Past Postcards

I have a love and hate relationship with antique stores. There is a part of me which wants to fill my house with antiques. And another part which whispers, “This is all other people’s junk!”

Nevertheless, I continue to pop in and out of antique shops when they catch my eye.

On such an occasion in September, I found a box of postcards and became fixated on reading through the writings of strangers of time past. I stood before this box of insignificant history mesmerized, unsatisfied with those which I had read—gluttonous for more. Finally, I had to be pulled from my hidden corner of the antique store when it was time to go.

Since then, I’ve gone to at least three more antique stores* and each time I have sought out postcards.

*A large number for someone who claims a love/hate relationship with them.

There is something so endearing to me about a postcard*. I wish they were used more today.

*I probably should also mention I am a lover of snail mail. I had pen pals all throughout my childhood and when I’m on a long vacation, I like to send family members postcards.

I really want to know more about this one!

In a world where we can copy and paste the same photo and message to everyone claiming an interest in us on social media, it’s kind of nice to select a 4×6 picture of where you are, scribble a short note, and take the time to mail it to someone missing from you in presence but not in mind.

That was my takeaway from the piles of cards I read. That the recipients were worth the postage and time it took to scribble a few sentiments down.

I’m still kicking myself for not buying the St. Nicholas Anthology on the table

If you’re like my husband, you’ll argue postcards aren’t necessary now that we have cell phones and texting, but I disagree. Despite our lightning fast technology, there is an undefinable something about opening the mailbox and finding the handwriting of a person you love and a message written specifically for you.

Even further, there’s a nostalgic something within me that is searching for the hidden gem of a postcard in an antique store which will send a creative spark to my mind.

I suppose what I’m saying is*, if you’ve got old postmarked postcards, I want them.

*But also–don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten note sent to someone, ‘Just because’.