Postcards, Photographs, and things...

Still not dead!

2009-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

It's been a year since I last posted here. Ridiculous! I need to fix that.

NaNoWriMo is nearly over and I currently have over 300,000 words written. I have never been so excited for a story ever! This is the first time in YEARS that I've had a story with a title AND an ending! Plus it's the first time I've used a detailed outline which has been incredibly helpful. I don't know why I didn't use it before.

To help with the planning of my novel (and to just waste time), I created a sort of film trailer for the book.

(Or view here)

I haven't participated in PostCrossing for a few months, but I'm getting back into it now. So more postcards shall be posted once I receive more!

Postcards: Maurice Richard

2008-12-18T20:43:00.001-08:00

Two postcards of one of the greatest hockey players ever - Maurice Richard.

Postcard Set: The Titanic Tragedy

2008-12-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

11.30am, APRIL 10th, 1912
THE LAST TITANIC BOAT TRAIN. Larger and more luxurious than her sister ship the Olympic, the TITANIC had been tied up at Southampton for a week taking on supplies and a new crew. An early boat train had brought the 2nd class and steerage passengers, but half-an-hour before sailing the 'last' one arrives with the 1st class passengers. As this train is slowly reversed out of the dock, several crew members having a last minute drink ashore, are delayed in crossing the track and miss the ship. Their annoyance only lasted a few days, however.

12 noon, APRIL 10th, 1912.

THE LOST HOUR. Promptly, the TITANIC leaves on her maiden voyage from Southampton, but then as if someone was trying to warn the mighty ship not to leave, another vessel, the NEW YORK, breaks her mooring ropes and nearly collides with the TITANIC as she passes. Perhaps it is fate that decrees a tug to come and tow it away? Certainly, many of the crew regard the incident as a bad omen.

It was strange how cautiously the TITANIC approached the open sea, with its starboard anchor lowered, yet a few days later headed at near top speed into a hazardous ice field despite many warnings from other ships. Was it trying to make up the hour lost at Southampton?

11.40pm, APRIL 14th, 1912.

THE MOMENT OF IMPACT. Following several uneventful days after calling at Cherbourg and Queenstown, the TITANIC's luck is about to run out. Despite severe ice warnings, it is not until the crow's nest lookout reports "ICEBERG RIGHT AHEAD" that the 'unsinkable' ship takes heed. The evasive action is not enough. Indeed, it may have been better to have hit the iceberg head-on than scrape along its base for 250 feet. Too many plates are buckled or split open and the cruel sea pours in. Whilst passengers kick around the ice that had fallen into the Well Deck, the stokers below are grappling with thousands of tons of water and realising it is a lost cause.

12 midnight to 2am, APRIL 15th, 1912.

REALISATION OF DANGER. Told that the TITANIC has only a couple of hours to stay afloat, Captain Smith orders the lifeboats to be prepared. With room for just over half on board, only the women and children are permitted in them initially. However, many prefer the comfort of the ship thinking it unsinkable. There are over 400 empty seats in those boats hastily lowered. The situation changes dramatically when the TITANIC continues to fire distress rockets. Passengers realise it is serious. Incidentally, when the wreck was found 2 1/2 miles at the bottom of the Atlantic in 1986, a doll's head was seen on the ocean bed. Perhaps a child dropped it? Certainly, Boat No. 6 was lowered very jerkily.

2.17 to 2.20am, APRIL 15th, 1912.

THE LAST THREE MINUTES. After gradually listing for over two hours, the TITANIC suddenly takes a turn for the worse. The whole vessel tilts; the stern pointing like a giant finger to the heavens. The sound is unbearable as everything moveable crashes through the ship. The forward funnel (which could have held two double-decker buses) crashes down killing dozens of swimmers. Other dies as they fall from the stern into the gantries. The world's largest ship then starts to break in two between the third and fourth funnels, an apparent weak spot in her design. The stern part having settled back on an even keel soon becomes vertical again, and then at 2.20am quietly slides under. Hundreds in the water cry for help, but few lifeboats are willing to go back for fear of being swamped. At 3pm [sic] there is a deathly hush.

4am to 8.30am, APRIL 15th, 1912.

