I am an inveterate postage stamp buyer.
Notice I said buyer, not collector. That is an important distinction. I do not hoard mint sheets or plates as a philatelist. In fact, I am not a philatelist at all. I don’t “philate” in any way. I consume. I engage. I use. Some stamps are historical. Some stamps are beautiful. Some are masterpieces of visual erudition. I am interested in stamps for what they say about the sender.
Today, Aug. 1, I am stocking up on stamps. Usually, my selection is based on how the receiver will interpret my rationale(s) for using them. These vary. Each stamp makes a different subliminal statement. I want the receiver to notice my choice, and respond.
I decided to complete the year using only one variety of stamp: I purchased 10 sheets of the Goodnight Moon series. Collectively, they soothe my soul. Margaret Wise Brown’s story and Clement Hurd’s illustrations are perfect self-contained stamp statements. Calm in perilous times.
Thank you, USPS. Thank you, postmaster. Thank you, Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee.
Goodnight United States of America.
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