Mail Art Swap

MailArt Received for Swap Aug07

Originally uploaded by DreamnBig

Several times a week I make the trek to pick up my mail at the post office. Sometimes there’s something special waiting for me, like personal correspondence in the form of snail mail, that rare phenomenon! This charming card from my secret mail art swappee greeted me earlier this week. Susie, its creator, even tells me the story behind her seasonal subject:
“This is my ancient GE oscillating fan that I picked up at a thrift shop a few years ago. It stands 16″ high, weighs 10 lbs. and has 2 speeds (cyclone and gentle swirl). It has a gentle hum that no plastic fan can duplicate.”

Susie’s original watercolor immediately brought to mind one of my most treasured heirlooms from my father’s estate: his ancient oscillating fan. He abhorred air conditioning and never did use it in his home. When my sibs and I would go to visit him during the heat of Boston’s sticky, humid summers, it was the oscillating fan at night that made it possible to fall asleep. Right away I can smell the sheets and see the exposed brick wall of his North End apartment. And hear its soothing hum.
An original work of art. Every month. In the mail. Obligation? That you do the same for your own swap assignee. If any of you feel like you have a bit of the farm girl in your heart and bones, consider visiting MaryJane’s Farm and checking out the Farm Girl Community.