Sandbook Net PenPals and Swappers Magazine, Feb 2011, issue 4 by Sandbook Net

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 4

FEBRUARY ‘11

SANDBOOK PENPALS AND SWAPPERS

THE MAGAZINE

St. Valentine

VERONA cit y of love

FEATURES : • International Couples • Write Around the World • Candlemas • Going Postal • Fashionista

AUTHORS

EDITORIAL

Guest Authors:

Fabienne Fries Toy Voyagers

Beauty Brite Fashionista

Josh Cowan World Traveler: St. Kitts

Dear Sandbookers,

It is half way through the winter and you are with your favorite Penpal and Swappers’ Magazine: SandbookNet. On the pages of the February issue you will find useful information about Penpalling and Correspondence, interesting information about cool websites and of course articles about the special events and days in this month. Yes, you have guessed – St. Valentine is just around the corner and we have been investigating it and managed to dig up a lot of amazing information. Are you eager to read it?! I thought so! Once again, it’s the “Month of Love” as I like to call it, so we would love to thank you all for the love and support for our magazine! Without you, there is no magazine! Amour, amour, amour! Love is in the air! So Happy St. Valentine’s Day!

Raia and the Sandbook.Net Team www.sandbook.net

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Ria Cabral 100% Army Wife Postcard Story,

Thank you for taking part in issue 4, February 2011!

Cover: GAYA DESIGNS Editor: Raia Alexieva Graphic Designer: Aspeia Alexieva / GAYA DESIGNS IT administration: Jason Dimitrov Photography: Manuela Balocco Production Coordinator: Raia Alexieva Junior Associate: Milen Mangarudov Team Authors : Gregory J.Lentz / Samantha Stroy/ Raia Alexieva / Bea from PenPalling and Letters / Rae from Glass Completely Empty Productions / Teresa Wodehouse / Melanie Anzalone. Information is correct at press time.

CONTACT US Make sure that you stay informed for the latest news: Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandbook Add us as a friend on Facebook: http://facebook.com/sandbooknet And join our Facebook Group: http://on.fb.me/SBNgroup And join our Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/SBNpage Read our blog at: sandbooknet.blogspot.com Visit us on our website: www.SandBook.Net

IN THIS ISSUE

Rach Gee Write around the world The Gift of Giving Birthday Twins

Going Postal

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Teresa Wodehouse

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Erika Millares Candlemas

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Ideas for St. Valentine

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International Couples

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100 Ways to Say...

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Samantha’s Thoughts

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Samantha Stroy

Traditions & saint valentine 28 Candlemas 33 Army Wife 34 Romeo and Juliet 46 Ideas for St. Valentine 48 The gift of giving 54 Valentine Photo Share 56 Lost penpal 58 PenPal and Swappers Ads 68 Mercury: PenPalling has its own planet 69 Penpalling Connections 70 International Couples 76 100 Ways to say “I love you” 78 Surviving St. Valentine’s Day 82 Samantha’s thoughts

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Tips on Letter Writing

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Penpalling & Letters

Correspondence 6 Write around the world 10 Going postal 16 Postcard Story 18 Tips on Letter writing 24 Toy voyagers

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Gregory J. Lentz

2 Editorial 4 Contents

photo by Manuela Balocco

AUTHORS

91 Gaya Designs 92 World Traveler: Saint Kitts 94Fashionista 96 Birthday twins 98 Next Issue 99 Subscribe

Manuela Balocco Verona: The City of Romeo & Juliet Raia Alexieva Editorial

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WRITE AROUND THE WORLD

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“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Competition 2 The second competition works like this:

email me with your name, age, location and why you love pen-palling. It really is that simple!

If you sign up to take part in the film between now and March 25th, I will pick one random person to receive an envelope of stationery and stickers. Signing up is easy! Just

Right now, I’m writing and preparing to film the FAQ’s for you. These videos will show you have to do basic lighting using what you have around your home, as

well as tell you how to make your video look as great as possible. It might sound daunting now but, trust me, it’s not! It’s really easy to make a simple interview look great! If anyone does have any questions, the GCE inbox is always open and we’ll respond to questions and requests as quickly

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For the film, and for the exhibition, we want to use the cards which are sent us to create a postcard wall. We want it to be a visual, physical example of how widespread and popular pen-palling is.

It will also give a chance to those who may not have visited a place to see it. Imagine if someone looked at the postcard you sent and decided to visit for even take up penpalling! We have the power to touch people’s lives, to influence and inspire them! Are you going to waste this opportunity? I do hope not.

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On March 11th 2011, I will spread all the cards out on the floor of my office and the first one which

my fickle “office manager” (aka Office Cat) picks will win the selection of postcards.

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Email me at: rae@ glasscompletelyempty. co.uk and include the subject line “Postcard Competition”. I’ll reply with my postal address. Please include the name that you sign letters/ postcards with so that we can identify you if you are the winner.

Send me a postcard, preferably of somewhere in your country (doesn’t have to be where you live) with a message about why pen-palling and letter writing is so special to you.

