Today, my postal box gifted me two beautiful surprises from across the world – little paper treasures that made my heart smile.
The first one was a charming postcard from Santa Fe, New Mexico, showing bright red peppers kind of hugging each other! How sweet and playful is that? Red peppers, or chiles, are actually a beloved symbol in New Mexico – the sender wrote me that they represent not only the vibrant, spicy cuisine but also the warmth, color, and joyful soul of the Southwest. And just like these peppers, she added a little extra warmth – she wrote that she is hoping to become pen pals! What a beautiful, heartfelt way to approach someone – by sending a hug made of chiles and an invitation to start a friendship through words. It reminded me how simple and sweet is to connect, one postcard at a time.
The second postcard came from Kyiv, Ukraine UA – showing the majestic monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky (built in 1888) with the stunning backdrop of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral. This was by someone i don’t know personally, who found my postal address through Postcrossing. I love how this hobby introduces you to people you have never met and corners of the world you might never visit – yet suddenly, you hold a piece of their city, their history, in your hands. This monument, standing strong the 19th century, and the golden domes of Saint Sophia speak of a city’s endurance, beauty, and story – now part of my growing postcard collection.
It is really magical how a small piece of cardstock can carry so much: kindness, curiosity, culture, friendship. Whether it’s an invitation to start corresponding or an unexpected hello from a faraway place, every postcard is a reminder that the world is full of good people and little moments of connection..
Meanwhile..
Meet Svarog : The Slavic God Who Could Forge the Cosmos
If you have ever wondered what would happen if a blacksmith, a sky god and a cosmic wizard all became one very dramatic character, let us introduce you to Svarog – the Slavic deity of fire, creation and seriously intense vibes.
He is the kind of god who doesn’t just light fires – he invents them, teaches humanity how to work metal and then casually commands the heavens.. No big deal!
In Ukraine’s stunning 2022 Europa stamp, Svarog is in full hero mode : flaming sword? Check – Fiery bird on the shoulder? Check – Looking like he is about to smite injustice and design jewelry? Double check..
So next time you light a candle or admire some metalwork, give a little nod to Svarog – because he might just be the reason you have got fire in your hearth and stars in your sky..
And then..
A ring on the phone and a few moments later.. A knock at the door… More postcards from Kindred Spirits..
As if PO box 49 hadn’t already spoiled me today, fate sent one more surprise – in the form of a real, live friend at my doorstep. He came bearing a stack of glorious postcards from Nuremberg and the fantastical Les Machines de l’ile in Nantes. To be honest, these were not freshly purchased – no, no.. these beauties had been riding around with him for quite some time, tucked somewhere between business meeting and suitcase corners. But i am not complaining! My friend always thinks of me during his work travels (postcard proof!) we just hadn’t managed to meet up and exchange paper treasures – until today..
It’s these small, thoughtful gestures that make me feel like one of the luckiest postcard collectors alive.. Not just for the cards – but for the people who carry them around in their luggage and in their cards, just for me..
So, whether it’s a postcard from a stranger across the globe, a fiery god guarding a Ukrainian stamp, or a friend who finally delivers a stack of souvenirs – I am reminded again and again how much joy fits into a small rectangle of paper.
Here’s to postcards, patience, pen pals, and people who carry us in their carry-ons.
– With ink-stained fingers and a happy heart,
The one with the stamps and the stories..
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