I wish you many happy returns of the day 26 of June (?) May you get the little fire wood for mum. Give the cows a little bit of hay if cold weather – and don’t get anymore colds. Just going soon to a horse sale. I am in the square of Ch. ch.

from Dear Dad.

Here we are at mommas (?) without our chillen taking tea out of Maori china to comfort us. No (?) for (?).

Your loving Aunt.

You can click on the images to take a closer look.

Maori china? What’s with that?

Also of interest is that this was sent to a passenger on the S.S. Remuera – I assume on a voyage from England to New Zealand. You can read more info about that boat here. I think I can make out a 1931 postmark?

You can click on the images for a closer look …

I find the image kinda creepy …

Today I got my fabulous birthday present from Deb which has brought my attention back to postcards – she sent me Greetings from the ocean’s sweaty face – which is a box of 100 postcards to send and also A Postcard Memoir by Lawrence Sutin, which is a memoir inspired by the images on other people’s postcards. Thank you Deb! xx

When I came back to this blog I found some incoming links from a great looking site called Wild Postcards which led me to Girls go postal

Further inspired by all of this I finally replied to a couple of direct swap requests I got through postcrossing. I have been so so slack with correspondence. I’ve now got about 3 things from my penfriend Thelma to reply to.

So today I stocked up on stamps and airmail stickers to keep me going for a little while … $34 later I should be good to go …

Birthday goodies, including the notebook made from elephant poo - a gift from my brother

Just to say I will come tomorrow afternoon as early as I can. I have expected to hear from you this week.

Yours truly
G.C.

We were very pleased to hear that you were getting better. We have buried the baby [?] this afternoon and every thing went off very nicely. Give our love to Mr and Mrs Palmer and thank them for their sympathy.

[unfortunately I can't make out what's written across the main message]

“Westbrook” Renwick
Oswald E.H. Rowe Marlborough
Dec 5/09

Dear Friend,
I suppose you will say I am pretty bold & got cheek enough for anything to send you this card without an invitation. But do you remember when you wrere staying in Marlborough some little time ago? Attending the Blenheim Band “marching competitions” at the show grounds? If so, perhaps you will recollect waiting for the Bands to start? (“Punctually again”) Well, as that “Old Proverb” says: Satan still finds work for idle hand’s to do. (You will not be annoyed with me for putting it this way I hope) No doubt tempted you to write the following on the cell of the Grand Stand: – Miss Ruby Spratt – Hawera – Taranaki. Please exchange Post Cards). Andof which this child caught a glimpse which tempted me to send this card to you, which I hope you will accept together With My Kindest Regards.

From A. Hand across the Sea

I’m really not sure what to make of what’s on the back – it would seem the New Year greeting is all that needs to be said!

You can see the back of the postcard on their flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/22278001@N08/4194774582/

I think it’s a great idea and what a gorgeous result.

You can read more about what is believed to be the oldest Christmas card here (from the mid 1800s). I wonder how old the oldest Christmas postcard is?