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Competition 1

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Unfortunately, I hate telling people that it could be several years before the film makes an appearance. It’s heart-breaking and you can understand why some people don’t want to get involved. However, on the upside, because this is a small production and there’s not going to be a lot of running around trying to get permission from various bigwigs of various companies, the film may

those who are curious, Write Around The World was nicknamed Project Y until we But I’m not making any released the full name of it). promises so please don’t take that as gospel! I don’t At the time of writing, the want to be getting emails numbers of those who are on August 11th 2012 asking involved are slowly but where the film is! On the steadily growing. Thank downside, there are all kinds you to everyone who has of things which can delay a been in touch and offered film, from personal problems themselves as interview down to getting permission subjects. If you do want to be from someone to use a clip a part of this project, please of music or footage. I said feel free to get in touch. You’ll that there shouldn’t be any find all of my contact details problems in that department at the end of this article. I but, unlike the fictional films promise that I don’t bite and that most of us go and see at that I’m actually a really nice the cinema, you can’t predict person! how a documentary is going to work out. I learned this on While we gather people, we another project (Project X for at GCE Productions (I really those of you who are part of can’t be bothered to type it the Glass Completely Empty out every time! I’m loathed Facebook page). It went into for choosing such a long pre-production early last company name!) are running year and stalled because of competitions to keep as all a communication problem. amused. If you go over to It wasn’t anyone’s fault; life the Facebook page (search just got in the way for us all for “Glass Completely Empty and it’s gone on hold for a Productions” and look for while. That is the nature of the pink glass. Or follow the documentary film-making; link at the end of this article), you have no idea what it will you’ll find the competitions throw at you next. But, while listed on there. The one we that Project X still in a holding are currently running is for pattern somewhere in my an envelope of brand new, head, there is this wonderful unused UK postcards. And project to talk about! (For here’s how you can win them!

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I say this because I adore receiving emails wanting to know when the film will be out and when people can watch it. It’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm from people who I have never met. That enthusiasm, passion, hope, love and support is what keeps this project floating along and I thank everyone who is involved and who is constantly walking beside me. You are all wonderful human beings and living proof that there are beautiful, kind and helpful people out there. Thank you!

well be with us in the next 18 months.

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Documentaries are a lot of work and, from the initial idea until absolute completion, it can take between 5 and 10 years before a film is finished.

as possible. I believe that, for now, is everything. I wish everyone a good month and I look forward to hearing from you all! Office Cat http://tinyurl.com/GCEoffice-cat

GOING POSTAL

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Miscellaneous crazy town names: Hopeulikit, Georgia Knockemstiff, Ohio

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Mmmmmmm -- I’m hungry! S a n d w i c h , Massachusetts Cookietown, Oklahoma Candy Town, Ohio Hershey, Pennsylvania Bacon, Delaware C h e e s e t o w n , Pennsylvania Cheeseville, Wisconsin Cheeseville, California Cranberry Marsh, Wisconsin Rabbit Hash, Kentucky Bread Loaf, Vermont Whitebead, Oklahoma Beans, New Hampshire Oatmeal, Texas Two Egg, Florida Goose Egg, Wyoming Toast, North Carolina Chocolate Bayou, Texas Milkwater, Arizona Buttermilk, Arkansas Buttermilk, Kansas Coke, Virginia Tea, South Dakota Coffee City, Texas Coffee Creek, Montana Hot Coffee, Mississippi Pie, West Virginia Twin Peaks, California Yum Yum, Tennessee

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Chevrolet, Kentucky Dodge, Massachusetts Dodge City, Kansas Ford, Mississippi Plymouth, Michigan Pontiac, Michigan

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Ria has a very interesting blog which follows the wonders and challenges of being a military family: Our Life As An Airforce

Family at Such categories and place http://affamilycabral. names are as follows: blogspot.com/ This town’s really You can follow, view, and alive with activity! even purchase some of Deadmans, Ohio her works here: Ria Cabral Deadman Landing, Florida Photography at http:// Deadman Crossing, Ohio riacabralphotography. Deadmans Corner,Wyoming blogspot.com/ Deadmans Corner, Maine Dead Mans Crossing, Indiana A recent interest and Dead Women Crossing, endeavor of hers is Oklahoma researching and collecting post marks and stamps. She Get the bug spray has collected postcards and Mosquitoville, Vermont stamps for sometime, but Fleatown, Ohio has recently announced a Flea Valley, California desire to create and publish Ticktown, Virginia a book about the history Tick Bite, North Carolina of the postal service and to Bug Hill, North Carolina showcase the varying and Roach, Nevada interesting postal markings Roaches, Illinois from all over the U.S. and Cricket Corner, New abroad! Whether you are Hampshire an avid pen pal, stamp Cricket Hill, Georgia collector, or postcard nut, it Grasshopper Junction, all goes through the postal Arizona service with stamps and Shoofly, North Carolina postal makings from their Spider, Kentucky journey across the world. Spiderweb, South Part of her book will feature Carolina artistic renders of postcards with the subject matter Heaven only of some very differently knows?! named places such as Angel City, Texas Deadhorse, Alaska and Angel Fire, New Mexico Pontiac, Michigan- of which Angels Camp, California I have offered to participate Angeltown, Tennessee with. She has created Heavenly Hills, California several categories of these Heavenly Valley, California places by which she hopes Little Heaven, Delaware to send postcards of these Where did I leave places, to these places, to my keys!? receive post markings for Accord, Massachusetts her collection and book. Cadillac, Michigan

