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.
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!
Miyazaki series 97/100 (California)
Julian writes that this is the last card, one he saved from the very beginning. It was, he writes, the first card in the box and here we are now receiving it. “Save the best for last,” as they say. What a delightful project - I'm so honored to have been part of it. Thank you, Julian and Salvo, for this experience. It's been truly very beautiful.
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!
Miyazaki series 96/100 (California)
I'm not sure what to do with the double-scrunchie ponytail on this character. I just don't like the aesthetic! Too bad Miyazaki didn't consult me before approving the art, huh? LOL
Magnolia 2 (California)
What a beautiful card from Salvo and Julian sent just before their departure!
Miyazaki series 95/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo write that their good friends had to say goodbye to their beloved dogs. What a tragedy, and a somber reminder that our days - no matter how many - are too few when it comes to those we love.
Miyazaki series 94/100 (California)
This is that lovely happy ending scene that is so touching!
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!
Miyazaki series 93/100 (California)
The aggressive green in this still reminds me somehow of Michigan, even though I know the place depicted here is more (sub)tropical than Michigan. But living in the Golden State (which I think is named for the golden hills more than for the Gold Rush) really puts into sharp focus the verdant landscapes in Michigan whenever we visit.
Miyazaki series 92/100 (California)
I can't believe we're nearing the end of the Miyazaki series of postcards! This is a very sweet image to end on I think.
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.
Miyazaki series 91/100 (California)
Julian writes, aptly, “I can't help but feel like this card is capturing the image of a group of wine lovers, mapping out their next pairing!” Hey! I resemble that comment!
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?