Dear Mother and Father, As you know I have been in Ballarat for two months now. I thought I would inform you of some things that happen on the goldfields. We get up early at 6 am and have a quick cuppa and some oats. We then head off to the diggings to get the best spot and start to mine. I have been panning, it is hard work but it is rewarding. I usually finish at 4 pm and I might walk to the general store and buy groceries if I have the money. Once every second week I will ride my horse to the outskirts of town and buy a few candles. The candles are made of different kinds of fat so it stinks up the entire town. For dinner we will usually have mutton and potatoes and a cup of tea. Life here is hard. You only wash twice a week and the mines make every part of your body ache. For entertainment I will play Gaelic football and cricket. But I also love to dance and my favourite dance is the heel toe polka. The entire town will jump around and laugh until late at night. They recently opened a bowling alley in town and that is a special place to take the wife if I have had a good week with the gold. You will be pleased to hear we have a church here now and attend services on Sunday. Drinking is the ruin of most men on the goldfields. I have a group of friends and we all look after each other. Especially when Mi gets racially teased. We will look after him and he is a really nice person. The group consists of Jack, Sean my mate who travelled to the goldfields with me from Sydney, Mi and James. We have our houses next to each other and we mine next to each other. I have had ups and downs during my time here so far. My biggest difficulty was when I didn’t have enough money for a miners licence. Luckily Sean bailed me out when he bought me one and later I did the same for him. Another difficulty was when the Eureka Stockade came about. I was one of the men to hoist the flag in the air. I was in the front lines and I was so close to being shot. But I struck it rich when I found a nugget just south of Ballarat. I found it when I was riding my horse down to a little town north of Melbourne. It was small and I panned all the alluvial gold around it and I earned 100 pounds. Sean had the yellow jaundice and he lost 6 weeks of work at the diggings before he was able to work again. I had to pan as hard as two men. The weather has been real dry and hot and the dust gets into everything. One day when I have made my fortune we will be home to see you all, I am sure it will be soon. Yours affectionately Alexander

Dearest Laura,     I forgot what's it like back home. All I know is it's hell here. I want to forget the faces of the soldiers I saw die in Verdun and in Arris. I want to forget the terrible bayonet wounds that-God knows-I had been unable to treat. I feel terribly disillusioned with myself and the world. Should I cast this medal into the river? The medal that reminds me of all the lives that were lost. By the time you're reading this, I would have journeyed deep into the jungle. Take care.  Sincerely, Thomas Sheldon

*Arthur Schopenhauer*

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words. Robert Frost

Marriages we regard as the happiest are those in which each of the partners believes he or she got the best of it. Sydney J. Harris

The head never rules the heart, but just becomes it's partner in crime. 

