43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Stationery Stash

I have an addiction to pretty papers, cards, and crafts. I love going in shops like Papyrus, Paper Source, and Fine Lines in Katonah. Heck, I want to go back and buy out every single thing in Inkwell in Halifax, Canada, (I LOVED THAT SHOP!)  -- but I have a problem. 

from Canada Cruise c. 2013

I can't come out of those stores with just one card. I've had to self-ban myself from the establishments, and am trying to work through my stash, but .... And don't even get me started with etsy, Cafe Press, or other shops online. Heck. Even Target. Walmart. CVS. TJ Maxx. Christmas Tree Shoppes. Craft fairs. Craft swaps. DYI. You name it. I'm not fussy.


I LOVE Cards. Paper. Paper products. Little note cards. Stationery. I am not too choosy. Everything eventually finds the appropriate recipient.


If you want real mail from me, don't worry about helping me manage my paper addiction. I have a stockpile, but I'll take more.

MORE!

Christmas Countdown: And so it begins

Twas a month before the night before the night before Christmas.

Out of all the nooks and crannies, and drawers, and storage, and trunks, and buckets have come the
cards, ribbons, cookie cutters, notes, baggies, bows, pens, labels, birds, bits and bobs ... and tape ...
to start production on the various groups of holiday cards, partridge in a pear "little birdie" secret gifts, kitchen elf neighborly treats, tokens for drivers/engineers/supers, etc etc etc that are part and parcel of this time of year. I have to start now, despite it not being Thanksgiving yet. My countdown until D(eparture) Day is already on.

What I don't have is stamps!

What I probably will have is carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you would like to be added to the holiday card list, good luck. ... I mean, e-mail me to be added to the roster. Another two or three will not make a difference when the list is already over - wow - 80 something.

Postcards from the Past: Mail Call!

Artistic Postcard courtesy of Jane
c. The College Years

A representation of me at the Postal Counter getting mail.

Not much has changed. I kind of still do a little dance
when I get real mail that's not a bill, invoice, or junk.

Postcard for Grumpa: Cape Cod

Cape Cod, Brewster, MA
October 1, 2011

Pardon the audio quality

Synopsis:

Dear Dad, Wish you were here. Look at all the sea kayakers. It's a beautiful day on the beach. Even Mom could handle this today. It's gorgeous. Too bad you are too far away. Maybe you could drag J back and do an tour. Down here by Brewster.Love you, Auntie Nettie

Postcards for Grandmary: Cape Cod

Cape Cod, Brewster, MA
October 1, 2011

Postcards from the Past: Castle Cards

Aside from the first year, I spent the summers of my undergraduate college experience living and working on campus. The main building looked like a medieval fortress, and was called "The Castle" for obvious reasons.

I used to work in another department that had their offices in the turret, and was able to go up to the secret/forgotten offices up under the cornices. (You can barely see the windows in the shot below.) It was a great Gothic building, with secret passages, back corridors, and all kinds of history in the upper and lower levels. I do have to say that part of the reason I picked this small liberal arts school for my undergraduate degree had to do with that building (and my very very generous financial aid package).

(Winter view)

(Spring View) Side Portico, as viewed from the Library

One of those summers was spent in the library. Since there was no Internet or Twitter to entertain us, we had to find other methods to stay awake and amused ... like reading our mail and/or answering letters.

Apparently my friends weren't keeping me entertained quite enough, for I sent out this summons, carefully (ha!) scribed upon ye old-fashioned type-writer:

(Pay no attention to the typos, or the bad Monty Python joke.)

In keeping with our Castle theme, this is also one of my postcards from the college years.

My friends are artists, literally. This one is from Jane. Not only did she sketch Hamlet, but she wrote in most of the To Be or Not to Be speech ... by hand. Seriously, she writes that neatly all the darn time. It's hard not to want to smack her!

Postcards from The Shushing Librarian: Road Trip 2010

Hi again - greetings from Custer State Park in the Black Hills. C & B got a great log cabin with a fireplace and amazing porch with open views of the Hills. We woke up this morning to buffalo grazing in our backyard. There are no fences so they are free to roam! Went to Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore and lots of beautiful scenic drives. Already put 1,200 miles on the Harley. So much fun.


[heart] S.L.

C & B took this picture ...

"Oh, give me a home

Where the Buffalo roam"

Postcards from The Shushing Librarian: Road Trip 2010

Dear A.N.

Greetings from Big Lake, MO! I've having the time of my life with C & B. Upon our arrival at Big Lake, C's family surprised her and B with an anniversary party which led to an impromptu vow renewal. Later, we went boating and enjoyed the sunset. Our trip was cut short by the Asian flying carp that were trying to jump in the boat! I can't forget to mention the tractor pull the night before -- it definitely was an experience! And a dirty one. C's family LOVES me and is taking me everywhere. Lots of pictures to come!

[heart] S.L.