Love is in the air.

My first wedding invitation. Trying to find a way to make it to Italy for the celebration. The invitation was designed by Jenny Fisher. Very beautiful.

This is the note placed in the card on top. The lady is thinking about the wind.

Summer days.
LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Mathew John

Behind but busy.

It's almost gotten me sad lately because with my daily visit to the mail box producing nothing new.

Here's some cheers from Charley who thinks I'm great.



Then again I'm not writing as many postcards as I used too.

Maybe new pen pals who are old friends will kick this summer pen to paper difficulty.
Ainsley is my dear friend who has taken off and moved to Australia for life and love. I spent the summer roaming around with her sister Barbra in Quebec.

Since we were tweens Ainsley has had the best for of story telling. One day I will load one up.


Another set of sisters: The Boutilier.

Hopefully if you read this your close enough to make a visit at sometime to Saltspring Island. So perfect it could be a cult community. I had the pleasure to go to a wedding and stay at one of the most amazing houses every.
Also my favourite cafe in Quebec city is called Temps perdu. (Lost times)





Neal has a way of showing up in random places full a smiles. The same happens in my mail box.

We are that friendship that doesn't exchange numbers but look forward to the next run in. It is almost better in todays world to have friends whose contact is slightly limited and not so instantaneous.












"How can I save the world with nutrition if I can't even remember the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre?" -Erin G.

Happy to have Erin home safe from Nepal. It makes me want to get in my car and drive 6 hours to get that hug. Thank the heavens that the mail only takes a couple of days verses weeks.

This card comes from a night market on her layover in Hong Kong. It is it's own wonderment how I have all these pieces of paper from all over the world in my red velvet box. Memories and moments.

New Pals.

Made by Jessica K.

There is something sad to this piece. You know how there doesn't even seem to be time for your close friends. Then you search for time for those really great people. Jessica is one of the great people. (who I need to see more). Listening alot to Lykke Li. (who I am sure Jessica would like.) Excited for this new interaction.




This is from Barbra K.
My first post card in French. Barbra is the sister to my first junior high girlfriend. She wants good things for the world. She makes these good things happen. Her sister is one of the finest artists I know. (and a good kisser) Surprised how much I understood of the card. She taught herself french. Amazing.






Classic Elyse. No need to say anymore. Other than I'm not this determined to find a man. Yet.

The Week.

You know how I love the back's on envelopes. (Erin G)

Here's 2 of my favourite cards. The elephant came in that wonder envelope. It folds into 3. Hallmark used to make so much magic with there cards but now they rely on corny jokes. The other card is from my mother. (and father) She just said "It seemed sweet like you and a little french." Merci Mama.

This week was busy finishing up all the assignment I need to graduate. Apologies for being away from the blog. (Well to Francine she reads like a bible)

Count on Natasha (left) and Elyse(right) to fill my life with cute boys. Che, DREAM BUCKET. I am a repulsed non-smoker, but man in that photo...yahoo. Power is totally hot. So is White Briefs.

Neal hit it on the nose what the next week will be like.

I just have to limit myself to one a day. Only when needed. No cups after 2PM. Only one per day, or else I will be up writing postcards all night. I have been working on my own cards. Really happy with the turn out. If you want one let me know.

Inside the card was this great Pink Balloon. I got me thinking about my childhood when the simplest things gave you hours of enjoyment. Totally pretending the balloon was my ballroom dancing partner and waltzed around the room. (Winning awards.)

Now I use this balloon to blow out some stress,

Mathew John

Birthday!!!

Correction after bumping into Becky VB it turns out that card was from the other Becky. Call me crazy!

I just loved this postcard because it depicts me so much this winter. I'm out of bed and no longer sleeping.

I don't know where erin G. got this amazing jem. Pineapple on everytable at a chinese restraunt weird.

Tonight will be full of dancing and hopefully a pleathera of cards.

Smile Big,

Mathew John

The Pre-Birthday.

