Amanuensis Monday: Happy New Year

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

From my vintage collection...

Mrs. Ralph Weaver
Monroe, Wisconsin

(back of card)

Dear Pearl-

No I haven't forgotten you at all, and do owe you an apology for neglecting you, But Pearl dear you know my heart has been so full for several years. You know Glen has been awfully sick had two very serious operations. He got down to 120 lbs is getting better now tho but still on a diet. 

(front of card)

Will write you a letter some of these times, you know I was so worried about Glen neglected everything. And everyone. 

Give our best regards to Ralph.

From
Ada, Glen & Miriam

Amanuensis Monday: The Singing Tower

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

From my vintage collection...

Postmarked December 18, 1941

The Singing Tower, Mountain Lake, Florida

Mrs. Frank Duelley
Clifton Forge
Virginia

To wish you all a Merry Christmas.

"The Slunerekerts"

734 - 9th Ave North.

Amanuensis Monday: Happy Thanksgiving

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

From my vintage collection...

Postmarked November 22, 1985

Phoenix, Arizona

11-21-85

Dear Caroll & Nadine

Do hope the bad throat is all better.

It has been chilly here but 75-80° is forecast for the week-end. The Wilhelms and Howard and Mary Lou were here Tues. Night and we warmed the place up with a hat card game. Lou doesn't lose to well! Just made a Snicker cake and the house smells so-o-o good.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Love

Eloise & Carl

Amanuensis Monday: The Haunted Mansion

Amanuensis: a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

Postcards from my vintage collection...

Postmarked November 15, 1971

The Haunted Manson, Walt Disney World

The ghostly organist plays a "haunting refrain" in the great banquet hall... one of many "horrifying" sights awaiting visitors inside the Haunted Mansion. 

Mr. and Mrs. Art Simpson

R.D. 3

Dundee New York 14837

Hi there- 

This ghost just wouldn't compare to your playing on the organ! But he put on a great show at Disney World. We all went last Thursday and were fascinated. This world of fantasy is well worth the money!

I am enjoying my visit to the Southland. The weather has been great! We are starting home Tuesday morning. Will see you soon.

Love,

Joni

Amanuensis Monday: Sanibel Island, Florida

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

From my vintage collection...

Postmarked October 12, 1978

Sanibel Island, Florida

Bay Side of Lighthouse Point, showing new Bridge and Causeway in background, Sanibel Island, Florida.

Mrs. N. J. Cotton

Page Manor

Church Street

Athens 

PA 18810

Apt. 410

Hi.

At long last we are back on Sanibel for a month. The weather is perfect and we spend most of our time on the beach shelling & hiking. We really needed this after the hectic month prior to selling the stone.  

Keep Well.

Love Minnie(?)

Amanuensis Monday: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Amanuensis: a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

From my vintage collection...

Postmarked April 21, 1971

Water Wonderland, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The concentration of cabin cruisers, house boats, sailing vessels, speed boats and all forms of water-borne craft is not exceeded anywhere by Fort Lauderdale,  truly the waterway wonderland of the world. This view looks east towards Pier 66 and Ft. Lauderdale's fine Beach. To the right is Highway A 1 A, a connecting causeway from the mainland to the beach. In the picture is a bascule bridge that is peculiar to the area because of the heavy boat traffic, that must move rapidly. 

The Cortland Standard Ptg. Co.
110 Main St.
Cortland, NY
13045
3rd floor

Hi friends,

Am having a swell time and getting a good time. Smoke from The Everglades has of yet been no problem here. Temperatures here from 80 to 85° daytime & 60 to 65° at night. Was it hot coming thru Georgia, 107°. Have driven around the city some and have not got lost yet. Hope the gang is all fine.

Charlie Houser 

Throwback Thursday: Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.

Chimes Tower, Waterfalls, and Fountain Reservoir. Chimes ring out the time and play melodies.

Another card from my swap with AlbertaGirl.

Arctic Fox Kit

This Fox card comes from DeborahAnn in West Virginia. I collect fox cards since my son's name is Fox! 

Added to: Foxes | Animals | United States

Sylt Lighthouse

This lovely lighthouse card comes from Deb (iwriteDeb). This is the second card showing Sylt that I've received and it seems like a lovely area. If I ever go to Germany, I think this is where I'd like to visit!

