Monday, January 28, 2013

The Post Office

As many of you may know, I own the post office in my small town of Rupert, Vermont.  It is one of the smallest, and definitely the cutest, post office in the state, and probably in the country.  It just missed the small post office closures by the skin of it's little postal teeth, but they are cutting the hours it will be open.  The postal service will review the activity at our post office annually, and decide what to do with it: restore the "normal" hours, close it, cut back the hours even more, etc.  The two things that make a difference to The Postal Powers That Be are (A) revenue, the amount of money the PO brings in via stamp sales and package shipping, and (B) - and this is where you come in - the VOLUME of mail that it handles.


So, in an attempt to (A) increase the volume of mail that comes through my little post office, and (B) to do something really FUN, I'm proposing the following:
  • YOU send me an art postcard. It can be original handmade, or a photocopy of something you've made. Print your name and address clearly on the card.
    • Mail to: Jane Davies, PO Box 45, Rupert, VT  05768
  • I  send YOU a postcard, handmade.  I don't promise it will be something you want to frame, but it will be original.  I will send postcards to the first 200 respondents.
  • I will post ALL the post cards I receive on this blog.  On each card I will indicate the name of its creator and the place from whence it came.  If the volume is overwhelming, I'll open a separate blog just for the cards.  If nobody sends me a card, I will be sad and our post mistress will be out of a good time, and eventually a job.
Below are a few samples of the cards that I will send.  Each is approximately 4"x6":


Here is a little video of the post office in action.  Well, at lunch break when the post mistress is out:

See the Postcard Gallery here.

253 comments:

  1. My postcard is in tomorrow's mail! xo

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  2. You got it, Jane. As soon as I can get out of my driveway from this snow, I'll send something.

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  3. This sounds like fun! I'll get started!

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  4. I'll do my best.
    Stay inspired!

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  5. That is just about the coolest, cutest post office I've ever seen.... EVER... I LOVE it and would be thrilled to help keep it alive. The fact that I'll get a post card back from you is just icing on the cake. What a great idea! Count me in!

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  6. Just shared this with my husband... I think it's safe to say he was outraged at the mere possibility of your post office being closed down... he may join in, too!

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  7. Sending one soon! Or sooner...

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  8. Great idea! I live on a small island, pop. 400, in B.C., where our (also tiny, also cute) PO is a very important local centre, for the postal services, of course, and also for the news-sharing that happens when you drop in there. The postmaster performs all sorts of special favours for us-- just one more of the favour-performing people that small communities spawn. I'll get a postcard out our next mail day (we have 3 per week) and look forward to yours.
    Sue Wheeler, Lasqueti Island, BC

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  9. I thought you might like to know about the free-range feral chickens in Fair Oaks, a neighbourhood in Sacramento, one of those places that used to be a town that got absorbed by a big city (like Fremont in Seattle, and similar areas of every city I know of). They really are all over the place, wandering free, and they look healthy and content.

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    1. Where do they lay their eggs? I will tell my Girls about them.

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    2. I have no idea about the eggs-- I'll ask my cousin, who lives there. (but be careful about telling details of the egg-laying to your Girls; if the Girls are laying in a known place where you can collect them, you might not want to be giving them ideas about something freer-range)

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    3. Heading into my studio to make a post card and I will mail it tommorrow. Good luck. Ann Blackwell

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  10. Woohoo! That's one damn adorable post office - definitely worth saving. I'm in.....card in the mail soon.

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  11. We have this problem here in the UK too, but our POs aren't as cute! Is this open to international participants? Because I'd love to take part.

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    1. YES!!!! I've budgeted for extra postage for any international cards that come my way. THANKS!

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  12. Great story! My package will go in the mail today! I agree, very adorable post office. Nothing better than an old fashioned package/letter in the mail in these cyber times. Cheers! Sam Johnson

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  13. I love your post office! I will put something in the mail ASAP, and will take it to our little contract post office to mail out. Sure hope this keeps the doors open for you!

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  14. We had a similar sized post office come shop next to the village pond and church but it closed a few years ago.
    I will send a card.
    Jackie

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  15. Jane, my post card is ready to go in today's mail. The Rupert post office is Americana and I would hate for it to disappear. Love the chickens in the video, too.

