Pen pals

POSTED BY: sahara
UPDATED: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 02:46
VIEWED: 16976
PAGE 1 of 1

SAHARA

Friday, July 28, 2006 4:22 PM (P)

I know I'm a luddite, but is any one else interested in getting real paper and ink type letters? I know the immediacy of email is nice, but I like getting mail in my mailbox that isn't bills or junk mail.
Probably sporadic (on my part), but sometimes I just letting getting out the old pen and paper and writing a letter.
Is there something like this already in place?

Thanks.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

EMBERS

Friday, July 28, 2006 5:30 PM (P)

there were lists of people exchanging Christmas cards two years ago (set up at the Universal site) and some people kept it up last year.
Personally I'm also fond of letters and postcards...
I would be up for pen pals

Maribeth in Pacifica, CA

**********************************************
River Dancing on River's Dream images at Cafe Press:
http://www.cafepress.com/embersartwork

CHEWIE

Friday, July 28, 2006 5:34 PM (P)

I don't know about any list that already exists but I love having pen pals! I have a pen pal that I've been writing to for years! I could always use another!

TRISTAN

Friday, July 28, 2006 5:36 PM (P)

Ah! I also miss the pen and paper correspondence of years' past. If there is to be a list, count me in! Christmas cards would be fun, too!

______________________________________

SAHARA

Friday, July 28, 2006 6:01 PM (P)

I started compiling a list of addresses. I thought screen name, name, address and email addy would be sufficient contact info. Then I can send the list to all those interested, and we can have at it.
Dong ma?

My email is sarathelaundress@yahoo.com if you'd like to email your info to me directly.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

JUNIPERJAYNE

Friday, July 28, 2006 6:17 PM (P)

I'd be up for it. Always nice to get actual mail. And it's always a good thing to have contacts wherever you go, and if that connection is because of Firefly, all the better!

Of course it will be interesting to try to explain to my mom who you all are lol. I tried to explain to her what an online forum was and she got very concerned about security - I'm living at home right now, just graduated from college - and I'm sure she was thinking of creepy internet predators.

But whatever, everyone's connected by the internet now.

You know what would be cool? Firefly/Serenity stationary.

SAHARA

Friday, July 28, 2006 6:20 PM (P)

FF/S stationary would be very cool.

Independent "Browncoat" Dispatches.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

NVGHOSTRIDER

Friday, July 28, 2006 6:41 PM (P)

May have to look into that.

If anyone is afraid of "stalkers", just have the mail sent to a family member, school, or work. I like the idea of getting something other than bills and junk in the mail.

"...And them chains them chains
Their 'bout to drag me down"

HAKEN

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:29 PM (P)

I used to trade postcards with people around the world while I was in college. Some even became pen pals. I think handwritten letters are becoming a lost art.

TRISTAN

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:36 PM (P)

Sahara, email sent.

______________________________________

SAHARA

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:40 PM (P)

Exactly Haken, an art that shouldn't be lost IMHO. But, like I said, I'm a luddite (I might be biased). I already get razzed for using punctuation in my emails. Including (the horror!) capitalizaion.
We won't get started on my collection of vintage typewriters (not even electric!) and sewing machines.

Awesome, Tristan!!! :-)

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

NVGHOSTRIDER

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:42 PM (P)

Ditto.

"...And them chains them chains
Their 'bout to drag me down"

TRISTAN

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:45 PM (P)

Um, serious Luddite, or just kinda? I ask because I am "kinda" the same way with machinery...the older, the better...in some cases.

______________________________________

SAHARA

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:51 PM (P)

Not seriously a luddite (I'm a member of an online community, aren't I?), but I am generally suspcious of too much dependence on technology. Not that I envision some kind of Terminator-esque future reality where robots try to wipe out humans or anything, it's just that it's annoying when the power goes out and the clerk can't figure out 6% sales tax on your items even with a calculator!! C'mon now!
And there's nothing like the rush of opening your mailbox and getting a handwritten letter from an actual person in the mail, and it happens far to infrequently.
I swear, sometimes I think I don't belong in this time. (I do draw the line at hand washing my clothes, though!!! Everyone has their limits.)

p.s. I'm the world's worst speller. But I'm not letting that hold me back.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Friday, July 28, 2006 7:56 PM (P)

I wasn't going to point out that you were part of an online community...
The 6% problem has to do with the lack of education...I had to learn using my fingers and a calculator...nowadays, they can type in complex spacial-relation problems, hit a button, and there's the answer...so I agree with you there. I also love letters written on actual paper delivered to a box by the side of the road! Very shiny when that happens!
I'm glad you thought of this. Thank you!

