Beauty from the unexpected.
Snailies have arrived + the next Just One Stamp mail call is now open!
(Want me to read this piece to you? Just click the play button above!)
When I paid for an entire year of a PO Box rental, I did so without knowing if a single piece of mail would ever land in it. And because I’m nothing if not hopeful, I launched Just One Stamp two days later.
And to my surprise and delight, perfect pieces of parcel did, indeed, begin inhabiting the tiny space temporarily owned by me in my neighborhood post office. I’d walk over every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, put that shiny golden key into the box lock, hold my breath, and squeeeee with glee every single time I found an envelope patiently awaiting to be unpacked.
What did I do next? I went out and bought a twin pack of letter openers, that’s what I did. One might even say this postal tryst is getting kinda serious.
As I write this, there is a stack of envelopes next to me from various parts of the world. Each sent by someone who took precious time out of their day to send something to me, trusting I would do the same in return.
And I have. Gratefully and humbly I have sent an original typewritten poem in return to so many thoughtful offerings.
Cards, stickers, TV show and chocolate recommendations, typewritten recipes, poems, selfies, postcards, mixed media art, and even little sheets of wooden paper (yes, really, wooden paper!).
Most of these delights came from people I don’t know and haven’t even directly crossed paths with online. Folks somehow heard about this snailie project and jumped right in. The generosity is almost overwhelming. (Almost. Please don’t stop sending these magical snailies!)
What strikes me most? The thoughtfulness folded into these envelopes. That someone would choose to create or curate something beautiful and then send it to me.
Choosing just one to share feels nearly impossible, but let’s give it a whirl. This mixed media piece from
captures a kind of beauty I hope we all find more of in our everyday lives.
It was her first attempt at collage incorporating materials from the packaging of her cancer meds. (Zoom in a bit closer, you’ll see it!) Yes, she made something beautiful from the unexpected.
When I paid for an entire year of a PO Box rental, I did so without knowing if a single piece of mail would ever land in it. Little did I know how much love could fit in that 5” x 5.5” space.
I might need to get a bigger box.
Consider this the next official Just One Stamp Mail Call! A new offering from me will be sent, so if you participated in the first Mail Call, know you’ll get something new this time around. New around here and want to know how to participate? You’ll find all the details here. #snailiesforever
I have a particularly favorite pen pal named Jenny, 88, in who lives in Wales in a stone cottage overlooking the sea and rescues all sorts of animals. What a delight. Another sends me collage mail art. I’m glad you’ve found the joy of the mailbox.
Love these gifts from the heart 💕