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  16. I'll do my part and get one in the mail in a couple days.
    Times are changing way too fast!

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  17. I have 1 ready to send from Canada...will see if my local post office will take it as a post card or whether I will have to pop it in an envelope..

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    1. Either way is fine. It still counts as a post card. THANKS! And thanks to everybody. Keep commenting, and keep those postcards coming. I am stockpiling mine, and going to get my 200 stamps this afternoon.

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  18. I have one of your books! I am a big supporter of USPS (although,sadly, for the very first time in the last 30 years, it lost one of my packages to a customer). I will send you a postcard.

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  19. Hi Jane- got your message- and I will be sending you cards for sure maybe a few a week as I have some that I printed up that I send to mail art buddies.
    My brother is a postman. And like someone else here mentioned- we just got 8 inches of snow so a trip to town may be a day or so!!!

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  20. This has to be one of the most delightful post offices in the world! Will definitely make a heArt-felt contribution to keeping it open. What a fun idea.

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  21. Spreading the word on my Facebook page. I'll send you one this week.

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  22. Hi Jane, what a lovely idea! My postcard went out just now. FYI- I sent it in an envie I made because i didn't think the print was thick enough to withstand the handling.Hope this is OK. I didn't know you owned this PO-what a wonderful little place and I sure hope it continues for a looong time :)

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  23. Wonderful! I will put a postcard in tomorrows mail. I think you will probably get more than you expect! Your cards are gorgeous!

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  24. My postcard will be sent tomorrow morning from Israel. Thanks to another Israeli reader of yours, I think you'll get a couple of postcards from here.
    Such a great initiative - and challenge for me :-)

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  25. I used to live in Morgan, VT. I am in Westminster, VT now. I am stitching together a postcard for you today!

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  26. i will get one in the post - all the way from england! will foreign mail count extra??? i do hope so :)
    our local PO was threatened last year, but we managed to save it - hope we can do the same for yours :) xx

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  27. Wow! It's a great project! I am in!

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  28. Jane - I will definitely send you a postcard! I love the postal service and am very upset with the pressure some people in congress are putting on them. Also, You might think of joining Postcrossing, a postcard exchange that is worldwide. I love sending my handmade postcards, although Postcrossing's major thrust is not handmade. {:-Deb

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  29. off in the mail today- I hope I make it- I've always admired your work!!

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  30. Sending a card today and later. How very American this project is. And what a worthwhile project. Hope your adorable post office survives. I live near a small lake town with a small post office and wouldn't want to see it close.

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  31. wow! I used to live in Westcliffe, CO and I thought that was in the sticks.. we had a "huge" post office compared to yours.. I like it.. I'm sending one out this weekend.

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  32. Oh gosh, love your post office and the chickens! I'll send you a handmade postcard today, good luck!
    Jane Smith

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  33. I love your post office! With you permission, can I post a link to your blog to the many art groups I am a part of on Facebook - then you will be FLOODED with beautiful, artful and fun postcards! I am sending you one tomorrow!

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    1. You so TOTALLY have my permission! Please spread the word! It would be so fun to have our little PO STUFFED with postcards. I may put the images all on a flickr site...

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  34. I am in !! Send you a nice card from France tomorrow ! Your post office is so cute !!! A lovely place to be !!

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  35. What an amazing idea! I would love to participate. Put me down on your list and I'll send the postcard out next week. Flooded...oh I can get my artist to flood your post office! I teach over 180 art students daily so we'll turn this into an art project. If you can send a postcard to the class it would make a huge impact! Perfect community project! I'll tell my art colleagues today and they also teach over 180 students...that will be over 1,500 cards with the 7 of us alone! Fun!
    Creatively Yours,
    Debbie : )

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    1. Oh YEAH! Do an art project with the kids!! I will certainly send a post card to the class! THanks!

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    2. Hi Jane, I am about to send 40 handmade 5th and 6th grade art postcards to your address. The students were all excited about doing this project and don't want to see your post office shut it's doors.
      Some of the art is simple (boy art) some of it very well done (girl art). If you could send just a simple note back to the students I'm sure it would mean the world to them and bring the project to a complete circle.
      Creatively Yours,
      Debbie Supplitt
      Art Instructor
      Tukes Valley Middle School
      P.O. Box 200
      Battle Ground, Washington 98683
      THANKS!!!! : )

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  36. Oh, I do hope this PO can be saved. My card will be in the mail today. I send post cards to friends weekly; my paper version of "tweeting" I suppose. It also gives me a chance to use my photos and art in a fun and creative way.

