfCaZuVf3KitJCCQGdQbyjRQFseADCEQdCuxLr2D3BVwdgFB7jJ1hufHd1EBtNn2cS5CcbkHiAGmoXU8mEdI-Ci2uXAjjWtwnNvDZo2lzMYkogUhkVQvghRZ42g9YnH8/s320/IMG_5395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://pinwheelprintshop.com/" target="_blank">Pinwheel Print Shop </a>specializes in hand lettering and illustration for their fresh, whimsical designs. Owner, Colleen Reid is its Chief Snail Mail Officer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL44JevCe_gE1O-IoUo7A2qMT7WcSgbBfwjPR_G5dOXQH-U6zn76kEHLx0gBP9mgFuvpi-QjozW8Dghjxkbh1I9ZOuHw3aRpTT3nHF9eVwJjRnVDix9ayG3nQC5X79vPJHf0AAHhmtsvs/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL44JevCe_gE1O-IoUo7A2qMT7WcSgbBfwjPR_G5dOXQH-U6zn76kEHLx0gBP9mgFuvpi-QjozW8Dghjxkbh1I9ZOuHw3aRpTT3nHF9eVwJjRnVDix9ayG3nQC5X79vPJHf0AAHhmtsvs/s320/IMG_5384.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I met the lovely Colleen, owner of the <a href="https://www.colleenattara.com/" target="_blank">Colleen Attara Studio</a>, at the show. She was a delight and she shared with me one of her handmade journals (altered book) which was incredibly detailed and inspiring (saving this for a future blog post). Her beautifully crafted card below shows her vision of the world coming together to support each other and work as one. After all, We are all in this together, aren't we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zpqseGejxARx7zgn6_7yoJ8KF8TbgMgOOQB9dFjQU6PIobxyyPxNrVLWxTloFwwb1NefBiH0yjpxMVnXVMId4SwaUoNrjvWJLMn48IOKXLk0YHR2l33REntL5f-s-3pPuSYD_1hZ6E/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zpqseGejxARx7zgn6_7yoJ8KF8TbgMgOOQB9dFjQU6PIobxyyPxNrVLWxTloFwwb1NefBiH0yjpxMVnXVMId4SwaUoNrjvWJLMn48IOKXLk0YHR2l33REntL5f-s-3pPuSYD_1hZ6E/s320/IMG_5387.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://freshoutofink.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Out of Ink </a>is run by husband and wife team, Katy and Albert, who fell in love via snail mail when they were both 14. Sweet, huh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraUzoN9Kxrj0PlF8cFRWmznF0TxqIRjtcWNu0PcXfc1WUoxFnUMyT4snoy0JEumOlESE_5neNAS5FPpEHycMSAQdQN6M5NEJFCDvGpiMwQ4pkPZS4bn30wayd-t5m4nIVAnAlhflJXDg/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraUzoN9Kxrj0PlF8cFRWmznF0TxqIRjtcWNu0PcXfc1WUoxFnUMyT4snoy0JEumOlESE_5neNAS5FPpEHycMSAQdQN6M5NEJFCDvGpiMwQ4pkPZS4bn30wayd-t5m4nIVAnAlhflJXDg/s320/IMG_5386.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.upwithpaper.com/" target="_blank">Up With Paper</a> is not only the original pop-up greeting card company, they're also the world's leading marketer of innovative, three-dimensional
greeting cards and stationery products. Their #PutAStampOnIt entry below is a highlighted in rose-gold ink that, sadly, does not show up in the photo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewwxJn3j0EYmmDDUCynaFSp3gGHWQWrSzXaY_q2MChitA6M2nkjjkdHLsacxQZOUVGz8SqpD3mSxqVV3gglctrQazvUB8CcXNmCHAzzB8MRy6xu31-lqES6TaeGRsJkHDJki8PlYxK3U/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewwxJn3j0EYmmDDUCynaFSp3gGHWQWrSzXaY_q2MChitA6M2nkjjkdHLsacxQZOUVGz8SqpD3mSxqVV3gglctrQazvUB8CcXNmCHAzzB8MRy6xu31-lqES6TaeGRsJkHDJki8PlYxK3U/s320/IMG_5382.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sisters, Alice and Doris, love mail and puns so making cards is a natural fit for them. <a href="https://ilootpaperie.patternbyetsy.com/" target="_blank">I Loot Paperie</a> is based out of Pasedena, CA. Their design below is the perfect image for snail mail. I love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIN-z647KEEcLStczMBU-uTGlZTEoSMUT3KKWGABw3UHU75_LSMqvyOS-USMUin8O76Gmy5IvxEdJARlkLVKLqdCOA-YX2ghdVVlV-U7r6_fKi2h6TedIMRNY-s0VTpKX5cQYfmVJKzw/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIN-z647KEEcLStczMBU-uTGlZTEoSMUT3KKWGABw3UHU75_LSMqvyOS-USMUin8O76Gmy5IvxEdJARlkLVKLqdCOA-YX2ghdVVlV-U7r6_fKi2h6TedIMRNY-s0VTpKX5cQYfmVJKzw/s320/IMG_5383.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
One of my favorite #PutAStampOnIt cards is the one below from <a href="https://www.goodjujuink.com/" target="_blank">Good Juju Ink</a>, who believes that anyone and everyone can change the world one perfectly imperfect illustration at a time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5kRrKexSkptush-krnX8DDxiTjwPCuFJR_JNDSAy2U8iikQaMt-pTvZji5vF1YLZYYASybSm6NjAg-zbC8hP9GeNiOkgZCp8Mk18IaN2DHFYpysc_QTr8-ac7pldWk9kMDpaKgMNQ_U/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5kRrKexSkptush-krnX8DDxiTjwPCuFJR_JNDSAy2U8iikQaMt-pTvZji5vF1YLZYYASybSm6NjAg-zbC8hP9GeNiOkgZCp8Mk18IaN2DHFYpysc_QTr8-ac7pldWk9kMDpaKgMNQ_U/s320/IMG_5381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://inklingspaperie.com/" target="_blank">Inklings Paperie</a>, based in Detroit, was founded by Lindsay Henry who believes in the power of the handwritten note, and is committed to creating
products that inspire kindness and bring joy to life's many little
celebrations, as perfectly illustrated in the card below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9uBKdBQ7bSV_jFKictLaijrdjCNf1FvP5roKUyophFKcMKGXmtUw9NGgl5PV_chQINs4gn46oIFAEldiF7-wPgYHAWIQXaDCwk4bSW59qjNDGk9BiBKJ6yx5X1t_xqxtLib0Ug_j0ZI/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9uBKdBQ7bSV_jFKictLaijrdjCNf1FvP5roKUyophFKcMKGXmtUw9NGgl5PV_chQINs4gn46oIFAEldiF7-wPgYHAWIQXaDCwk4bSW59qjNDGk9BiBKJ6yx5X1t_xqxtLib0Ug_j0ZI/s320/IMG_5385.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Finally, we have the <a href="https://www.gotamago.com/" target="_blank">Gotamago Collection </a>which features original ink-and-watercolour illustrations designed and printed in Toronto, Canada. I wish my pictures would capture the way the gold foil glitters on the card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTDQYvvtUjzpcThy7MRMIP6j1AZyrsA_-QqLsya7QB0wR48LskUVh6A2u00YhIQ_-34fB4TGibNrN4XZzMQ5gF396OYKQOL2JTFWv74ghgLOC8UvS_NaF9J6j-y6dYGO35MVUL_aCBI/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTDQYvvtUjzpcThy7MRMIP6j1AZyrsA_-QqLsya7QB0wR48LskUVh6A2u00YhIQ_-34fB4TGibNrN4XZzMQ5gF396OYKQOL2JTFWv74ghgLOC8UvS_NaF9J6j-y6dYGO35MVUL_aCBI/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now the challenge is how to keep and display these postal gems and keepsakes.<br />
