(240)-623-5414 mary@uncustomary.org
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Merriment Maker by Uncustomary
  • Hello!
    • About Me
    • Newsletter
    • Contact
    • FAQ
  • Work With Me
    • 111 FM
    • Instant Joy Boosters
    • Self-Paced Programs
    • Deeper Support
    • Physical Products
    • Connect In The Real World
  • Freebies
    • Free Classes
    • Merriment Hotline
    • Quiz
    • Podcast
    • YouTube
    • Newsletter
  • Blog
    • Popular Posts
    • Self-Love
    • Street Art
      • Performance Art
      • Yarnbombing
      • RAOKs
      • Disposable Cameras
    • Lists
    • Happiness
    • How To
  • Support
    • Leave A Review
      • Google
      • Facebook
    • Donate
      • PayPal
      • Venmo
      • Patreon
Select Page

Correspondence Salon

by Uncustomary | Sep 26, 2013 | Snail Mail | 8 comments

As I’ve mentioned, on Sunday, I got to go to the Postal Museum in DC. The Inverted Jenny stamp was re-released, and it turned into a giant party. I’ve never seen so many people in that museum, but it makes sense! Not only could you get first day release envelopes, purchase Inverted Jenny stamps, and get them specially postmarked, but they opened an entirely new section of the Smithsonian! The William H. Gross Stamp Gallery blew my mind, and there was also a wing for a new educational center.

That educational center is where the Correspondence Salon was held, which was one of the main reasons I went. After signing up for a specific time slot, you would enter a room full of neon green and orange chairs, receive a kit, and get to work! The kits were excellent, and there were additional supplies available, like amazing rubber stamps! I wrote a few letters, but no one was as productive as Bonnie Jeanne!

My time slot was for 11:30, but as the time changed to 12:30 and a new class was arriving, I looked over my shoulder at Melissa and said, “I’m not going anywhere.” I stayed for that session, and continued to pop back in during the day. I got to meet Kristen in person for the first time (and have a photo shoot on squishy stools), meet Allison for the first time at all, and catch up with the best kind of friends: mail enthusiasts.

When I pried myself away from the Correspondence Salon, I went to check out the new stamp gallery. It was really wonderful. Very colorful, educational, and interactive.

There was obviously a lot of information about The Inverted Jenny stamp. If you’re unfamiliar with this stamp, you can read up about it here. It’s very interesting, and the entire concept of a mistake turning into popularity is fascinating to me.

One of the best things about the exhibit was the glass with old stamp images printed on them. The window panes also had images (see above), and apparently at night they light up in all their glory. It must be a beautiful site from the outside. The stamps you see below were very photogenic, whether I was standing underneath of them, or glancing down from the second floor.

There were even more large stamp images, and some of them even lit up! Check out that dino…

Among my mail enthusiast friends, is Michelle, and I’m really glad I was able to see her again. She brought her awesome boyfriend, and we all made fake postage together in one of the interactive booths. (Psst – look at all those people downstairs!!)

After I finally found Jennie and got her to sign my Good Mail Day book, Mr. Zip came up to us. It was so fun! I really wanted to steal his purse, but I resisted. He did give me a temporary tattoo of himself that I still have on my arm.

It was a great time, even though I was exhausted afterwards. I think I stayed there for over six hours! Time goes by fast when you’re hanging out with people you admire, getting free stationery, and surrounding yourself with philatelic memorabilia.

If we’re friends on Facebook, you’ve already seen my creepy fake postage, but I’m going to share it here as well. It’s the exact level of terror and intensity you’d want in a postage stamp.

8 Comments

  1. Donovan
    Donovan on September 26, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Sooooo great and sooooo jealous!!! Would you be willing to let me cross-post this on the LWA blog? I pay in personalized stationery…. (or Inklings, your pick) Let me know!

    Reply
  2. Pamela
    Pamela on September 26, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    Yay! You met Jennie and it sounds like a good time was had by all .Loved Mr Zip too.
    Nice post!

    Reply
  3. Kimmie
    Kimmie on September 27, 2013 at 8:56 am

    Ahh! So jealous that you & Michelle got to meet Mr. ZIP!

    Reply
  4. Karen at I am Rushmore
    Karen at I am Rushmore on September 27, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    cool, cool, cool! a million times cool. best day ever.

    Reply
  5. becky
    becky on September 28, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Oh man I really, realy wanted to be there! I was hoping to see this post as soon as it came out, but for some reason, my blog no longer recognizes when you publish a new post. Glad you had a brilliant time!
    -b

    Reply
  6. Cindy
    Cindy on September 28, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Wow, so cool! And it was cool to read this on the LWA blog too 🙂

    Reply
  7. Andria
    Andria on September 29, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    What a cool exhibit, and I can see why it was so hard to tear yourself away from the correspondence party. How neat to get Jennie to sign your book, too. I just joined the LWA! I’ll be sharing about it on my blog soon.