AN ICY EPITAPH. Thanks to the gallant effort of the CARPATHIA, herself dodging icebergs, just over 700 in the lifeboats are picked-up. Other ships arrive later in the morning hoping to find some of the 1,500 missing but discover only the odd abandoned lifeboat or debris, including some red paint left along the waterline of a sinister-looking iceberg. So ended a night to remember but for most of the survivors it was probably a night they would rather have forgotten. The ghastly sound of all those hapless souls in the freezing water stayed with them for the rest of their days.

I received this set of postcards from England earlier this week.

Postcard: Bettie Page

2008-12-12T04:26:00.001-08:00

I bought this postcard off eBay. I adore Bettie Page, she's so sexy yet so sweet at the same time.

I'm starting off with this card today because Bettie Page died yesterday at the age of 85 in LA. She will forever be remembered and will always be such an icon.

PostCrossing: Ankara, Turkey

2008-12-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

I received this today from Gozde in Turkey! It was cut into this shape, for some reason.

ID: TR-13561

Postcard: de Vries, 'Seated Girl'

2008-12-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

I received this from my best friend, Fran, on December 4th. She humourously 'fixed' the information on the back:

SEATED GIRL. Lead. By ~~Adrian de Vries~~ Frances V.R. (~~1560 ca. - 1627~~ 1984). ~~Dutch~~ Canadian : first quarter of the ~~17th~~ 21st century.

PostCrossing: Lithuania

2008-12-11T14:54:00.001-08:00

I received this 'Freaky Bunny' card from Alma in Lithuania on December 4th.

ID: LT-18701

PostCrossing: Washington, DC, USA

2008-12-11T14:46:00.001-08:00

I received this on November 24th from Anna in the USA. The statue on the front is the US Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

ID: US-288513

"I'm not dead yet!"

2008-12-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh, it's been so long! I've been a little bit busy, but also a little bit lazy. I've received a number of postcards since my last post, but haven't bothered to scan them until today.

I won NaNoWriMo! Unofficially, that is. I still have the green bar on my profile instead of the purple Winner! bar. I had some issues with the word count validator. I guess it couldn't handle over 500,000 words! haha... Oh well.

Speaking of NaNo, I'm resurrecting last year's story. It's about the first Icelander hockey player in the NHL. My research has told me that as of now, there have been no Iceland-born players in the NHL. Strange, in a way, because Canada's hockey team sent to the first Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920 consisted of mostly Icelander-Canadians. And they won the gold!

Iceland's national hockey league logo has a tribute to that team, too:

The 1920 Canadian Olympic hockey team was actually the Winnipeg Falcons, a team formed by Icelander immigrants when they were denied from joining other teams. This was back when they sent one full team instead of picking-and-choosing from various teams like they do now. So you have the falcon, which is the Icelandic falcon, and the white 'mountains' represent the glaciers of Iceland. The maple leaf at the bottom has dual meaning - it represents Canada and also represents fire for the volcanoes of Iceland.

And despite what the second Mighty Ducks movies says, hockey isn't a very popular sport in Iceland. Nor, I'm afraid to say, are they dominant in world rankings (senior or junior leagues). They only had two artificial ice rinks by 1990 and both were outdoors. They were covered by 2000 and a third indoor arena was added later. So three indoor rinks, two in Reykjavik and one in Akureyri, and all are used for various leagues of hockey, ice skating, figure skating, and curling. So getting ice time is tough!

(By the way, any errors in Icelandic hockey information above are my own even if I don't want them to be. I'm just passing on what the internet says. :p )

I've rambled on long enough and I have some postcards to post!

PostCrossing: Netherlands

2008-11-21T20:12:00.003-08:00

I received this today from Anne in the Netherlands.

The message translates as: "More people must be smiling".

ID: NL-116851

Postcard: Dublin, Ireland

2008-11-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

I received this yesterday from Josine in Ireland as a thank you for a postcard I sent her. My first postcard from Ireland!

PostCrossing: USA

2008-11-21T20:08:00.001-08:00

I received this yesterday from Lisa in Georgia, USA!

ID: US-290856

PostCrossing: Kansas City, Missouri

2008-11-21T20:06:00.003-08:00

I received this yesterday from Barbara in Missouri.