<span id="goog_1116238299"></span><span id="goog_1116238300"></span><br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-63953500498876305852018-06-09T07:37:00.000-05:002018-06-09T07:37:16.923-05:00One Million Lovely LettersJodi Ann Bickley began writing letters to strangers while trying to overcome challenging health issues and depression that she suffered from after having a stroke and a brain infection at age 23 in 2011.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r-GyUdCaF9_vzr1H3TDTR3wN0de5gVPfdHd1FY4LeWdud-OhB9wAaQhfzN4-Wb2K4sJvKKwbekI8VQ0uFh26Alus_wcs0w_sl89W6r94xUMxMhYFNjYHLOt11_cgVbvJpOh7LbHXRB8/s1600/jodi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="499" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r-GyUdCaF9_vzr1H3TDTR3wN0de5gVPfdHd1FY4LeWdud-OhB9wAaQhfzN4-Wb2K4sJvKKwbekI8VQ0uFh26Alus_wcs0w_sl89W6r94xUMxMhYFNjYHLOt11_cgVbvJpOh7LbHXRB8/s320/jodi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She set up a <a href="https://onemillionlovelyletters.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and asked people to email her if they wanted her to write them a letter. She asked them to tell her what they were going through so that she could reply to them and their issue (ill health, losing a home or loved one, unexplained sadness - you get the idea). Soon she had hundreds and then thousands of emails asking her to send them a letter.<br />
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She found her purpose. At least for now. At least to get her through her current life challenge. Isn't that something we all want and look for? Serving a purpose. <br />
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Then she had a book and received even more requests. Now she has a team of helpers so they can reach even more people.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1444754807/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1444754807&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=f7a88fe7a2208da8062efd3032a0339f" target="_blank">One Million Lovely Letters: When life is looking hopeless, one inspirational letter can change your life forever</a><br />
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Letters are something simple that anyone can do. They are such a great way to reach across the chasm - geographical, physical, emotional - and touch someone on the other side by your caring and your thoughtfulness.<br />
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Who will you write to today? Thanks in advance for helping to make the world a better place by your caring.<br />
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Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-6473026557752756652018-06-01T08:40:00.000-05:002018-06-01T08:44:15.000-05:00Journal Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKyE-yfDxESs8dTfHYjnoc97fqcExT2oDO-OWiGeFeFOlUqeEXYYUmmAnCbf-v_48QymZ1EzYzMKkBliDqrXdL6R6yhOHmh2TsR8iQ6nAUjHAd-MJ1gbWhEgUoiOO_YVt0H9_ToDT6Ws/s1600/winner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKyE-yfDxESs8dTfHYjnoc97fqcExT2oDO-OWiGeFeFOlUqeEXYYUmmAnCbf-v_48QymZ1EzYzMKkBliDqrXdL6R6yhOHmh2TsR8iQ6nAUjHAd-MJ1gbWhEgUoiOO_YVt0H9_ToDT6Ws/s320/winner.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/" target="_blank">Fox Chapel Publishing</a> giveaway has two winners! Congratulations to Linda Hutchinson and Kathy Delumpa Allegri! Please send me your mailing address to <a href="mailto:Jackie@lettersandjournals.com" target="_blank">my email </a>and I will get your selected journal off to you!<br />
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Thanks to everyone who left comments and mailed in entries! Stay tuned for another giveaway soon! Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-39807971381617203702018-05-31T21:59:00.000-05:002018-06-01T08:42:59.749-05:00Highlights from the National Stationery Show 2018The 2018 National Stationery Show was a fabulous showcase of so much stationery goodness! Booth after booth offered eye-catching displays and products as well as having super-friendly and passionate people.<br />
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This pictures were from the Sakura of America booth. My favorite is the seahorse stationery!<br />
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Who doesn't love beautiful quality lined envelopes? <br />
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All in a lovely stationery set. <br />
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The images below are from the <a href="https://lilyandval.com/" target="_blank">Lily & Val </a>booth. I fell in love with these prints of store front images. Aren't they gorgeous?<br />
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I love them so much I can't pick a favorite. <br />
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The only thing missing is a storefront image of a bookstore.<br />
