Often I put in a bid and let the auction house bid on my behalf. I decide on my top price and leave them to it. Then I am not tempted to bid over value for something. Anyway I got the two stamp books I chose. I liked the dinosaur stamps.
Well a few days before Valentine’s Day someone put a plastic bag through our letter box with some stamps in it. Our local stamps. The ones from the Norman series with the first day cover with the William the Conquerer seal on it.
My Husband said I had to open them, but because they were not from anyone, there was no note with them I didn’t feel comfortable with that. Anyway He told me to open them. They are lovely Stamps. I have put them in the stamp album I bought so I know where they are.
Anyway, no one has come to our house to ask for them back. I am going to ask the neighbours if they were expecting them. I did ask my Husband if they were a Valentines present from Him, He says no.
Anyway I think He might have wrapped them or something. I have asked people I know I mentioned that I was starting to think about collecting stamps.
Today a lovely stamp of the Jersey King George V1 series came on an A4 letter to my Husband. I asked Him if I could have the Stamp. I will keep the whole envelope as it is addressed to Him.
Its strange how something suddenly becomes interesting. I like the history and stories stamps tell. They are beautiful little things. I suppose if I want more stamps I ought to write to people more often. I can’t remember the last time I simply wrote a letter to a friend or family member.
I think its a lovely way to keep cherished memories. I have letters from my parents. Treasures I get out every now and again and read. It’s surprising how much reading a letter evokes a sense of that person being with you. Very nostalgic perhaps.
Sometimes with modern technology perhaps we lose the tactile sense of presence, and the emotions reading someone’s handwriting gives us. The way they flourish some letters, or their writing becomes slightly changed as they tell you a story about something, as though they can’t wait to tell you. A letter seems to span time. It’s as though you are reading it with the writer, as they write it. I think letters are very intimate and personal.
Another nice stamp for my collection. I think George V1 had a stamp collection. It was the drain company that sent it with their bill! Wouldn’t it be nice if we got our bills with nice stamps instead of franking machines. I would like that.