Added to: Lighthouses | Tourist | United States

America's Most Amazing Mile!

The Incline's trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty surrounding historic Lookout Mountain at a breathtaking 72.7% grade - straight up! Sit back and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and valleys from the observation windows on the train as well as the panoramic views from the observation tower at the incline's top station. 

Barbara (GbnaBennett) sent a train card for my 2019 Train Theme! She said her dad used to a be conductor, how cool!

Added to: Trains | United States

Barbara also included this cute stamp.

Added to: US Stamps | US Vintage || Mail 

Thanks, Barbara!

Throwback Thursday: Bear Lake

Bear Lake, elevation 9,500 ft., with Longs Peak, elevation 14,255 ft. in the background. This is one of the most imposing scenes to be found in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Photo by Roach.

This is another wonderful vintage card from my swap with AlbertaGirl.

Macarons

These tasty macarons come from Alicia in New Jersey. I wonder what flavor they are? Matcha? Pistachio? Green is usually a super yummy flavor!

Added to: Food & Drinks | United States

Mrs. R. S. Cassatt

I love Mary Cassatt, it sucks that the post office ruined this card and made it look like Mrs. Cassatt has a thick, white mustache.

This card comes from Pam (PammyKay) in Texas. Pam included a haiku on the back!

Winter Solitude-
In a world of color.
The sound of wind.

by Matsuo Basho

Added to: Art | Art: Portraits Only | United States

Old Store at Salem

Another postcard from Texas today, this one comes from MichelleW in Texas. Michelle runs the amazing US to US Round Robin on the Postcrossing forum. She noticed I had favorited this postcard on Flickr and sent it to me. Thanks, Michelle!

Added to: Art | United States

The Lone Star State

I love any 'Greetings From...' card and this one doesn't disappoint! I collect map cards, so this one also fits nicely into that collection. Thanks, Laura!

Added to: Maps | United States

The Promise

This lovely card comes from Mark (Blue_Fox). I don't know much about it, since the description is mostly in German, but it's very pretty and looks like it's from a Fairy Tale.

Added to: Love & Romance | Art | United States

Home Interiors

Helen (HelenLiveLaughLove) sent me this wonderful card for my Interiors collection.

Helen told me about a 3-day train ride she took from Guangzhou to Beijing. She said she booked a bed to sleep and there were 4 beds in one "room". She said she just went to Beijing just for fun and the trip involved lots of sleeping. At the end she said was 10...

I have so many questions!

Helen's Postcrossing username also reminds me of how my husband says- and this perfectly fits into the home decor theme- that all women have to have at least one thing in their house that says Live - Laugh - Love. My husband thinks it's the most loathsome, base saying. I admit, I do have a vase that says Live - Laugh - Love, lol! He says that for me instead of Live - Laugh - Love my things should say Tea - Postcards - Murder!! Which is hilarious and combines the three things I pretty much live for, obviously Murder refers to my love of True Crime, not actually murdering people.

This card was also added to: Cacti | Art | United States

Anyhow, thanks Helen!

Mad King Ludwig

Mark (Maleko) sends a wonderful portrait of King Ludwig. I appreciate this because I really don't receive enough portraits of men.

Mark sent me a fun list of his ideal trail / party mix. This is the most unique list I've received yet.

Recipe for Mark's Ideal Trail / Party Mix:

-Macadamia Nuts
-Bugles
-Pretzels
-Dried Cranberries
-Dried Pineapple
-Dried Coconut
-Pepperidge Farm Goldfish

Added to: Art | Art: Portraits Only | United States

Thanks, Mark!

Portland Head Lighthouse

Completed in 1791 under orders from President George Washington the lighthouse is the oldest in Maine, USA and one of the most picturesque in the country. 

This is my first card from Washington, DC and it comes from Rhea (bongish). Rhea wrote me a list of things she misses from the 90s, which I'm always excited to receive.

Rhea misses:
-Playing SEGA (I was more of a Super Nintendo girl and my grandma beat all of Super Mario 3)
-Eating Dunkaroos & Candy Cigarettes (same).
-Beanie Babies (I still have many of mine and they've survived my little sister and 4 of my own kids playing with them).
-Tamagotchi (yesss).
-Old School Pokemon.

Rhea also included the coolest stamp (like, from a rubber stamp) that says HEY in Sign Language. I want one and I'm very jealous!

