I admit, I am hooked on receiving mail.
About 10 months ago, I joined an online group called "Postcrossing". The idea behind this is very simple. You sign up; then request to send a postcard to a random address that you are given somewhere in this big, ol' world. When it arrives at the said address, the receiver of the card registers it and then you receive a postcard in turn from someone else, but not necessarily the person you sent your card to. Being one who loves surprises, this really appealed to me and I found myself sending a postcard or two (or three) a week to someone in the world who I knew through a random address given to me and their profile page, when I requested it.
And, the best part, is that I would receive postcards in return. Really great postcards. With messages. Messages telling me about what was on front of the card; about the day they were having or a book they might be currently reading. And, great stamps. But, to be honest, I started looking for something more ( I still "Postcross", by the way.).
My next foray was when I had joined a pen-pal group on Steampunk Empire, where one would write letters in their "Steampunk Persona". It was quite the creative writing challenge, which I had enjoyed very much. Unfortunately, it was short lived as I can imagine it became more work then most who had joined realized. Pity.
Back in December, I was fortunate enough to find a link to the International Union of Mail-Artists site through the Ning network. I had read "Good Mail Day" (by Jennie Hinchcliff & Carolee Wheeler; an inspiration and epiphany for me.) and I had done some mail art in the past ( Many years before social networks were popular; I had been "invited" to participate on a few occasions.), so I had some inkling what it entailed; you need to send mail to get mail. So, I signed myself up and started sending handmade collaged postcards to anyone who "friended" me. I have sent off things to "mail calls" and have done group "mailers" (I have never received so many great Valentines in my life!). I must send out, on average, 5 to 10 pieces of mail and postcards a week (between that and Postcrossing, which I still enjoy.). Sometimes more (my mail out last week was 14 cards and then some.) The postal person at my local loves me.
But, don't get me wrong. The internet and social networking I will not knock. After all it has made the world smaller. But, receiving "snail-mail", to me anyway, still makes the world more human.
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When I was in grade school my friend and I would send each other letters written on toilet paper and odd things. Mind you, we lived across the street from each other. I'm in my 50's, and I haven't changed a bit. I still get excited when there's something good in my mailbox, and I get just as excited when I mail something out. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty cool! It seems there is a history of just posting things to see if they will be actually delivered and, face it, it's just kind of fun, right?! I remember just being excited about receiving postcards (which is why I probably started with Postcrossing), but now receiving mail has become an everyday adventure as I don't know what I'll get. And, sending mail is just as fun.
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