ID: US-288511

PostCrossing: Düsseldorf, Germany

2008-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

I received this today from Ragna in Germany! It's of Dusseldorf's city hall.

ID: DE-240247

Postcrossing: Vienna, Austria

2008-11-17T19:04:00.003-08:00

I received this today from a PostCrosser in Austria!

ID: AT-24440

Postcrossing: Viljandi, Estonia

2008-11-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

I received this on Friday from Kristiina in Estonia. It's the first card I've received from Estonia in nearly 2 years!

ID: EE-35347

Postcard: Edmonton, Alberta

2008-11-12T14:56:00.003-08:00

(Apologies for the poor quality. I had to take a picture of it instead of scanning.)

I received this from my mum earlier this week. She was in Edmonton last week.

Postcard - ' Boy! Have We Been Doing the Town!'

2008-11-12T14:43:00.001-08:00

Message on back:

California

Jan 1960

Hi Folks

Just a card to say Hello from the sunny south, however it has rained every since we arrived. had a wonderful plane trip down. got to see the old [illegible] yesterday, and around to the mexican part of the city and the oil wells. Painting fence tomorrow and Knox Berry Farm tues.

Funny to see everything so green although this rainy weather so you have to wear a sweater. will be staying for another week. see you next summer.

[Sender's names illegible]

Postmarked: January 11, 1960

Postcard: 'I Don't Care What Becomes of Me'

2008-11-10T08:29:00.001-08:00

Ha ha, lucky fellow!

No message on back.

Postcard: 'Vous croyez avoir des troubles!'

2008-11-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

'You think you've got troubles!'

No message on the back, but it's from 1967.

Postcard: 'The music gets me going when your arm's around!'

2008-11-09T13:08:00.001-08:00

Message on back (all spelling, grammar, and punctuation left as is):

Helo Cary How are you and [illegible] getting along.

How is the Buffalo you know has he chared you lately how is Maggie and [illegible] to tell him i sent me Best [illegible]

for a fast ride to Lennie w Toronto where he sent me [illegible] Night Gin Dil

Postmarked: May 8, 1918.

Postcard: "That's my MERRY WIDOW HAT."

2008-11-09T13:01:00.003-08:00

Message on back (all spelling, grammar, and punctuation left as is):

Dear Auntie send paper for one year to Edi let - me know if you receive it all well love to all from your loving nephew Tom

Postmarked: July 8, 1908

My NaNoWriMo Novel In a Nutshell

2008-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Main characters:

Victoirette - snotty brat and oldest sister. Named so because her parents thought she'd be a boy. Lives in Paris.
Nathalie - second oldest sister and believes she's right all the time. If she were in a certain BBC comedy taking place in WWII France, she'd be nearly all the French characters. Lives in Cayeux-sur-mer.
Antoinette - youngest and super multi-talented. A golden girl, she probably farts out kittens and rainbows. Lives in Lille.

GERMANY: *invades France*
FRANCE: Oh no!

VICTOIRETTE: My husband hasn't come home from battle, therefore he is dead and totally not in a POW camp so I will screw some of the German officers because they are winning!

NATHALIE: I just joined the resistance and pretend to be courteous to the Germans to get information out of them as I hide their original and forged paintings of the Fallen Madonna With the Big... Tracts of Land by van Klomp because the author is totally ripping off a certain BBC comedy taking place in WWII France.

ANTOINETTE: My piano teacher was just arrested and deported because he is Jewish and now I can't practise any more. How annoying. At least I can still practise violin, harp, clarinet, flute, opera singing, writing, painting, carpentry, etc etc etc, because I AM IRRITATINGLY AWESOME AND TALENTED. Oh yeah, and I've shot a couple Germans because they said hi to me once and totally ruined my morning. Plus I'm sending my sisters chapters of my soon-to-be BEST.SELLING.NOVEL. because they get first glance at God on paper.

WAR: *goes on*

ALLIES: *are totally winning now*

PLOT: *is dead*

VICTOIRETTE: I hate the Germans because they are losing and I love the Allies because they are winning! Yay Brits, Canadians, and Americans!

