I made this card using a talisman from Sanbutsuji, a mountain temple in Misasa, Tottori prefecture. I've been several times to the temple, but never up to its famed Nageiredo, a platform-style hall that seems to cling to the side of Mt. Mitoku. The ascetic Enno gyoja is said to have flung the hall into place in 706. This talisman shows the avatar Zao gongen. I confess that what I remember the best about the temple was the little shop nearby, selling local delicacies made from wild vegetables and homemade tofu. Misasa is famous for its radon hot springs. I once had an unforgettable overnight stay in the town.
Lynn B. sent a postcard of a marvelous painting called Venus Rising from the Sea--A Deception. It was painted in 1823 by Raphaelle Peale, an American painter who lived 1744-1825.
Sandy Sapienza sent this cool postcard made during a friend's visit. She says they spent some time playing with monoprints and collage. This is one of eight prints she made in a series featuring this girl.
Two postal extremes came in the mail today. The top stamp was from a Finnish postcrosser and the bottom from a friend at the Had Yai airport on his way to Bangkok, then back to Japan. Wish I were anywhere!
An exercise in recalling a list of names for red (with one repeat) started with barn red, once a common color here in Pennsylvania. Barns now, however, are falling down almost daily. The card is for the mail art call listed below on January 17.
Inside this altered card was the remains of this Israeli postcrosser's breakfast. A bit gross but funny. Obama's ciggie seems to have ignited this temple.
Another belated delivery, this one from organic farmer friends in Tono, who dream of having a butterfly garden this year. The husband usually does the illustration, while the wife writes the message. Good to hear from them!