Thank Elyse but most of the time I look hagard and confused. Each day i'm so lucky to getthe love and support from so many people. Blows my mind. Grateful.This is from natasha it is from the same artist as the velvet postcard a month ago. Next visit to the island i'm stocking up. Natasha and I are those independent people not always attached to a lover. As she wrote "they (her friends) don't think I should date just anyone, that my creativity and being is too much for the common man." This made my search, even though I am not searching, bearable. Love will come and I'm not waiting anymore.
Turn you head.
This comes from a first timer, Becky VB. It has a similar look to one by my other pen pals Becky. Weird? I never know how to scan in home made cards. It brought me back to days of my childhood playing with my sisters nail polish.

I did have a nice spring day.

Tomorrow I turn 23.

Watch out world,

Mathew John

Sunday Bed Time: 7:30PM

I have been away from my home and mailbox. Also so busy with school I fell behind on letter to everyone. Tonight is dedicated to my bed and writing and sending out thank you cards. Busy busy. I did get great cards from long lost pen pals. This week I will get everything up.

Always write on the back of letters. It's a great personal touch. They just give the receiver and the sender a little heartbeat.

Into bed,
Mathew John

The on-going story.

“Once upon a time there was a young boy and girl who wanted to find love. So they set out on a quest together. In each town they found handsome men who were brave chivalrous knights, but still, what they seeked continued to elude them. They had been travelling for many months and their will to go on was fading, when at last they happened upon a tall and foreboding castle set high upon a treacherous cliff. Both knew at once that this was where their lover lay. They scaled the cliff, each step bringing them closer to the dark castle finally they reached the summit and saw a light…” ~Sept. 20th 2007

“…The golden glow spilled out onto the floor from an open doorway of a hall. They made towards it. They hesitated when they reached the threshold, but curiosity drove them in. Inside the room, which was made of stone (as it was the turret of the castle) lay two marble platforms. In the candlelight they could make out the sleeping forms of two men. They approached them and tried to wake them. Nothing would work, they were enchanted…” ~Oct. 21 2007

to be continued...

Mathew John

2-2

2 cards from Elyse.


2 Things from the United States. (one over lap since the Nashville Postcard was from Elyse)

This is a card from Erin E. If anyone could translate this card,
Or we could all make up what it says.

She wrote this card at VW Rally at Bowlorama.

Today I was sad after writing my last mid-term. Francine and my broke self drove around to 3 salvation army's thrift stores and IKEA. Salvation Army is amazing because they resell cards, at 25-50 cents. AMAZING. Basically I have enough postcards and letters to last me 3 months. Tomorrow will be the post of my favourites from the hunt.

Off to clean my room and write some much needed thank you notes,

Mathew John

How does it?

How did this even get to my house. The address is basically washed away. It was a letter from Neal and the water seeped through the envelope to end up on the pages. Smearing his writing. It does have a little charm. I wonder if someone has ever written a letter popped it into a mail box decide against it and then filled up the mailbox with water? Weird thought, I know

Sophie and Elyse just went to Tennesse. How can you go to Tennesse without getting a postcard of Elvis? He is the king. Sophie always finds the great black and white postcards of famous. The one she sent of Julie Roberts adorn my fridge.

Beatrix potter. Elyse is my Queen of children's books. (and 80's movies) On the back she wrote "When your a proud Daddy, I'll buy your kiddies the complete collection of Beatrix Potter. A must have in any child's library." In her house I covet her Frank Baum originals of her fathers when he was a child. The illustration in the OZ series is just amazing.

Katie S. came through. Here is her first postcard from when we first met in November. I love it all. But really love the bit about "Let's not be Facebook friends." I totally agree. This profile business is tiresome. Great for letting people know what your doing, but do people really care what your doing? It's a large time waster. I would rather put my time to my Pen Pals.

Okay enough blogging and back to the books,

Mathew John

Weeks that fly by.

As school get more demanding I try to not let myself get to distracted.

That why I got a little behind on my updates. This is my weeks haul.

Many great pieces. My girl Audrey, sent from my Girl Sophie. Sophie is the reason I came to know Elyse. We sailed around the world then lived in Montreal for a summer. She was going to Meet Elyse in Tennessee for a trip and her flight was cancelled and bags lost. Redirected through Chicago so she sent me 2 postcards this week. Hopefully we can go one day and see the city.

The top orange one is from Anja. Surprise Anja is my mystery pen pal from 2 entries ago. I can't wait to get the set of men in my mail box.

The blue one came from Natasha. Smooth. I could rub this on my face. (I also really like to smell velvet.) It did also help with the finger prints on my scanner.