Dear Shinsuke, I do not wish to keep distracting you with my letters, but I found this gorgeous paper and I simply had to use it. I haven't received any of the letters you may have written in the past three weeks, but Jenny said that the post here is terrible and they are probably either late or lost. I really hope they didn't lose them, because your letters fill me with happiness, and I keep them all. [newpage] My new friends took me out for my birthday yesterday! We had a picnic, went to the Natural History Museum, went punting, and also visited the botanic gardens! The sun was warm, without burning our skin, the breeze was cool and soft and pleasant, its sound soothing to our ears as it danced through the leaves, and the food, which the girls prepared themselves, delicious. [newpage] Nick tried to help too but his cooking skills left much to be desired. After Jenny mentioned something about food poisoning, we decided to remove Nick from the kitchen. They got me a birthday cake too! Even though I am not a big fan of sweet things, I appreciated the gesture and even enjoyed a slice. They are all very funny, sweet people, with kind hearts; I am sure you would get along well. [newpage] I have told them about you, and how good a friend you are - don't worry, I haven't mentioned the *** or the *** and definitely not that we have *** - and they are all keen to meet you. Too bad about the distance; perhaps sometime in the distant future. The Natural History Museum was small, but it was still a pleasant visit. It makes you think about how ephemeral life is. [newpage] One moment you are roaming the earth, king of terror, free to do as you please and eat whomever you want, and the next you are history, irritating teenagers making fun of your short hands - they were not that short, they were as long as they needed to be, okay?! - and the fact you couldn't use them to hug anyone. Ah, such is life. How beautiful, wondrous and bitter at the same time. [newpage] Punting was the most fun I'd had in a while! The guys kept splashing each other, and we almost tipped our boat over, trying to fight for the best seats! My hair got wet, but I didn't even mind! The scenery was beautiful, even though the waters were brown, though I didn't take any photos, since I did not trust my camera out so close to the water, with everyone splashing, pushing and giggling. [newpage] Last but not least, the botanic gardens were calm and peaceful, the perfect end to the day. There was something rather nostalgic and romantic about them. Nick told me a story about them, where two lovers are separated after their long and perilous adventure together, forced to live in parallel universes, which both have the same botanic gardens, despite the many differences between them. [newpage] Once a year they would sit on the same bench and silently spend some time with each other, knowing that even though they shall never be able to touch, hear, or see one another again, they would always be close, always there. Even in different universes, they would never be without each other. After that we returned to the halls, and went to our rooms, exhausted. [newpage] I watched a few episodes of 'Women who ask what's more important work or me deserve a German suplex' and then went to sleep. I dreamt of you, I think. How is your summer going, Shinsuke? I wish you would tell me how you have been spending your days. I try not to wonder why you have been avoiding that one simple question of mine, yet I can't help but worry. [newpage] I am a little upset, I must admit, at the lack of contact. I know that I shouldn't be and I should just focus on the course, and I have been, but I can't control it. Before I left I felt close to you. I got used to your presence, maybe more than I should have, and now I feel restless without it. I apologise, it was my mistake to drop my defences like I did. [newpage] I understand you are busy, I just… I suppose I hoped that… you are my friend… my dearest friend… and… to me, a little more than that too. Anyway, you must have other things on your mind, I do not doubt you, and I do not want you to feel obliged to communicate with me. If you are indeed so busy, I shouldn't be pestering you with all these letters.

Dearest Mother and Father, All is well. I was captured by the confederates while my troop and I were engaged in battle. I have seen the hand of the Lord as I was sent to Camp Asylum in North Carolina. My knee was severally ruptured during combat contributing to the decision to send me here. The grounds are full of loons, tis' truly an asylum. A hospital is located on grounds, they have sent me here to treat my knee and enable me for work. I pray that I may be released or rescued before my knee is healed and I am sent to another prisoner of war camp. I hope you receive this letter. God bless you all. -Merritt Written by Allison Case

Dear Alyssa, Today I got to go back home to Germany from concentration camp. It really sucked I thought I wasn't going to make it through it. I survived and I am thankful. While we were in hiding Peter asked if I would date him. I told him I will think about it. While, we were in concentration camp all I kept thinking about was Peter. I kept hoping that he was alive and makes it through this camp. when I would sleep I had dreams about our future together. So when concentration camp was over. Everyone went back to their home town. So when I saw Peter again I ran up and hugged him tightly. I said to him " Remember when we were at hiding you asked me if I would date you?". He looked at me with a puzzled face and said " yes why Anne?". I looked at him and smiled and said " I've been thinking about it a lot and I never knew I was in love with you until I was without you so.. yes I would like to date you Peter!". He was so excited he didn't know what to say. Then, we hugged and I looked at him and smiled I was never so happy as this day in my life. I told him " there's something I've been meaning to tell you Peter". He looked at me and said " well, what is it Anne?". I looked at him and said " I am in love with you Peter Vann Daan!"

Dear Wendy, I finally found the treasure.Take a quick ticket to Los Angeles, the train will be leaving at 6 oclock. Hurry up. P.S dont forget to bring food, Im starving! Best wishes, Michelle.