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Ria is also a mother and wife, her family is a military family here in the States and they have recently located from New Mexico to the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota (Brrrrr t a d what a difference I hare ily s d n am sure at this point nt a r da be se ple of he own o t t in the season!). She sh il ar xam of ma eived an e postcard ything n e m has met the change P r e fo ally rec red e an like u m t ld of b a r o s e n o f u a t of local with great are ac tc ish , or eW ll nd sh ce a day! I de gold-f id the ar the letter n th e i a w s e enthusiasm a st on homema he has s e, within ative and s for c Tal a i t e l s a RL a and creativity nt lop cre 1) e. S rt, as the pag the enve ple, yet e are the U r own: al: Fa ing (Part a t m s o o r f r as an artist e im s on on p he gP here drawing card- a s edium! H as one of storie g for Goin nd Swap tz f o t l (handmade and s n a m l i s n a serie be look pals from ldfish-po of mixed rt of as we Pals egory Le y l / h t m l o e photographic a r t.co mon th I wil ld of pen the g iated piec s she is a p by G gspo m/ n er a r o f l o f o b c . t o m w and digital e sblog gspot.co om/ appr wo projec g to ld! Each out the r n e i t p t e o t h ab or graphics), .blo 65l ot.c these I am ss the w to share ng tp://3 ailart365 or.blogsp t o l h a : o s r s s t a k i n g e r irr //m oi all ac ting stori Lette 65: http: /riaviewm ta wh hat’s just 5 o 6 k s a 3 e advantage 3 r / t inte apping! rth D do, but d artist ilArt ror: http: o a N M a w of North r an Mir ion . from and s View Ria C stcard afic tographe ily (on and a e i v R Dakota’s a th I h and po nted pho and fam ess! n o natural This m en palling also a tale er friends ughtfuln ts and s o h p s e i h e r t e z beauty a u Ria nd inte tim rters! ases to am reativity a apping ome of yo a t s a n d r w fo ver ce with her c ng and s deavors s in on! On e n o h e r d en alli wh ebook) join taske c pen p nteresting want to s a r a F e h f : f h e i ts o t n very ursui migh m) sh ded i inherent talent Inclu es are two or may ogspot.co triguing p ommit w l in c ti o i b y ( s v l n r i i t k e z g c y a b and creativity. She a r a lo dy mem two c alrea rror b ter a d may View Mi ipating in 65, where st one let create also designs here own a 3 ia ic o her R with part so MailArt nding at le se!) and t postcards for swap f l r l e herse ters, and a ting and s 65, of cou and sale based on her 3 ri et 365L elves to w r (hence wonderful eye for color a s them whole ye and composition. I e for th received this MINOT AFB postcard she had made from photography and graphic designs:

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Do you or anyone you know live in any of these places (or close by)? Are their any creativity individuals who could offer some amazing original art based on the names of these places? If so contact Ria (airforcewifecabral@gmail.com) and maybe you could help out! It’s a fantastic interest and project to at least follow if not to be a part of!

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Lame Deer, Montana Running Deer, Virginia White Deer, Pennsylvania Sleeping Buffalo, Montana Monkey Box, Florida Monkey Run, Missouri Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky Possum Trot, Kentucky Possum Grape, Arkansas Elephant Butte, New Mexico Elephant Park, Colorado Bearmouth, Montana Tiger, Oklahoma Tiger Bay, Florida Turkey Scratch, Arkansas Billy Goat Hill, Alabama Goat Town, Georgia Bat Cave, North Carolina Dogtown, California

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Cut and Shoot, Texas Slaughterville, Oklahoma Jot‘Em Down, Texas Rough And Ready, California Faggarts Crossroads, NC. Coward, South Carolina Spunky Puddle, Ohio Bridal Veil, Oregon Howey In The Hills, Florida Bug Tussle, Oklahoma Firetown, Connecticut Burns Down, South Carolina Frankenstein, Missouri Goblintown, Virginia Monks Hammock, Louisiana Monks Misery, Maryland Gun Barrel City, Texas Humptulips, Washington Looneyville, Minnesota Looneyville, New York Looneyville, Texas Looneyville, West Virginia Mormon Bar, California Nimrod, Minnesota Scrabble, West Virginia Snapfinger, Georgia Cyclone, Texas Storms, Ohio Hurricane, Utah Wind Blow, North Carolina Tarzan, Texas Tightwad, Missouri What Cheer, Iowa Yazoo City, Mississippi Zigzag, Oregon Hooker, Oklahoma Take that thing outside! Deadhorse, Alaska Horse Head, Virginia Deerhead, New York Horseheads, New York Hungry Horse, Montana Spotted Horse, Wyoming Buffalo Mop, Texas Gray Mule, Texas Mule Barn, Oklahoma Forked Deer, Tennessee

I have one last story to share here, and it again it involves... yehp, Ria! Recently she shared an incredible story that involves postcard collecting that I wanted to include with this article rather than waiting until next month because it is just so FANTASTIC! Ria wrote: It’s no surprise that I am marking down 2010 as a year to be remembered. Although just a random address on a postcard

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The continuation of my interesting hobby has lead me to much enjoyment and a moment I never thought I would see. All it takes is that

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The memories of many years ago washed in, and for a moment I was taken back, as if awakened from a dream. It got me thinking about the curiosity to explore the postal history of some of these cards I

With regards to herself. She is still living in Olveston in a small bungalow with quite a large garden. Bristol is the nearest city about 12 miles away. In the (Gloucestershire) direction is Thornbury, four miles away. Years ago it must have been a quiet market town but now greatly spread around the outskirts. She also talked about the surrounding area and included some postcards to give me an idea of the areas today that she had mentioned. Looking more at the postcards I have in my collection I recently discovered that I have another card which was also addressed to Barbara, sent in 1983 I believe(the year I was born) from a Jacqueline from a location in France. I plan to ask her about that in my next letter.

one special postcard... Next month for the March 11th Issue #4 I hope to have some more Fantastic Tales to share, so please share with me: Gregory Lentz @ Facebook (gj. lentz76@gmail.com), with anything out of the ordinary in the realm of pen pals and swapping (letters, postcards, currency, stamps, craftingswapping..)! I will be sharing as part of Part 2, about a Pay It Forward project that has been passed around friend-to-friend via e-mail and Facebook which deals with emailing or posting to Facebook the status post of creating a homemade craft or artwork to send to five friends or family members who also pass it along and get five more to be involved (who knows where this originated...any ideas or info?), and a very interesting artistic and etymological project that my dear friend Georgina dedicates a part of her day to and shares with her family and friends! And also a little more about my swapping with Ana S. from Portugal, who teaches English, and shares her cards with her students to help them learn the language and culture!

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New Mexico(Nov 2010). I uncovered my collection of postcards, both old and newer, which got me back in to collecting postcards again and exchanging with people via face book and other online communities.

