Sunday Stamps - (O) Otto Dix from Germany

For the letter O - Otto Dix

2016 - Germany - Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Designer: Prof. Annette Le Fort and Prof. Andre Hers

According to wiki, Otto Dix is considered as one of the most important artists of the New Objectivity movement in German art. For his 125th birthday, the Deutsche Post issued this commemorative stamp.

For more stamps with the letter "O", visit See it on a Postcard

Sunday Stamps - (I) Ingmar and Ingrid from Sweden

For the letter I - Ingmar Bergman and Ingrid Bergman

(L) 2018 - Sweden - Ingmar Bergman Centenary

Design: Eva Wilsson

(R) 2015 - USA - Legends of Hollywood

Photographer: Laszlo Willinger (1940)

Searching for stamps to feature for the letter I, I was intrigued when I saw these two Bergmans. They share the same family name but are not related to each other. They shared professional work in the film industry though.

The stamp on the left is one of the two designs issued by PostNord in commemoration of the life of Ingmar Bergman. He is considered to be among the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of all time. The film, Persona, featured on this stamp is considered by Bergman himself as one of his most important works.

Thanks to Monica of Beyond the Lone Islands for sending me a postcard from Boras, Sweden with this stamp.

On the right is Ingrid Bergman, also famously known as Ilsa Lund, her character in the film classic, Casablanca. Ingrid is in the list of 100 Famous Actresses of Hollywood's Golden Era (1930 - 1959).

For more stamps with the letter "I", visit See It On A Postcard

P.S. As I'm still locked out from my linky account and I'm yet to receive a response from the page administrator, I decided to step back and cancel the recommence of the Postcard for the Weekend linky. I deeply apologize for the false excitement over this. 

Sunday Stamps - (F) Firefighting Corps from Monaco

For the letter F - Firefighting Corps from Monaco

2009 - Monaco Firefighting Corps

The stamp was issued on 5 January 2009. It's a part of a 3-design set that could be seen here.

I have so much respect for firefighters. They're people who does not think twice to put their lives on the line of duty.

Sunday Stamps - (C) Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden

For the letter C - Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden

2016 - Sweden - Royal Anniversaries

Photographer: Anna-Lena Ahlström

The stamp was issued on 17 March 2016 to mark the 70th birthday of the Swedish king and the 40th anniversary of his wedding to Queen Silvia. With King Carl XVI Gustaf on this stamp is Princess Victoria, heir apparent and Princess Estelle, 2nd in line to the Swedish throne.

For more stamps with the letter "C" - visit See It On A Postcard

Postcards for the weekend 38: Traditional festival

Direct Swap, Sender: Meylinda from Hong Kong
Sent: 19 Sep 2012, Traveled 1,129 km

Although I don't totally agree with seeing these children in what seems to be heavy facial make-up, it appears that it is part of the over-all traditional costume. The back of this card reads:

Cheung Chau Island Bun Festival. The children in the procession are the stars of the Bun Festival. Aged between five and eight, they are supported on frames and carried shoulder-high throughout the whole parade to create an elaborate, often whimsical tableau, often representing characters in history or mythology. 

 This festival is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth month in Chinese Calendar. It usually coincides with Buddha's birthday (April/May). 

BY-691110, Sent by Marina from Minsk, Belarus
Sent: 1 Dec 2012, Traveled 8,926 km in 61 days

Despite my increasingly overwhelming tasks at work and frequent business trips, one of the reasons why I keep on writing about my postcards collection is the mix of emotions I get whenever I review my postcards album. Just like with this postcard, it's kind of hard to believe that it took 2 months to reach me! Wow! Having moved to Singapore, the postcards I receive normally traveled only for a week or two. I don't understand why most of my received postcards, while I was still in the Philippines, seem like they traveled forever to reach me when my home is less than 30 minutes by car from the post office ... well, okay, fair enough, perhaps the postman is always stuck in heavy traffic!

