May to Cliff, Lynne and Renee

Blogger is broken. I did what I always do to schedule this to pop up in the future - and it popped up today.

This is ominous. 

It's all out of my control.

It's been over a week since I've written anything so I don't know if there were any others like this. These are my version of Judi's envelope the had a big first name and a stretched out second name. She also had some dots around her stamps.

I'm not going to nit-pick at the spacing and sizes because I had fun and noodling around with ideas is the whole point of the blog and the exchange. 

Also, I was using up orphan stamps so we're lucky that I found some colors that worked. I'm writing this one June 4th - and I need to figure out the lists for the exchange so this will be a short post. 

 

April from Nicky - Kermit Oliver

Our printmaker pen pal Nicky carved the sweetest little kittens hatching out of pods on a tree.

Here it is on white paper. It's adorable - although the bottom kitten on the right looks like he's in a predicament.

***

Here is a printmaking related add-on. There is a "reclusive" artist in Texas (Kermit Oliver) who has been creating designs for Hermes scarves since 1980. He was also a postal worker for 30 years. It's an amazing story.  You may read about him here:

https://iconiclife.com/kermit-oliver-the-texas-mailman-who-designed-hermes-most-iconic-scarves/

Then, if you have 15 minutes, you can watch a video that shows the steps it takes to make a Hermes scarf. The process of converting original art to screens for printing is amazing.  So is the weaving of the silk and the hand work on the hem. It takes 2 years to learn how to hem and one person can only hem 7 scarves per day. 

Does anyone really need a scarf like that? Technically, no. However, the video discusses that there are people - craftsmen - who are smitten with the kind of work involved in making *fine* things. They simply earn their living doing things they enjoy doing and they do not lust after the luxurious items they produce.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH7WXKeYcjE

This design is Kachina.

I put the word "reclusive" in quotes. Other people chose that word in their articles - I think it's fine to keep to one's self. I wouldn't even use the word introvert. I admire him for not being drawn into situations that he prefers to skip.
 

April from Lynne and Irene

This is from Lynne.

These two make a nice pair with their teal/turquoise colors. Are teal and turquoise the same thing?

<pause>

What do we think of asking our computer to answer questions? Where are these answers coming from? Is is a bad idea to ask our computers to answer questions? First we will look at the answer to teal/turquoise.

Teal and turquoise are not the same color; teal is a darker, muted blue-green, while turquoise is a brighter, lighter green-blue. Teal leans more towards blue, whereas turquoise has a more pronounced green tint.

OK, I asked the question: Is it a bad idea to ask our computers to answer questions and here's what my computer said:

It's not inherently a bad idea to ask your computer questions, but computers do not understand human language or intent in the way we do; they operate based on commands and programming. Instead of asking questions, it's more effective to learn how to use specific commands or search for solutions online.

 thetechnicalgeekery.com University of California

I'm through asking questions for the day.... hopefully.

It looks like Irene has some acrylic paint markers. The drop shadow adds so much. 

Here's Irene's birthday greeting.

Romans and flourishing - a delightful combination.

 

April from Nanski [more?]

Nanski wrapped her design around the envelope. It has a little bit of a Zentangle feel to it. I wonder if she was looking at something or just let it blossom out of her head. The soft gray-ish and tan-ish shading is very nice and coordinates nicely with the stamp.

***

Oooof. I have 14 envelopes loaded and need to talk about them. 

I'll write [more?] in the title and maybe things will come up to add to these posts.

***

OK - here's something I found when I was reminiscing about my walk in the rain with Ben. I wondered when his school was built. The school website says a wooden building was replaced in 1902 with a brick building.  The kindergartners and first graders use a door on the side of the building that has GIRLS ENTRANCE carved over the door. I wonder if anyone even notices it.

This is just a side entrance. The opposite side of the building must have had a boys entrance. There has been a gymnasium addition on that side - so no carving.

The website had lots of history and information. The school still teaches cursive. But - YIKES - they must not work on the proper way to hold a pen. Actually - I've seen worse.