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This lovely Keepsake Kitchen Diary from Lily & Val is a combination cookbook, journal and scrapbook. There is so much inside there that it would be best to watch the video on <a href="https://lilyandval.com/collections/keepsake-kitchen-diary/products/the-keepsake-kitchen-diary" target="_blank">this page</a> of their website.<br />
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This is just a portion of what I saw at the 2018 NSS. More to come in future blogs.<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-35381396867620395812018-05-19T08:02:00.003-05:002018-05-19T08:02:47.548-05:00Getting Ready for the National Stationery Show 2018The <a href="https://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/" target="_blank">National Stationery Show</a> (NSS) is held every May in New York City and this year, for the first time since 2011, I will be attending.<br />
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This annual trade show showcases product and trends from 750 vendors/booths to over 8,000 visitors, mostly store owners and product buyers.<br />
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Years ago I visited the <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/" target="_blank">Rifle Paper Co</a> at the show when they were just starting out. Now, I see their product everywhere, including this lovely <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/love-flourishes-S_564704" target="_blank">postage stamp</a> that was released earlier this year and was designed by Anna Bond (co-owner and founder of the Rifle Paper Co) for the <a href="https://www.usps.com/" target="_blank">USPS</a>.<br />
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I wonder what treasures I'll find this year? I plan to take lots of pictures and maybe some video and will share all when I return from the show next week.<br />
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Stay tuned.Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-40991416587503978392018-05-18T16:14:00.001-05:002018-05-18T16:14:44.882-05:00Pilot Fountain Pen ReviewI recently purchased this affordable fountain pen to add to my small fountain pen collection. I don't use fountain pens too often but I'm trying to improve my skill level and comfort with them, so I selected the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009X9Z2FW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009X9Z2FW&linkCode=as2&tag=jafferty-20&linkId=6b8b78e280ef1ebd886b11fb722bb936" target="_blank">Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jafferty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B009X9Z2FW" style="border: medium none !important; display: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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The pen was less than $13 on Amazon. The description calls it a medium nib, but it looks and writes more like a fine point to me. I usually prefer fine point pens but had opted for a medium nib to change things up a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsZjv6ZwqLc_xYcCDuhkn9OecGl4D6u1dUrtEXBWXaQTYsUf_2yuxwOSkmXl7gLbt-PL6wNuY4DcUx4VmQZxUCUn-2qPLFQr0HEQ7tOFMMAI0-OjMiJSAMwuFtAsyeDRmU2ITiaDTm0/s1600/2018-05-12+12.14.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsZjv6ZwqLc_xYcCDuhkn9OecGl4D6u1dUrtEXBWXaQTYsUf_2yuxwOSkmXl7gLbt-PL6wNuY4DcUx4VmQZxUCUn-2qPLFQr0HEQ7tOFMMAI0-OjMiJSAMwuFtAsyeDRmU2ITiaDTm0/s320/2018-05-12+12.14.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pen comes with both a converter and an ink cartridge. So far I've only used the converter as I have so many bottles of ink (14 and counting).<br />
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In the images below I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T3X40A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001T3X40A&linkCode=as2&tag=jafferty-20&linkId=8fed6c901eab66026db706078b50e1fb" target="_blank">Private Reserve Ink Bottle Copper Burst</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jafferty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B001T3X40A" style="border: medium none !important; display: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which is a lovely shade of brown.<br />
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The pen writes smooth, but I've found that it skips occasionally causing me to have to go back and rewrite a letter.<br />
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There is no bleed thru in the Moleskin notebook, but you can see the outline of the words through the paper. The weight and feel of the pen are good - not too heavy and not too light. I find the smooth barrel of the pen beckons to me from its perch when I'm using a different writing instrument. Each pen has a different purpose. Not all are meant for every day use.<br />
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Overall, the pen writes fairly decent, and for the price it is a good buy. <br />
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I haven't tried the ink cartridge and probably won't for awhile as I have so many bottles of ink to dip into. I'm glad to be back to having a hand fountain pen at my desk and may look at what it will take to get my others out of their boxes.<br />
