Lottery Win - Nalini from Trinidad & Tobago

Nalini and I have done a few swaps in the past and keep in touch from time to time. She was starting to print her own cards from photographs she has taken and was holding a lottery with them as the prizes. I was one of the lucky winners - yeah me! The ladies in costume on this card are stunning!!! They were taking part in the Kiddies Carnival. I think the quality of the cards are fantastic and wish Nalini well in her future creations!

OFFICIAL Card - Russia

I must admit I am a curious person by nature. When this card arrived it certainly piqued my interest. Alisa lives in Siberia and has some of the neatest handwriting I have ever seen - totally jealous! She dated this card she sent showing a great coastal view of Sochi, July 13, 2014. The postmark is also pretty clear and says August 27, 2014. The kicker - she drew my name and address on January 26 - 232 days before I received it. I won't lose any sleep but it does make me wonder.

 

Postcrossing Stickers

The last time I ordered stickers for Postcrossing, I immediately regretted not thinking ahead to Christmas and ordering for my nieces. Lucky for me the person who co-ordinates everything decided to do another, sooner than I originally thought. Even better, she has now decided to place an order every two months - not that I may need anymore for quite awhile! These are the latest ones and once again totally happy with everything!!! Thank you Andrea!

Random Act of Smiliness - J.J. from USA

J.J. is a big fan of Princess Diana and sent this card to me on the date of her death. The photo on the card dates back to 1985. The postmark is truly unique. The Smithsonian Postal Museum was one we were hoping to get to but just did not have the time to fit in on our recent trip. Thanks J.J.!

OFFICIAL Card - Germany

Another fun sheep card for my collection! Veronica (my sister's name, which I always so fun to read, I don't know why!) lives in Germany and told me a bit about herself.

OFFICIAL Card - Finland

Marritta sent this beautiful card showing a Woodcock, it is such a great illustration. The stamps she used are wonderful too. Lately, it seems more and more stamps are making it through without being cancelled.

Random Act of Smiliness - Genek from Denmark

I know I have said this before - monarchies have some really good looking people in them! Genek was offering cards of the Danish Royal Family. The card shows Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, his wife Mary and their four children. I am a sucker for a good romance most days and their story is certainly a good one! Now if I can only get Genek's address to send something to thank him in return.

OFFICIAL Card - Germany

WOW! What a subway system! Dajana lives in Northern Germany and has a cousin living in Munich. She writes that she visits him a few times a year. I really like the card she sent. I  just can't get over how big the Munich U-Bahn system must be. I was thrilled to that Darjana used a World Cup Championship stamp for me too.

OFFICIAL Card - Germany

Oh, how these little birds put a smile on my face! Love the pose and expression. They are Gannets which is a new bird to me.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukarine

Oksana lives in Kyiv and sent this card of one of her favourite cities - Lviv, which she describes as the cultural capital of her country. She shared some of the nicest words about this city and her memories. The view shows the Dormition Church.

OFFICIAL Card - Hong Kong

Delilah (such a pretty name!) lives in Hong Kong and is temporarily working in China. She sent this beautiful night view of Victoria Harbour. Stunning!

OFFICIAL Card - Netherlands

Sometimes I think I take for granted where we live and the many beautiful things around me that makes our corner of the world unique. I know that the spot I live in is very pretty - rolling hills, lots of trees, the occasional farm with animals....same old, same old to me as I drive by it every day. When people come to visit us, especially those who live in the city are "taken back" by the beauty. I'm like, "ya, it's a tree".

Rachel sent me this very typical and iconic view of her village - a windmill. She writes that it "might not impress but it is gorgeous view". It was built in 1772, however is no longer in use. I totally agree with her, sometimes it is the small treasures that don't seem like a "big" thing that make our corner simply wonderful. Kind of like that tree I should pay more attention to.

Direct Swap - Ruben from Argentina

I must say it is really nice when you connect with a totally random person somewhere in the world and everything works out. In my three years of Postcrossing and swapping it only turned sour once. Maybe I live in a bubble, but I think it is nice that there are so many people who truly give their word and make good on it.

Ruben and I connected via Facebook. To be honest I was a bit surprised he agreed to swap with me. His offer clearly stated he was looking for flag cards, of which Canada was clearly noted as one he already had. After my initial confusion, I was able to offer a card with each provincial flag that lucky for me (or maybe he felt sorry for me!), he agreed to swap for. Funny thing, it took almost 5 weeks to travel and we both got our respective cards on the same day. He writes these are very typical views of the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. He tells me the best wine in the country is produced there. I will have to check that fact out!