 

April from Tom - June exchange sign-up

This is from Tom - a friend from way, way back. We met through the calligraphy guild.  I can't tell what he used - paint or ink? I guess I don't even know what the difference is between paint and ink. Note to self to try that gel pen hack that I posted not too long ago.

I tend to forget the J option that Tom used. This is a version of Neuland which is one of my go-to styles.

It's very versatile.

It's time to sign up for the June exchange.

Today through June 4th is the window to sign-up. Lists are sent on the 5th.

If you participated in the MAY exchange - just shoot me an email that says: SIGN ME UP - you do not need to retype your address and info.

Send your sign-up to:    PTEnvelopes-at-aol-dot-com

Let me know if it is your [Birthday] month or if you are willing to be on [2 Lists].

If you were not on a May list - or if you only sign up occasionally - or are a new exchanger - please send your information in the following format:

Jane Doe

123 Oak Street

Ames, IA 50010

janedoe@aol.com

[Birthday]  [2 Lists]  -- if those items apply

If you are new to the exchange - there are helpful details at this link:

https://pushingtheenvelopes.blogspot.com/p/rules-of-exchangement.html

April from Kerry and Julie Ann - Ben in the rain

Newish exchanger Kerry is a graphic designer. I like the coordination of the two cloud/rain images. I love the little envelopes - obviously. This is good example of how just one color can be very effective. It reminded me of the turquoise ink that was so popular in the 50s and 60s. Back in the olden days (the mid-century olden days), we learned to print with manuscript and then learned cursive in third grade. We also learned to write cursive with a cartridge ink pen. It was a big deal to get one's first cartridge pen. Not everyone could convince their parents to buy the turquoise ink. I know I never had it. I would have liked it but I don't think it was traumatic for me to not have it. 

I need to double up some of the April envelopes. This one from newish exchanger Julie Ann pairs nicely with Kerry's. It reminded me of a favorite video I shot of my grandson when he was five. Walking home from school in the rain. He meanders along, swinging the umbrella. I couldn't get the video to upload - so all I have are screen shots.

 

April from Irene

 

Irene spent a significant amount of time on this which I appreciate. I imagine the USPS appreciated the clear address. The shimmery, pastel detail on the leaves and flowers is very pretty. Her enclosed note says that the details are "iuile color shifting watercolors." I Googled - and that's a real thing if anyone feels like indulging in some new art supplies. The horse drawing below was done with Procreate.

Irene also sent a birthday greeting. I need to let people know that they do not need to send me a second envelope during my birthday month. It troubles me that I will never reciprocate and I'm confident that nobody wants to *trouble* me. Or maybe people who send extra mail need to fill up time with a favorite activity - and I wouldn't want to suggest limiting one's favorite activity. 

No add on today because I'm not caught up on scheduling my posts.

May to Judi

As I post all the envelopes with the quilt stamps which were mailed over a week ago - I am looking at them with fresh eyes and things that bothered me previously are not bothering me anymore. I'm very happy with the mixed fonts on this. Although it looks a little sparse. I wonder what it would have looked like with an Amy-border. I wonder if I should buy another set of these stamps.

***

I'm filling blog posts that will pop up in two weeks. As previously mentioned, I started the outgoing-May envelopes prior to finishing the April incoming. Now I'm in a quandary about when to go back to April. I think we'll switch tomorrow. I do not have a good add on for today - so I'll just mention that my birthday is in April - so if you like to collect birthday ideas - get ready....

Here is my birthday greeting from MrWilson:

It's a keeper!!

If I actually end up in senior living, I'll be posting it on my door.

 

May to Patty - joining a group

 

Apparently I only did three Amy-borders. This is too bold and too sloppy. I rather like the way the name came out. Those little figures could be so much better. It's tricky to do naive or primitive styles and not make them too refined - and at the other end of the spectrum - not too sloppy.

***

Here's something a bit off the wall for the new people who have joined the exchange. Once again, I have no idea if they read the blog - but it was an interesting tidbit. It was in the newsletter from Eric Barker who wrote the book Plays Well With Others which was recommended to me by someone. After reading it, I wondered if that person was hinting that I did not play well. But, I digress.

