Another big day.

Yes four etegami in my mailbox today. The first is from a new friend from San Francisco, Matt. Mat is very interested in the philosophies of Zen Buddism and seems to be a seeker after truth. In reference to the fact that I had lived near San Francisco in the 1960's and visited there often, most notably in the 'Summer of Love' (1967, a time when Matt may only have been a gleam in his father's eye), he has made for me a very retro feeling scene of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Thanks Matt, keep 'em coming!

A scholarly 'walk'.

Shungo has made a stamp for this etegami, of what is I think are itinerant scholars dressed in traditional Japanese garb, tramping up a mountain perhaps seeking enlightenment?

Very effective, thanks Shungo.

Summer she's a'comin...

Yep Summer is a'comin, but not just yet a while so to keep me warm in these dreary days ( I couldn't say it is cold, I just THINK it is), Peggy from sunny California has sent me a sunflower to warm me up.

Thanks Peggy. Peggy has stamped her etegami with a small name stamp I carved but now she has a host of others carved by the master carver Shungo, I hope she will use those.
Thanks Peggy.

Merci Corinne.

Today's card from Corinne is truly a celebration of summer, colourful peppers are all about summer, salads and sometimes heat!

Thanks Corinne.

Art with a capital A.

Hideko has sent me two of her beautifully detailed cards which are really miniature works of art. I am so fortunate to know Hideko through the etegami Fun club and I have formed the opinion that she is a lovely gentle soul whose words are always wise. Thank you Hideko.

Splish splash!

Charline the irrepressible has sent me a lovely card celebrating the rainy season in Japan and asks if we have a similar season. We do Charline but much farther north than where I live, way up in Queensland and the Northern Territory. In any case I love the card even if our rain at the moment is anything but warm! Thanks Charline.

Always a pleasure...

Always a pleasure to gain a new correspondent, especially one named Carol!
Carol who lives in the USA has sent me her  third attempt at etegami and a fine effort it is. Nice to see someone who is embracing the fun of etegami and reaching out, Carol, may it give you just as much pleasure painting, sending and receiving cards as it does me. Thank you.