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.
Miyazaki series 59/100 (California)
I think this must be one of the most famous of all Miyazaki stills, and I'‘m pretty sure this is the image on the box of postcards that Julian and Salvo bought. I can't believe I haven't seen this movie yet.
Isle of Man illustration
My friend Lauren was on the Isle of Man and took the time to practice her conversational skills in Manx. She even wrote half of this postcard in Manx, too!
Miyazaki series 58/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo were celebrating the long awaited emergence of the sun when they wrote this postcard! I like the cooler temperatures, but I also know that the sun is a huge balm to our moods.
la fleuve à Strasbourg (France)
Ici Dominique écrit sur la visite en bateau qu’on peut faire à Strasbourg. Après le train, je trouve un bateau de rivière le transport le plus civilisé.
Miyazaki series 57/100 (California)
In advance of their big trip abroad, Julian says that of course work is getting crazy. Isn't that always the way?!
Miyazaki series 56/100 (California)
I think this is the first card from this movie as I'm not sure I've ever heard of it!
Miyazaki series 55/100 (California)
I don’t think I like this art style as much. It looks computer-generated in a way that's unpleasant to me.
Miyazaki series 54/100 (California)
What great art! Salvo and Julian took a walk through Golden Gate Park to see our newest art installation — the Naga — but were unfortunately dismayed by the garbage left behind by the Grateful Dead crowd. What a disappointment!
Miyazaki series 53/100 (California)
This is one of Andy's favorite films, but I never understood it. I have a hard time getting into war movies, anyway.
Miyazaki series 52/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo have been quite negatively impacted by our June Gloom and then a very No Sky July; they're hankering for some sun and warmth! So far, August is looking to be more of a Fogust.
Miyazaki series 51/100 (California)
This is from the Tales from Earthsea, a collaboration with dear, sweet Ursula K LeGuin. I have to admit that I love her novels, especially the Left Hand of Darkness, but A Wizard of Earthsea I didn't love so much. Still, this is certainly worth a watch.
Miyazaki series 50/100 (California)
It's the half way point already - it's kind of hard to believe, but kudos to Julian and Salvo for this incredible effort!
Miyazaki series 49/100 (California)
In this postcard, Julian and Salvo recommend watching Vanderpump Villa, Season 2 for the “gold star trash television.” With a recommendation like that, who could resist?!
Miyazaki series 48/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo also enjoy the NYT game pack in the morning, but on this day it was a bit of a struggle. They, too, work on it in pairs, which usually means we can figure it out without too much trouble.
Miyazaki series 47/100 (California)
I definitely remember this scene, even though I didn't like the movie. There's something about this giant sea goddess under the surface as a boat floats gently along.
Yo También Cantina (California)
The texture of this postcard is a real treat, which makes sense coming from the anniversary party advertised here. Kimee and Michael enjoyed the fish sandwiched enormously!
Miyazaki series 46/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo are totally right; this is an actual image of the four of us all packed up and ready for a great weekend in Napa!
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Alberta)
This absolutely gorgeous postcard comes from Quinn Lorris and Walter on their trip to Alberta. They visited the Buffalo Jump and the Tyrrell Museum. What a great way to experience the prairie high summer!
Miyazaki series 45/100 (California)
The art style here is so different from so many of the other films! I like the soft pastels of it.
Miyazaki series 44/100
Okay, this one I definitely knew right away. Who could forget about the little dust mites (as I call them)?!