I did enjoy the book enough to sign up for the author's monthly newsletter. Even though most of my playtime is virtual, I'm interested in being a good pen pal friend. His latest newsletter included many tips. I might post about some of the others. 

This tidbit about a possible reward from joining a group jumped out at me:

As political scientist Robert Putnam put it, “Your chances of dying over the next year are cut in half by joining one group.” An analysis of 148 studies with more than 300,000 participants basically backed him up.

I'm not a big fan of studies that make these kinds of claims. But, I also see a benefit in having some connections. I respect that many of us are not looking for actual groups. We're introverted in a nice way. So, for the new members of the exchange - I think the exchange counts as a group.

And if you don't like the exchange and drop out - that's OK. There are lots of other groups. Although this is one of the few that provides a fun experience when you check your mailbox.

May to Janet - content/process definition

 

I have mixed feelings about this concept of alternating two styles/colors. The idea goes with the stamp - but maybe the letters want to be arranged differently, not in a line. I like the style of Jackie's last name and wished I had used it on Janet's. But, I like those stars on Janet's and I don't think they would have worked with Jackie's last name style.

I forgot to fix the big blob on the bottom of the A in Renaud. Grrrr. At least Janet is local so we can meet up and I can fix it. Although she might have used it in the bottom of her bird cage so it would be awkward if I asked her to let me fix it and it is no longer available.

***

When I was closing computer windows, I saw a different link to info about the content/process topic and where it came from - and of course, I like that it mentions art:

The phrase "It's not the content, it's the process" does not have a single, definitive creator. Instead, it emerged as a key distinction in psychology, therapeutic practice, and organizational management to differentiate between what is being said or done (content) and how it is being done (process). 

• Psychology/Group Therapy: This concept is rooted in group psychotherapy and organizational psychology. Experts often use it to indicate that the underlying dynamics, interactions, and emotional states of a group (the process) are more important than the specific topics they are discussing (the content).
• Education and Art: It is used to emphasize that the act of creating or learning (the process) holds more educational or personal value than the final product.
• The "Process" Philosophy: The sentiment is often associated with the idea that the journey and the methods used—rather than the end results—are what lead to lasting success or transformation

May to Irene - Good Writing

 

This is a border appropriated from Amy's April envelope. I did a few envelopes with Amy's border and this one is my favorite. I tried bolder pens/markers on some others and they were pitiful. It was fun to find colors that work nicely with the stamp. Patty's comment about how much my envelopes have changed over the years popped into my head because this is so primitive. I keep thinking I'll try to do some better calligraphy - but the quilt stamps were demanding primitive lettering. That's my excuse. I'm sure Irene would make her beautiful copperplate look wonderful with these stamps.

***

Remember how I was hoping that my library would get a copy of Anne Lemott's new book, co-authored with her husband, called Good Writing - so that I could brush up on my writing for my readers? A day after I wrote that, voila, the library notified me that the book was ready for me to pick up. Apparently, I had put it on hold.... and forgotten about it. 

I have not started it yet. I saw a blurb on the back of the book that referred to one of the tips - which is to write like yourself. That's not how it was worded - it's something about how you already have a voice, so use it. I'll be interested in that tip because I already know that my writing is 100% conversational. 

So, it's 3 pm on Mother's Day and I am going to take a break from blog posts for a while. I'm also going to start my Judi-inspired envelopes. I have 22 to do in May. Ten of them are done and were done in one sitting of a couple hours. Maybe I can get 10 or 12 done today. Wish me luck.

*** It's 7 pm and I just finished the last 12. I've never kept track of time before. It looks like I spend an average of 15 minutes per envelope....

May to Juliana - content/process

 Somehow I scheduled two posts for today. 

Here is my version of Juliana's April design. I did a terrible job of replicating those little animals. Part of the reason was that I couldn't even figure out which animals the original ones represented. I shouldn't have looked so closely at them - and just guessed what they were and then done my own version. I doubt anyone is going to scrutinize how well I copied the stamp. Or - maybe Juliana will. Did you, Juliana?

I am not a fan of how the animals are in a perfect oval - concentric with the cartouche that goes around the name. Maybe I'll do more of these and get better at them. Maybe I'll refer back to Juliana's for a better selection of proportions.