Boy Hungry!!! Elyse has magic for finding little bits that fit my life. You know it's spring when every second person you see looks good. Oh and soon the blooms will be out. Good thing I have quit looking for love.

Lastly My final Valentine.~Erin I.~ Written on the 14th and sent from Toronto. 2 lovely lollipop bulged the envelope thick. Must have been considered a parcel since it took so long to arrive. Tree's and Deer do make hearts. My heart beats for this girl, we have only had 10 sentences and I'm sure it's gay man straight girl love.

I was up till 1AM writing away so check your mail boxes.

Off to nap on this sunny day,

Mathew John

Throw away days.

Also titled Mat Days.

Days were I can't seem to accomplish anything and hide in my bed. Maybe I should stay up till 2AM watching TV DVD. (The Office season 3...will Jim and Pam get together?) I have written so letters today. One for Natasha and Neal as a reply to their latest letter. and One to Megan H. Megan I met in a church in Edmonton. She was a familiar face. I asked her how we would know each other. She replied with I helped her when I was buying groceries the day before. It was true but not the reason I knew her. After awhile I figured out I was friends with her friend on Myspace randomly. So i had seen her profile and picture for sometime. The Internet is dangerous, but amazing none the less. This was my 4th piece to her. Waiting for a reply. I did break my rule but I know she will come through.

Buying new stationary of letters as motivation to write more. I bought this great set of 12 cards from Knock Knock from winners for 6 dollars. Elyse always writes on the inside and then the back of a card. So sweet to fill up every corner. The above postcard came today. I can't wait to collect. Kisses all around. Oh and hugs. Everyone needs more hugs. Alot of my Pals have been jumping on planes and heading around. Can't wait to see the new finds and the great stories.

Mathew John

Delayed Bliss.

It's Sunday morning and I woke up for Christmas. (even with it only being the 24 of Feb.)

I was away the last 3 days, neglecting my mail box. I knew that going and getting the mail would be better in the evening. Falling asleep to the wonder of possibilities.

The postcard up top is from Elyse. Vintage Valentines were hard to find this year. (I struggled.)

The postcard below is from Megan Brooks.

I know I don't use last names but she is like Madonna and Prince. When I am feel low call on her, mentally and physically, MEGAN-BROOKS. We met in Montreal this summer. I was her little thing she was fucked without she was my little drunk. We laughed we cried we ran around and went water sliding. We shotgunned beers.

I will forever B-yours, Miss Brooks.

Montreal is a treat for the FREE postcard. It's the way advertising works. POP comes out with the best. On the back it's a 2008 calender. For 2007 I kept one with me and circled all the days of travel. 114 was my total. A third of the year, my my. 2008 it the year of broke. Neal sent this magic, he's growing on me as a penpal.

I guess those will be it for valentines for the year. A good haul. Thank you everyone who made me one they will be cherished.

Till Monday's postbox trip,

Mathew John

I will not quit.

Monday Blues.


In the month of February, I go through major blues. It's a short month thank god. Right now all I want to due is lie in bed. There is nothing better than that warm spot. you know, your protection, your body heat collection. Perfection.

Today had a lovely card from Elyse.
(Purchased from my favorite store in Victoria, Fan Tan Gallery)

Then the nicest surprise a simple letter from Neal. Within a month of meeting Neal he picked his stuff up and moved to Montreal. Ever time I have moved I knew I would return. He is brave. (even if he doesn't believe me) I had sent him 3 cards with no reply. It's a rule of mine after 3 pieces to quit. Just in time he saved his mail box. It makes me happy because I enjoy sending mail ,and don't want to quit. Pen pals have to put in some work.

I should get back to work,
Mathew John

(trying not to nap)

In love with my scanner.

Naked Young Man Sitting by the Sea (1836)
by Hippolyte Flandrin

Yesterday, I recieved this art card. The painting comes from the Louvre. (I HEART PARIS!!!)

Sent by Elyse. My dearest pen pal. One post per week average. I tried to copy the text of the card. No luck yet with figuring it out. she does mention, "Thought this card was beautiful. What a perfect man! There needs to be more men like this in the world!" Couldn't agree more. In the future there will be a post only on the beautiful men cards.

Mathew John