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What's your favorite writing pen these days?<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-6473482580709759812018-05-01T20:47:00.000-05:002018-05-01T20:47:04.609-05:00Journal GiveawayFox Chapel Publishing has recently sent me some journals to review and give away. You can click on any of the four titles and it will take you to the page on the Fox Chapel website that includes a video and more info about each journal.<br />
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My favorite is the <a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/hello-angel-lined-journal-skates.html" target="_blank"><i>Hello Angel Lined Journal</i></a>. Isn't this a gorgeous image? This same photo is also featured on their DO Magazine <a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/do-magazine-issue-6-holiday-winter-2016.html" target="_blank">(issue 6</a>) which they also publish. There are no guided entries, but there are plenty of illustrations that are colorful and whimsical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZQb2l_CLFL7UcR3V-fYi1Oae-WKeLO6SuCVZlW0iUwJXSYim9NpBQxadU7n4KdtDRAPwleUceJCOnCsQE5oLVRzmsy-uof3pe4jbuh3yblERzL-aeuexdDZjtr0fF_lvvcTuvMJo39s/s1600/J_Iceskates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZQb2l_CLFL7UcR3V-fYi1Oae-WKeLO6SuCVZlW0iUwJXSYim9NpBQxadU7n4KdtDRAPwleUceJCOnCsQE5oLVRzmsy-uof3pe4jbuh3yblERzL-aeuexdDZjtr0fF_lvvcTuvMJo39s/s320/J_Iceskates.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
They have a few different prayer journals, including the one below, <a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/my-prayer-journal.html" target="_blank">My Prayer Journal. </a>This has pages of illustrations and daily prayer journaling questions by Joanne Fink.The font choice is lovely and the guided entries are very useful: Today I Pray; Today I am in Awe of: Today I Regret; Today I am Grateful for. There's also a monthly listing for each month and a prayer tracker for your prayers or those you are praying for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8_4QI4vZJJYwexH0BhyejISwXFuu2SxWqvrQJplLrjG-XtMqXEd5aW61VUmpwDBEJeffLR_MMPJirC1gyvMtjBwQhtUzxYb2zvZcwGaBwyhqNhyphenhyphenHA2QIkubvgcCh9VvrO6cQXYmeL78/s1600/J_Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="487" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8_4QI4vZJJYwexH0BhyejISwXFuu2SxWqvrQJplLrjG-XtMqXEd5aW61VUmpwDBEJeffLR_MMPJirC1gyvMtjBwQhtUzxYb2zvZcwGaBwyhqNhyphenhyphenHA2QIkubvgcCh9VvrO6cQXYmeL78/s320/J_Prayer.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
The <a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/tangleeasy-guided-journal-mandala.html" target="_blank">Tangle Easy Guided Journal</a> is a lined journal with mandalas -some to color and some that are in color. Here are some sample journal entries: What animal is most similar to you? What kind of friend are you? What did you want to be when you grew up? What is your earliest memory?<br />
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Here's a better view of the mandala on the front cover.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVjnGD8gw0pm_M9pZsfAsAHaB4p3e97_5kRWdMQ0jNPvZVHMcv0ZlHr5C5hok369Axkk4MlHXLB2qgEjDLwhvTKOflns08cRQaQjGGZEWZhabXKp8A6M17aIaRY4h1QGiU1QDv5GbiFM/s320/J_tangle.jpg" width="272" /></div>
The <a href="https://foxchapelpublishing.com/woodstock-dot-journal-peace-love-music.html" target="_blank">Woodstock Dot Journal</a> is filled with dot pages and has a few pages of bullet journal instructions and examples included at the beginning of the journal. 2019 will be the 50th Anniversary of the 3-day Woodstock Celebration that took place in 1969.<br />
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The Woodstock journal is paperback and all of the others are hardcover. Each of the journals has a retail price of $7.99.<br />
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I didn't test the paper quality as I opted to do the giveaways instead. I can tell you that none of these lies flat as the binding is not flexible.<br />
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You can enter by doing any of the following:<br />
1. Leave a comment on this blog with the choice of journal you would like. <br />
2. Use #LandJgiveaway on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram (limit one per venue) along with your choice of journal.<br />
3. Mail a card, letter or postcard to me at:<br />Letters & Journals<br />
PO Box 120052<br />
St Paul, MN 55112<br />
Limit one entry per type (ex: 1 on Instagram, 1 letter, 1 comment, 1 Twitter, 1 Facebook). Winners will be announced on June 1, 2018. Limited to US entries only.<br />
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Good Luck!<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-55913776125444199922018-04-23T21:56:00.000-05:002018-04-23T21:56:30.440-05:00A Visit to Paper Source in EdinaI love visiting stationery stores! Looking, touching, dreaming, buying. There are four <a href="https://www.papersource.com/" target="_blank">Paper Source</a> stores in the Twin Cities. This post is about my recent visit to the Edina store. In a previous post, I wrote about my visit to the Mall of America store. You can read that <a href="https://lettersandjournals.blogspot.com/2017/06/my-visit-to-papersource-store-at-mall.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The ladies working here were super friendly and seemed like they were having fun at their jobs- helping customers, changing displays, answering the phone. Very upbeat! I liked it.<br />
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So many good things on display - lots of pens, markers, planners, note cards, calendars and so much more!<br />