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  37. I'm in it will be my art project for the day. I'm visiting my daughter in Seattle-limited supplies but i'll come up with something!!

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  38. ack! I'm out of town at the moment, will put some in the mail as soon as I get home Friday morning!!...can't wait to see everyone's cards, postcards are the MOST fun (I try to make at least one from scraps from each quilt I make so I have a memento of the project!)...and such a great way to test techniques and new art supplies :-)

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  39. Wow, what would you do without such a quaint little post office! You need out help. Going to start creating now!

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  40. Well, of course I'll play and I"ll repost this on my facebook page. very cool idea :o)

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  41. One coming from South Carolina and posted the message on my Facebook site.

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  42. Mail on the way from me! And I'll mention on my Twitter feed, too.

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  43. I'll send you à couple from THE Netherlands.

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  44. I love this! I will send a postcard tomorrow BUT I'm living in Europe, so it will cost 10 days to arrive on your postoffice. greetings from Liesbeth

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  45. What a super fun idea. I just shared your blog post on Facebook...that should draw (no pun intended) some more!

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  46. Wow, this is so cool. I just took my postcard to the post office in Quakertown, PA

    Thanks Jane for your inspiration and love of creativity.

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  47. I've got one for you from Florida with sea shells included. I'll mail it tomorrow. The palm on it is actually a photo transfer of a palm in my yard.

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  48. Your art is an inspiration to me and "Collage Journeys" is my bible. My postcard is ready to mail. Hope this works!

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  49. I send you a card from the Netherlands, what a great idea.

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  50. Jane, it's probably "illegal" to post some of the cards in the PO, but maybe there is somewhere else you can share them and let your citizens know we are behind them all the way! I grew up in a small town in Kansas and recently found out that PO is open just two hours a day now. After being gone 35 years I still remember the box number and the combination! I'm having my art session tonight and will prepare one for you. Please let me know if you need a contribution to fund your reply postage!

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    1. How kind of you, Beth! I've budgeted for 200 post card stamps plus extra for international mail. That's my $$ contribution.

      The Postal Worker who runs our PO is psyched about having a show of all the cards, but if it can't be AT the PO, it can be at the library. I'll definitely post photos of the cards on display.

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  51. I will send one in the next few days. Fabulous idea!

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  52. NZ Post is threatening to reduce mail deliveries from 6 to 3 days a week - for all "residential" addresses in the country!!! So you'll be getting one from me.

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  53. Fantastic - I'll be sending something over the Pond to you :)

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  54. I will send you a postcard Jane all the way from Cedar Key FL where I am on vacation

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  55. Love the post office. REALLY love the chickens. I will be sending you a card and absolutely will LOVE getting one back from you.

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  56. I absolutely love chickens....'specially when they belong to someone else. So I will be more than happy to keep them clucking at the PO. My offering will be in the mail tomorrow. Good Luck!!

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  57. My card will be in the mail tomorrow. I hope you get lots and lots of mail. I'll share your post.

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  58. What a perfectly adorable post office Jane! Sign me up too!

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  59. What a great idea! I was thinking I would paint something on a larger format and cut it into 4x6 pieces and send them separately. More volume right? I've been telling all my artsy friends too.

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  60. Super idea, count one card from Norway too. I'll mail it in the first couple of days. Lets save the postoffice!

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  61. My postcard is ready to go! Will be in the mail today. I'll make sure to blog about this effort as well before the week is up! Glad to be part!

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  62. Then is the mail count? I know that Barre Vt is in Feb. this year. You can send all the mail you want but it only gets counted once or twice a year. so if you want to make it worth it .... You need to have it sent during mail count... and do it every year. If you find out the dates I will send you all the mail you want!

    From one Vermonter to another. :)

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    1. When is the mail count? I will check - thanks for the suggestion. But I do know that every piece of mail that goes through our PO over the course of the year DOES get counted. This is not a quick fix, and it will be a year before the postal service reviews our PO again, but every single piece that comes through is credited.

