Some Incoming and Outgoing Joy

These past weeks...

Over these past two and a half weeks, T. and I were so busy traveling that I didn't have a whole lot of time to read or reply to mail. But, I spent this arvo* documenting and replying to all of my mail.
I received quite a wonderful lot these last two and a half weeks--

--from friends and penpals of all differing ages, countries and walks of life. I love that mail can keep me in touch with my dear friends, and those I've not yet had the chance to meet.

I also love that I can send them back a little envelope of joy--

The many letters and postcards that shall be leaving my mailbox tomorrow, and shall hopefully be greeted with smiles and eager penmanship!

A postcard to the lovely E., in the United States, who graced my mailbox with a postcard from St. Louis. Gotta love reciporacating!



To the lovely B., in the United States. I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to come up with this idea, because I LOVE the new Miles Davis stamps. Considering my recipient is a musician himself, I hope he will appreciate this! (Also, if anyone knows what that see-through envelope material is, or where I can get it, I would be much appreciative!)

To the lovely A., in Australia. I love being able to see the writing!

To my penpal S., in the United States. I love the fish image, so I had to include it on this envelope! Hopefully the fish//"Aloha!" stamp combination will be appreciated!

Using some lollipop-coloured stationary to send to my dear friends B., B., B., and B., in the United States. Love that Edith Piaf stamp!

I'm so excited to be up-to-date with my mail once again!

I'm also really excited to share the news that I have finally found the stamps I have been eagerly looking for! After drooling over the USA Philatelic magazine last month, I found in its pages some stamps that I loved. The "Pioneers of American Industrial Design (Forever)" pulled at my heartstrings from the first time I saw them. Unfortunately, by the time I got my act together, the local small-town post office didn't have any in stock. They had sold their only five copies of the panes.
So, in NYC, it was by pure luck that T. and I stumbled upon a huge post office in Chelsea that was near deserted. Although our postal employee wasn't too bubbly (and I'll forgive her--it was a hot day, and there were some rather vivacious people in front of us), when I saw in the display case that they still had the beautiful stamps in stock I about threw up. I asked her if she still had some in her cubical, and with a disgruntled and--quite frankly--bored look, she pulled out my new loves.
I would like to take this moment to share the little beauties with you--

(Not the best pictures, but bear with me!)

I have no clue how I am going to be able to let myself part with them. Here we go--I will document it especially each time I do, in a new segment called "How'd You Use That Stamp?!".

Until then, I look forward to lots of incoming mail!
And hope my recipients, as always, love to receive my letters as much as I love sending them!
Send more mail--and write more love;
         ~ Ms. Always Traveling

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*arvo = afternoon (Aussie slang)