In my mailbox on 1.28.2011 was an envelope from Bristol UK with an address label with the union jack on it. I couldn’t believe it and recognized the address right away. Originally being from UK myself it was a very heartwarming feeling to receive a letter from the UK. She started her correspondence with thanking me for the letter & enclosure. “How astonishing that a card sent to me all these years ago should end up with you in America!” she said. As I read more of the letter it felt like I was sitting in her presence listing to her kind words. She writes beautifully and from the heart. The sender, “Eddie” (Edward Button, Now deceased) was obviously

enjoying his holiday in Gibraltar. The two of them met when in a group visiting Israel. He came from a large farming family in the North of England. Despite being in a “reserve occupation” he chose to serve in the army in WWII.

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I was out in the garage digging through boxedup possessions and miscellaneous junk when I came across treasures

(stamps, and Vintage Postcards. real photo, color postcards, used and unused, some with stamps and postmarks, all originals). What caught my eye the most was the photos and documents from my collection of family tree materials (and I have in my hand postcards that my great grandfather had sent to his wife). Included in with this was the old postcards won from an e bay auction shortly before we moved to North Dakota from

I was even sure of what to write. So I just explained that I received this postcard from an online auction and that I was curious to know about the story behind the card. Even if I could touch base with a family member of whom the postcard was written to it would be worth a go. Chances of receiving something back were slim, but out of curiosity I sent the letter anyway.

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(that I won from an eBay auction), I wrote a letter to the recipient of the postcard, to find a few months later a reply was in my mailbox. Deciding to send that letter was from the heart and with a bit of hope a nice moment was filled when she decided to respond.

had won from eBay. The box had faded over the decades, and the tissue wrap had yellowed, but the magnificent items inside were still miraculously intact. I gently examined each piece, amazed by their beauty and delicate features. But as I was out in the garage looking at these old postcards my mind started to wander, I picked up just one postcard out of the pile which was addressed to a Barbara MacKenzie in Olveston, UK (some 30 + years old). I thought about what was the story behind the postcard. How did they know one another? But mostly I wondered: was she still alive? And if so, would she still be living in the same town? I sent a letter (along with a color copy of the postcard I had) to the last known address. This particular one was amongst the pile of about 7 letters I wrote that day. To be honest

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the old postcards won from an e bay auction shortly before we moved to North Dakota from New Mexico(nov 2010). I uncovered my collection of postcards, both old and newer, which got me back in to collecting postcards again and exchanging with people via face book and other online

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photo, color postcards, used and unused, some with stamps and postmarks, all originals). What caught my eye the most was the photos and documents from my collection of family tree materials (and I have in my hand postcards that my great grandfather had sent to his wife). Included in with this was

his holiday in Gibraltar. The two of them met when in a group visiting Israel. He came from a large farming family in the North of England. Despite being in a “reserve occupation” he chose to serve in the army in WWII. With regards to herself. She is still living in Olveston in a small bungalow with quite a large garden. Bristol is the nearest city about 12 miles away. In the (Gloucestershire) direction is Thornbury, four miles away. Years ago it must have been a quiet market town but now greatly spread around the outskirts. She also talked about the surrounding area and included some postcards to give me an idea of the areas today that she had mentioned. Looking more at the postcards I have in my collection I recently discovered that I have another card which was also addressed to Barbara, sent in 1983 I believe(the year I was born) from a Jacqueline from a location in France. I plan to ask her about that in my next letter. The continuation of my interesting hobby has lead me to much enjoyment and a moment I never thought I would see. All it takes is that one special postcard.

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It’s no surprise that I am marking down 2010 as a year to be remembered. Although just a random address on a postcard (that I won from an ebay auction), I wrote a letter to the recipient of the postcard, to find a few months later a reply was in my mailbox. Deciding

to send that letter was from the heart and with a bit of hope a nice moment was filled when she decided to respond. I was out in the garage digging through boxedup possessions and miscellaneous junk when I came across treasures (stamps, and Vintage Postcards. real

about 7 letters I wrote that day. To be honest I was even sure of what to write. So I just explained that I received this postcard from an online auction and that I was curious to know about the story behind the card. Even if I could touch base with a family member of whom the postcard was written to it would be worth a go. Chances of receiving something back were slim, but out of curiosity I sent the letter anyway. In my mailbox on 1.28.2011 was an envelope from Bristol UK with an address label with the union jack on it. I couldn’t believe it and recognized the address right away. Originally being from UK myself it was a very heartwarming feeling to receive a letter from the UK. She started her correspondence with thanking me for the letter & enclosure. “How astonishing that a card sent to me all these years ago should end up with you in America!” she said. As I read more of the letter it felt like I was sitting in her presence listing to her kind words. She writes beautifully and from the heart. The sender, “Eddie” (Edward Button, Now deceased) was obviously enjoying

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by Ria Cabral

communities. The memories of many years ago washed in, and for a moment I was taken back, as if awakened from a dream. It got me thinking about the curiosity to explore the postal history of some of these cards I had won from eBay. The box had faded over the decades, and the tissue wrap had yellowed, but the magnificent items inside were still miraculously intact. I gently examined each piece, amazed by their beauty and delicate features. But as I was out in the garage looking at these old postcards my mind started to wander, I picked up just one postcard out of the pile which was addressed to a Barbara MacKenzie in Olveston, UK(some 30 + years old). I thought about what was the story behind the postcard. How did they know one another? But mostly I wondered: was she still alive? And if so, would she still be living in the same town? I sent a letter (along with a color copy of the postcard I had) to the last known address. This particular one was amongst the pile of

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pOSTCARD STORY

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Christmas eve and day TIPS ON LETTER WRITING

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PenPalling and Letters is a blog dedicated to correspondence. You can find many interesting articles there together with polls, so feel free to voice out your opinion. There is also a section with interesting links that you can follow and learn more about the wonderful hobby of penpalling!