Moving on, this postcard shows the celebration of the Day of Belarusian Written Language in Kamenets. I didn't have the chance to find out on what year this took place. For this year, this festival will take place in Polotsk. Belarus is celebrating 500th Anniversary of the Belarusian Book Printing this year, 2017. More information on this festival can be found here: http://www.belarus.by/en/about-belarus/culture/den_bel_pism_en

SI-52097, Sender: Emil from eastern Slovenia
Sent: 20 Jan 2012, Traveled 9,938 km in 14 days

I'm quite pleased with the assortment of postcards I found for the theme this weekend: featuring children, to grown-ups, to animated creatures. This third and last postcard shows the Ptuj carnival called Kurentovanje. This carnival is celebrated to preserve the tradition for the ancient rite of spring. It usually lasts for a period of eleven days and consists of music and dancing, with the Kurent groups in masks with feathers and horns. I found this excellent page about the carnival, containing a detailed explanation about the masks and the costumes: http://www.slovenia.si/culture/tradition/kurents/

This theme educated me about traditional festivals that I'm sure I wouldn't have known at all if not for these postcards. Have a nice weekend everyone although it's a nay for me as I'm working both on Saturday & Sunday.

~maria

Postcards for the weekend 37: Traditional costumes

Private Swap, Sent from Tabua, Portal
Sent 6 July 2013, Traveled 11,948 km in 20 days

I did a little research about Portuguese traditional costume for women and found out that although it typically varies by region, normally it consists of bouffant long skirt for women. The skirt is called saia and is of vibrant checkered or striped pattern. Well I shouldn't be surprised myself, hailing from a country that was a Spanish colony for 300+ years! The same item of clothing is called saya, in my lingua franca.

Direct Swap, sent from Lithuania
Sent 2 Feb 2012, Traveled 9,116 km

Diana, the sender wrote that this young lady is wearing a traditional Lithuanian costume and is seen here making a bird from yarn.

These two cards are for this weekend's theme -- traditional costumes. To discover more traditional costumes featured in postcards, check out what other participants below have shared on their respective pages.

Happy weekend,

~maria

Postcards for the weekend 36: Traditional craft work

BY-1050236, sent from Belarus
Sent 11 Oct 2013, Traveled 9,224 km in 25 days

I had to do a research to learn more about this postcard. It's awesome to find information on another blog about postcards: Remembering Letters and Postcards -- spinning flax on a drop spindle. I would love to see this way of doing textile done in person! 

Postcard from my Malta holiday

It has been a habit for me to take back souvenir(s) for my parents whenever I travel. I was literally smitten with a handmade tablecloth with lace and embroidery. Oh man! It was heavy. We bought it earlier during the day and we had to take it with us for the rest of our sightseeing. No regrets though as I'm sure my parents will be pleased when they see it with the matching napkins.

I'm so excited to see the other postcards that feature traditional craft work this weekend. Enjoy visiting each and everyone in the linky party!

Happy weekend,

~maria

Postcards for the weekend 31: Odd, fun, humorous

Private Swap, Sent from India
Sent 2 Sep 2012, Traveled 4,631 km in 25 days

For our odd, fun, and/or humorous theme this weekend.

Here is a traditional Rajasthani man with an oddly big mustache, a fun colorful turban, and an amazing smile.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

~maria

Sunday Stamps: Northern Hemisphere

I've read in one website that 90% of the Earth's population are in the northern hemisphere. It's logical as it is because of the land mass concentration.

For the northern hemisphere theme for Sunday Stamps this week, here are stamps from China -- the most populous country on Earth. The stamp design on the left is from the Huangmei Opera set of 3. The two other designs and the description of the series can be found here. On the right is of the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. This design is called Devotion to Service. Information about the rest of the sheet can be found here. For the prime minister, here.

Postcards for the weekend 26: Serenity

This post is quite early for this upcoming weekend. I am anticipating intermittent internet access. I will be in my home island for a delayed birthday celebration with my family.