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This cute back door was at the back of the store. The store had lots of light mostly coming through the front and side windows.<br />
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They even had a public bathroom right in the middle of the store. It was perfect! Maybe all the stores have one. I've never checked before. But was delighted to find one unexpectedly. <br />
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I've been on the hunt for pretty papers like these (below) to use as backgrounds in my new photo light box as I strive to improve the photographs I take for this blog (It's a work in progress).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YalclLAV9E_jaNJ2p2xdpCF1rJWrhxtPy_VfwixzWysbHoCXxFEgQNtjP4hW76SIexk2jkK5mjfjVIuQpTMQZBQxBu01-0vuPDeVrkNufrrRfZs-T3ae4T6fxwJyDmULVeyXVcwBKjs/s1600/IMG_3312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YalclLAV9E_jaNJ2p2xdpCF1rJWrhxtPy_VfwixzWysbHoCXxFEgQNtjP4hW76SIexk2jkK5mjfjVIuQpTMQZBQxBu01-0vuPDeVrkNufrrRfZs-T3ae4T6fxwJyDmULVeyXVcwBKjs/s320/IMG_3312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Lots of lettering promos and books. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwub317DmhrArypaQiF8azcGw5KaFCJttg8LwpyoBJ8qXxZkYvXkNwClq-Xey_ctPiW0kMwgDp5i2lXNCptsEijYI7t61bWbtPZZx8dreLQOB5JHizoc6rj-2RRt_WjDA6rAxiLtKaQfI/s1600/IMG_3314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwub317DmhrArypaQiF8azcGw5KaFCJttg8LwpyoBJ8qXxZkYvXkNwClq-Xey_ctPiW0kMwgDp5i2lXNCptsEijYI7t61bWbtPZZx8dreLQOB5JHizoc6rj-2RRt_WjDA6rAxiLtKaQfI/s320/IMG_3314.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Are you ready to take your lettering to the next level?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5rzaB8XDw03ZEfk2ObknJaECg-vZy3AB-jf51dmjscIsXUf_sCCORo2dXQ19YZEZ_c10ZCKJ9V-Ib9P0MsW7jeGNkXB6YAItO-PLy05bsRcMe9AMHu3Yoz76M2fSnecxLYyZztIEhtg/s1600/IMG_3309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5rzaB8XDw03ZEfk2ObknJaECg-vZy3AB-jf51dmjscIsXUf_sCCORo2dXQ19YZEZ_c10ZCKJ9V-Ib9P0MsW7jeGNkXB6YAItO-PLy05bsRcMe9AMHu3Yoz76M2fSnecxLYyZztIEhtg/s320/IMG_3309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You might want to see if your local Paper Source store is hosting their own classes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi-uotzmfILMGNhLxFjh-ssUzjlvXWx86RayX1YSjH1Bmk9Uwn7oBO6lQOUmIgw1QdKP5DTMAnGTbyW6H-GZZKiQmPs0sfDnyco8jEBHvcPNyBgcAWeqzEzRRbcpGyXkS6q3BrMiFPtw/s1600/IMG_3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi-uotzmfILMGNhLxFjh-ssUzjlvXWx86RayX1YSjH1Bmk9Uwn7oBO6lQOUmIgw1QdKP5DTMAnGTbyW6H-GZZKiQmPs0sfDnyco8jEBHvcPNyBgcAWeqzEzRRbcpGyXkS6q3BrMiFPtw/s320/IMG_3310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I took a calligraphy class years ago and it helped improve my penmanship quite a bit. Maybe it's time for something new. How about you?Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-28917161171004980052018-04-15T09:56:00.000-05:002018-04-15T12:37:14.113-05:00April is National Letter Writing MonthApril is <i>National Letter Writing Month</i>. How are you honoring this tradition? My guess is that for those who write letters, it won't matter what month it is (although it's always nice to having something you enjoy be honored or nationally recognized). And for those who don't write letters, it also doesn't matter what month it is - letter writing month or not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWA4evNIwkbRV_AqTEKeRi1TGG7nFxLNmJkGFR6hM4qjyepnkvZ7_X0WjuntcgwVB9FTxCW1o4g4rX2Is0fFaL2kXotMd4310e4YUKTmkzquy0JyfujTyRARBG9qZKrRBa_PTxprj-84/s1600/IMG_3486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWA4evNIwkbRV_AqTEKeRi1TGG7nFxLNmJkGFR6hM4qjyepnkvZ7_X0WjuntcgwVB9FTxCW1o4g4rX2Is0fFaL2kXotMd4310e4YUKTmkzquy0JyfujTyRARBG9qZKrRBa_PTxprj-84/s320/IMG_3486.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I think the recognition of the <i>Letter Writing Month</i> does a few things. It helps us become more aware of our hobby as a national pastime. And, like many pastimes and hobbies, it's not for everyone. But the ones who identify strongly as letter writers, it helps us feel a connection with others who also classify themselves among this group.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRh-q1yemXrtpNAf2Oev86T-fKKDKZYsX1ggRpHCa1IKa3BSeazFYXuEb6uGMov5UhVY4SQvZWuLqZD0SHKnY9zNyEpwaTCqVjmDy8ZAl1sSxthBGaiCiL4G6n2WOJi2xiQguACdIZ7k/s1600/Mailbox.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRh-q1yemXrtpNAf2Oev86T-fKKDKZYsX1ggRpHCa1IKa3BSeazFYXuEb6uGMov5UhVY4SQvZWuLqZD0SHKnY9zNyEpwaTCqVjmDy8ZAl1sSxthBGaiCiL4G6n2WOJi2xiQguACdIZ7k/s320/Mailbox.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Like any hobby enthusiast, there is also a group of fans who don't actually write letters (for whatever reason) but love the concept of writing letters and want to identify themselves as belonging to the group. Maybe they can be called <i>Latent Letter Writers</i>. I think the same thing exists for all hobbies and passions (tea drinkers, knitters, golfers, calligraphers, people who journal or use day planner. You get the idea).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kAow5GJOD9dEObl-5cOoCywaTTG4vltucR41PoccLIn-tRX3LgYJWAzDe2OQq0L2C2VbmLUW4vCI2RLvV-53VTxWrEbKq7sG2hChehubc2OynlSi0SRKPFabsKFDncWx8JJjJTfC6kk/s1600/Letters.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kAow5GJOD9dEObl-5cOoCywaTTG4vltucR41PoccLIn-tRX3LgYJWAzDe2OQq0L2C2VbmLUW4vCI2RLvV-53VTxWrEbKq7sG2hChehubc2OynlSi0SRKPFabsKFDncWx8JJjJTfC6kk/s320/Letters.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
