My Yellow Postcard Bouquet
I cannot let March end without sharing the big yellow bouquet of postcards I received in honor of International Women’s Day/Women’s History Month. With Beckra’s (ongoing) permission, I hosted her “Yellow Flowers for International Women’s Day” swap on swap-bot for the fifth time. I felt compelled to share the yellow blessing with the Love Notes community and many were excited to participate. So, in addition to the swap-bot participants and the women in my circle of family and friends, I also sent dozens of postcards to Love Notes participants. In return, my mailbox was filled with yellow flowers all month long.
The first postcards came from my two swap-bot partners, Jan and Valerie [Click image for a closer look].
Wildflowers, Cutleaf Daisy. Photographer, Tim Fitzharris. Postcard from Valerie
Handmade card by Jan, Momski on swap-bot. Scrapbook paper and flower punches
My penfriend Beckra sent a bright closeup of a yellow flower she photographed. She hasn’t participated in the swaps lately, but she always sends me a card for IWD.
“Happy International Women’s Day.” Photograph by R.R., Beckra
Then, the cards from my Love Notes pals made their way to my P.O. Box from various parts of the USA and the world.
Christine B’s was the first to arrived with an IWD greeting and a sweet message–“You are an outstanding woman and I am glad we connected.”
“Happy, Happy International Women’s Day.” Photographer, Christine B.
After reading the Karle’s Wings post, Christine sent a second postcard, orchids, in memory of my sister, Karlette. Isn’t she the best? There’s a special heart hidden in the photo. Can you see it?
“Orchid for Karlette.” Photograph by Christine B.
I usually don’t mind postal markings on postcards. I “minded” this time. 
Lorelei sent a coloring card with a couple of spots colored in yellow:
Illustration by Johanna Basford, from Secret Garden 20 Postcards
Many sent photo postcards. Some, like Beckra’s and Christine’s, featured the photography of the senders [Click image for a closer look].
“Yellow Flowers.” Photograph by Ellen Wery of California
“Flowers from my Garden.” Photograph by Mairead of Bath
Ellen even used a stamp featuring my favorite flower:
Sunflower Postage
Some sent “store-bought” postcards: [Click image for a closer look].
“Yellow Cactus,”1940. Artist Georgia O’Keefe. From Rhonda
“Beautiful Bouquet.” From Anne M. of Norway.
“The Italian Garden.” In 1926 Mr. and Mrs. Butchart converted the family tennis court into a formal Italian Garden including statuary imported from Italy. National Historic Site of Canada.
http://www.butchartgardens.com.From Sherry of Creatology.
Many included inspiring messages:
“Life is Beautiful.” From Jackie W.
She is clothed in strength and dignity,and she laughs without fear of the future. –Proverbs 31:25
We get so worried about being “pretty.” Let’s be pretty kind, pretty funny, pretty smart, pretty strong. –Britt Nicole
“Waterlily.” From Eileen of Germany
Little yellow flowers
Dancing with the breeze
Little yellow flowers
Huddled round the trees
Little yellow flowers
Seemed to know my pain
Little yellow flowers
in my mem’ry will remain. –Valerie Dohren
Yellow Jessamine, State Flower of South Carolina with an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, State Butterfly of South Carolina. From Connie of S.C.
Some women fear the fire; some women simply become it. –R.H. Sin
“Tree Cotton Plant.” From Sheila L.
May we continue to make progress on all issues that affect women.
Some featured the art of the senders with inspirational reminders [Click an image for a closer look].
Stamp and Watercolor, by Lori Weber.
“Be Bold for Change,” Handmade Card by Cricket
Happy Flowers from Monique Z.
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. –Mother Teresa [Cricket]
Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. –Unknown [Lori W.]
Debra D. sent an elegant “thank you” for my “hosting” the swap.
“Thanks,” Heartmade by Debra D. of Virginia
Martha S., whose work has been featured on Pics and Posts before, sent one of her gorgeous artistic creations with a poem (the scan does little justice).
“Cherry Blossom Season.” Artist Martha S.
An artist to me
is one
of those
kind of prophets
of our community.
Their antennae,
or their sense
of what’s
happening,
is so vital
and so pure
that we always
need to listen
to them. –Fiach Mac Conghail
And finally, Lori-Anne C. of Canada, sent a handmade, sunflower-shaped postcard that made me squeal on a day when I really, really needed to be reminded to “face the sun.”
“Sunflower Love.” Artist Lori C.
The beautifully written message on the back of the postcard was just what I needed to hear the day it arrived.
Isn’t that an “amazing” message?
You are amazing and strong and brave and wonderful!
When life tries to convince you otherwise, be sure to carry this heartfelt message with you.
Thanks, ladies, for all the postcard love! Until next time…Hugs!