FR-764739, Sent from Rennes, France
Traveled 11,043 km in 13 days

For the serenity theme this weekend, I've chosen first this card -- a woman with a tranquil countenance in her senior years,

RU-5218172, Sent from St. Petersburg, Russia
Traveled 8,974 km in 20 days

finding serenity in solitude; the liberty to be still, enjoy a good calming cup of tea, meditate, or slowly read a good book with lighted scented candles nearby, and

Sent by myself from Santorini, Greece

in renewing faith in each deep breath we take while witnessing the beauty of creation.

Have a great weekend everyone and I sincerely would like to express my gratitude to all bloggers and friends who have been very creative with the postcards shared for our themes this month of February.

Cheers,

~maria

Postcards for the weekend 25: Gratitude

Searching for postcards to share for this weekend's theme reminded me of the interconnectivity of these four themes I've chosen for this month of February. Please forgive me if the cards might seem redundant with the emotions they convey ...

NL-2055263, sent from Den Haag, The Netherlands
Traveled 10,451 km in 15 days

...gratitude for receiving attention

UA-1478123, sent from Kharkov, Ukraine
Traveled 8,316 km in 17 days

...gratitude for being outside in nature under the warmth of the sun

Direct Swap, sent from Munich, Germany

...gratitude for having food and drinks on the table 

NL-3556071, sent from Volendam, The Netherlands
Traveled 10,517 km in 17 days

...gratitude for seeing and receiving a present from a good friend.

Happy weekend everyone and looking forward into seeing your postcards,

~maria

Postcards for the weekend 24: Love

Private Swap, Sent from JM Aalten, The Netherlands
Sent 21 Sep 2011, Traveled 10,374 km 

Friendship Gift Postcard, Sent from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

I don't have the words to describe these gestures of love and affection ...

Lovely weekend everyone,

~maria

Nobel Laureates in Chemistry & Physics

Petrus Josephus Wilhelmus Debije, a Dutch-American physicist and physical chemist, Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1936.

Melvin Calvin, an American Chemist, Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1961.

Frits Zernike, a Dutch physicist, Nobel Prize for Physics in 1953.

Maria Goeppert Mayer, a German-American physicist, Nobel Prize for Physics in 1963.

The theme this week for Viridian's Sunday Stamps is Industry, interpreted broadly. I honestly had to look up the meaning of industry -- The Merriam-Webster online defined it as noun, the process of making products by using machinery and factories. I decided to feature scientists, more specifically Nobel laureates for this theme. Their discoveries are the core concepts of many processes in production of almost everything in factories. 

I am a physicist in profession but whenever I read about the works of other scientists, I am ashamed to call myself one... much respect and admiration for their brilliant minds!

~maria

Indian-themed forest park

Last night, I was typing a Postcard Friendship Friday post ... but I was nodding off in front of my laptop. I decided to do it this morning instead; yesterday was exhausting but fun-filled as well. I'm congratulating myself for overcoming my fear and ziplining for the first time! Woohoo! We finished early with the supposedly '5-day' inspection. So to celebrate, we treated ourselves for a day of adventure at a forest park.

The forest park has two entrance. We went first to the zipline area and then on the other side, there's an Indian village installation. Look! I was allowed to pet that wild boar and even have it in our photo! -- Ah, me and my imagination...

The place was really nice. It was incredible experience being up there. The forest park is on a mountain; there's green everywhere and the wind was chilly. I kinda regret not bringing or wearing thicker clothing. On the good side, the adrenaline-pumping activities warmed us up enough. There were many things to do on the Indian village but on a second thought, I was asking myself "Why an Indian village theme park and not an indigenous Filipino tribe?" ... Anyway, that's just me being me. And I think in an effort to prolong the euphoria of yesterday, I'm sharing here the Indian postcards from my collection.