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Find PenPalling & Letters on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/penpallingandletters

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Renpalling & Letters: www.penpallingandletters.blogspot.com

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As it was told in the post: “Tips to write a first letter”, have in mind that the first letter you send to a pal may be the most important one. Why? Because you have in your hand that this person replies to you or not. I am quoting here one of the paragraphs belonging to this post: “The first letter is the key when starting a penfriendship. In this first letter you have the chance to present yourself in a way that your future penpal should think you are a person worth to be known. Don’t ruin your only possibility of making a very good impression of yourself by writing an uninteresting, awfully boring text or a letter of a very poor quality”. It is clear that you have to put in effort when writing the first letter but don’t become discouraged if you don’t get any reply. Sometimes, even if your letter is an interesting one, the addressee doesn’t reply. This is one of the negative aspects of penpalling, and not always you get an explanation why your letter remains unanswered. Don’t

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by Penpalling and Letters

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photo by MANUELA BALOCCO

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give up, though! If all of us who are into letters would have given up when something like this happened, no-one would be writing letters by now... In these new series of posts about “Letter writing tips” I will be presenting tips and ideas to write successful 20

letters. They should be useful and helpful for everybody, so feel free to use them to your advantage when writing missives.

you found his/her ad and contact data. I think that mentioning this information is important when getting in touch with someone. Since very Here they go the few people post their first ones postal address online, you should write and 1. When contacting explain about this when your new pal, tell where contacting this future

pal through e-mail. 2. Never send mass letters, neither introductory or the next ones you are about to write. Mass letters cause a very poor impression and some people insist on sending those again and again. Of course the basics about yourself are what they are and they cannot be changed,

3. Don’t forget to mention some essential information: gender, age and location. To some people those might not be too important, but others prefer to write to people of their same gender and in a similar age range. Please, be always respectful regarding people’s requests and don’t be annoying. They have but you are mistaken if already made their you think you can write exactly the same text choice. Be sure there are to everybody. If you lots of people out there do, you risk not getting willing to have penpals any reply as people and no doubt you can won’t be interested in find someone else who penpalling with you. is interested in being You should take the your correspondent. time to add some extra details to your basics 4. Use the tips I already and adapt those to each mentioned here to pal you wish to contact write your first letter.

You don’t have to follow them step by step, but I am sure they will be of great help when trying to build your future letter! 5. Don’t force anybody to write you back by any means. You should never make anyone feel obliged to reply to your letter. They will reply if they want and wish to do so. Keep in mind that all of us are different and the person who wrote the ad is the one who decides whom to be penpals with. Also, remember that there are always reasons which explain why people don’t reply and this does not mean they ignore you or that they don’t want to take a few minutes to reply to you. 6. At the same time that it is not advisable to insist too much if someone does not seem interested in being our pal, don’t give up and don’t feel discouraged if you receive several negative replies or you don’t receive a reply at all. As I said above, even if you write a good, meaningful letter it may occur that the addressee does

not reply. Don’t blame yourself, either. There are many reasons why people don’t reply: they already have too many penpals and don’t wish to have more, they consider they have found better penpal matches already, something else is going on in their lives and cannot reply... Also, some people receive lots of requests, and even if a short message declining the petition sounds correct, it gets difficult to send those to a high number of people.

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to. If this person has written and ad you already know some information. Use this info you already know to underline what attracted your attention and got you interested in this person, why you would like to be pals and why she/ he should become your penpal and start writing to you...

Once that you have decided to start writing letters and got involved in penpalling, have in mind the structure of a letter, learnt how to address an envelope and remember some tips to start with the first letter and some other general ones: Tips on letter writing I you find yourself in front of a sheet of paper... You shouldn’t feel totally lost because you know you have help from the tips we have already discussed. At first there is a feeling of lack of practice for sure (doubts because 21

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you still do not know how to get started or what to write) but it will disappear as soon as you get immersed in letter writing and get confident and comfortable with your writing.

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However, you should have in mind you have to write a clean, tidy, decent letter. No-one wishes to receive a scribbled letter in a torn paper. Be sure that if you send such a letter not only won’t you get any reply but your letter will end up in the waste bin. Cute stationery is one of those accesories that cannot be separated from the letter-writing world. However, if you don’t have the possibility to get such kind of beautiful papers, don’t worry! (Note: you can download and print stationery/ writing papers/ decorated papers for free by checking 22

this link: Penpalling Connections and go to “Free Stationery”). After all it is the content which matters and not the papers on which the text is written! As I said before any kind of paper is fine as far

as you are clean and tidy when writing a letter. The look of the letter definitely counts to cause a great impression to your new pal or just the opposite! Do you prefer to handwrite a letter? Then make sure that your handwriting is readable and neat. If your penpal

finds herself/himself trying to decipher your writing as it would be a hieroglyphic be careful! It is possible that she/ he gives up at the first try. In such a case, I recommend you to try to be very careful

and take the time and patience to write in a legible way... If not, you always can type your letter if this is a good solution for both your pal and you! When writing check about mistakes and misspelling. Of course all of us do mistakes, especially

if you are writing in a foreign language it can be difficult for begginners and nonnatives sometimes, but a letter full of mistakes and errors is not nice to read at all, especially because of carelessness. Be sure it harms the eyes! When writing a letter never use that chat slang which, sometimes, you can see online. For example, in English: Gr8 2 see u. I would never reply to a letter written like that and I am sure that many people out there wouldn’t, either. Such way of writing harms the eyes as well! So remember to be careful and organized when writing a letter. It is about to cause a good impression to your new pal and get a reply back! You will see how much joy and happiness it will bring to you!

