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Postcards

Fine, Just Fine

“What could we have done better tonight?” This is what a restaurant manager should be asking instead of the usual “How is your food? A small change might elicit some useful information and some goodwill. “How is your food tasting?” usually doesn’t do that. Photo is of one of the postcards I send that is most often liked in Postcrossing.

Seeds

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” R.L. Stevenson Photo is of an ad postcard I received last month. Robert Willan has almost no presence on the internet and if you’re interested you will have to research it yourself.

Less is More

“As my handwriting deteriorates, my thinking concentrates and I try to say more with less words.” I’m still writing a lot of postcards but sometimes even I can’t read my writing.

Words Seldom Seen: Provenience

Provenience Noun: In Archeology Provenience, refers to he actual place or findspot of an object, while provenance refers to its modern (post-excavation) history. Example: “The photo shows beautiful examples of spindle whirls that were given to the museum but their provenience is uncertain.” Pronounciation clue: Rhymes with “convenience.” Provenience is often confused with provenance. They are “tell” words for archeologists. If you misuse them you are letting on that you are not well trained in the field. Sherds vs Shards serve the same purpose. The… Read More »Words Seldom Seen: Provenience

Words Seldom Seen: Bast

Bast Noun: Strong, woody fibers, such as flax, hemp or jute, obtained from inner bark and used historically in the manufacture of woven goods and cordage. Example: Otzi used bast to tie his leather garments together. Pronunciation Guide: Bast like Cast. soft b, hard a. This word is from the Otzi Museum in Bolzano, Italy. Otzi used bast as we use thread or laces to hold things together. We visited the museum on or Italy trip with OAT. Don’t worry I’ll be making a few… Read More »Words Seldom Seen: Bast

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Words Seldom Seen: Distaff

Distaff Noun: Distaff originally meant a spindle or stick onto which flax or other material is wound in preparation for spinning. It current meaning is as an adjective defining the female side of a family or anything female. Example: “He is my Uncle on the distaff side.” Caution the word is bordering on archaic and may be offensive to some.

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Too Many Walls

“The human race builds too many walls and not enough bridges.”  Frank Lloyd Wright This postcard arrived from China with a postmark from Beijing. I didn’t have the courage to scan the QR code. It looks like the kind of building Wright would build in cooperation with MC Escher and modern materials. And the quote has an immigration feel to it. Hi Larry.

Washington DC

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” William Shakespeare This old postcard arrived from Columbus Ohio and since we are going to be in Washington DC I’m hoping to Folger Shakesperian Library and retake the image. We shall see. It appears that the library is closed but we should be able to get near it.

Peter Max

“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Satchel Paige, Baseball Pitcher and Sage The image is of a postcard I received from Germany with an image that reminded me of Peter Max the Pop Artist. It is actually by Michael Craig-Martin who is certainly influenced by Peter Max. Max is still alive (85) but I don’t mind.