Outgoing November mail and random musings

Outgoing mail:

So far my mailbox has been very sad in November. As I read once, send good mail to get good mail. I decided to get ahead in my Postcrossing. Check this out! Outgoing to Sweden, Finland, Italy, China, Russia, Germany, Indonesia, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Singapore, Belarus, Ukraine and the US.  

  In addition to the Postcrossing cards, there is 1 to a student who has been out sick all week and 1 to a new friend who I have convinced to try Postcrossing! I also have a cards for one Chemo Buddy and an intro letter to another Chemo Buddy as well as a card for his mom. He's 16. I'm actually really excited to be paired with him. Lastly, I'm mailing Missy the book she won in my giveaway. 
    Tomorrow morning I'm going to set up a mail log, kind of like this.  Ashley, I'm still working on your letter. I haven't forgotten you. I think this will greatly help me in the management of papers that come in and our of my house. 

Random musings this week:

1) I while back I misplaced my journal. I don't keep a diary but I do a little work with my Bible reading and devotions in there. I find that I get off track without having it. I need to find it. I won't start a new one because I'm OCD about things like that. 

2) I also realized that I am not myself when I'm not penpalling. Apparently it is very therapeutic to me. :) I really miss feeling like I know what is going on with people. I am friends with many of my pals on Facebook but, truthfully, letter writing is a lot less shallow than reading something quick on Facebook- or writing knowing that every acquaintance you have will also be reading it. 

3) I am lucky to have my students. I ended my day with 15 8th grade boys today who are just truly good kids. There are a few of them that have given me a few gray hairs over the past few years but generally they are very gentlemanly towards me. I have also had some really great conversations with a few 8th grade girls this week. The younger students I have don't know me as well but their enthusiasm when they see me every day makes me smile.  Another student's family (She and her brother sing for me) got my family advance tickets to go see Big Hero 6. How awesome is it that they thought enough about me to consider giving my whole family a night out? I'm really blessed.

4) We had a lockdown drill at school today. I hate that kids in this generation (and teachers) have to get used to things like this and have to actually worry about the issues they do.

5) This week started off really badly. It reminded me about the importance of letting people know how much you care about them. We only get one chance in life. Sometimes the things that you don't say to someone or decide to wait to say might be the words that they have REALLY needed to hear- even if it's nothing important (to you).  Never pass up the opportunity to be the one who spreads kindness.

6) Do yourself a favor and read this post by Hannah Brencher. *Hugs*

    

ICAD 43, 44

ICAD43- Violin- I had grand ideas about this card.. They didn't happen. I had dyed the card with tea but I wanted it much darker. Perhaps experimenting with distressed inks would've been MUCH more effective.  I also wanted a violin printed in color. I wanted to get the card done so I just finished with the violin I had. :/ I think I'm getting worse.

The text is from Exodus 15:2-" The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." I wanted to include a verse that had to do with praising God with music but all of them either mentioned praising him by singing or playing a specific instrument- that was not the violin. My music teacher OCD wouldn't allow me to have a violin and a text that said something else- seriously.

    I like ICAD44 better- This is a kokeshi doll. I folded it based on a template. I put it over a card with gesso and attached a piece of my scrap paper towels. Unfortunately, I don't have any Mod Podge. What I used to seal/attach it (Made the card above way too shiny) took out some of the color in the kokeshi doll and didn't seal as well as I would've liked. Overall, I'm happy with it. It is very different for me.

Kokeshi dolls are traditionally wooden dolls from northern Japan. According to Wikipedia, "They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face."  I was unaware of kokeshi dolls before today.

    Tomorrow's prompt is "dala horse," which is a traditional, Swedish, wooden horse. I think I might attempt to paint one. I also did not know what dala horses were, though I own a similar elephant brought to me by a student. It is originally from India.

     If you are a reader from a different country, what is a traditional craft that your country is known for?

Postcard to Sweden

Outgoing...  

     Last week I spoke to a man on Interpals who was looking to collect some postcards. Being involved with Postcrossing, I always have a ton of postcards. (If I don't always have a ton I'm always looking to buy more. So, if you're one of my friends and you go on vacation- feel free to pick me up some! I'll pay you back)  Arthur likes city views so I sent him this nice card of Boston.

     I have a letter headed to Katherine in Australia too.

Incoming...

I finally got some mail yesterday! I got letters from Michelle and Linn Marit- 2 of my pals. Michelle is from the US and Linn Marit is from Scotland.  Here are some cute things from Linn Marit's letter.

This little guy reminds me a little of David. He's a little shy and reserved.

Another cute sticker on the front.

The little gold butterflies are raised off the page. (No need for the thank you note but I liked it!)

The 366 Project:
Received: 32
Sent: 81

Random:

     I see that the PPFL newsletter came out. Welcome to those who are stopping by to check out my page. If you don't know the history of the page- I decided this year to attempt to write and receive 366 letters, 1 for each day. I am behind on my goals but I've always cared more about quality than quantity. I have started the blog to document some of the mail I've gotten. I have really enjoyed blogging. I've gotten a few more pals through this page and then I've also just had some people who don't have time for another pal, but wouldn't mind writing me a letter about themselves, their area of the world, their culture, etc. to help me out with my project. I love randomly connecting with people.  So, if you'd like to send me a letter, please PM me for my address. I'd love to hear from you.  

     Alright, I'm headed out to church in a little bit so I'm going to go get ready.  After church we're inviting a few people over for a cookout. It should be a really fun day. I hope you have a great day too.