Camera love

I have always loved film photography.  This is my favorite book about the art, written by Jan Phillips a former nun http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/260212.God_Is_at_Eye_Level

“For those of us bent on self-discovery and the revelation of our own inward journeys, I can think of few better tools than a camera and film.  For in that process of looking out to reveal our inner selves, we are on the edge of both, on that thin curved line between yin and yang, blending the known with the greater unknown.”  Jan Phillips

Russian leaves and old cards :)

   Alina from Chelyabinsk Russia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelyabinsk sent me a wonderful envelope filled with leaves from her area and vintage cards last November-she said the leaves were oak, rhamnus, frangula, birch.  I also loved besides the postcards, the little vintage memo paper. 

More "worst" cards

 non mollarei- South Park card- Natasha in Belgium writes she does like S.P but this was too much.
Boy tied to a tree card- this was from Tamera in Netherlands - this was from a book about bouliing? she said,

 Black Spruce motel in Canada- there are spruces here! from Tam in BC, From Marcella (NL) the theatre of Van Helder one of the uglier buildings they have there she says., Lila from UAE says that one can buy Pamisha shawls, incense and fake women, Anita? in Lithuania says this is a hill of crosses people have brought crosses here since the 19th century.

This is a Swedish Easter card from Essi although I didn't get it in the photo there is a witch flying above the chickens lol- Also from Essi a tree with dead branches:)  and she writes - you can see all the great things about Finland - Bikes, Boats, Benches and people's backs. Last card from David in WA- Geoducks are a giant clam that are a challenge to dig. Giddyup!

 Coming Soon a old lady riding a bike taken from a moving car in Germany from Little Puffin- behind are some great buildings - the Pension Haus Brigette (boarding house) from Amy in Germany-

From Suvi in Finland this is an illustration of the Finnish Santa by Jenny Nystromis- the baby looks a bit artificial and why is he holding tulips? The prairies of Canada- this is wonderful not sure why it was abw's worst but she said it was dull!   Femke from the Netherlands said she likes bird feet and wanted me to have this! ok not really she said she bought it on sale :)

Linda in Russia sent Sochi Resort Viewpoint tower- she says she lived there when she was a little girl- I imagine the city not the tower- she said the sky was not right- hence worst card. I forget who sent this card of 99 expo in Kumming Yunnan Provence she said the gardens are a beautiful place. Another worst motel from Moonlessnite in Canada- this one in Quebec. I wonder if Tam has been to these motels ? and another from the same person in China- she said she likes Chinese writing but this was not that great ( no clue what it says.  

I will post more soon- these are just random picks from cards received in 2011 and 2012

Tree Friends-

These are some of my tree friends . The top is a Banyan tree and the 3rd is a Kapok tree- I will have to find out what the 2nd one is.. I think it's a fig tree? I love listening to the birds, watching the squirrels and yes writing letters and postcards. I never sit at home at a desk to write.. I get inspiration from nature and people around me

Oblio

I was remiss in not posting pictures of Oblio- His favorite activity is having his tummy scratched ;)

A few more " Worst Cards"

 I forgot that I had taken this- ( they are in a palm tree)  These are the ones I got a few months ago. A few people have asked why I want people's worst cards- I think it started because I was curious about what people thought their worst card was- most of them I love and even if I don't I learn about people & places. Besides that I hate the thought of a card sitting somewhere unloved & unwanted.  If you are on postcrossing and would like to send me your worst card here is the thread http://forum.postcrossing.com/viewthread.php?tid=62086  or if you aren't leave me a message.  Either way I will send you a not so bad postcard back.

About the holidays

I used to have a problem with answering people when they said " Merry Christmas"  especially after they knew I am Jewish-  Yes, I do send Christmas cards and receive Christmas cards because I love learning about traditions.. I also love to receive Chinese New Year cards, EID (in Aug) cards, Solstice cards or what have you.  But you know what  who cares?  I just like to celebrate who you are.

For all my friends and future friends of all different spiritual paths, the return of the light is celebrated, with Menorahs, Kwanzaa candles, bonfires, and brightly lit Christmas trees." And candles in churches, synagogues, sanctuaries, temples, mosques, masjids,... circles, Hofs, cathedrals, shrines, grottoes, chapels, meeting houses, halls, groves, altars and homes.

Whatever your tradition, may it be happy and bright!!