Stamps, Paper, and Other Compulsions
I finally got around to ordering the Chrysanthemum international stamps. Why it took so long I can't say. Perhaps it was that I wanted to use several smaller denomination stamps instead. Yes, I think that was it. But now when I consider that I have matching ink and wax, to NOT buy them seems inexcusable, yet for so long...no matter, I have them now. Next will be the African Daisies. The Shel Silverstein stamps did not disappoint but I confess I wish the tulips were a bit larger. Still, they are truly beautiful.
The George Morrisons are next on the list (along with African Daisies).
Changing topics, have you ever tried your hand at making paper? I have but it's been a while. Some of you know I work as an activities director at a retirement home. Well, I've had my team making paper so that we can teach residents to do this. Once a month we shred residents' documents for them so we have plenty of material to work with at no extra charge. Mr. Duffy had an extra an extra roll of screen in the shed which he kindly turned over for this project. We got wooden picture frames from the thrift store and now can make paper moulds in different sizes. Having soaked more shredding than we can possibly use, I took a jar home for my own play time. This particular jar of soaked shredding (shall I call it pre-pulp?) has been dyed pink. I love it. It had already been sitting on the counter for several days and smelled less than fresh. It is boiling on my stove as I type to kill any bacteria. Scented paper is one thing but....let's hope the boiling works. Before I make my paper I will go to the dollar store and see if they have a package of potpourri. That should be suitable for inclusions. With paper, the possibilities are endless. Thinking about this I realize I am in a happy situation. My personal and professional life bleed together into one happy continuum. True, I miss reading time and sometimes feel spread too thin, but over all, my job has enriched my life and my life has influenced my job. Several years ago it was this very job that nudged me to pick up my paint brush again. Maybe I'll share a painting now and then. I feel blessed. May I remember my blessings when my alarm rings in the morning!
Should my paper making endeavor yield a satisfactory result, I plan to make letter enclosures with it. No that is a worthwhile project.
Please direct comments to this post to: Mrs. Duffy P.O. Box 196 Kingsburg, CA 93631 See you in the mail!