NATHALIE: I have so many k-nockwurst sausages containing forged and original paintings of the Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies by van Klomp, the Cracked Vase with the Daisies by van Gogh, a Louis IV cuckoo clock, and various radio equipment to keep in touch with England in my cellar, plus a pair of British airmen who can't get back to England because I keep hatching hair-brained ideas! Oh yeah, and I hate my older sister because she's a slut.

ANTOINETTE: The Germans took my piano, wtf are they going to do, sing lullabies to the Allies? Have already picked out my outfit to wear when we are liberated and I am going to marry the first soldier I see. I have also composed seventeen songs and thirty-four tunes on my violin and I haven't decided which one to play yet, so I'm just going to play all of them because I'm awesome and everyone knows it and they'll all listen to ME!

GERMANS: *flee*

ALLIES: *WIN*

VICTOIRETTE: Someone tattled on me and told the Allies that I slept with German soldiers and now they're shaving my head! *cry* And then my husband showed up which was a total shock to me but it turned out he was living right next door, but had dyed his hair from dirty blonde to a bit more blonde and I totally didn't recognize him because I was too busy cavorting with Germans. IF ONLY HE HAD DISGUISED HIMSELF AS A NAZI, what a bastard.

NATHALIE: British airmen still can't get home, therefore I will marry them and then we can all live happily ever after with various paintings by old Dutch masters, a cuckoo clock, and a radio we will never need. Also, I am a hero because I resisted the Germans most of the time, except for when I had to bribe information out of them which I totally used against them and therefore am still a hero even though my brain is rattled from all the explosives we kept storing and we may still have some left. *BOOM* Yep.. .

BITS OF NATHALIE: *scatter across three miles*

ANTOINETTE: How annoying, all the Allied soldiers are either hideous or already married. WTF, don't they know they're SUPPOSED to look like Cary Grant and be single? What the hell kind of army are they running? No, seriously, go back and try again. I met Nazis more good looking. Pffft. Jerks.

AUTHOR: And somehow, I managed to write over 150,000 words of this. Imagine how bad THAT version is. Especially when I'm not even halfway done, but still have the ending written. Also, how many times does CBC have to run that stupid Enterprise "Sounds expensive!" commercial because it's getting really fucking annoying, but yay Leafs for winning and yay Canucks for winning so far and now I'm going to go because I can no longer type properly and have to keep going back to fix typos.

P.s. - The aforementioned BBC comedy taking place in WWII is 'Allo 'Allo! and I have no shame in stealing their storyline for my word count.

Postcard: Rock Island Light House, Thousand Islands, NY

2008-11-08T14:13:00.001-08:00

Message on the back:

before dinner

Wed. 11/17
Dear mother -
I am having a good time here. Went to a church supper last night. Jessie and I were playing crowns(?) a while ago. Got home about seven o'clock last night, so had a good sleep. I don't know what we'll do this afternoon. Uncle's pony is a nice one.

Gordon

Postmarked April 11, 1917

Postcard: "What You Feel Like When You're In Love"

2008-11-07T20:20:00.001-08:00

Message on the back:

June 15th

What do you think of this card. Is that how you felt? Do you still feel silly when the moon shines out? I do. I haven't seen the hair pins scattered around yet & I haven't my hair bobbed either.

Irma

Sent to Mr. Lesley R., Postmarked June 16th, 1925 or 1926.

Postcard: "Early Bird Catches the Worm"

2008-11-07T16:59:00.001-08:00

I bought this at a coin and collectables shop downtown. They have a fantastic selection of old postcards, but more expensive than Attic Books. I bought a bunch (17) so I'll be sharing all of them one by one.

Message on back (all spelling, grammar, and punctuation left as is):

Well Percy, how is things going with you I suppose you were at some of the Xmas Trees, I would of liked to go but I had a better Time (?) Xmas. Write and let me know how every thing is over there.

from your Friend

Harold R.

Postmarked January 24th, 1910.

Postcard: Hong Kong

2008-11-06T18:38:00.001-08:00

The Duk Ling Tourist junk and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on the left.

After having sailed the South China sea for more than 25 years, it was lovingly restored in the 1980s to her original classic design. Today, it is the last sailing junk in Hong Kong.

I received this yesterday from a friend of my mum's who went on a three-week vacation to Singapore, Thailand, Laos, and Hong Kong.

NaNoWriMo has been won!