Mon Cher, Tu est parfait pour moi. Chaque moment passé avec toi me fait tomber avec vous. Je veux être avec toi mon amour. Je pense toujours à toi. Je t'aime de tout mon coeur Chad. Toi et moi contre le monde. Je t'aime, Amber'Ley

My Dearest Elaine, Valentine's Day is supposed to be a day in which couples express their love for each other in various ways. It now feels funny to me, because we show and say how much we love one another every single day. If that's what Valentine's Day is, then we celebrate it every day. It is because of you that I truly know what love feels like. I still remember that day clearly.[newpage] It was like a light was turned on, and it finally became clear. This is exactly how love is supposed to feel. Each day since then our little love bubble has grown stronger, and bigger. Each day it feels that our hearts join together a little more. Now with Gracie in our lives, we have passed that love onto another little person. She will carry the love we share with her for the rest of her life.

Dearest Paige, Casey and Ty: I'm sending Danny back to you this year to help me with my reports. Danny really enjoyed his time at your house last year, and he's very excited to be back with you again! Christmas Day is very near, so have fun and enjoy Danny during his visit. Please take good care of my little elf and be good to one another and listen to your mom and dad. I'll see you soon! Love, Santa Claus

Dear Will Rogers, Happy birthday cowboy! You made many people laugh, think and above all smile. You are missed my friend! Sincerely, Your #1 fan

Hey Rob, Thank you so much for coming out yesterday! We all had a great time and it was a pleasure speaking with you. Here is a link to Cathryn's blog: http://washingtonsquareparkblog.com/ And Mike's blog: http://gammablog.com/ I'll stay in touch Rob! Best, Vram P.S., vintagemailmaker is one of Benjamin Nitti's side projects (he was at Romio last night, too).

What are the songs the mother sings? Of birds and flowers and pretty things; Baby lies in her arms and spies All his world in the mother's eyes. What are the tales the mother tells? Of gems and jewels and silver bells;

Whitechapel,London April 11th, 2012 Dear Friends This is just a quick note to say thank you for all your support, wishes and prayers during the last month when I received a kidney transplant. Little did I think nine years ago when I became ill in Crete, that things would take so long in coming together to receive such a precious gift. I dearly and publicly like to thank the donor, his kind and thoughtful family in agreeing to donate his vtal organs to help others like me and I urge you to sign on the the register too.

April 11th 2012 London Dear Friends This is just a quick note to say thank you for all your support, wishes and prayers during the last month. Little did I think nine years ago when I became ill in Crete, that things would take so long in coming together to receive such a precious gift. I dearly and publicly like to thank the donor, his kind and thoughtful family in agreeing to donate his vtal organs to help others like me and I urge you to sign on the the register too.

February 16, 2012 Good Morning Maximilian, You are the most life-changing experience I have been blessed with, shared with the arrival of your brother. Hope you have a wonderful day and bring joy to someone else today, too. I will always love you. Your mother, Eve

February 16, 2012 Good Morning Tucker, You the are most life-changing experience I have been blessed with, shared with the arrival of your brother. Have a wonderful day and bring joy to someone else today, too. I will always love you. Your mother, Eve

Diego, my love, Remember that once you finish the fresco we will be together forever once and for all, without arguments or anything, only to love one another. Behave yourself and do everything that Emmy Lou tells you. I adore you more than ever. Your girl, Frida (Write me)

Dear Lee, Happy Valentine's Day. Will you be mine? Love, Sarah

Dearest William, I love you with my whole heart, for as long as I shall live. You are my love, my life, my rock. Yours Always, Theresa

For you today I send this gift A simple one you see It is All my love That is my gift For you And it's sent From me For Alltid Happy Valentine's Day

What if it rained? We didn't care She said that someday soon the sun was gonna shine. And she was right, this love of mine, My Valentine As days and nights, would pass by I tell myself that I was waiting for a sign Then she appeared, a love so fine, My Valentine And I will love her for life And I will never let a day go by without remembering the reasons why she makes me certain that I can fly And so I do, without a care I know that someday soon the sun is gonna shine And she'll be there This love of mine My Valentine

Dear Friends, We have many things to be thankful for this year at VintageMailMaker.com including your support and patronage. Along with this card we wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!!! - The Vintage Mail Maker Team

Happy Halloween 2011