
Here are the postcards!
I’ve been collecting postcards since 2008. Since then, I’ve sent and received over 1800 postcards from all over the US and dozens of countries. I respond to every postcard I receive, so I’m always open for private swaps.
My origin story: Back when I was a young boy, I got the idea to write a letter to several world leaders, but I only ever ended up writing the US president and the Queen of England. I was so tickled to receive responses from President Bush and then Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II! Well, they weren’t directly from the world leaders, but rather from their staff members. President Bush sent me an autographed photograph (which I lost later in a show-and-tell accident).
One of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting sent me a very detailed letter, typed on Buckingham Palace stationery, answering all of my questions about the Queen’s horses and her corgis and her favorite foods. I marveled at the strangely-sized paper, the texture of the embossed coat of arms centered at the top of the page, and the stamps on the envelope. A real person had spent time reading my letter, responding to it, folding it and placing it in an envelope, and then more real human beings had taken the time and effort to transport it from London to some mail distribution center, to an airport in England, to an airport in the US, and back through the various USPS chains until it arrived in a plastic mailbox at the foot of my driveway in southeast Michigan.
I’m still fascinated by this process today, and all for less than the price of some chocolate! So I maintain correspondence with about a dozen penpals across the world, and send and receive postcards. At last count, I have a little under 2,000 postcards that I’ve received. Keep scrolling to see the most recent postcards that have arrived in my mailbox.
Kobra's kiss (New Jersey)
Another card from her East Coast trip, Kimee sends this image of a mural by Eduardo Kobra from the High Line and 25th Street. Kobra is referencing, of course, Alfred Eisenstaedt's super famous image of the sailor kissing a woman. Kimee and I see, too, Amy Sherald's reimagining of the same piece.
les Baux de Provence (France)
Ouau. Dominique a visité les Baux-de-Provence (dans la Provence). Il écrit que même si 262 habitants y habitent (et seulement 22 vivent dans la partie haute du village), les Baux reçoivent plus de 1 million de visiteurs par an!
from The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route (New Jersey)
Kimee sent this from her East Coast trip, having found it in Jersey City. What a lovely postal carrier!
Bière Schutzenberger (France)
Dominique ne connait pas ce restaurant mais il a lu que la qualité des tartes flambées — une de mes nourritures françaises préférées — et des plats de viande sont bons!
Eddie Gardner “Turkey Bird” (Australia)
My question to Matty was whether he would ever consider a cruise. In writing in the negative, he chose this photo - I wonder if it was deliberate but I'll leave it to you to decide whether he'd consider such a mode of travel!
St Rémy de Provence (France)
Dominique écrit que ce village est beau et aussi connu. En fait, plusieres personnages y ont habité, inclus Charles Aznavour.
Aloha from Louisville (Kentucky)
These postcards are scream! We saw something similar in Portland, Oregon and I had to hold myself back from buying all of them. From what she wrote, Kimee had the same trouble!
San Diego greetings (California)
My brother-in-law was visiting some friends and really enjoyed San Diego. He writes it's “less bustle and isolation than LA. Great tacos abound.” That sounds great!
Louisville or San Francisco (Kentucky)
Kimee found this card in a bookstore in Louisville while celebrating her friend's book release! I can't stop laughing, either. Too funny!
Magnolia 2 (California)
What a beautiful card from Salvo and Julian sent just before their departure!
his new seat (Australia)
This postcard arrived in an envelope from Matty. If I've done this right, you can click next to see the un-censored version!
cruising to the Bahamas (Illinois)
Our niece and nephew were among the strong contingent of Gedas who cruised the Caribbean last month and this postcard originated there. This wasn't the ship they cruised on but Emily writes that the selection was a bit limited. I can imagine!
East Tawas in 1914 (Michigan)
My childhood friend Daniel writes that “from this utterly bizarre and creepy image, this is a time to celebrate!” What a great birthday wish - I have so many questions! Many more to be answered I'm sure that the postcard's source.
Château d’If (bis) (France)
Encore une grande carte postale de mon très bon ami Dominique. Il a fait des liaisons entre cette île et la nôtre ici à SF que je n’écris pas ici. ;-)
Miyazaki series 90/100 (California)
This postcard arrived just after Folsom Weekend, or as my yoga instructor put it: the Gay High Holy Days. On a completely unrelated note, I don't think I've received a card from this film, let alone seen it!
art style Castro (California)
I'm not sure what to call this art style, but I do love it! It depicts a corner just a quick 10-minute walk from our home! One of my favorite views is rounding this corner on our way to the wine bar. Who else but Michael could have sent birthday wishes like these?
crashing waves (California)
This is another wish for a great birthday - again, perfect subject matter. What else do you expect from Julian and Salvo?
Miyazaki series 89/100 (California)
More on the recognizable art front! These soft pastels and the simple lines in the faces makes me think immediately of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Cakes and Pies (California)
I wonder if Jennifer visited the same exhibit we did? I loved it so much! She sent this postcard to me to wish me a happy birthday; perfect subject matter!
Miyazaki series 88/100 (California)
We're nearing the end of this incredible journey! I've so enjoyed receiving these postcards and of course all of the time and effort and thought that Julian and Salvo have put into them. What an iconic hat, by the way!