2008-11-06T07:30:00.001-08:00

At some point this morning, I reached my personal goal of 100,000 words! YAY!! *confetti and cookies all around!*

My word count now is 106,860.

I'm going to leave it at that for now, but I'm going to go back and do some editing. I'll submit the unedited version as my word count for the month, but the edited part will be in a separate file.

My hands hurt. I feel like I can no longer think coherent thoughts, so this will have to be a short entry today.

NaNoWriMo updates...

2008-11-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't done much writing for the past couple days. My word count is currently at 51167. I suppose the big sprint to 50K on the weekend exhausted me! Not that that's a bad thing or anything. I've reached the NaNo goal already. Now to reach my personal goal off 100K!

I'm going to use up the next few days for research. My NaNo novel is about three sisters in German-occupied France. I was originally going to set it during WWI, but I bumped it up to WWII just because I know more about it. At least, in general. My knowledge of France during WWII is limited to episodes of "Allo, Allo!"

The library felt like it only had limited resources regarding France in WWII, but I did take out two books on it: France: The Dark Years, 1940-1944 by Julian Jackson and Occupation: The Ordeal of France, 1940-1944 by Ian Ousby. Occupation is turning out to be an invaluable source because it has a nice chronology of events in the back of the book for quick reference.

Last Wednesday while downtown, a friend and I went to Attic Books and I found a few books on WWII in their 'Bargain basement' as well as a couple on the main floor that I can use for research. None are specifically for France during WWII, but most are about WWII anyway. I have a thing for that particular time, so I welcome books on the subject!

I've started writing a bit of the ending. I don't want to say what might happen in case I jinx it.

Keep writing, fellow NaNo-ers/Wrimos! (whichever you prefer to be called)

Postcard: NaNoWriMo

2008-11-03T20:23:00.001-08:00

Oh gosh, it's been a long time since my last post! I didn't mean to, but I've been planning for NaNoWriMo! Speaking of which, I received this on Friday:

I donated some money to NaNoWriMo and opted to receive some 'thank you' goodies in return, including this postcard! (I also got a couple of stickers).

And also speaking of NaNoWriMo, I hit the 50,ooo word mark yesterday! I can't believe I wrote 50K in two days. But I am aiming for 100,000 this month, so I'm halfway there!

Current wordcount: 51167

Random Photograph: The Unknown Lady

2008-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

I bought this photo at Attic Books last week. I usually name the people in photos I buy, but I couldn't bring myself to name this lady. She looks like she's a bit annoyed at someone taking her picture at random, but she also looks like she's had a bit of a bad day or perhaps just received some bad news.

It was what was written on the back that brought me to the decision to not name her.

July 1944

She was on the way to the canteen

Never 'specting to be seen

So if you care to take a look

you'll see what poor duffer took

Random Postcard: Hong Kong

2008-10-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong Island viewed from Tsim Sha Tsui East

I received this from Emily in Hong Kong through a Postcrossing trade.

Random Postcard: Japan

2008-10-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

I'm not entirely sure what the script on the front says, but if anyone knows please let me know!

I received this from Akiko through PostCrossing.

ID: JP-39789

NaNoWriMo musings...

2008-10-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

So my original idea for this year's Nano has been put on hold. Well, not really. I've already started writing it. See, I was afraid of losing interest in this particular story so I decided to just start writing.

It's about a year in the life of a rural schoolteacher in 1901-1902. Actually, I believe it's her only year teaching. I haven't quite decided whether they're going to fire her or not. I suppose I'll find out when I get to that part!

And I have two ideas for my possible Nano this year:

1) I'm resurrecting a story I started writing a few years ago, but I'm completely rewriting it. It'll be set in a different time period and possibly in another country. It's a fantasy-type story in which a young girl is transported to another world through a book. Yeah, it's been done before but look at me not caring.

2) Letters and postcards between friends (and their families) during either the 1920s, 1930s, or 1940s. I've been reading The Mitfords: Letters Between Six Sisters, so I was heavily inspired by it.

and 3), for there is a third option, I combine the two above ideas. In fact, that might actually be my plan for Nano where quantity rules over quality. Hurrah word count!

I've been lurking about on that Nano forums. My post count should probably be triple at what it is now if I actually finished replies to posts and such. I'd start them, then start clicking on random other things before finishing and posting.

