Thoughts...

I don't usually stray from the normal mail/letter writing theme of this blog, but I wanted to share something that has been on my mind today. For whatever reason, I have been thinking about my trip to Tanzania almost 6 years ago. It was by far the most moving experience in my whole life.

I have told a few of you in letters about my trip, but I don't think I have ever really shared anything that I wrote while I was there. So I would like to share a small bit from my travel journal with you.

"Laying here I can see why so many people speak of Africa's majesty. In preparing for this trip, I did what most would do. I devoured any literature I could find. I wanted to know what to expect. But the truth is, no one can really learn about Africa from reading, it is certainly a place one must visit. Any expectations are sure to be squashed with a mixture of harsh reality and utmost beauty. Sure there is squalor and filth, but once you get past that you can see how absolutely beautiful this place is. I have never been to a more moving place in my entire life. And I should think I wont ever feel this way again."


"I can say that I have slept under the shining blanket of stars that covers this continent each night. Tonight, after my third day on safari I laid outside my tent, back to the earth staring up into what must be the most glorious night sky in all the world. I could see the tiniest stars shining brightly down upon me, the moon casting faint shadows over the vegetation that surrounds the campsite. And I must admit that if ever my belief in God had faded, this place was sure to bring it back because I know I could only describe the sky as absolute Heaven."


"Not much in nature literally takes my breathe away, but this place, these people..they have that ability. I find myself feeling more at peace here than I have ever felt. And I can only wonder what it will be like to return to my luxuries at home. David Livingston has a quote about giving up the luxuries and I wish I knew the exact quote at this moment, so I could compare my feelings. I am almost certain they are the same. So many people on this trip have complained about the conditions, especially when it comes to bathing, but I must say it is a small price to pay for this feeling I get deep inside. This connectedness to the earth and these people will be something I will long for each day from here til the day that I die."

I think it is that last statement that is what has me thinking about Africa. I felt such a closeness, I cannot describe it because our words simply don't match the feeling. Have you ever felt that before? If so, I would very much like to know.

Anyway, I hope you all don't mind the aside. Just thought it might be nice to share some writing I don't typically share.

Oh and incase anyone is curious..here is the quote by David Livingstone I reference in the journal entry:


People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. - David Livingstone

Senate Approved S.1789!!

Great news right?? I thought so. =) This means that most post offices are safe for a little while longer and there are new restrictions on whether the USPS may close a facility. Basically if there isn't another post office within 10 miles..they cannot close it.

Another good thing is that local mail delivery may still see overnight transfer, however, further destinations may take an extra day to arrive. Another awesome thing is that the USPS will continue delivering mail on Saturdays for at least two years. After that they can cut the sixth day of delivery ONLY if they need to do so to remain financially stable.

Rather than explain all the ins and outs I will direct you to this article written up for the Washington Post.

Oh! Snail Mail!

Ya'll know how much I enjoy stories like this one. Yet another snail has finally delivered a postcard to someone almost 60 years after it was postmarked.

The postcard is in surprisingly good shape for having such a remarkable journey. And just like the other stories I have posted like this, this one has a good ending. The lady who received it in her mailbox posted the info and picture on Facebook. With the help of some friends they tracked down the original recipient! Just one of the many ways new technology and snail mail can be helpful to one another.

Doesn't this make you wonder if one day you will be reunited with a piece of mail from your past?

Earth Day Giveaway!

Sorry to publish this so late..I really had anticipated on getting this done this morning..however, life got in the way. I know...such a common excuse of mine. But at least it is a true one!

I wrote down everyone's answers including a TON of new faces!! Welcome. I appreciate your reading this and stay tuned. More giveaways will be happening soon. And then I selected a random number with the help of Random.org. Here are the results:

And if my jotting down skills serve me right, the closest answer was 6 submitted by Lil Country Belle. So, Miss Country Belle, if you could email me with your address I will get the pens out to you this week. =)

Thanks again to everyone who entered. I am working on a few more giveaways including one that will be a "Everyone Wins!" giveaway.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Earth Day, and if you haven't tried the Papermate Biodegradable pens, you should give them a try. They are inexpensive and wonderful alternatives to typical ball point pens.

Earth Day Giveaway!

Remember me telling you there would be a giveaway open to international folks too?? Well this is it! In honor of Earth Day I am going to be giving away a Papermate Biodegradable pen set. They come with two pens, and each pen has certain sections that are completely biodegradable.

Too lazy to rotate and re-upload....

The pens write very smoothly as well. I carry one with me in my purse actually, so I definitely think someone would like them. Earth Day is April 22 and so you have until midnight on the 22nd (eastern standard time) to submit a comment with a number included. I will use the random number generator and closest one wins the pens.

Shall we say...one to ..100? Good! I apologize for the lack of postings and outgoing mail. I have seriously fallen behind. Cause..well..that is just life. My brother gets home tonight from Boston. So I suspect I may not post again until next week. Until then..good luck in the giveaway, and happy mail to each of you!

100 Years Ago Today...

RMS Titanic sank in the Atlantic ocean after striking an iceberg. Call me silly, but it seems like it would have been a lot longer ago than a hundred years. I guess it just seems that way because I wasn't alive when it happened? Who knows.

Anyway, I bet you are wondering how I tie this into letter writing right? Well, did you know that 5 experienced postal clerks (three Americans and two Britons) served on board the Titanic? I didn't either. To be honest, I never thought about it before. Well, the RMS in the Titanic's name stands for Royal Mail Ship. And having that designation meant that the ship was carrying mail for the Royal Mail and the USPS. Wikipedia's entry for the Titanic says that just under 27,000 cubic ft were designated for storing mail, both letters and parcels as well as specie (coins and bullion).

When the ship went down most all of the mail was lost. That includes 3,423 sacks of mail! All told that would average about 7 million pieces of mail, including an estimated 1.6 million registered letters and packages. The National Postal Museum also estimates that around $150,000 dollars (which was a lot of money in 1912) worth of international money orders sank with the Titanic. Leaving a huge mess to clean up in the end.

Because the Titanic is in international waters, it is technically salvageable. Meaning that if you or I wanted to, we could dive down and grab a piece of Titanic for ourselves. However, some institutions, like the Smithsonian prohibit displaying relics from such disasters because of a 'sanctuary principle'. Basically, they want to respect the site. After all, it is the final resting place for 1,514 people. But incase you were curious, if ever a bag of mail was salvaged from the wreckage, the USPS would attempt to deliver any readable mail. Which is a nice thought.

Pony Express Delivery Or Not...

Originally the post today was going to be about the Pony Express...but something else is on my mind tonight (last night, this is a scheduled post...) and I just feel I should share it and possibly unburden my heart?

This afternoon, while I was at work, this little guy had to be put down. Jack had been not feeling well for a few days and today his breathing was incredibly labored. As the day progressed I was told that his breathing was getting even more shallow, he was incredibly weak and he was moaning of sorts. My mom took him in, and sure enough the Vet said that there was nothing she could do. Medicine might make him more comfortable, but he would still eventually die. So tonight shortly before 5 he drew his last weak breath. And even though I know it is better this way, it doesnt keep the tears from welling in my eyes as I write this. I knew this was coming when he wasn't better after day two, but I still am incredibly emotional about it all. And thus the change in topics for todays post.

**Today in 1860 the first mail sent via the Pony Express arrived in Sacramento, California.**