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.
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!
Miyazaki series 87/100 (California)
This postcard was sent as Salvo departed for Las Vegas with his family; Julian writes that it's hard to be separated from him, but there's also a little sweetness in the solitude of an empty house (for a few days at least). I certainly agree!
Puglia - Castel del Monte (Italy)
Lino sent this card as he and his husband prepared for their first trip to Africa. They're visiting Morocco!
Miyazaki series 86/100 (California)
This one I couldn't tell right away from the art style, although I guess others might be able to. I haven't seen the film, which I'm sure is a major contributor to my lack of recognition.
watercolor wine (California)
This postcard comes from Monterey, where Cynthia and Tracy had begun the count down to the end of their time there. They write that the time had been productive and relaxing, very fulfilling. What more could you ask for?
Vaasa PostCrossing MeetUp (Finland)
Another great MeetUp postcard from Jussi, my penpal in Finland. I'm interested in what it means that Vaasa is “the sunniest city in Finland"!
Miyazaki series 85/100 (California)
The tribal-esque face always points me to Princess Mononoke. Even though I'm back-dating these for continuity's sake, this came in the wake of an absolutely terrific party! We were honored to be included.
Miyazaki series 84/100 (California)
Is it true that if it has strong aquatic vibes, it's necessarily Ponyo? In this case, it's true but I wonder…
kiss me love (Australia)
I don't know why it continues to surprise me that Australia (and many others) are on the opposite season than we are! So when Matty writes that it's dull and gloomy in Canberra, it gives me a start to realize that!
Miyazaki series 83/100 (California)
I still haven't seen this movie, even though every time I post a postcard of it, it reminds me that the artwork looks compelling!
Ballater, Scotland (United Kingdom)
While Francis and David were in Ballater, they did have an unexpected sighting of King Charles III! He was in town presenting someone with their new livery! How cool!
nevermind… it stinks! (Michigan)
In this postcard, our nephew Jasper writes: “My mom said that you have earthquakes.” That's true! Now to find a postcard that illustrates that…
Miyazaki series 82/100 (California)
In this postcard, Julian writes about enjoying a particular pen and how it writes. Welcome to the club!
Miyazaki series 81/100 (California)
This film looks really pretty in this shot! Julian and Salvo managed to send this shortly after their return from a long European trip!