GAYA DESINGS GRAPHIC AND WEB DESINGS WWW.REDSKYATMORNING.NET

toyvoyagers about it.

much nice places already. It is wonderful. When you send an own toy on its travel you

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yo u r s e l f, w h a t toyvoyagers.com is, or? I can tell you a bit

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community and you can your corner and would have a lot of fun on this like to show them to website. little tourists which arrive in an envelope? Do you have a little Hey folks, toy that is cute and Why do I ask these My name is Fabienne you don’t like it too questions? Because if and today I want to much? But maybe you you answered one of write something about think it would look these questions with my favourite website nice on photos? Or you “YES”, then you should in the World Wide Web. have nice landscapes, visit www.toyvoyagers. It is not about pen UNESCO sites or other com and maybe even palling, but it is a great famous places around join it. Now you are ToyVoyagers - little toys travelling the world by Fabienne Fries blackpearl100@web.de

What do you have from it? A lot of fun! I am a member myself and I can proudly say that I am at that website since 2008 and I love it more and more each year. It is a great community and the toys are so cute. I love to host them and I love to see my own toys travelling around the world. They saw so

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ToyVoyagers.com is the place for fans of Toys who want to send little toys on a travel around the world and the place for people who love to show a little toy around their place. You can join this website when you are over 16 no matter where you are from. Everyone is welcome and be sure that everyone can host a toy, if they want to. If you host a toy it means, that the toy comes to you in an envelope (or package if it is a

bigger one) and wants to stay around a month. It wants to see where you life, what you do all day long and such stuff. You can take it to work, go shopping with it or show it the nicest places around your home. All you have to do while doing this is making photos of the little toy with the toy and the other stuff inside the picture, so you can show it in the travelog of the toy.

should be aware. Don’t choose a toy that you really love. It could get lost in the mail, it could happen that it falls out of the bag of the host and is lost or it could get stolen or something like that. Maybe the host gets inactive and it stays with him/her. So you should really think of which toy you would like to send

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on a travel. Cute toys have bigger chances to find a host really soon. It shouldn’t be too big, as it is expensive to send a package. As long as it fits in an envelope it is okay. Some members host even bigger toys, but I have to say it is a lot more difficult to find a host for them.

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I have to say that we have a lot of members that are 20 and older. We even have grandmothers in our community and we all get along really good. It is a lot of fun to talk with so much different people about one theme and we always have fun. Once in a year the Golden Bear Award is held. It is like an Oscar for the best photos in different themes, the best travelogs and best Newcomer. You can always be proud when you win a price like this, even if you don’t get something for it.

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So if you want to see your toy travelling and would love to show a toy around your hometown and other nice places, then visit www. toyvoyagers.com and join the community. The first 5 travellers are free, after that you have to buy little tags, but 5 toys are a lot already and the tags are not that expensive. I would love to see you there.

for an envelope with a toy inside is not that cheap like a normal letter. You should think of that before hosting too much toys at one moment. Registered mail would be nicer to send, as the toy is safe then, so you should think about your money situation before hosting too much toys at one time. There are no other costs! Only if you want to make more than 5 travelling toys yourself or if you have to buy new toys for it! Postage is the only thing that is always coming up. If you have questions after joining the website, you can always contact me. My nickname there is BlackCat. I would love to know who joins this website because of this article, so feel free to write me a message. I am there for your questions and open to host your toy in Germany.

Joining the website is free, Have fun, but don’t forget that postage Fabienne Fries 26

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CANDLEMAS

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by Erika Millares Hello from Mexico! In this time, I would like to talk about another tradition in Mexico, which is the Candlemas or Candelaria day. It’s a catholic tradition very popular along the country and it’s also a fusion of ancient traditions with Catholic beliefs, since Mexico was a Spanish 28

colony centuries ago. Candle mass name comes from the tradition of bringing candles to the church to be blessed, and this holiday is celebrated on Februrary 2nd every year. This holiday is linked to Christmas holidays (yes, we could say that our holiday season finishes on February 2nd) and especially to the

Three Kings day, because on January 6th is when kids receive presents and also families get reunited to have some special bread named “Rosca de Reyes”. Inside this bread there are hidden a few small figurines that represent baby Jesus and the ones who find them will be the ones to make some tamales (Tamal is a corn

flour dumpling filled up with pork, beef or chicken and sauce if they’re salty; and the sweet ones usually have pineapple or raisins filling; both options are wrapped up in corn husks) and atole (a traditional Mexican hot and sweet drink made of milk and thickened with corn flour) for everyone on Candlemas day.

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wonder about the prices, well I asked inTalavera street and a ceramic doll of 45cm costs an average price of $230 Mexican pesos(about $18.50 USD or $14 euros) but well, it’s not necessary to buy a brand a new one every year. In fact, the family just gets one for several years (let’s say 1020 years), if gets a crack or the color

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That’s only o n e p a r t of the t radition, since in Mexico most of families own an image of baby Jesus, in Mexico is also known as “Niño Dios”. This image is a doll made of ceramic most of times, it can be small or big (it may go from 8 cm to 50cm length); and on Christmas Eve a

Godparent is chosen by the family, and this person will have the responsibility to dress up the Niño Dios with nice colorful clothes that may represent a Saint or just white baby clothes, for Candlemas day. The Godparent has the mission of buying the whole new outfit for Baby Jesus. I don’t know if it’s the same in all areas of Mexico, but I can tell, as for my mom, that once that family has chosen the Godparent he or she will have to dress up baby Jesus for the next 5 years in a row. This year my mom is going for the 2nd year dressing up the ceramic doll of one of her friends. About the clothes, well it’s up to Godparent to choose which ones to get, but is also nice to ask to the family if they

have any preference, because sometimes they might not be devoted of a Saint, for example. The only condition is that clothes must be brand new and not the same as previous year. I like to go with my mom to see all the variety of clothes that some stores sell but also there are many stands on the street selling them from the first days of January. In Mexico City, there’s a street in the center city (Talavera Street) that is also known among people as “La Calle del Niño Dios” (Baby Jesus Street in English), because in this street there are many stores specialized in this kind of outfits. You can find there everything you need, from the dress to the socks for baby Jesus figure, and they have plenty of options to just pick one whole outfit or getting everything b y separate. Y o u may

p a i n to pack up and move so often but how many people get to live in as many different places as we do? Look at our life like an adventure story and you’re the main character. Your outlook will determine a good or not so good ending. Without doubt, the military lifestyle can be very demanding. Frequent moves, war-

extended family members love us and want to support us but, often times, they just can’t relate. This is why it is important to seek out groups that can provide you the opportunity to share common experiences, give and receive emotional support, and learn about new resources.

