MAIL TIME! and thanks to a stranger

In elementary school, my best friend and I tried to be pen pals. We sent a few letters, but it never really got going, mostly because we were in the same class for 6 years. Even though we spoke daily, I was fascinated that we had completely unspoken conversations. Granted, it lasted for two weeks, but there were things I never SAID to her that she still knew. I guess that link of non-verbal communication fascinates me.

Today, we can text and email, so urgent news is never sent by USPS. "So, my cousin is pregnant!" "Yeah, I just received her letter." "Really? It was on Facebook last month." This conversation has never happened in history.

I've always enjoyed writing letters. Everyone loves mail (unless it's credit card offers, which I distrust and shun), and I'll admit my extreme nerdiness or liberalness here: I really support the US Postal Service. I send most bills by mail, because it's an excuse to use awesome stamps, and I trust them as a quasi-governmental organization to get my mail places without a devotion to stockholders or profit margins.

Thanks to Internet, I've discovered the blogs of other people obsessed with mail. Like PostCrossing.com, where you send postcards to people worldwide. Be pen pals, or just one-timers (I might not participate if I didn't have a PO Box). I sent cards to Spain and Russia, receiving these:

Then there are people who love letters, like Emilie of Winnie's Girl blog, who held a stationary kit giveaway, which I won! and got a bunch of paper, stickers and envelopes arrived in this:

Censored so you won't be tempted to stalk me. Isn't it super-cool? She glues anything on these letters.

Emilie's site inspired me to send better mail, to both friends (who get good envelopes) and bill-collectors (who at least get a drawing on the back. Maybe it'll cheer them up from working for The Man.) This is what I sent back:

Censored so you won't be tempted to stalk her. Although she welcomes mail on her own website.

Took some time, but it was fun! And I just used magazines and stuff lying around (like those losing raffle tickets). So, thank you Emilie, for encouraging great mail!