Katelin is from Florida in the US, she has a really cool blog and she's addicted to Instagram like I am, we met each other on Postcrossing and she was kind enough to accept making the first interview for this series! (:
In what snail-mailing activities do you take part?
I love to swap postcards, send letters to pen-pals, collect souvenir magnets and other souvenirs from different places, collect used stamps and collect airmail stickers.
How did you became a snail-mailer?
I started when I joined Postcrossing. It’s how I ended up with such a large postcard collection and so many pen-pals!
For how long have you been doing this?
About two years, although I can’t remember the exact date.
Can you show three of your favorite postcards and make a little explanation on why you like them?
I love this card because I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton and I was so happy to get this card since Dolly cards are rare.
I haven’t seen the movie yet but this card is just so cool.
I've never seen snow. This card was sent to me as a surprise and I really love the scenery.
How much does it cost to send a postcard in your country?
Small postcards are 33 cents, larger cards and letters are 46 cents. International cards and letters are $1.10
Do you have any theme collections? If you do, why are you collecting them?
I have too many theme collections. I collect: Anne Geddes, Trains, Snow, Watercolor, Yellow, Holidays, Theme Parks, Zoos and Aquariums, 50 states, Trolleys, Pugs, Birds, Pigs, Cats, Frogs, Hot Air Balloons, Ireland, Sea Life, Russian Art, Tulips, Volkswagen, etc. etc. etc!
If you are into pen-paling, from which countries do you have pen-pals from?
I have pen-pals from India, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Israel, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong and some of the US states.
Have you discovered any destination you'd like to travel to thanks to a postcard?
Huh. Good question. I received cards from a place that I have never heard of in the US. It’s called “Eureka Springs.” I really love small towns so the pictures on this card made me curious to check it out!
Please share a few facts about other countries you've learned thanks to postcards or letters:
I can’t remember all the facts, but I do know that I've learned about countries that I never knew even existed, like Belarus.
A few fun/strange/surprising facts you'd like to share about your country?
Well, I’ll share some things about my state instead.
- Not too far from here there is the country’s smallest Post Office. It’s about the size of a shed or bedroom closet. You can buy postcards there and get their postmark. It’s interesting.
- There’s also a place called Spook Hill in Lake Wales. If you drive up to the bottom of the hill and put your car in neutral, your car will magically go up the hill by itself. I've been there before and it’s pretty neat!
In your opinion, what is it that makes sending postcards and letters through snail-mail special?
Well, I enjoy getting something in my mailbox instead of something in my email. I like the feel of the paper, the unusual stamps and each person’s unique handwriting. All of those things get lost in the technological world. And 50 years from now, I will be able to open my box and re-read these letters and remember them and the people fondly. I don’t think emails will be able to give that same feeling.