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  63. I'm in! I'll also post on my FB site to spread the word. Kim (who happens to be the daughter of a post man)

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  64. I've shared on my Facebook page and my blog. Mim, who knows all the clerks at her local post office and the name of her mail carrier (Clyde.)

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  65. sauvons ta poste!!!meme de france!!!
    je te l'envoie demain,ta carte sauvetage!!!

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  66. i would love to help keep your p.o. open. would it be helpful if we also bought stamps from you? for example, i could send the payment in an envelope with a return SASE enclosed. would you be interested in doing that? or are there rules against *mail-order stamps*?

    you might be interested in my blog. i post an envelope every day, featuring fun styles of lettering to compliment the stamps.

    http://pushingtheenvelopes.blogspot.com/

    i will post a link to you your post for my blog readers who may be interested in sending you postcards.

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    1. Thanks, Jean!! I don't think I can commit to doing mail-order stamps, but it's a great idea! Just send as many cards to our PO as you like, and that will help. Or send one or two of your gorgeous envelopes! THanks for the link. What inspiration for everybody!

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  67. Love the chickens, nice touch - will send a post card

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  68. wow! That is such a cute Post Office...I will jump right in!!

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  69. I am so disappointed....the postcard I mailed to you on Wednesday was returned to me today. The only reason I can figure out is that somehow the mail reader got confused with two addresses on the back of the card (although it is clearly addressed to you). I will take it to my PO tomorrow and find out what went wrong. And I will take an envelope along in case there's some problem that I can't see. Hopefully no one else will have this problem. :(

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    1. Oh, I'm sorry to hear this. DOn't worry, though, I will send you a postcard whenever yours arrives.

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  70. It will be on its way tomorrow - even if it's not one of the first 200 (it's got a long way to travel) it will be worth it if it helps save your post office. Well done you for thinking of the idea.

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  71. I would love a postcard. Will mail one soonest.

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  72. My 14 are in the mail in the morning.

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  73. I heard about your little Post Office on Cloth Scissors Paper at facebook. I've shared there at facebook and also on my personal blog. I love your little Post Office, it is definitely the cutest I've ever seen AND your chickens are too! My post card went in the mail yesterday so hopefully you will get it soon. I hope you get lots of mail! Thank you for sharing about it. Thank you too for your tutorials. I enjoy them. :-)

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  74. I run a Facebook page called Save the U.S. Postal Service by Writing More Letters. We are now over 2100 fans. What a great project! I'm not crafty at all, but I will endeavor to send you as many postcards as possible over the next few weeks. I'm in New York City so you'll be getting commercial, pre-made postcards. I hope that's ok! Write on! Cheers, R

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    1. COOL!!! Can you put a link to this post on your page? readymade postcards are fine - THANKS! They do just as much good for the PO as the handmade ones. However, I will only scan and post the handmade ones.

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    2. Link to you is on my page! Hopefully I can help spread the word about your project.

      Also, if you have friends in small towns who are trying to save their post offices, let me know at writemoreletters@yahoo.com. Happy to write to them and increase their mail circulation.

      I'm going to send you at least 26 cards. I will mark them "A" through "Z." Card "A" is en route to you!

      Best of luck!

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  75. In the mail! I wish all post offices were as adorable as this one. Perhaps they wouldn't be in the state they are in now if that was the case!

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  76. just got mine in the post all the way from windy england... hope it's a tail wind over the atlantic :)

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  77. Just mailed mine from the Netherlands!
    Our post office closed years ago, still miss it....

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  78. Postcard in the mail to you today from San Francisco. What a great idea. I'm betting you get a lot more than 200 cards. How many have you gotten so far? I am seeing your blog post all over FB! Good luck.We mail artists need to keep the post office in business.

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  79. I just found out about this via cranialpurge.blogspot.com and will definitely be doing this in the next few days. This is adorable & should stay open! (Although you may need to add a building to act as a museum for your postcards! This should become an annual event.)

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    1. PS: just discovered your blog through this too and am looking forward to looking around ... it looks fun!

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  80. Hey, Jane! Checks in the mail!! Oh, wait! That's another blog! I mean my fiber card was mailed today! We are only in Ocala until mid April so I put our Ocala address on my card. Best of luck to you!!! I love our little post office(s) (yes, there are two small ones!) back in Michigan!! "Everyone knows your name"...gotta love it!