    Reply
  8. Jeanne Kasten
    Jeanne Kasten on October 8, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    That sounds great! Love the photos. I was on the receiving end of one of Bonnie Jeanne’s postcards, so I loved this post!

    Reply

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Newsletter!

My Book!

Uncustomary

Workbook

Uncustomary

Sponsors

long square nails

 

Want to be a sponsor?

Banners for Top 25 Self Love Blogs

Follow Me On Pinterest

Visit Uncustomary | Self Love + Creativity's profile on Pinterest.

merrimentmaker

Instead of just teaching, we’re doing: ✨ A fu Instead of just teaching, we’re doing:

✨ A full 3-round EFT tapping session to shift your frequency
🎧 A confidence-boosting Pep Talk On Demand
🗞 A real-world Good News report
📞 A surprise call to the 111 Hotline
🌟 A Happy Tip that works instantly
🎨 A 2-minute Joy Challenge
🧠 A gentle guide for what to do when you feel too low to start

This is your feel-good frequency.
This is what it feels like to retune, without bypassing or burnout.
This is your permission slip to come back to life — with ease, humor, and heart.

🎧 Want more of this?
Join 111.1 FM before June 20 for early bird pricing and bonus magic:
👉 uncustomary.org/111

Leave a 📻 below for the link!
You know how it feels to slip into a moment of rel You know how it feels to slip into a moment of relief? Of contentment? Of happy nostalgia? Of believing in possibilities? 💌🎡🩷🪩

That’s kind of what these memes are for. 🎭🍭🧸

And if you’re into that, imagine an entire space designed to slip you into these moments. And maybe — just maybe — keep you there. ⛱️🎠🧃
At least a little longer than a meme sustains you. 🫧👇

👉 Uncustomary.org/111

#memes #positivity #positivitymindset #positivevibes #behappy #kindnessmemes #happymemes #wholesomememes #merrimentmemes #positivememes #goodnews #absurdity #absurdmemes #bemorekind #joyscrolling #feelgoodfeed #dopaminesnacks
Bought some thrift store mirrors. Covered them in Bought some thrift store mirrors. Covered them in pom poms, beads, fake flowers, stickers, and chaos. 🧷🌸

Then I left them on the street for Hampden Highlights—complete with little signs that said things like “I 💖 you” and “You’re stunning!”

People danced, took selfies, and shook their butts in the reflection.

I’d call that a win. 🪞💃

@hampdenhighlightsfestival 

#HampdenHighlights #HampdenHighlightsFestival #UncustomaryStreetArt #HampdenBaltimore #BaltimoreArt #StreetArtBaltimore #DIYStreetArt #ModPodgeMagic #StickerArt #CraftyCreatures #PublicArtInstallation #UpcycledArt #MirrorArt #CommunityJoy #BaltimoreArtists #CraftCore #WhimsicalArt #PompomProject #CreativeReuse #WeirdArt #ArtInTheWild #JoyThroughArt
A page from my art journal—twelve years ago. 🖼️

The sticker in the middle says: ⤵️
“Today is a gift; honor it by fully living it.”

And my handwriting says: ⤵️
📝 “I am happy because I practice. I surround myself with color, adventure, and positivity. Every time I get sad, I work hard to pick myself back up. Happiness isn’t easy. I’m proud of the effort I put into my own joy.”

At the bottom, a little stick figure says: ⤵️
🖊️ “Make time for fun every single f*cking day.” ✍️🌀

I don’t want to believe life gets harder as we get older.
But sometimes… it does. 🤷‍♀️ Not because we’ve failed—but because life gets full.
Responsibilities grow. Pain sets in. 💔 Hearts break.
And maybe your joy starts to cost more energy than it used to. 🪫💳

Here’s what I know though: ⤵️

🟡 The magic never disappears.
🟣 It just takes more intention to access.

💗 And having consistent reminders that good still exists—inside us and around us—is a key ingredient in re-enchanting our lives.

I still believe in joy.
I still choose fun, even when it’s hard.
And I’ll keep sharing what I know with you.

📻 If you want more reminders—real, joyful ones that don’t add to your to-do list—drop a radio emoji 📻 below and I’ll send you something.

#ArtJournal #CreativeHealing #EmotionalWellness #InnerChildWork #DailyJoyPractice #MentalHealthSupport #HealingThroughArt #JoyIsAChoice #SelfCompassionJourney #FeelGoodTools #ReenchantYourLife #AlternativeWellness #ArtAsTherapy #PersonalGrowthPath #SlowJoy #PermissionToPlay #AdultingIsHard #MakeTimeForFun #InnerChildMagic #FeelToHeal
What if our real challenge… was to stop calling What if our real challenge…
was to stop calling everything a “challenge”? 🎈

When we label something difficult, we make it heavier.
But what happens when we shift how we speak about our reality—personal, political, or emotional?