OFFICIAL Card - Japan

Hiromi sent this view of Kiun Kaku. I could be wrong, but from what I can gather it was a hotel and is now a small museum. To me it has more of a British flair to the design than a Japanese. Agree? Disagree?

OFFICIAL Card - China

Mengjing sent me this really fun card back in August. I love all of the flags, they are each so different. For me, some are so distinct and recognizable and others... not so much. How about you? Can you easily recognize some? Most? All???

Greetings from Poland - Direct Swap with Jolanta

Yeah!!! For now, my collection of PostalLove "Greetings from..." is complete! I do not know why but there are two versions of the Polish card - one has 2013 statistics, the other 2014. I had the older version and was still on the hunt for the newer one. I am seriously hoping they update every country as it was hard to connect for the card once let alone twice! Lucky for me, Jolanta posted in the the Postcrossing Forum one day that she had some to swap. She wrote me about her recent travels to Turkey- nice! Great stamps as well.

Random Act of Smiliness - Alida from Canada

Alida is seriously one of the most thoughtful people I have ever crossed paths with. After my return from our trip to Washington DC I had a small accident in the house. Nothing serious, however I did end up in the emergency room and was out of commission for the better part of a week. We were emailing each other during this time and then she sent me this cute little sheep card. The text translates from Dutch to be "Always Fun" which was her wish for me and my family. Sweet! And yes, another wonderful cancellation from South-Western Ontario.

Direct Swap - Winni from Taiwan

In the summer, I do love sitting by the bonfire and stargazing. When Winni was offering the 12 Zodiac constellations one day via Facebook I jumped at the chance to swap with her. Lucky for me the card I wanted was available and I had a Waldo card my son was willing to part with. This card showing Scorpio is a great addition to my small zodiac collection. I love what Winni wrote - the Chinese characters and English translation are great!

OFFICIAL Card - Singapore

At first glance I didn't realize this was an ad card. The two women are simply beautiful in their Kurta (although the explanatory link is nowhere as nice as some of these). The card is a curious one as it is advertising Singapore as a premier destination for health care. The website as advertised diverts you to here, where "medical travel" is listed as an industry. Personally, I find this interesting and baffling at the same time. I'll take my "free" local health care any day and am grateful for it everyday! Lisa wrote me a lovely message about her family, her upcoming travels and her country.

Random Act of Smiliness - Tunisia from Anne

Anne and I have swapped a few times in the past. She was vacationing to Tunisia and was offering to send cards. I was so happy when this arrived about 5 weeks later. It is my first from this country. I have seen cards such as this showing various architectural styles of doors/windows and have often admired them. Might just have to update my wish list! Now, to find something to send in return.

OFFICIAL CArd - Russia

Another incredible owl in my mailbox to make my daughter jealous! Thanks go out to Anna from Khanty-Mansiysk for this card. Funny thing, we were at the National Zoo in Washington DC just the week before this card arrived and saw a Burrowing Owl there - neat!

Random Act of Smiliness - Hell from Polly

Polly and I met at the Ingersoll meet-up in July. She asked for everyone's address as she was going on vacation shortly after and wanted to send cards. This card from "Hell" (Grand Cayman) arrived in August. Totally made me laugh! Thanks Polly hope your trip was good.

Direct Swap - Cyprus from Andrey

So if you read this blog frequently you may remember my "failed" attempt to swap a Cyprus card from here. This time when Andrey posted in the Postcrossing Forum I was careful to read that he was actually offering cards from Cyprus, not just anyplace starting with the letter "C"!. I had a map he was interested in and we exchanged details. This card arrived and it is perfect! Looks wonderful. I was intrigued by one of the stamps he used as both my kids have been involved with Guiding/Scouting. Very neat!

OFFICIAL Card - USA

Heather lives in northern New York very close to the Canadian border. So close in fact that on the map that pops up on Postcrossing it actually looks like the pin is in Ontario. The card she chose shows Tibbetts Point Lighthouse part of the 1000 Islands. I've only been there once and seeing this card think this will be on the list for possible trips next summer.

Random Act of Smiliness - Lisa from Toronto

At the July Toronto meet-up I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Lisa. The two of us spent one summer many, many moons ago hanging out at a local swimming pool doing absolutely nothing but having all the fun any 10-12 year old should be. I instantly recognized her surname as it is quite unique and was looking forward to seeing her. At first, she seemed to not be able to place me (which I totally understood) but as the afternoon went on it all seemed to come back to her. After the meet-up she followed up with this fun card showing Ontario Place from as she notes, probably about the same time we were hanging out in the mid/late 70's! So good to see you and thank you for the card!