I've opted to take part in a 'NaNoWriMo Care Package Exchange', so I've got a few ideas on what to send! It's going to depend on who I get and what they like and all. Don't want to send a shiny pink notebook full of stickers of fluffy kittens if they're writing about cute-animal-eating-zombies.

But before I do any of that, I have to continue working on a friend's very belated birthday gift. And before I do THAT, I must go load up on caffeine.

Random Postcard: Helmand, The Soldiers' Story

2008-10-13T17:04:00.001-07:00

'In 2006 British airborne troops were the first NATO soldiers sent to secure Afghanistan's Taleban heartland, the Helmand province.
Some renamed it Hell Land.
When they came home, twice as many replaced them.
Helmand: The Soldiers' Story.
Their achievement. Their story. Their words.'

I received this through PostCrossing from Jann in Germany on September 26th, 2007.

ID: DE-102515

Random Postcard: Downtown Skyline, New York City

2008-10-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Downtown New York from North River showing Woolworth, N.Y. Telephone, and Other Buildings.

Message on the back:

Dear Katherine,
Your word (?) picture of cool comfort intrigued me. We are looking forward to leaving to the city this week-end.
We have had a busy summer, but it has been fun. As ever,
K.Colton

Postmarked 10th of August, 1938.

Postcard: "The Confectioner's Shop"

2008-10-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Confectioner's Shop, from 'The Book of Shops' (1899) by F.D. Bedford

I bought this card some time ago, but only just scanned it today.

Message on the back:

6 APR/81
Hi Betty - Really did appreciate your encouraging letter - had no time to reply - My 1st week in London, by myself, was educational in learning the traffic system. Today is the 4th day of our 21-day tour. I find Julie & I break out into giggles over the smallest thing. Have just explored the Fashion Museum & Roman Baths in Bath. Were on the Cornwall Coast yesterday. This lady on the card is now skinny & in tweeds, clambering over cliffs with binoculars, camera, & a big dog. On our way to Oxford tonight. (We buy food & wine & have picnics on the trains.)
Love, Olga & Julie

Postcard: British Virgin Islands

2008-10-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Biras Creek Hotel, View from Restaurant. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

I found this postcard on top of some books at the Goodwill.

The message on the back reads:

41' crc, terrible cockpit but otherwise performing very well. Average 20-25 knot winds, speed 7-10 knots. Islands are very unspoilt, lovely golden beaches, turquoise waters & super snorkling. Anchor out every night. Thinking of you both a lot. (very hot)
Love Jerry G.

Undated. No idea when it was sent because the date on the postmark isn't visible at all.

Postcard: Paoay Church, Philippines

2008-10-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

I received this card today from Krislan in the Philippines! I traded some cards with him on the PostCrossing forum a while back, and this came as a nice surprise today!

(For the record, I shall be sending a card in return next week when I'm able to buy more stamps.)

Jen's NaNoWriMo Kit

2008-10-07T12:57:00.002-07:00

24 days until November and the writing madness begins! I have been preparing and here are my essentials for NaNoWriMo:

Binder in which to keep random sheets of paper and stuff.

Notebooks in which to write.

Pens and pencils with which to write.

Journal to bitch and whine in; notebooks for, well, making notes. (I keep one of the small ones in my pocket at all times.)

Books for reference and inspiration. (The Pocket Muse is a godsend)

'Forgotten English' day calendar. I'll be using some of these words in this year's novel whether it's relevant or not. :p

Tim Hortons Iced Cappuccino for caffeine.

Kleenex to cry in when things get tough. Or incredibly sad. (Co-starring my dog's nose)

Dog to walk. At some point, I will have to leave the house.

Not shown:

- whiteboard and dry-erase markers for mapping out ideas and such.

- hockey games, particularly Leafs games for stress-relieving.

- penpals and friends for when I need to write but don't feel like working on the Great Novel.

PostCrossing: "Nordic Night", Finland

2008-10-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

I received this today from Marja-Liisa!

The illustration is by Osmo Omppu Omenamaki.

Actually, I've received this same postcard last year! I was kind of wondering when I'd receive duplicate cards. But I don't mind at all! I really like this card so it's nice to have two now. :)

ID: FI-376232

PostCrossing: National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC

2008-10-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

I received this from Bruce today!

