Happy New Year 2011!

January 3rd, 2011

Sophia's "Happy New Year, 2011"

Our nine year-old granddaughter drew this whimsicle happening two days before the New Year.  Perfect for my blog : “Grate Thoughts!”  Sophia’s picture just exudes happiness and hope for 2011.

Sophia donning the hat of "Cat in the Hat"

Granddaughter Sophia, the artist

I was amazed at how much detail Sophia included in her drawing….  how about  the animals blowing those noise-makers.  Did   you notice the tiny mouse  joining the fun?

Sophia definitely inspired me to get back to the drawing board to create new art works.

Her Dr. Suess Hat encourages sharing books with  little kids and taking  time for your own leisure reading.

How did she inspire you?  I look forward to your comments and your wishes for the New Year.

Post Card Pen Pals Add to the Fun

May 16th, 2010
"I've Got It!" cartoon by Renee Johnson

"I've Got It!" cartoon by Renee Johnson

This cartoon created by Renee E. Johnson of Minneapolis Minnesota arrived with her interactive post card for National Post Card Week.  The smiling cartoon gal is holding a water valve cover celebrating NPCW which is the first full week in May.

Since 1991, I have participated in NPCW.  The post cards are from all over the United States, with a few from Great Britain. If you are an artist, photographer or a writer, post cards are a quick way to communicate. The message can be brief, but unlike e-mail, the recipient has a momento to keep.

Many deltiologists (post card collectors) have a theme for the cards they produce.  Some of the themes I have collected are patriotism, cats, dogs, birds,  pigs, farms, stamps, fantasy art, old hat pins and Route 66.  The history of National Post Card Week is printed on a web site hosted by Demaris Swint http://npcw.multiply.com/  Scroll down to see the assortment of cards  produced for 2010.

If you wish to join the fun and produce your own post card for NPCW, contact Lin Collette for more information. E-mail her at  rhodyart@aol.com  with NPCW in the subject line.

You can view all my post card issues at: http://bobbimastrangelo.com/postcards.php

You may purchase signed post cards from my “Grate Works Collection”  at Walt’s web site:  http://www.thepostcard.com/walt/grates.htm.

As we Deltiologists say: “HAPPY COLLECTING!”