Plume - A Medicine Man of the Blood Tribe
Facebook Swap, Sender: Terry Lovell
Sent from Sherwood, AR, Traveled ~12,288 km

CA-324505, Sender: Nature-Lover
Sent on 9 Mar 2013 from Ontario, Canada
Received 1 Apr 2013, Traveled 12,410 km in 23 days

Amerindian Dancer
Facebook Swap, Sender: Lidiya
Sent: 6 July 2012 from Quebec, Canada
Received 26 July 2012, Traveled 13,137.6 km in 20 days

I'm posting this from the south of the Philippines, the city of Cagayan de Oro. I won't be flying back to Manila until after lunch. The inspection (and the fun) was over. While waiting for my flight, I'll work on my report because Monday I gotta fly out again for another assignment. So that's all for now folks! I wish all of you, a relaxing weekend.

~maria

Pope John Paul II

This post was inspired by Hawwa's Palais des Papes stamp from last week's Sunday Stamps.

I have always been drawn into the amiable countenance of Pope John Paul II. I won't comment about him as pope cause I am not an avid follower of the Holy See. But will say and I believe he's one truly amazing person. He's got a great bio: being chosen as the first non-Italian pope in more than four hundred years in the Roman Catholic faith, second longest serving pope in history, and one of the most traveled world leaders -- having visited 129 countries as a pope. 

Pastoral Visit of Pope John Paul II to Poland, released 2 June 2004

Pope John Paul II's real name is Karol Józef Wojtyla. He was born on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. He finished his religious studies in a secret seminary in Krakow after World War II. He continued his studies in Rome. Then returned to Poland to serve.

Traces of Karol Wojtyla, released 18 May 2010
Church of St. Peter the Apostle in Wadowice
and the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wadowice

He became pope in 1978. He was a charismatic religious leader but also had his critics. He survived an assassination in 1981 in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. He was more loved when he forgave his assassin. He died on 2 April 2005 at his Vatican residence from an illness. Three million people came to mourn and say good bye during his funeral.

He was beatified on 1 May 2011. To read more about Pope John Paul II, here's a link for a Uncle Wiki's article about him. 

Have a great week ahead everyone. I've been sick, my wallet got stolen and my laptop crashed so I'm not in very good spirits lately. But I'm grateful my laptop was revived, I didn't lose a lot of important files, and I can post for Sunday Stamps before June ends. I will go on hiatus for a month to prepare for the final assessment of my clinical residency at the end of July. 

Au revoir,

~maria

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

A postcard I sent to myself ;-)
Sent: 29 May 2012, Sent from Slough, United Kingdom
Received: 19 June 2012, Traveled 10782.5 km in 22 days

His Royal Highness Prince William the Duke of Cambridge and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge is another beautiful royal couple. To continue my love and romance theme for the month of June, let me share an excerpt from the prayer they made for their wedding back in 2011:

In the busyness of each day, keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

I hope their story will continue to blossom and be as wonderful as that of their grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

~maria

Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip

A postcard I sent to myself ;-)
Sent: 3 June 2012, Sent from London Heathrow Airport
Received: 20 June 2012, Traveled 10,748 km in 17 days

The theme for my Postcard Friendship Friday post today is a continuation from last week, on love and romance. (Actually, I think I'm sticking to this theme for the whole month.)

I am a fan of this royal couple: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh. I won't write lengthy and colorful praises anymore of their 65 years of marriage; that's already everywhere in print and in the net. I'm sharing the postcard because I've been reading news about Prince Philip being sick. That makes me ponder deep on the sorrow it brings to Queen Elizabeth. I know, it's completely none of my business... But I bet that sorrow is more than all the sorrows she's encountered all these years of being a monarch combined altogether...even though she's also in her senior years now herself.

I was stranger to this fear. Falling in love with my bestfriend, thinking ahead, and imagining losing him -- it's one of the worst thoughts in the world! Again, I know, I shouldn't worry about this. We're young, just starting in a romantic relationship... But you know sometimes, you just can't help it. Can you imagine your life without that very special person who's always been at your side; your constant strength and guide? I can't. Well, we argue, we fight, and we have our misunderstandings too. But the feeling remains the same, he's one person I can't ever imagine living without.