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My husband is very proud of his job in the United States Air Force and I will be there to support him every step of the way. He is a hero that fights for the red, white, and blue and proud he should be because the world will be safe for both you and I because of his sacrifice and dedication to serving our country. My mission during our time as an Air Force family is to take care of myself and the kids and keep things running as smoothly as possible at home when he

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time tension and anxiety, living far from family, and juggling multiple household roles can really take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. As military wives, we’re often the cornerstones of support and strength for our husbands. We provide the continuity for our homes and families. But, it’s important to recognize that we need support too. Our civilian friends a n d

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Maybe it was his courage and patriotism, maybe it was that strong selfconfidence he radiated or maybe it was how he looked in uniform. It was a combination of all of these and more that appealed to me the most, and how I come to fall in love with my airman in the United States A i r Force. I decided to throw in my all with a military man, and how to figure out how to be a military wife at the same time. When I married my husband, lover and best friend Michael Andrew, one ordinary man, with a heart made of gold, who brings all his strengths together when he goes to work every day, I knew I married a very special man. Not only did I marry him but also his military career and everything that comes with being a military wife. Between us we

make the best of it and our life in the Air Force has been good to us. The military life is what you make of it. There are pros and cons to everything. Maintaining a positive attitude is the key to being a successful military wife. Embrace the good, don’t focus on the negative, it’s c o u n t e r p ro d u c t i ve. Sure, it’s a

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http://affamilycabral. b l o g s p o t . com/2010/11/100proud-af-wife.html by Ria Cabral

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or $3.65 Euros) but she could include all the accessories for the same price if I take it right away. This is a common practice in street stands, and it’s not too hard to get good deals. Now, back to the celebration, when Godparent has got the outfit, he or she has to dress up the ceramic doll on the previous day to Candlemas. So when February 2nd comes, the Godparent and the family who owns the ceramic figure, go together to the church to present baby Jesus ceramic image already dressed up with new clothes, inside of a basket adorned with flowers or the figure can be also sit down on a chair; and candles, or even just one big candle, to get blessed during the special masses that are held on this day in all catholic churches in Mexico. After the mass, they go to Godparent’s place to have some tamales and atole to celebrate Candlemas with family and friends. And I have to say that being Godparent of a baby Jesus is something that for some families is like that person was the Godparent of one of their children, since it’s a strong link between him/her and the family.

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shoes missing, costs $85 pesos ($7 USD or $5 Euros), so I think is a good deal, since you can get the shoes in any street stand for $5 pesos (like $0.40 USD or $0.30 Euros). Of course there are many other designs in the stores, the cheapest one costs $20 pesos ($1.60 USD or $1.20 Euros) and the most expensive one I saw costs $420 pesos ($34 USD or $25 Euros) because it has some beads and sequins sew by hand. Generally, the street stands sell all the accessories needed (like socks, shoes, crowns) but fades out through the designs from past years also whole outfits to lower years, there are many (every year they release prices than the stores. places where people different designs!) to They are lower quality restore them for a cheap lower prices. I wanted to sometimes, but some price and it will be in compare a little bit, and a people can’t spend much perfect conditions again. whole white baby outfit money for just one day, About the clothes, there’s 2011 design for a baby so they’re a great option. a very wide variety of Jesus of 35 cm costs I asked for an olive green them, and the price $200 pesos ($16USD or outfit size 35, and the depends also of doll $12 Euros); so I asked lady who sells them told size. In Talavera Street in the outlet store for a me that the price was there are also some similar one in the same $60 pesos ($4.80 USD outlet stores, which sell size, that just had the

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100 % ARMY WIFE

s away with work somewhere. I am going to make sure that he doesn’t have to worry about what is going on back here. I want him to be able to stay mission focused so he can come back to me in one piece. That is the mission I chose as a military spouse and I will carry it out to the best of my abilities. 33

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ROMEO AND JULIET

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“O Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo?”

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W. Shakespeare, “Romeo and Juliet”,

Act II, Scene II, 33-36

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“Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient gr udge break to new mutiny, Where civil bloodmakes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of start-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents’ rage, Which, but their children’s end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”

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William Shakespeare, “Romeo and Juliet”, Act I, Scene I, Prologue

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PHOTO BY MANUELA BALOCCO

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“One fairer than my love? The all-seeing sun Ne’er saw her match since first the world begun.” Act I Scene 2

I am Manuela, a penpaller, swapper and student from Italy. Last december I won a 3 days weekend to Verona, a city 4 hours away from my home town and so I’ve got the chance to visit this beautiful city with my boyfriend. It was 2 weeks before Christmas so all the town was “dressed up” with all the Christmas decorations, lights and candles. All was so romatic and peaceful. There was a Christmas market coming from Germany and the traditionsl fair of Santa Lucia. But what imemdiately crosses everyone’s mind when talking about Verona, is surely the connection that it has with the Shakespearian tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”. Honestly I was all thrilled to go there in order to discover all the “places” narrated in the tragedy. The city of Verona takes its origins between the II and III century b.C. when Romans founded it. A great testimony of Romans origins is the Arena, a building similar to the Colosseum in Rome, but smaller. Even though Verona is the main town of its province, it’s not a chaotic or busy city as I thought. It’s plain and with a little map tourists can easily reach all the famous monuments and buildings. After a quick tour around the city and after buying the “Verona Card” (a card which allows you visiting all the museums of

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by Manuela Balocco

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the town for free paying only the sum of €10 for 1 day and €15 for 3 days), we went to the so called “Shakespearian places”….I was so excited and willing to see with my own eyes all the things I read when I was a teen at High School. The “Casa di Giulietta” (Juliet’s house) is situaded in the middle of a shopping avenue. As soon as you see it, you immediately get familiar with that little yaerd, and, if you turn your head a bit up, you recognize it: the balcony!