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  81. this is going to be like that scene in Miracle on 34th Street, but in color.

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  82. I just heard about this. My card will be in the mail today.

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    1. will be sending a postcard Monday 4th Feb in New Zealand we have no post collected over the weekend what a fabulous postshop do hope it stays open-- there is talk in NZ of our mail only being delivered 3 days a week Going backwards !!!
      Kiwi Jan Jan Cotton NZ

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  83. I'm doing the LetterMo Challenge and will be sending you something soon!

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  84. Is there a deadline!
    I'll get on it this weekend!

    Cheers
    Mariette

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  85. Love to do this Jane! I'll send it today!!

    XO,

    Elizabeth (from Puerto Rico)

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  86. Such a charming post office! Sounds like a great project, I'll definitely send a postcard.

    Lay Off the Books

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  87. Heard about this through incowrimo.org. Letter from Spain half writen!

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  88. I was sent a link to your blog via Twitter/Pinterest and your story has made me want to help in every way possible!
    As I have the artistic talent of a slug, I have written a letter instead but I have also shared your story with my Pen Pal community and they're all jumping on board!
    Here's to things picking up! xx

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  89. I also was sent a link to here from a Yahoo group I'm in. Will be sending one from Australia in the next day or so. I think you're going to be busy!! Love the photo a your PO - can't you get it 'heritage listed'?

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  90. I found out through Postcrossing. I'll send a card as part of A Month Of Letters and I'll add a link to my postcard blog.

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  91. I wrote about you on Postcrossing and will send a card also - though it may or may not be handmade

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  92. Hi Jane, a postcard will be sent this morning from Australia. I have put a link on my blog. Love you little PO.

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  93. I'll send you a postcard as well! I found you're blog through Lorinda@Everyday Endeavours:)

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  94. I love your post office!!!! I wish I could live near you so I could go to it everyday. The smaller ones are so cool. I hope that the USPS does not close your cute little bit of ensuring the USPS is available to everyone.

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  95. Postcard will be tomorrow on his way !

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  96. I read about you on postcrossing and my card is on it's way. It will take about 19 days to reach you I guess.

    Ps. I love the chickens!

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  97. Sent you a postcard, Jane! It made me so happy to read your post and be insprired! Thank you!

    http://chelsea-sparks.blogspot.com/2013/02/postcard-project-to-jane-davies-studios.html

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  98. Hi Jane - I sent my card out the day after I got your email but forgot to include my name and address!

    It was from Judith Hafdahl and my mailing address is 27409 Paseo Sienna, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

    It looks like you have had a tremendous response. When my mail carrier saw my postcard she cheered! :) I know all the support you have received will have an impact. If you need more mail, you could ask for another wave in a few months :)
    Best,
    Judith

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  99. I've just passed this on to all of the mailing lists I'm on, to all of my Facebook friends, and to the PostSecret community, the biggest and best bunch of postcard makers on the planet! Mine's in the mail!
    Robin
    http://mavinci.net/

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  100. my blog...
    www.lindsayostrom.blogspot.com
    hosts a HUGE NATIONAL LETTER WRITING MONTH challenge and I pair up over 50 letter writers in April and we send tons of snail mail. We are doing it again this year and would love to have you and any of your postcard pals join us. You know the post office doesn;t even do this anymore. THey need to bring back National Letter Writing Month... it would help. And... we have a super cute little post office too... two of them, Gold Run and Dutch Flat CA. Also in danger of being closed :( it's a sad world
    my postcard is coming at ya!!!!
    Lindsay Ostrom

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  101. I grew up in VT and my parents had a grocery store and post office in the little town of Eden Mills so I will be sending you lots of postcards (but please, only send me one back!). I'll send them periodically to keep the mail coming. I've also sent an email to a lot of my friends so I hope the p.o. is inundated.
    Lorraine

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  102. I hope the US postal service wont mind delivering a crocheted postcard .. I'm gonna try anyway! From Perth in Western Australia.

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  103. Thanks to Robin Ma Vinci for passing this on to a stamping e-group we both belong to. A postcard from Norway is coming! :-)

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  104. My favorite small town postoffice closed about a year ago so I would be happy to send you a few postcards.