***

Yippee. It's still Mother's Day and I have filled up two weeks of blog posts so I can take a break after I finish this one. I said I would have more to say about: it's not the content, it's the process. I have no idea where I first heard about that. Whoever dished it up made it into something that really stuck in my head. I used it so much in teaching. It was not an easy concept to teach because people show up with their own ideas and notions and hard core beliefs. Why would they listen to me?

Maybe there are people who are drawn to experimentation. Maybe some of us truly enjoy figuring out problems. All I know is that if people will just dive in and try something and give it a chance, they might enjoy the experience. They might decide that they do not want to do it again. But, at least they will have learned something about their preferences. 

And that brings us to the quitters. Some people hardly give it a chance. That's fine. I imagine there were things I tried where I could have done a better job, but I gave up. In all my years of teaching, I only had a couple people who dropped out. It made me sad because I could see they both had talent and skills. Maybe that's why they dropped out. If they had already had a bunch of really good teachers, I might have seemed too different from what they liked. I, too, have had teachers that were not to my liking. But, I always stuck with it - and managed to find just one little lesson that I could use.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Big news tomorrow about stories.

May to Amy - white gel pen hack

I'm breaking my rule and posting some of the outgoing May envelopes before finishing the incoming April  envelopes because I never learn my lesson about following my own rules. I almost didn't post this one because it is so crooked. But, I'm going to share that I am seriously annoyed with how my eyes refuse to register *level.* I know I could just stick to rulers and maybe I'll try that. But rulers have their own issues. 

I was wildly excited about the Harriet Powers quilt stamps. Not all of the envelopes get an A+. I was thinking of doing several envelopes with Gwen Weaver's Rascally Romans --- but after doing this one - I was done with Romans for the day.

***

Here is a remedy to make gel pens *rejuicy* that I have not yet tried. If someone tries it and has success, please let me know. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F4grHGjajtU

Here is the person's main page if you need to avoid chores. Sadly, I am still doing battle with the weeds. My goal is to get things shaped up so that I can spend less time out there....

https://www.youtube.com/@RebelUnicornCrafts/shorts

April from Juliana - synonyms for oddball

 

I appropriated this design on my May envelope to Juliana. I was happy with how it turned out. I'll probably do more in June. I am freaking out at how fast this month has gone. Thanks for the design idea, Juliana. And you are also invited to share with us your penmanship journey. We are clearly kindred spirits - although you strike me as NOT an odd ball. And yet - this doesn't sound like you either - (what Google gave me when I asked for definition of a non-oddball) someone or something that is conventional, typical, or conforms to expected standards. That sounds boring and not very creative. Perhaps Juliana is one of those delightfully well balanced people who does not go to extremes.

***

Synonyms for oddball: my favorite is nonconformist.

Others that I like are: original, maverick, bohemian.

I like quixote - but would probably never think to use it.

These are OK: character, zany, odd duck and piece of work

I do not like these at all. They are disparaging: 

weirdo, screwball, wacko, loony, oddity, crackpot, nut, kook, fruitcake, flake, nutcase, freak, loon and odd duck.

This is a labeling issue. There seems to be a need for labeling things or establishing categories - but it gets complicated. Not everyone likes to be labeled. There are so many different ways to categorize. We're into one of those topics where I know I have nothing to contribute because they are all ineffable. That might be my favorite word. It applies to everything. OK, that's an overstatement. It applies to almost everything. 

Here are the things that are not ineffable. Cold, hot, hungry. If I am any one of those things it's easy to put it into words. Many illness and injury related things can be put into words. 

I'm through with this topic. It's too wordy.

April from Jackie - sports/non-sports

 I read this post a couple days before it pops up and it needs editing - but that's not going to happen. 

I hope it's OK with Jackie that I included the note that came in Jackie's envelope. I am intrigued with Jackie's penmanship. A lot of it is all caps. but some is not. Maybe she can share the story of her penmanship with us and how it evolved. Jackie is fairly new to the exchange and I can't imagine she's gone back and read old posts - so she might not know that penmanship is a really big deal in Jeanland.