Ok. Erase those dim thoughts. Back into the happy and inspiring emotions whenever we think of romance and love. In my admiration of this couple, let me share here excerpts from the speeches they made on their 50th wedding anniversary:

The main lesson we've learned is that tolerance is the one central ingredient of any happy marriage. It might not be so important when things are going well but it is absolutely vital when things get difficult.

 - Prince Philip, 1997

He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater that he would ever claim or we shall ever know.

- Queen Elizabeth, 1997

I won't be a queen like her but I've learned that regardless of social status, everyone have to struggle and  make sacrifices like anybody else. I hope that all couples I know and would come to know, will learn the same tolerance similar to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. And that every man and woman who pledged their love, may always be the strength and guide of each other, specially when troubles challenge their relationship.

~maria

Thai novice monks

Facebook Postcard Swap, Sender: Ming
Sent: 18 October 2012, Sent from Bangkok, Thailand
Received: 29 October 2012, Traveled 2,206 km in 12 days

Ming wrote: I'm sending you the card showing a monk receiving alms offering. In Thailand you can see this very often in the morning since most people here are Buddhists so they practice it quite regularly.

Friendship Gift Postcard, Sender: Marie Laurent
Sent: 19 April 2013, Sent from Chiang Mai, Thailand
Received: 22 April 2013, Traveled 2,386.15 km in 4 days

On this other postcard, the young Buddhist novice monks are shown paying respect to Buddha image's head in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Ayutthaya is from the Indian word, Ayodhya, which is the birthplace of Rama in Ramayana.

~maria

Love never ends.

Facebook Postcard Swap, Sender: Edyta Kuciel
Sent on 28 June 2012, Sent from Medyka, Poland
Received on 18 July 2012, Traveled ~9,738 km in 21 days 

The happiness of finding someone whom you can call 'my soulmate' with 100% confidence is beyond words. I've never truly understood this word - soulmate. Until I met him. Despite not having much time to spent together in person, it feels like I've always known him and that we have always been together our entire lives. 

We call each other, 'my twin' - joking about the two of us being made out of the same mold by God. It's absolutely amazing how we are very much alike. Well, not in appearance but more with intangible traits. Despite being raised in different parts of the world, with different culture and environment, our chemistry is natural. We share so many similar traits, values, and perspectives about many important things. 

I used to have so much fear about what the future will bring. But now, with each of us imagining ourselves growing old together and still doing silly, crazy, and mischievous stuff even if we're already wearing false teeth and aching everywhere due to rheumatism, the future (and being old for that matter) and all its uncertainties isn't a scary thought anymore.

And with these re-assuring words from him, "I can picture the two of us going through life and its struggles hand in hand with confidence, because we know no matter what, we will always have each other" -- what can go wrong? Well of course, a lot can go wrong. But knowing that there is and there will always be that one person with who is very confident and determined that he wants to be there for you through thick and thin, you look at these things that can go wrong as opportunities for the two of you to grow stronger together.

Today, 'my twin' will meet my parents. It's gonna be a lovely moment for sure...

Can you find the heart on this postcard? I hope you do! If you want to see more hearts, go to Clytie's Guest Heart Thursday. Happy hearts viewing!

~maria
P.S. The title of this entry is a translation of the text on the postcard. :-)

Bunad from Norway

I am definitely making this weekend lovely. From the fragrant, dainty, pink flowers and carefree butterfly yesterday from Russia, we move into Norway and we're greeted by such pretty smiles! I really feel like smiling back to the postcard whenever I look at it. Ok, ok..I am guilty, I do have my 'moments', hahaha!!

The back of the card says that the man and woman in front are wearing folk dresses from Setesdal. I searched the web and found the word, bunad. However, bunad only applies to the women's costume. I wasn't able to find the proper word for the man's costume. If anyone knows, please do let me know by posting a comment to this post. 

Trivia: Bunad is one of the oldest folk costumes in Norway and among the few that is still used until today. Source: Bunads for Women in Setesdal

Thanks Hanne for sending me this card all the way from northern Europe.