ID: US-260444

PostCrossing: England

2008-10-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

I received this yesterday from Alex in England!

ID: GB-49233

Photographs

2008-10-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

I bought six photographs yesterday:

This is David and his trusty steed, Barley.

This lovely lady is Helen.

I have yet to name everyone in this photo! But the dog's name is Winston.

Another family that is still nameless.

This handsome guy is called Joe. He looks like he could be a hockey player!

And another family photo, this time it's a wedding photo! I feel sorry for the poor little girl in the front on the far right. She looks like she has to pee badly! Poor thing, I know how that feels like!

Postcards: Australia and France

2008-10-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I bought these four postcards on a whim from Attic Books.

NOTE: All messages are transcribed as they are written. Where full names are concerned, I have only included the first name and last initial.

Written on back:

With love and Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday
From your loving Niece Edith.

Undated.

Red Kangaroo, Australia. Written on back:

26-1-1984.
Dear George,
Thank you again for your contribution in making our stay in Sarnia so pleasant. And interesting.
The Canada-badges are pourdly worne, and make us think back of a place, we rapidly developed a great affinity for.
Pam T., a friend of ours, was thrilled indeed with the "Fitzmaurice" info. She wishes to thank you personally. Thanks again, dear friend, and may we meet again.
Greetings also for your kind lady.
Salutations,
Tom. Melbourne, Australia.

Paris, France - Les jardins et le Palais du Louvre; au centre, l'arc de triomphe du Carrouse. Written on back:

June 29th, 84
Hi! Just back to Paris after a week in the South. Men like "máture" women over here as I've found out twice - But I am staying cool George, I can't be unfaithful to you Love!
Planning to go to Alsace next week. Paris is just gorgeous & the US $ goes a long way - even here - mostly in restaurants. Food is just splendid.
Grosses bises. Micki.

Paris, France - Pont des Arts et l'Institut.

No message on back.

Obligatory Introduction

2008-10-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I'm Jen and I collect postcards, old photographs, and old books. I don't collect for monetary value because if I did, I wouldn't own some of my shoddy-looking things.

I received postcards in the mail from PostCrossing and from friends. I buy old postcards from a shop downtown (Attic Books). I don't really have any set criteria for which postcards I buy. Sometimes I look for something specific, other times I just wing it. They're quite cheap to buy, so I can buy quite a few!

I buy old photographs from the above-mentioned shop. They have a small box on the counter which you can poke through and find 'Instant Ancestors!' It's kind of sad when you think about it. All these photos once belonged to friends or relatives of the people pictured, but for one reason or another, they were given away or sold. But that's when people like me come in and decide to adopt some of them. Most of them, unfortunately, do not come with names already written on the back. So I get to name them. It's quite fun, but I remain quite curious as to what their real names are and how close I am when I named them.

As I mentioned above, I also collect old books. 'Old' in this case is pre-1950s. But I only buy what a) I'm interested in, and b) I can afford. So that kind of narrows it down a bit! I buy these books from a number of places - secondhand bookshops, thrift stores, rummage sales, etc. I'm a sucker for children's books and ones with pretty covers (I feel so shallow when I buy on basis of how the cover looks!)

As for me, I'm 25 and live in London, Ontario. I love to read and write. I have dreams of being published one day, but I rarely ever finish any of my stories. Nevertheless, I continue writing in hopes of coming up with decent endings.

Also, I'm participating in this year's (2008) National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) so I'll be blogging about that as well. For the moment, I have a decent storyline but we'll see if it sticks around long enough for November!

I also have 3 cats, a dog, and a turtle. I still live at home because I currently don't earn enough to move out yet. My mum also has 3 cats so it's quite a zoo! I look after my sister who is severely mentally disabled, but is fairly easy to care for. She loves reading the Beano books.

By the time I die, I hope to:

- have one of my stories published

- fly a plane

- ride an Icelandic horse in Iceland

- get a job which I love so much that I would gladly do it for free (but I won't do it for free because I have to make a living somehow!)

- learn French and Dutch fairly fluently (enough to get by without the aid of a dictionary or phrasebook in Quebec, France, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.)