______________________________________

SAHARA

Monday, July 31, 2006 4:08 PM (P)

Any more? Anyone? Anyone?
I'll send out the initial list to the participants later this week before that initial rush of enthusiasm fades (hopefully).
Of course you can join in at any time, I'll send out additions to the list if and when that's required. So it's not like there's a cut off or anything.
So far it's 7 Browncoats including myself.

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

PURPLEPENGUIN91

Monday, July 31, 2006 4:22 PM (P)

I'd love to get letters and cards from fellow Browncoats. Unfortunately, I'm only 15, and my parents tend to frown on giving my address online, but I'll talk to them and see what I can do. :)

SAHARA

Monday, July 31, 2006 4:25 PM (P)

I'm a parent and I might be a bit weirded out of my son started giving our address to groups of strangers, too. It'd be cool if you could participate, but if they have objections, that's totally understandable.

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Monday, July 31, 2006 4:43 PM (P)

Looking forward to the list! I think I'll start out with postcards from the little slice of heaven that I call home!

______________________________________

GOAT

Monday, July 31, 2006 4:59 PM (P)

Hmm, sounds interesting. Maybe this way I will actually write something rather than typing. Email sent.

Yeah, calculators have made people lazy (like me ). I've taken a decent number of math courses and I'm routinly embarrased by my inability to do arithmatic when I have to take a test without a calculator.

EXOTICK

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:25 PM (P)

Tristan excellent idea. I'll look for me post cards this evening....

SINDRA

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:42 PM (P)

Shiny idea! I shall send you my info sometime today.

Tristan: Postcards seem like a great way to kick thing off. I hope you don't mind if I take that idea and run with it. LOL

I am also horrible at math. But I could still calculate 6% with a calculator. See, things like that is why I worry about sending my kids to public school.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Better'n seventy earths spinnin' in this galaxy, and the meek have inherited not a one.

JUNIPERJAYNE

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:50 PM (P)

I'd love to participate - how should I send you my address?

We could even get a newsletter going...lol.

MILFORD

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:53 PM (P)

I'm in for the occasional postcard or note. What do you need?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Customizeable handmade baby gifts personalized by my wife! Check them out at www.baby-bobo.com. All proceeds go towards international adoption.

Leaning into the wind that used to carry me-Stavesacre

SAHARA

Monday, July 31, 2006 6:03 PM (P)

You can send me your screen name, your real name, your mailing address and your email address to sarathelaundress@yahoo.com.
I'm compiling a list, I'll mail the list to everyone interested and then you can correspond to your heart's content.

:-)

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

PURPLEPENGUIN91

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 12:43 PM (P)

bumping, since I think it's a great idea. Sahara has the number grown yet?

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 12:57 PM (P)

Yes, the list has grown and it's even gone international!!!

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 1:04 PM (P)

Shiny! International Browncoat correspondence!
I am looking forward to the list!

______________________________________

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 1:09 PM (P)

I'm sending the list out snail mail (naturally) later this week.

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

PHOENIXROSE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 1:32 PM (P)

*erupts randomly into thread, bringing all the little demons with her*

Mwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 1:36 PM (P)

Now, if you joined PhoenixRose, I'd send you a letter postmarked from Hell. Hell, Michigan, that is!!!

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

CAPTURE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 2:50 PM (P)

HI Saraha!

I think your pen pal idea is great! I love getting snail mail! I'll send you my info today, but if I get creepy strangers showing up at my house, I will not be impressed...

Love,

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 2:51 PM (P)

I promise I will not show up at your house.

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

CAPTURE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:01 PM (P)

Well, thanks, I'm not really worried about you...unless you are a creepy man who wants to make me his wife...are you???

You're not right? I already sent you my info...crap it was all a ploy to find out where I live!!! Why God??? WHY!!!!!!!

*giggles* If you do show up at my house, can you bring the DTI video?

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:19 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Capture:
Well, thanks, I'm not really worried about you...unless you are a creepy man who wants to make me his wife...are you???

You're not right? I already sent you my info...crap it was all a ploy to find out where I live!!! Why God??? WHY!!!!!!!

*giggles* If you do show up at my house, can you bring the DTI video?

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

I DON'T HAVE MINE YET!!!! Thanks for remiding me. ARRRRGGGHHHHH!!!

Last time I checked I was not a man and I'm sure there many people who don't think I'm creepy. And I'm not even sure I want my boyfriend, let alone a wife!

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

EXOTICK

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:36 PM (P)

I went out yesterday and got my postcards!!

I'm ready to write....bring it on

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:43 PM (P)

Been practicing the whole "writing with a pen" thing...been awhile, but I think I am getting the hang of it again.

______________________________________

CAPTURE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:49 PM (P)

*giggles*

OK, OK, I'll be your wife if you're going to keep hasseling me about it, but I will not make you any wife soup!

Capture

*giggles* wife soup...tee hee hee

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:52 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:
Been practicing the whole "writing with a pen" thing...been awhile, but I think I am getting the hang of it again.