In addition to appreciating letter writing as a national hobby, <i>Letter Writing Month</i> also promotes the stationery stores and product lines related to the industry by helping them connect letter writing enthusiasts to their product or service. For many of us finding the perfect pen, ink and writing paper is a ritual and highly valued as part of our craft. For others, selecting any pen or pencil, some plain paper and commence writing with no thought or concern for their tools,only the end result of creating a missive to send. Along the entirety of this spectrum is everything else in between the extremes. Where do you fit in? <br />
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Finally, I think the <i>Letter Writing Month</i> allows letter writers a way to connect with other self-identified letter writers. Blog posts like this, discussion venues in all types of social media, articles in the mass media all create an opening to allow others to see or join, admire or dismiss this soul-enriching pastime.<br />
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Enough blogging. Time to go write a letter. You know- in honor of <i>National Letter Writing Month</i>.<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-64940212568246974032018-04-09T06:00:00.000-05:002018-04-09T20:51:41.706-05:00Roatan Post OfficeIn February of this year we went to Roatan, Honduras for a winter getaway. I had never heard of the island of Roatan before discussing this vacation with our friends.<br />
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"Who goes to the Honduras for vacation?" I recall asking. They explained that Roatan is an island off the coast of Honduras that is renowned for its snorkeling and scuba diving. You get a general idea of its location in the map below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX-ORqxhi1XvtVNG96MqOaIqvgH3j7x_rn45oDVWe6uS8YSmhtCoCtasvKCMUgHYjuBUytowckhbdWqGuCQzqJQrSzeKANFffzSo3SWZhV9icPIPZsSvreg8QkWmh5WHRG0z_32nudDE/s1600/roatan_mapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="918" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX-ORqxhi1XvtVNG96MqOaIqvgH3j7x_rn45oDVWe6uS8YSmhtCoCtasvKCMUgHYjuBUytowckhbdWqGuCQzqJQrSzeKANFffzSo3SWZhV9icPIPZsSvreg8QkWmh5WHRG0z_32nudDE/s320/roatan_mapp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Roatan is in the Caribbean and is placed along the world's second largest coral reef, <span class="st">Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Here's a view from our beach on West Bay, where we could walk out or swim to the coral reef and enjoy the views of ocean life.</span><br />
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<span class="st"> </span>What's a visit to a new place without sending some postcards? The message boards all warned that it most likely wasn't worth the effort as mail (especially postcards) rarely reached their destination out of Roatan. They also warned that it was impossible to buy stamps anywhere except the post office, which was a 30-minute, one way, taxi ride to Coxen Hole from our resort at Infinity Bay.<br />
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Here is a photo of the Post Office in Coxen Hole.<br />
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I did ask at the hotel gift shop as well as a few other local tourist shops near our hotel about purchasing stamps. One woman who owned a t-shirt shop explained that the hotels and shops like hers had to stop selling stamps because it was discovered that employees were stealing stamps and not mailing letters. This is a very poor island and is hardly recognized or supported by the mainland (according to locals) so they rely on tourists for their livelihood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42ms93JniYH9h3vA9Q85bFB-PDWyTTX-nHZZ1IHQylJon2mIlgxcixxskX9gutCX0BUPdG85YisbJ5tLNF7Zm5gf_OYUQzilR3NmLVNaq4exh0AJHr6DJcm5SO5gj2q6PY7LWq2dvzRM/s1600/Roatan+PO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="350" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42ms93JniYH9h3vA9Q85bFB-PDWyTTX-nHZZ1IHQylJon2mIlgxcixxskX9gutCX0BUPdG85YisbJ5tLNF7Zm5gf_OYUQzilR3NmLVNaq4exh0AJHr6DJcm5SO5gj2q6PY7LWq2dvzRM/s320/Roatan+PO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In hindsight I should have taken a photograph of the sheet of stamps I purchased. I bought 10 postcard stamps and five letter stamps. I did take a picture of two letters I was going to mail from Roatan, but in the end I decided to wait and mail them when I returned home. <br />
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I left the Honduran stamp on the envelope, but added a US stamp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Z0I7mpd_TmyCeeE60gFKl3fkTRjOCmTlXHYMthyI_zjXLGaQcP28w7mQGk4pRTfF6adOFtDK8X6PLoXX-wOuSPuAESdtQ-ZpAwKBBZZe0Z0REJNqnRF67wsxc7Sj31LpNrEcCY75w-o/s1600/stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Z0I7mpd_TmyCeeE60gFKl3fkTRjOCmTlXHYMthyI_zjXLGaQcP28w7mQGk4pRTfF6adOFtDK8X6PLoXX-wOuSPuAESdtQ-ZpAwKBBZZe0Z0REJNqnRF67wsxc7Sj31LpNrEcCY75w-o/s1600/stamp.jpg" /></a></div>
I also mailed a postcard to myself as I always do when we travel so that I can add it to my travel scrapbook. It has been 6 weeks and I haven't seen it yet. Possibly, I never will. But I won't give up hope.<br />