Is it Jeanland or should we go back working on our virtual monastery - the Siblings of Perpetual Mispelling. I also had a university idea. So many ideas.

***

How many people already know what I am going to say about the difference between sporty-people and non-sporty people?

It's one of my old tunes. Those of us who have no interest in sports have other things that fulfill exactly the same yearnings as sports - but the sporty people must out-number us because we seem like oddballs. And sporty-people would never see penmanship as an equivalent activity.

Now we have to digress because we wonder where the term oddball came from. See below. Tomorrow we will ponder synonyms.

It's not the content, it's the process. Now we have to research that phrase. 

This concept is often discussed in various fields, including journalism and creative industries, highlighting that the process can be as valuable as the end result.

phrase. Maybe we'll talk about that tomorrow.

Back to being an oddball for not liking -or- not being into sports. It's all in the choice of words. If I refrain from saying that I don't like sports - people can often understand. But, that requires a lot of energy to draw a person into a longer conversation and I don't always have a motivation to do that because it takes away from the things I really like to do. For example: it's Mother's Day. I started filling blog posts around 6:00 am. I wrote the critique of Judi's envelope and now I have all the suggestions running laps in my head and I'm racing through all my other chores so I can execute the suggestions.

Did you note the careful choice of *running laps in my head*?

oddball(n.)

"eccentric or unconventional person," 1948, American English colloquial, from odd + ball (n.1). Earlier (1946) as an adjective, used by aviators. The phrase appears earlier in descriptions of modified pin-ball type games (1937) as an extra ball to be played as a bonus.

April from Riley - moderation > sports

 

Oh, Riley - you came up with a *why didn't I think of that?* feature - the little bouncy hearts. I don't have any more of these stamps - and will have to resist the temptation to buy more, if they are even available. Black and red designs are so versatile.

That's a goofy set of cancels - both Albany as well as Des Moines. More USPS mysteries.

***

Can you have too much moderation?

That's a trick question.

Of course you can have too much moderation. I think too much moderation is the definition of boring. Although *boring* defies definition or description.

I am a fiend for penmanship which is probably a boring topic - to most people.

On my personal spectrum - the most boring thing I can think of is watching sports. Admitting that out loud is something I avoid. I've spent a lotta time watching my kids play sports. I've spent a little time watching my grandson play baseball. I have my own mental activity while watching sports. I pretend I am drawing. It's easier than actually drawing and I don't need any supplies.

Back in the day, when my boys were playing a lot of hockey and I was driving them around to tournaments, I was happy to do it because I could see the value of team sports. Recently I saw or read something and neglected to save the source - but it made me so happy to have my intuition from my sports-watching years confirmed. I had a sense that people who like sports are embracing their inner-cave-dwellers. When survival was the only available career, people had to depend on their teams. 

Fast forward to the 21st century and people are still wildly enthusiastic about their teams. Ten year old boys all the way to senior citizens. One thing the article pointed out was that today, when the Cubs win - everyone is happy and exclaimed, "We won!" But if the Cubs lose, everyone says, "They lost." Nuf said.

Tomorrow I might be able to remember what the sport-avoidance people bring to the table.

April from Nicky - planning > too much planning

 

Nicky is our printmaker friend in St. Louis. It looks like a fried egg to me and I'm a big fan of fried eggs. This is the first print from Nicky that is not an animal and it's very pleasing to the eye. I'd frame it and hang it if I were not in the deaccession portion of my life. It will be in a folder - waiting for me to fall off my perch and then my survivors will follow directions on sending my treasures along to the designated recipients. I'll leave you all in suspense on whether they will return things to the people who sent them or if they will travel to some other place. 

***

Is there such a thing as *too much planning*? 

Yes. Planning can interfere with getting started. That's called procrastination. I have a vivid memory of yammering on about something in a class and paused as I was talking all around the topic and needed a concise way of making the point. A student said, "All things in moderation."

Bingo.

But then I ask myself - is there ever a time when there is too much moderation?

Is this getting too complicated?

Maybe I'll have an answer tomorrow.