Recently, I participated in a mail exchange hosted by Tiggy from Scotland. Back in the early to mid90s when the Internet and home computers was still sort of new, many calligraphers stumbled up a Listserve called Cyberscribes. Someone set up a chat room, and a bunch of us would hang out talk calligraphy, laugh, cry, the whole gamut that friends do. There were all sorts of art exchanges, ATCs, envelopes, small books. As the group grew and technology change, the listserve and chatroom became obsolete. No matter, many of us kept in touch by e-mail, exchanges, and meeting each other in person at conferences.
Then Facebook happened and with posts and messages, it's almost like the old listserve. Tiggy must have been feeling nostalgic so back in March asked people if they wanted to participate in a one on one exchange. You send something to one person, and they would send something back to you. The exchange would take place during the month of April.
I was partnered with long-time friend, Langley, from British Columbia in Canada. So I was tickled blue when her package arrived. An envelope covered in stamps, a pretty blue envelope beautifully addressed, and inside a very cool, clear pocket pencil case stuffed with fun goodies. Tiny brushes, a pretty notepad, small index cards, a lovely note, some erasers, and a couple of small, hard plastic, pouches to keep small papers from getting crushed. The pencil case fits perfectly in my tool tote and will keep me organized at workshops.
Thanks again, Langley. The pencil case is very cool, but your friendship is a real treasure.