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My friend went to Cuba last 4th of July and it took until Thanksgiving for me to receive the postcard she sent.Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-38620939574065488772018-04-04T05:50:00.000-05:002018-04-04T09:12:45.697-05:009th Anniversary of Letters & Journals BlogToday, <i>Letters & Journals</i> is celebrating nine years of blogging! Wow! I've been working on this magazine concept for years which is why I started the blog in the first place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpNDukIr4LaJKZZ7cgAXkMsdSZdLny-HdySfzuwuaovjQHRhxiZr-9xtUdwAQonh8MvzvAAZo-0dJ7i7S8szq35zO2_xDWFSxmTdBMYYHCZ4eDoTFhNrJ5YZHifKeY2ruWQ1KVdY9Cv4/s1600/LandJMag+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpNDukIr4LaJKZZ7cgAXkMsdSZdLny-HdySfzuwuaovjQHRhxiZr-9xtUdwAQonh8MvzvAAZo-0dJ7i7S8szq35zO2_xDWFSxmTdBMYYHCZ4eDoTFhNrJ5YZHifKeY2ruWQ1KVdY9Cv4/s320/LandJMag+cover.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
It's taking me much longer than I would have imagined to get this off the ground, but I haven't given up. I still envision an interactive website with a print edition of a magazine that:<br />
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* Comes out 1-2 times per year (eventually 3-4)<br />
* Is 80-100 pages in length<br />
* Filled with articles all about Mail, Journals, Planners and so much more <br />
* Features stationery stores in different cities<br />
* Features events and promotions going on around the country<br />
* Contests and giveaways<br />
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The new website is scheduled for launch this summer with Issue #1 of <i>Letters & Journals</i> planned for summer 2019.<br />
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What would you like to see in the magazine?Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-77348577695420430152018-03-31T08:45:00.001-05:002018-03-31T08:45:49.310-05:00The Daily Greatness Journal ReviewI had heard about the<a href="http://dailygreatnessusa.refr.cc/jackief" target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="http://dailygreatnessusa.refr.cc/jackief" target="_blank">Daily Greatness Journal: A Practical Guide for Consciously Creating Your Days</a> </i>for a while, but couldn't justify the cost of $49.95. Last November I decided to look at it as an investment in self-development and I made the purchase.<br />
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There is a lot of reading at the beginning of the journal as it challenges you to think about what you want in your life. There are areas to fill in about Values, Dreams, Goals, Your 'Why', Personal Statement, Greatness Blueprint. Think about that- A Greatness Blueprint. Not that you need this journal to create one, but I love that they thought to include it!<br />
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Once you've spent some time, thought and energy on the bigger picture, it's time to get down to business. The<i> Daily Greatness Journal </i>is divided in four quarters with a 90-day planner at the start of each quarter. There is also a 90-day check-in so that you can track your progress for the previous 90 days.<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lettersandj06-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1118509234" style="border: medium none !important; display: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This is genius and ties in perfectly with the concept of the 12-week
year as developed and explained by Brian P. Moran in his book,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118509234/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118509234&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=9d0594681bc47bdee9efa20c90923139" target="_blank"> The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months.</a><br />
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Moran explains that by creating and tracking goals quarterly, you can track your progress better, change course sooner if something isn't working, develop clear action plans and measurable follow-up.<br />
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You can still have annual goals, but the idea is to break the bigger goals into smaller ones with actionable items. The <i>Daily Greatness Journal</i> includes a space for your 'Why' as well as a place to list 5 actions for each goal. If you're not ready to be serious with your goal setting and follow through, then this book is not for you.<br />
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The majority of the book is made up of daily pages, a weekly check-in and a weekly planner. To get the best use out of this planner, it should be used in the morning and the evening, although whatever usage habits you decide and can stick with, will work.<br />
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The calendar is not dated so that you can begin using this at any time throughout the year and don't need to wait until January 1.<br />
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I spent a lot of time on the pre-work (goals, plans, values, etc) and started tracking my daily, weekly, monthly activity, ideas and plans, but found that I wasn't resonating with some of the areas. For example, each day it asks you to list four things about you saying "I am ____". And you do this four times, every day. While this started off OK, it quickly got repetitive and uninspiring.<br />