Put the paper (you can find some in the paper bin of your printer) on a flat surface (you might have to move your keyboard) and it's the pointy end of the pen that goes against the paper. You may need to click the pen to get it to write, but don't double click. Or it won't work.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:54 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Capture:
*giggles*

OK, OK, I'll be your wife if you're going to keep hasseling me about it, but I will not make you any wife soup!

Capture

*giggles* wife soup...tee hee hee

Capture me if you dare.

How about bao then?

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:57 PM (P)

Move the keyboard?!? Are you kidding? But...I won't be able to...ah, I see what you mean...

Strangely enough (all kidding aside), I prefer to use fountain pens...never really liked ballpoints. Just something not right about them. Varsity makes a wonderful disposable fountain pen that I discovered while in college...and I have been using them ever since.

______________________________________

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 3:59 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:
Move the keyboard?!? Are you kidding? But...I won't be able to...ah, I see what you mean...

Strangely enough (all kidding aside), I prefer to use fountain pens...never really liked ballpoints. Just something not right about them. Varsity makes a wonderful disposable fountain pen that I discovered while in college...and I have been using them ever since.

I use fountain pens too!!!! I used to collect them. My two main ones are a new Parker and a vintage Schaeffer.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:06 PM (P)

I used to have several very nice ones, but one thing I was never good at was the ink cartridges...there would be more ink around and on me than on the paper. I quit using them until I discovered the disposables. They are actually quite good, and last awhile. Unfortunately, my favorite ink color is brown (it was this way before Firefly, believe it or not), and I have not been able to find a brown ink fountain pen yet...but I will! Oh, yes...I will indeed!

______________________________________

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:10 PM (P)

Try Levenger. http://www.levenger.com
There's a gift shop near me that sells inks. I use the cartrige that you can refill, so I just get the bottles. I have one now called copper that dries to a brownish olive color that I like.

:-)

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:13 PM (P)

Wow! Thank you for the link! I'll be browsing for awhile....
*wanders off to look at all the pretties*

______________________________________

ONEMANSHORT

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:29 PM (P)

I wish I could join in the penpal-ing, but my parents would have a major flip-out and probably tell me to stop posting here as well. I'm not willing to risk it. I like the idea a lot though! I have some great postcards as well, I sort of like to collect them (nothing serious, they're not valuable or anything, but when I travel I pick up a few) and I never get to use them. Maybe in a few years when I turn 18 and actually have my own rights...

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:32 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by OneManShort:
I wish I could join in the penpal-ing, but my parents would have a major flip-out and probably tell me to stop posting here as well. I'm not willing to risk it. I like the idea a lot though! I have some great postcards as well, I sort of like to collect them (nothing serious, they're not valuable or anything, but when I travel I pick up a few) and I never get to use them. Maybe in a few years when I turn 18 and actually have my own rights...

We'll be here.

:biggring:

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:38 PM (P)

Well, I'm willing to join in if people in the UK or US are willing to stump up for the postage to Ireland :) Unless there are other Irish posters on the list? Where do I sign up?

SAHARA

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:41 PM (P)

I'm stumping my own postage. You don't have to mail everyone at once. Space it out. Email sarathelaundress@yahoo.com with your snailmail address, name, email and screen name if you'd like to join up.

Or, my parents are coming back to Ireland next year for a visit (if you can wait that long).

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

TRISTAN

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:52 PM (P)

DTH, I would love to correspond with someone in Ireland! After all, that is where my heart resides!

______________________________________

EMBERS

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:54 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by DesktopHippie:
Well, I'm willing to join in if people in the UK or US are willing to stump up for the postage to Ireland :)

I have no problems with paying for postage for the occassional overseas letters and cards,
it is worth it to me to send out some of the beautiful Firefly postcards I've got...
(most of my friends and family just roll their eyes, instead of appreciating them as they should)

**********************************************
River Dancing on River's Dream images at Cafe Press:
http://www.cafepress.com/embersartwork

CAPTURE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 9:25 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by sahara:
Quote:
Originally posted by Capture:
*giggles*

OK, OK, I'll be your wife if you're going to keep hasseling me about it, but I will not make you any wife soup!

Capture

*giggles* wife soup...tee hee hee

Capture me if you dare.

How about bao then?

I might be able to though some edamama in a bowl for you...how's that???

XOXOXO

Your "wife"
Capture
Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

Capture me if you dare.

CAPTURE

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 9:27 PM (P)

I'm such a dork, I put my message into the qoute...now its not funny...*sad pout*

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Thursday, August 3, 2006 2:51 PM (P)

Don't fret none, it's plenty funny.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

CAPTURE

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:39 PM (P)

Hey Sahara!

I was just wondering how many people you have so far that signed up for the pen pal drive???