💪 Reframing isn’t denial. It’s power.
It’s the first step to changing your life.

This clip is from my Refresh + Recenter Seminar, which you can watch for free inside the Positive Pulse—along with the 7-Day 1-Minute Joy Challenge. 🎉

Want the link?

Comment a 🎈 and I’ll send it your way.

#MindsetMatters #ChallengeYourThoughts #ReframeToThrive #PowerOfReframing #MentalWellnessTips #PositiveMindsetShift #MindsetReset #SelfFulfillingProphecy #JoyChallenge #EmotionalResilience #ReframeYourReality #ChangeStartsInside #IntentionalLiving #FeelGoodHabits #SelfSupport #ConsciousLanguage #TinyShiftsBigImpact #DailyJoyPractice #EmpoweredMindset #WordsHavePower
Not your average DJ. 🎧💥 Broadcasting joy, r Not your average DJ. 🎧💥

Broadcasting joy, rebellion, and weirdness on *all* channels. 💫🎙️🌈
You in?

Pre-sale closes June 19. Bonus gift inside. 📬✨

→ uncustomary.org/111

#MentalHealthSupport #SelfLoveJourney #ConfidenceBoost #FeelGoodOnPurpose #EmotionalWellness #SelfEsteemMatters #CreativeHealing #MentalHealthResources #AlternativeSelfCare #HealingThroughJoy #NervousSystemSupport #ToolsForWellness #JoyAsMedicine
You were never the problem. The world just wasn’ You were never the problem. The world just wasn’t built with your joy in mind. ☀️🦄

🌈 That’s why I made The Positive Pulse—a FREE, easy, feel-good community to support your mental health without pressure or performance.

Get instant access to: 👇

💗 100+ audio & video resources (with new ones every month)
💛 3+ events a month to connect & feel inspired
💜 A kind, creative community (hundreds of people all over the world!)
🩵 Daily digests and gentle push notifications to brighten your day

Join from your phone or computer—no strings attached. Just joy. 🤩

Let this be the one thing that makes you feel better today. 🤸🏻‍♀️

➡️ Tap to join for free now → Uncustomary.org/Positive-Pulse

🎵 Music licensed via Envato Elements
Track: “Valentine” by MrClaps
License Code: YRU34J5C62

#MentalHealthSupport #JoyIsRevolutionary #YouDeserveToFeelGood #PositivePulse #SelfExpressionMatters #HealingTogether #CommunityCare #NoMoreToxicPositivity #AltJoy #GentleSupport #RealConnection #MerrimentMaking #FreeMentalHealthResources #FindYourPeople #JoyIsYourBirthright #YouBelongHere #MutualSupport #FeelGoodTools #UncustomaryCommunity #JustJoyNoPressure
111 FM isn’t self-help. It’s soul-spark radio. 111 FM isn’t self-help. It’s soul-spark radio. 🔥📻✨
If any of these sound like you, you belong here. 🦋
Comment your favorite slide. Then go claim your spot. 🎧

→ uncustomary.org/111

#AltGirlVibes #WeirdGirlsClub #InnerChildHealing #AlternativeCulture #HappinessHabits #DailyJoyPractice #CreativeWeirdos #EmbraceYourWeird #SoulfulLiving #SoftRebellion #MirrorTalks #AltAesthetics #EmotionalExpression #BeYourOwnMuse #UnmaskYourself #FeelGoodRebellion #AltSelfCare #SelfIdentityJourney #JoyfulWeird
📞 I made you a hotline you can call anytime. W 📞 I made you a hotline you can call anytime.

Want something to make you smile? 

✨ Just dial (240)-623-5414 and listen to the outgoing message.

Then, if you want, leave me a voicemail. 🤳 You can vent, ask a question, or request a weird prompt for feeling better.

💌 I MIGHT even turn your question into a pep talk or a resource inside 111 FM (the secret frequency of joy).

Need a prompt? Ask the Merriment Hotline about:

🩷 How to feel joy when you're burnt out
💛 What to say to your inner critic
🩵 How to stop holding it all in
💜 Or just… what to do when you feel nothing

You never have to leave a message—but if you do, it could spark something really cool.

🔗 Want more joy on demand? Join the frequency: uncustomary.org/111

🎵 Music licensed via Envato Elements
Track: “This Is 80s” by StudioKolomna
License Code: C3495TMAKZ

#MerrimentHotline #JoyHotline #FeelGoodTools #VoiceNoteTherapy #PepTalksOnDemand #EmotionalSupportHotline #MentalHealthHelp #CreativeHealing #AltSelfCare #InnerChildSupport #SelfSoothingIdeas #NervousSystemRegulation #EmotionalFreedom #HealingIsWeird #FeelGoodFrequency #TalkToMeNice #PermissionToFeel #EmbraceYourWeird #BurnoutRecovery #SafeSpaces
Follow on Instagram



  • Terms & Privacy
Powered by WordPress