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The journal is not really meant to be toted around as it is hefty and substantial. I keep it at my desk and am considering other ways to make it more customized and useful to me, such as using Washi and stickers to treat more like a Traveler's Notebook, or my <a href="https://lettersandjournals.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-first-hobonichi-original.html" target="_blank">Hobonichi</a>, which is my new favorite. I'll keep you posted on that!<br />
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<br />Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-67076464322578659762018-03-19T21:38:00.000-05:002018-03-19T21:38:50.507-05:00My First Hobonichi OriginalI love planners and every year I have more than I can possibly use, although I do try to use them all. I've decided to start reviewing them and sharing what I like, what works for me as well as what I'm not so fond of - plannerwise.<br />
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This versatile day planner can be used as a diary, bullet journal, photo album, a memory tracker, scrapbook, list keeper and so much more.<br />
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At Planner Con 2018, I was delighted to purchase my first ever <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075PT8Q4W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B075PT8Q4W&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=b97ab39fe572d564612ac2fc851c64b4" target="_blank">Hobonichi Techo Planner Book</a> for 2018 and I love it! I've only been using it since the beginning of March and it is awesome!<br />
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I love the size (A6), the clear doodle cover I purchased as well as the purchased blue case to hold the planner. I love the ultra thin pages that are so smooth to write on. I prefer to use a fine point pen and this planner is perfect for that. I love, love, love this paper!<br />
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The planner itself is a 4.1 x 5.8 softback book that fits neatly into the purchased blue cover as shown below. The clear Tokyo cover goes over the blue hardback cover, so it's a 3-tiered system that can all be bought separately online (Amazon, Etsy, etc) or at stationery stores. There are two bookmarks attached to the planner. I use one at the front for the monthly calendar, and the second bookmark for the daily tracker.<br />
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Mine is the English version, rather than the Japanese edition. <br />
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You can see an overview of the year by month at the beginning of the book.Sundays are in RED.<br />
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After the annual overview, there are the monthly pages,and then the daily pages.<br />
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On each of the daily pages, is a quote on the left hand side of the page with a description of the context of the quote on the right hand side of the page. In the Japanese version the quotes are in Japanese so are meaningless if you don't read Japanese :)<br />
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With the pens I've used so far, there has been no bleed-through, but there's a warning on the Hobonichi website to test fountain pens first as some pens or inks can bleed through.<br />
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Do any of you have a Hobonichi? What do you think?</div>
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Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907998473923142657.post-47643165577951539002018-03-18T21:48:00.001-05:002018-03-24T16:21:26.335-05:00InCoWriMo Recap for 2018The <a href="https://incowrimo-2018.org/" target="_blank">InCoWriMo 2018</a> challenge ended on Feb 28 and I would say it was a success for me. Did I write a letter every day? No. But there were plenty of days where I wrote multiple letters, note cards or postcards. Overall, I mailed over 40 pieces of mail in February.<br />
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Here are three postcards from the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141044667/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141044667&linkCode=as2&tag=lettersandj06-20&linkId=f32bb1965cdba628c8d98ec837e4454e" target="_blank">Postcards from Penguin: One Hundred Book Covers in One Box</a>. I reached out to three new people on the InCoWriMo website using these lovelies. <br />
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I also heard from John via Twitter who sent me a lovely letter and two others who reached out from InCoWriMo.</div>
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We were vacationing in Roatan, Honduras for eight days in February so some of the mail I sent in February was the postcards I purchased from the island. Will see if they find their way to any of the recipients as I heard from multiple sources that mail is notoriously unreliable on Roatan. My husband and I had quite the little adventure finding the Post Office to purchase stamps. I will blog about that in an upcoming post.</div>
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Below are three letters I mailed after returning from Roatan. Note the Honduran stamp in the right hand corner on the top two envelopes. Initially, I had planned to mail from Roatan, but after hearing from multiple people about the unreliability of the mail, I opted to wait to mail until I returned to the States. </div>
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Jackie Flahertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01281805627413757188noreply@blogger.com0