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  105. Awesome project. It is a very cute post office and a fun thing to do just like you said. I'll send you a postcard very soon. :-)

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  106. Good Luck! My postcard is ready to go :)

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  107. Hi Jane,I think you might have the cutest post office in the world.. my card is in the mail :-)

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  108. Postcards in the making and soon to be coming your way!!!
    I miss my daily jaunts from the old schoolhouse on the hill down to the Rupert PO. I miss the visits with Alfred, the postmaster at the time so even if I knew there would be no mail, I would go anyway, just to say hi and catch up on some local 'happenings'. Long Live Rupert PO!!!

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  109. I'm also on Postcrossing.com

    More people should join. It's so fun to get cards from all over the world and I've gotten some handmade cards and crafts from people. So cool.

    A person from Poland (i think it was Poland) said she was going to have to stop because their postage increased this year to approx. $5 USD to mail a card. So I guess our recent increase isn't so bad.

    I'll be sending a card to you, can't wait to see them all..

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  110. Greetings from Philly! Expect at least one PC from down-under :)
    -Karen

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  111. Greetings from Calgary Alberta. I'll be getting a card off to you next week. This is a great project...and a very cute little post office to save.
    Patricia

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  112. I've just written a card to send to you from Oxfordshire, England. I will spread the word on my blog too at http://postcardswaps.blogspot.co.uk/

    Sorry it's not my own handmade art but I hope you like it and every little helps!

    Dave

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  113. I will definitely send you a postcard, all the way from Toronto, Canada. Not sure I'll make it in time for the 200 card deadline (it will probably take a week to get there (they don't call it snail mail for nothing!) but I am happy to take part!

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  114. Are you getting swamped yet? My Great Aunt "kept" as they used to say, the post office in the front room of her little cottage, with the prettiest little garden around it. I can't say we have a pretty post office here, I'm just across the water from Sue in Lasqueti, but the people who work there have the small town friendliness that is a delight. I'd love to talk about your efforts on my blog. Let me know if its a no no.

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  115. Just read about this via Cloth Paper Scissors. I will put on one in the mail tomorrow. Maybe you could continue to do this monthly or at certain holiday or seasonal times. Even if you didn't send each of us a return card, but simply put them online, that would be great! Of course, this presumes you have the time to scan and organize.. Or perhaps start a save the PO Flickr postcard group? Thanks - Keddy Ann Outlaw

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    1. I'm putting them all up in the Facebook Album (there is a link at the top of the right margin). Great idea to renew the call for postcards periodically! It is really fun to MAKE cards and write back to people, even if it's just a "hello" and "thanks". Right now I'm buried in cards, and that's just fine with me. Once my teaching season gets busy we'll see how much time I have to scan and upload....

      Thanks for the suggestion.

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  116. If you're swamped, which I hope you will be, I won't mind one bit if you can't send a postcard in return. I just want to help. ~Diane from Canada (my postcard will be in Monday's mail).

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  117. I will send one tomorrow!From Australia!

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  118. Hi!
    I wrote about your project in my blog. Here you have the link: http://mailadventures.blogspot.com/2013/02/mail-projects-26-save-post-office.html

    I think it is a beautiful idea. You must be very busy right now... I'm going to send you a postcard. But, from Morocco, I think it will spend more than a week to arrive...

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  119. I have a funny feeling I won't make it into the top 200,but heck...glad to share my art with you, Jane!

    There's a teeny tiny PO out in the country near our house that reminds me of this one. No chickens, though.

    I am sad they closed the PO near my house. It was SO convenient!

    XO

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  120. Mine is going into the mail tomorrow, despite Nemo's presence in New York City!

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  121. My local PO in Ramah, CO was started in 1877. I think that it can be considered a landmark, especially since there is absolutely nothing else in the town! It is threatened also. I love this idea and will propose it to my PO to see if they are interested. Today the post mistress said to buy my postage here as it helps their dollars, but they aren't getting the stamps delivered too well. Everything I asked for they were out of! What a catch 22. But we will keep trying.
    Have you exceeded your limit of tolerance in post cards yet? I am mailing one out to you tomorrow!
    Bec

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    1. Thanks again, everyone who is sending cards and commenting. Be sure to look at my subsequent posts (click on the header) for updates.