Added to: Lighthouses | Tourist | United States

Also check out this card on my View Card and Lighthouse Google Maps!!

Rasender Roland auf Rügen

This card comes from Svea in Germany and I don't speak German, so I can't give you much details about this card. But, Svea says she likes to take this train once a year and it's nice to travel.

Added to: Trains | Germany

Throwback Thursday: English Bay

English Bay, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

This beach, with its clean sand, is a popular ocean side retreat. The warm water of the inner harbour makes this area one of the best known on the West Coast. The West End's apartment area is considered to be one of the most densely populated regions in the country. 

Sent via a Swap from AlbertaGirl71 and added to these collections: Canada | Vintage | Tourist 

Winged Insects

Pam (PammyKay) sends a card for my bug collection, thanks Pam!

Also added to United States.

Polish Coast

This card comes from Kamilla in Poland, which she got while on her last vacation on the Baltic Sea.

This card was added to Poland | Tourist

Russian Holiday Cards

I know I said I'm tired of Christmas cards, but these two recently came in from Russia and omg I love them. They are so so so adorable. I love pigs and the woman in the bottom card actually looks very much like my oldest daughter Trista (who is 6). 

I really love postcards from Russia.

From Vera (Verooro) in Leningrad

Added to Russia | Christmas | Animals | Cute

From Svetlana (VencSv) in Moscow

Added to Russia | Christmas | Women

Svetlana also included two lovely Christmas Stamps:

Vera included a lovely stamp with a wintry view of Moscow.

Amanuensis Monday: The Kapok Tree Inn

Amanuensis: a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary. (Dictionary.com)

Postcards from my vintage collection...

Written January 31, 1978

The Kapok Tree Inn, North Haines Road, Clearwater, Florida

Country Dinners served beside Florida's Famous Kapok Tree in the midst of exotic tropical gardens. The Florida Room, magnificent in brilliant color, is shown in the photograph. Located on Route 593 just north of Gulf to Bay Blvd. (Rt. 60) east of U.S. Route 19.

1-31-1978

To: Miss Lola Neir (?)
Blackrich Rd.
Cohocton New York 14826

Hi- Daisy wrote you were home. So glad. Now take care of yourself, Nettie is having a nurse come every other day to give her shots for fluid. Wish I were near to help you, Gordon is doing quite well stops in here often. We are just a few steps from them. 
Lucille & Leland

Ballerina

I received this ballerina card from Momo from Shenzhen, China via All About Women Round Robin on the Postcrossing Forum. Momo said she used to do ballet!

Teddy Bears

This cute teddy bear card comes from P.J (CorvetteGal). P.J. says she thinks these bears are from the 70s, but isn't sure. She says she used to collect teddy bears!

I've never collected teddy bears, but I have plenty of other collections (like postcards!).

This card was added to Children's | Cute | Animals | United States 

Durango & Silverton Railroad

Opened in 1882 to transport silver and gold ore, the line today provides sightseers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.

This is the second card from my 2019 Theme that I've received. I wasn't sure if I'd receive many since maybe not many people have train cards, but two in a couple weeks isn't bad. This one comes from Heather in Tennessee via the US x US Round Robin on the Postcrossing Forum. 

Added to Trains | Tourist | United States

Thanks, Heather!

Throwback Thursday: Madonna at the Window

Engraving by Barthel Beham 

German, 1500-1530

I received this lovely vintage card from Carrie Jean (SleepyKitty) in California, USA a couple months ago and somehow it got put aside with some of my stationery supplies and never got uploaded. I was delighted to come across it again. Carrie Jean sent this via the Happy Mail Tag on the Postcrossing Forum. 

Carrie Jean wrote that she had chose the wonderful book The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls for her classes to read this (er, last) quarter. Carrie Jean asked if I read it. Well, folks, I have indeed read The Glass Castle and it's on my list of all-time favorite books. I identified with Jeanette from the very first page of the book where she's dressed in a fancy dress to go to a party and looks out the window of her car to see her homeless mother digging through someone's garbage. I grew up very much like Jeannette Walls did and the book was very comforting for me. 

If you haven't read this memoir, I highly recommend it. 

Hopefully The Last of the Christmas Postcards

Estonia

Spain

The Netherlands

And... a New Year postcard! 

