You've Got Mail!

I've always loved receiving mail.

Real mail.

Hand written.  Cards, stationery, or legal pad.  Tucked in an envelope.  (Or not!)  And with lovely stamps.

I always love it when February rolls around, with Month of Letters fun to motivate me to sit down and write a note or a card every day.  But I've discovered another fun way to keep me writing year round:  Postcrossing.  You can read all about Postcrossing by clicking the link -- but, basically, it's all about writing and receiving postcards from all around the world.

I've been signed up for Postcrossing for a couple of years now, but I wan't very active at first.  It was just after the 2016 election, and I just didn't have the heart to send postcards to people all around the world.  (I mean . . . what was I going to say . . .  "I'm so sorry?")  But about a year ago, I decided to go All In and send happy, kind postcards to show people in other countries that Americans are nice and kind and eager to learn about the world.

Now, as of today, I've received 279 postcards from . . . everywhere.  (And I've sent slightly more than that number.)  What does that even look like?  Well. . . 

Like a big basketful!

I love going to my mailbox every day.  I get postcards several times a week now.  Even my friendly postal delivery person gets excited about my postcards.  One day, she asked me all about it when when we met up at my mailbox -- and now she's signed up herself.

The cards themselves are a treat, as there is so much variety.  But the real prize for me turns out to be the stamps (and I've never been interested in stamp collecting).  They are mini works of art!  Here are a couple I received on postcards this week . . . 

From China:

From Latvia:

If you like sending and receiving mail -- or if you'd like to serve as an unofficial-mini-ambassador of the United States out there in the greater world -- consider signing up for Postcrossing this month.  
It's fun.  
It's easy.
It doesn't take much time.  

And you get really cool stuff in your mailbox!

Comments

[Patty]

This may fit in quite nicely with my word...Explore. Thanks Kym!

[Debbie]

I've been a part of Postcrossing for a few years and I love it! Seeing your basket of cards makes me want to get my box of cards out and look through them . Enjoy!

[Carole]

This actually sounds pretty cool and would be something neat to share with Jackie as he grows up. What do you do for the postcards you sent out? Do you buy a bunch of the same ones or do you buy a variety?

[Kat]

What lovely mail! And, yes - what do you do for the postcards you send?

[Julia in KW]

Very interesting! I may sign up for this, too! Has this been a completely positive experience? Hmmmmmmm! (Pondering ;) )

[Bonny]

What a nice idea! My MiL had several life-long pen pals in Japan and New Zealand, and she said it made her realize that we have much in common with people in other parts of the world. I'm going to go sign up for Postcrossing and hopefully send and receive some postcards. Thanks!

[Dee]

Have fun. Those stamps from China are beautiful.

[Vera]

I remember when you talked about this previously and I was going to sign up...but did not...I am now. This sounds like a lot of fun and I like the fact that there is no "time pressure" involved.

[margene]

Postcrossing has been fun and exciting part of my day for 4 years now. I have several penpals (Hungary, Romania, Netherlands, and England) and receive multiple cards a day. I, too, love the stamps! There are special Postcrossing stamps from many countries and I love the maxi-cards with stamps that match the postcard. The world is smaller when you get mail from across the world.

[Jane]

How fun! I think I've read about postcrossing previously. I like mail too and remember fondly the letters I exchanged with my grandmother, mother, and two aunts. Sadly, they are all gone. Now and then I exchange notes with my sister and my daughter. Perhaps I'll celebrate February by sending a few notes. By the way, I'd be happy to exchange a note with you. :-)

[kathy b]

ohhhh that's a fun hobby!!! i loved seeing the postcards

[kmkat]

I signed up with Postcrossing a couple years ago but my participation languished. You have inspired me!