      YOU CANNOT reach my limit of tolerance for post cards! Thanks for asking, though, Bec. I am behind on sending cards because I bought every single postcard stamp in stock, and the new ones aren't in yet. So, we also have that problem: the little teeny PO's are not allowed to carry all that much inventory... But instead of getting stamps at another nearby PO, I am going to wait it out! Stamps should be here this week.

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  122. I put your story on my blog http://lizbethem.blogspot.com/2013/02/another-kind-of-challenge.html#links
    and sent you two postcards. Hope it helps. Good luck from Lizbethxx

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  123. I went to mail office right now, a postcard from Germany, a 14 days travel I think, best wishes.

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  124. My sister sent me a link to your project. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, a good day for an art postcard project in my class. It looks like you have started a "thing."

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  125. I love this project and will sending something out next week after I get some playtime in this weekend!

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  126. A postcard from Germany will be on its way tomorrow!
    I once saw a travel report on TV about a tiny post office in the US that looked exactly like the one in your town. It might have been another one though, but in any case it is super cute and definitely needs to be rescued!

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  127. Hi Jane

    I live in South Africa and I belong to an International postcard swap club. Would anybody be interested in joining? Contact me through my email address: marinahventer@gmail.com.

    Your post card is in the mail tomorrow morning!

    Regards
    Marina

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  128. Mine is coming as soon as I get my moo order this coming week! I wish you the best of luck in staying open!!!!! And I'm spreading the word to my blogging friends.

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  129. I just came across this post on my google search today. I'm a fellow Vermonter, crafter and blogger. This truly inspired me! I set to work making 5 handmade postcards! They'll be en route Monday. I also shared this on my post. You can check out my post and see pics of the postcards I'm sending at http://csuecrafty.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/the-post-office/

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  130. Oh Jane! I did not see this until now. But I am absolutely sending you some post cards That little post office is a gem and deserves its due space in Vermont...permanently. Plus it is a few doors down from your house.

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  131. After scrolling thru the replys I'm pretty sure I've missed the 200, but I'll send one anyway, my friend is postmaster of a small PO and I know they are closing many, she's had her hours cut.

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  132. Sending you a post card from California.. <3 I love this idea and your little Post Office is soooo cute!!

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  133. I mailed mine the other day... from Singapore! I also did a post to help get you more cards (http://donaldandcathy.typepad.com/ma_vie_trouvee). Good Luck Jane!

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  134. Yes, it is really cute PO. But is it really right to start a campaign to maintain a PO through personal interests rather than maintain it because it is really needed by the locals, not just convenient, but really needed. I would rather continue Saturday services and avoid rate increases than try to save a cute PO. Sorry.

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    1. At our community meeting with the postal district manager, people expressed loudly and clearly their preference for keeping the PO open over keeping services intact. They were actually most concerned for keeping Elizabeth's job (Elizabeth being the postal worker) viable. They made it clear that they could deal with rate increases and fewer services if it meant keeping the PO open.

      As the landlord, I could easily find another tenant for the building. It'd make a great office or small studio, but I love having a community-centered entity in there, and so does the village of Rupert. It's an old building, and requires a fair amount of maintenance ($500 worth of slate roof repair the other week, issues with the water, a full scraping and painting this summer...), so the rental income does not amount to much after all this is paid for. Yes, I love having the PO on my property, but the village has spoken loudly and clearly: we all want the PO to stay open.

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  135. Closing post offices will not help us to keep Saturday delivery; that's a done deal as of this coming August. We need to keep post offices open to serve their communities and keep jobs. My post office in NOT cute, it's in a very bland building, but I'll do my best to keep it open, too. Best to you Jane. More mail coming your way.

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  136. I am delighted try to help save such an adorable little post office. Any small town post office, really. I will be re-posting about it on my blog today, as well.

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  137. We had a fun gathering of artists at my house today for lunch. We chatted, laughed and creatively came up with almost a dozen post cards. We picked the post office in need of volume to send the post cards to your post office
    Best wishes..from Springville,NY

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  138. BRAVO! I will get my creative postcard out quick as I can make one! and I plan to spread the word! LOVE IT!!

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  139. hi Again just a ps Im your newest follower! Keep us "posted!"huggs, Dianna

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  140. I just finished drawing my postcard for you and will mail it out tomorrow (today is a holiday too). Greetings from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! Thanks to Kathy at Kluless who reposted this!