Massachusetts

Check out my Christmas Postcards and Holiday Stamps collections!

Ciao Bella - Vespa

This card was received from Ruedi (Suaithai) in Switzerland via the All About Women Round Robin on the Postcrossing Forum. Ruedi writes that they just got the first snowfall of the season in their area.

Collections: Ads | Switzerland | Women

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

I received this wonderful map card from Andrea (AndiP) in North Carolina. I'd love to visit the Outer Banks and I actually don't work too far from them, since I work in Virginia Beach. We even have people at work who live in North Carolina. I think a fun summer trip would be to travel from the top to the bottom and stop at every lighthouse along the way!

This card combines two themes I love, map and lighthouse cards.

Thanks, Andrea!

Lantern Press: Boulder, Colorado

This is my first Lantern Press card! I hope it's not my last. This comes from TandemStoker in Colorado via the US x US Round Robin.

I visited Boulder a couple years ago when my brother-in-law graduated from The University of Colorado Boulder. It was a lovely campus and a lovely town. After the ceremonies, my husband and I visited the home of JonBenet Ramsey. I've been obsessed with her case since I was a child and it may sound tacky... but I'm kind of into Tragedy Tourism. Like, I don't make a show of it, but I like see how places look outside of the media. I like to really get a feel of the place if you will. Living in Orlando other Dark Tourism spots I've been are Casey Anthony's house and Pulse. My dad's friend actually lived one street over from the Anthony Family and I had to drive him there a few times, so I was already there for the most part... and why not?

Anywho, we also visited Pearle Street which was lovely and had a great little chocolate shop where I also picked up some macarons (my favorite treats).

Collections: Tourist | United States

I'm not really a fan of adding this card to my Tourist Card collection since it's Lantern Press, but until I get more of these cards and they get their own collection, this one can hang out in that album.

Buffy Fish Owl

A dozen species of owl, a bird more often heard than seen, are found in Sabah, including the Buffy Fish Owl seen here.

(Photograph by W.M. Poon from the book "Discovering Sabah")

I love owl postcards! Owls remind me of my youngest daughter Abigail, somehow since before she was born, we've collected owl stuff for her. Many owl cards end up in collages for her room to go along with her owl decor. 

I received this owl card from Bei Hao who lives near Borneo on an island in Malaysia called Labuan. Bei Hao writes they enjoy reading thrillers and binge watching American series. At the time they wrote this postcard they were watching Barry.

Collections: Owls | Birds | Animals | Malaysia 

Two Lovely Angel Cards

Hearth and Home by Katerina Olkhovskaya

This cute card comes from Yolanda (Tolkien) via the Monthy Favorite Surprise Round Robin. Yolanda wrote on the back what she misses from the 90s (one of my back of the card requests). Yolanda misses not having a cell phone, being the age she was during that decade, and having books and letters in paper. 

Same!

Added to: Angels | Art | Cute | Spain

Angels

Detail from The Night Journey of Muhammad on His Steed Buraq,

leaf from the Bustan of Sa'di

This wonderful card was sent by BeachyBlonde in Maryland, USA also via the Monthly Favorite Surprise Round Robin. I really appreciate an angel card a little different than what I'm used to seeing. 

Added to: Angels | Art | Religious | Eastern Religions | United States 

Thanks ladies!

Moomins

This lovely postcard was quite a delight to receive since Moomins cards are so rare! I love how cheerful it is with the warm color palette.

One of the ideas I give people on my Postcrossing profile to write on the back of the card is to tell me what they miss about the 90s. LemonToffy wrote she misses both the 80s and 90s (me too!) especially landlines, phone boxes, and life without cell phones. She said she also misses some candies and lemonade in glass bottles.

There are several foods that I also miss from the 90s that you can't find nowadays so I can relate to that. I also miss landlines! I remember sitting on a high stool next to my grandma's kitchen counter and answering her landline phone. Next to the phone was one of my favorite places to hang out, she always had an array of tabloids to read and I just loved catching up on celebrity gossip and scandals! Tabloids really made up the majority of my recreational reading.

I don't want to finish this post without acknowledging the lovely Moomins she included. Both the card and the stamp I am forever grateful for.

Thanks, LemonToffy

Added to these collections...

Postcard: Cute | Finland | Cartoons
Stamp: Food & Drinks | Finnish Stamps | Cartoons