Here are the postcards!
I’ve been collecting postcards since 2008. Since then, I’ve sent and received over 1800 postcards from all over the US and dozens of countries. I respond to every postcard I receive, so I’m always open for private swaps.
My origin story: Back when I was a young boy, I got the idea to write a letter to several world leaders, but I only ever ended up writing the US president and the Queen of England. I was so tickled to receive responses from President Bush and then Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II! Well, they weren’t directly from the world leaders, but rather from their staff members. President Bush sent me an autographed photograph (which I lost later in a show-and-tell accident).
One of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting sent me a very detailed letter, typed on Buckingham Palace stationery, answering all of my questions about the Queen’s horses and her corgis and her favorite foods. I marveled at the strangely-sized paper, the texture of the embossed coat of arms centered at the top of the page, and the stamps on the envelope. A real person had spent time reading my letter, responding to it, folding it and placing it in an envelope, and then more real human beings had taken the time and effort to transport it from London to some mail distribution center, to an airport in England, to an airport in the US, and back through the various USPS chains until it arrived in a plastic mailbox at the foot of my driveway in southeast Michigan.
I’m still fascinated by this process today, and all for less than the price of some chocolate! So I maintain correspondence with about a dozen penpals across the world, and send and receive postcards. At last count, I have a little under 2,000 postcards that I’ve received. Keep scrolling to see the most recent postcards that have arrived in my mailbox.
Miyazaki series 26/100 (California)
This postcard is from The Boy and the Heron. Julian and Salvo wrote it on Independence Day which didn't feel very celebratory to me. However, they had a great idea: liberate some wine from its bottle!
Miyazaki series 25/100 (California)
This one is from my favorite film so of course I recognize it. Julian and Salvo chose this one in honor of the passing of a wine legend who helped us all discover some great wine at Paradigm.
Wizarding World (bis) (Illinois)
Emily and Carter continue to be enthralled with the new Harry Potter shop on Michigan Avenue in Chicago! Her coworker is watching the movies for the first time and it's fun to get her first-view thoughts on it.
That's the strange thing about media: you only get to watch/read/experience it for the first time once. Thereafter, it's a repeat and some of the magic will be gone.
Miyazaki series 24/100 (California)
Julian and Salvo write “Today's card is a portrait of me this morning.” I think they write for us all!
strange Colorado bookstore (California)
While in Colorado, Kimee and Michael found this strange bookstore with sharpie-written navigation signs! Sadly, no dogs.
Miyazaki series 23/100 (California)
I think I need to rewatch all of the Studio Ghibli movies I've seen because I didn't remember that this image is from Howl's Moving Castle!
the Bean (Illinois)
Emily and Carter hosted his parents in Chicago last month and they all visited the Bean (or “Cloud Gate” as it's officially called). It was Emily's first time!
Miyazaki series 22/100 (California)
After we attended the amazing Shakira concert and sent photos of the spectacular grand finale, Julian and Salvo couldn't help but send this one alone. If you haven't seen the concert, I won't spoil it for you, but it's a must-see!
Uppsala (Sweden)
Aleksa is taking a trip back to Europe and visited his old stomping grounds where he earned his doctorate. Amid all the happy reunions, he found time to send me this delightful panoramic postcard, writing that he's sure I'd “love this little town (in the summer anyway).” I think he's right!
Gdánsk (Poland)
My new penpal Jörg sent these greetings from Gdánsk in Poland! Two days there by the time it was sent and he was enjoying it quite a bit!
Miyazaki series 21/100 (California)
Is there a more iconic image from a Miyazaki film? I'm sure there is, but this one is from my favorite film: Spirited Away.
"Because pepper made it sneeze!” (Michigan)
Our nephew Jasper sent this postcard complaining about the hot weather! I can't blame him!
Miyazaki series 20/100 (California)
This postcard from The Boy and the Heron comes with the baited breath of Julian and Salvo who were waiting, at the time, for the new release of this year's Michelin stars!
Miyazaki series 19/100 (California)
This one I didn't recognize but maybe it's because it's been a long time since I saw it: Kiki's Delivery Service.
Bischwiller (France)
Dominique a du mal à trouvé des cartes postales maintenant qu'il habite un village de ˜6000 habitants. J’ai beaucoup de chance en habitant à SF où on trouve des cartes postales partout! Voici l’ancienne pharmacies de Bischwiller, une ville qui a gardé quelques bâtiments du XVIème siècle!
Miyazaki series 18/100 (California)
Who doesn't love an anthropomorphized dandy of a cat?! I haven't seen this film: Whisper of the Heart.
Blankets are Always Sleeping (Illinois)
Emily and Carter visited a great shop with excellent postcards, and sent this one. I agree with Geneviève Castrée. I also think that sleep can be a form of anti-capitalist protest.
la Paloma (California)
This postcard somehow got to the bottom of the pile and I'm only just now uploading it, even though it was sent at the end of May! Thanks to Julian and Salvo for always sending such great postcards, this one from a highly recommended restaurant: Colibrí.
Miyazaki series 17/100 (California)
This one I recognized but I had it associated with the wrong movie (Spirited Away). Now that I read it's from Howl's Moving Castle, of course I remember correctly.
Kerrygold (Colorado)
Amid training for a marathon at altitude, Kimee wondered “Is butter a carb?” As far as I'm concerned, if you can dream it, someone can carb it!