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  142. Hi Jane,
    I,m sending you a card from the Netherlands....
    Blessings,
    jesse

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  143. I visited your Facebook gallery, Jane, and was thrilled to see the images of the many beautiful postcards you've gotten. I must admit, though, I was disappointed that the images are partial—just square selections, not the whole postcard—and also that there aren't credits for the artists. I realize you must be overwhelmed right now, but I hope in time you'll be able to fix those issues.

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    1. Thanks for looking at the Facebook gallery. The images are all scanned in full, and you just have to click on them to see the full image.

      I'd hoped to do credits, but I just can't. There are just too many. It takes me a couple of hours each day to scan and post the cards, and to type in the name and place for each card would at least double that time. I am doing this on top of my full-time art and teaching practice, so I had to cut that corner, I'm sorry to say. Some people are claiming their cards in a comment, which I encourage you all to do.

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  144. From the number of comments you've received, I see that your post has gone over very well. I'd like to repost (pun intended) on my blog in a few days. I figure you'd like the continued publicity, correct? :)

    I love your little post office and the girls out front are adorable, keeping watch while the mistress is tending to other matters.

    I love that the teacher had her whole class create artwork. It warms my heart. Blessings!

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    1. Mrynmayi: YES!! Keep the cards coming!

      Grace: THANK YOU ! Yes, please do pass around the post. The more cards we get here in Rupert, the better. Several school teachers have made a class project of it, and it is AWESOME!

      I'll tell the Girls you enjoyed their role in the video.

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  145. Mine's out today...as long as the PO picks up in this snow!! Great idea! I blogged about it, too!

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  146. Hi Jane,
    what a wonderful idea!! I wíll put it on my blog to and perhaps you will get a lot of cards from Germany. And now I'm going to create a postcard for you and you post office

    Ciao Beate

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  147. How fun to see my postcard in your gallery. I have my fingers crossed that this outpouring will save the day!

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  148. Oh my goodness, I didn't realize you were THAT Jane Davies. I have some of your books.
    And I love your art.

    Thanks so much for posting all the cards. I loved looking through the galleries at the incredible art and post cards from all over the world. I hope this effort is successful. I just sent two more postcards and will keep them coming. I have lots and lots!!
    Lorraine Layne

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  149. Hello! I heard about your PO plight through The Missive Maven blog and sent one card that is not mail art but I promised to send a mail art postcard soon...it will go out in tomorrows mail and it is PURE mail art that I hope you and your postmistress enjoy!
    In a unique turn of events, I discovered your blog just now through a link at Blue Roof Designs, while perusing posts on bookbinding!
    I always knew that letter writing and books had some connection =-)
    Good luck keeping your PO open!

    BTW: love the video!

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  150. Off to my postoffice to send you a postcard. Best wishes from Nanaimo, BC.

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  151. Thank you for your postcard. Good luck with the campaign.

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  152. A card from the Netherlands is coming your way. Just saw the message on Twitter!
    Erik

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  153. Card is written an ready to go all the way from Germany.
    I love the idea and think it is worth supporting.

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  155. I just ordered my Postcrossing refill yesterday and should be receiving it first thing tomorrow. I would be happy to send along a postcard in your support. Best wishes. - Bradley Anderson

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  156. BTW, Jane, perhaps you could open a Postcrossing account on behalf of the post office. You would get 2 for every 1 mailed out, so it's some guaranteed business and free publicity. Postcrossing, the biz, may even be able to help a it. Good luck.

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  157. Is this specifically for art cards or are pre-made/tourist ones okay? (Sorry if this has already been asked.)

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  158. I agree with Brad armPitt, Postcrossing might be a good avenue to try! My postcard is in the mail to you today! This is a GREAT idea. On another note, how does one OWN a post office, I thought they were property of the United States Governement...If could own a post office I think I'd be in heaven!

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  159. Just made mine! It will be in the post on Monday.

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  160. And you should definitely do Postcrossing. Sticking all the cards you receive on the wall of the post office, or strung from the ceiling would look lovely!

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I have had some spam comments lately, advertising of stupid stuff. So I am moderating comments until I can figure out a better way to prevent spam. THANKS!