Hope you're having a great day!

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:43 PM (P)

13 all told (including myself).

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

CAPTURE

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:47 PM (P)

Thats a great start!!!

When are you mailing out the list?

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:54 PM (P)

Tomorrow (Friday).

I supposed I could email the list of addresses, but that just seems wrong.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

SAHARA

Friday, August 4, 2006 2:57 PM (P)

Lists away.

There is one more person that was added later (after envelopes were sealed), I'll email that address to everyone.
15 people, 4 countries.
Shiny!!!!

We need to come up with a catchy name;
Browncoat Dispatches?

Anyone? Anyone?

And remember, it's never too late. New people can always be thrown into the mix.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:08 PM (P)

Right. Signed up. Sent my details. Getting all excited now!

This is probobly a bad time to let people know that my writing is pretty near impossible to read at times ... I'll make sure to write slowly and as neatly as I can.

SAHARA

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:10 PM (P)

Ok, that makes 16 people and 5 countries!!!

Don't worry DesktopHippie, that's part of your charm. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

FOLLOWMAL

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:12 PM (P)

Awww, have I missed this? I really want to do it too!

Ahhh, I see I'm not.. ok, emailing info right now!

This is such a shiny idea!

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

Click here www.fireflyfans.net for info about the Serenity Summer Campaign and how you can help!

SAHARA

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:15 PM (P)

No, you're not too late!
We wouldn't leave anyone behind.

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:19 PM (P)

That's right. Leave no one behind. We hold until you get back

FOLLOWMAL

Friday, August 4, 2006 4:02 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by sahara:

We need to come up with a catchy name;
Browncoat Dispatches?

Anyone? Anyone?

How about.. the Browncoat Express.. after the Old West's Pony Express?

ok.. lame.. sorry

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

Click here www.fireflyfans.net for info about the Serenity Summer Campaign and how you can help!

CAPTURE

Friday, August 4, 2006 5:42 PM (P)

I like the "Browncoat Post"

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

FOLLOWMAL

Friday, August 4, 2006 5:46 PM (P)

Actually, I do too, Capture.. Browncoat Post is good!

You all are aware you can go to the post office website and design your own stamps? A member of our Appreciatin' Nathan crew over on the BB did just that when she made stamps to send around to us all.

I think you have to be careful not to use copyrighted images.. but words like shiny and such are ok. That'd be cool to receive email with Browncoat-centric stamps.

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

Click here www.fireflyfans.net for info about the Serenity Summer Campaign and how you can help!

TRISTAN

Friday, August 4, 2006 6:02 PM (P)

I shall be waiting by my mailbox for the list of the Browncoat Posters...

______________________________________

SAHARA

Friday, August 4, 2006 6:08 PM (P)

My boyfriend had a set of custom stamps made with my dog on them at stamps.com. They were extra shiny!!! (The dog's a browncoat too, but he was born that way.)

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

CAPTURE

Friday, August 4, 2006 6:08 PM (P)

Thanks for the props FallowMal! And great idea about the stamps, I'm going to go check it out!

Capture

Capture me if you dare.

SAHARA

Friday, August 4, 2006 6:16 PM (P)

Browncoat Post sounds good!

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

WHEDONESQUE

Saturday, August 5, 2006 8:45 AM (P)

What a great idea!
Count me in. :)

Five countries, huh? That's really cool. I love getting international mail!

Kathleen

PEULSAR5

Saturday, August 5, 2006 11:04 AM (P)

Sounds shiny to me.

DQBABY76

Saturday, August 5, 2006 9:59 PM (P)

if the list is still open I would love to join up, sounds really fun!

-------------------------------------------------
Shepard used to tell me...can't do something smart, do something right.
I'm so into Firefly, my butt glows in the dark.

PEULSAR5

Sunday, August 6, 2006 3:07 AM (P)

I'm in!

SAHARA

Monday, August 7, 2006 12:50 PM (P)

I can always add more people to the list.
Welcome aboard!

Sahara
Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, August 7, 2006 1:27 PM (P)

I truly believe that letter writing is a nearly lost art form. I love writing and receiving letters, though I know few people who still take the time to do so.

I would be up for a pen pal.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

NAUGHTYMAN

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 1:53 AM (P)

Wow,to actually get letters in the mail,that would be so groovy!
I just had a thought while reading OneManShort's email.Maybe a post office box would be the answer for folks who are nervous about giving out their physical addresses.They're not all that expensive in most places,especially if you get a small one!
Now off to send my info to get on the mailing list,woohoo!

"Come a day there won't be room for naughty men like us to slip about at all"

SLAYER730

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 2:46 AM (P)

Yay! This is an excellent idea! I just sent my info and am anxiously stalking my mailbox...I mean...waiting patiently.

***Never judge a book by its movie***