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PHOTO BY MANUELA BALOCCO

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“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Act I Scene 5

With these words, Juliet was used to talk from her balcony with Romeo, who secretly was used to come there every night to meet his beloved one. We all know how the story ends. This is the “mother” of all the love stories, the one that wins death, the one that has as protagonist the power of Love filled with pure feelings. This is the nevralgic centre of the whole story, and also, it’s the most crowded place I’ve seen in Verona. Three millions of tourists visit verona every year, and most of them are people that go there just to see that Balcony. Once you enter the house, you

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According to the story (the real story), Shakespeare has never been in Verona and so, I am sorry to say that, the so-called “Shakespearian places” are all the fruit of years and years of idealisation made by people. Anyway, in this legend, the real is melted with the imagination. People from Verona have always stated that the love story between this couple really existed. The first things that has been “found” was Juliet’s tomb, which is nowadays situated inside a Gothic crypt. Honestly, I didn’t like this place just because it was all “written” by (odd) people, and all around you see murales, and then because it’s situated inside a modern building in which you can’t really feel like being “in” the story.

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“What ’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Act II Scene 2

immediately have the perception that there something really happened. I like to think so. The house is decorated with real XII century ornaments and in some rooms there are the authentic scenery custumes used in the “Romeo e Giulietta” 1968 film directed by Franco Zeffirelli. In the yard there’s a bronze statue figuring Juliet. There’s an anecdote about this statue: the legend says that touching her right tit brings luck in love affairs! Obiouvsly I’ve touched it! The walls around the yard are (sadly) all fullfilled with “permanent ink writings” that lovers made during the years. There are written love promises, names of couples and so on. There are evn some post-its attached on the walls with…chewing-gum! I didn’t like it at all even if iI can see the “romantic side” of these acts.

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All around the city you can find extras of the tragedy written on marble plats. There are many! For Valentine’s Day the city of Verona is dressed up with a million of red hearts that flies on air here and there, especially all around Juliet’s house. There are special offers for couples: romantic breakfast, lunch and dinner. In souvenirs shops you can find a wide variety of love-related-items such as magnets, thimbles, postcards, hats and t-shirts with the image of Romeo and Juliet at the balcony. Thanks to Shakespeare, there are more than 20 Verona in the world, especially in USA and Canada. Verona is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since the year 2000. So, as Valentine’s Day is just behind the corner, why don’t you plan a romantic trip to the city of Love? Tourists are always very welcome there!

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“For never was a story of more woe, Than this of Juliet, and her Romeo” Act V, Scene 3

The house was related to Juliet because on the ensign of this building there’s a hat (“Cappello” in Italian) which would relate the house to the Cappelletti family (really existed in Verona in 1300) and so to the Capuleti of the Shakespearian tragedy. Shakespeare took inspiration by Luigi Da Porto who, in the middle of 1500, wrote a novel about two unlucky lovers in Verona. The Sahkespearian tragedy (written in 1594-95) takes place in 1303 and it’s supposed that Juliet was only 14 years old when she met Romeo, who was 16.

IDEAS FOR ST. VALENTINE

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write a letter to treat yourselves your partner for a coupleEven if you live massage together, write a letter they offer this in most to your darling and put massage spas, a full body/ it into the mailbox, or Thai/back/foot massage to his shoe or wherever for just the two of you he will find it. Write in the room. Take the about your love and opportunity to pamper appreciation, or what yourselves. you hope for in the future together… …or do a massage- anything that relates to spa at home! you two. have a blind date If you find this more This is actually something romantic (and do creative gifts that I know my friend not want to spend give each other once has done with her your money), you can something creative: boyfriend – they gave also do the massage- you can get your

cook a dinner together Go shopping together first and buy all the things you need for your favorite dish, and then make a special meal of the day for just to two of you. And if you have a long distance relationship, then do the same over webcam on skype!

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treat yourselves to a theater/ movies/opera/ concert/disco… Anything that you normally don’t do but both enjoy! Make it special, dress up for each other. As a longdistance version, you can also watch a movie or a concert together online, each at your pc but comment on it on skype.

couple-picture printed on plenty of things nowadays (anything from mugs, mouse pads, t-shirts…to key rings or chocolate). Or be creative and make something at home (a funny looking cake, a signature cocktail, a t-shirt with your handprints on it…).

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send her/him a gift/ flowers/card to work with some love-note It is something that is easy to do, nothing so “original” as an idea, but most people would never actually do this. So why not now? It will definitely make your loved one smile!

swapping at home. Nice foot massage or full body rub is definitely something that cannot go too wrong even if you are not trained masseur. And guys! Paint the toenails of your lady! Super romantic!

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Play a guessing game Let each other guess by giving him/her clues (even in a audio-visual form, a short part of a movie or song, or pictures…). It is always fun and it is important to laugh together, right? You can easily do this over the distance as well.

themselves a budget to spend on outfits and agreed to meet at a certain time at a certain place. Each of them would go shopping separately (or which friends) and then in the weird unusual outfits they would meet at the agreed place. It actually took them a good while to recognize each other (of course, wigs are allowed).

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by Teresa Wodehouse Maybe the whole Saint Valentine’s Day excitement is nothing for you. Maybe it is an “imported celebration” that no one asked for. But you know what?! It is a great opportunity to take the time to reconnect with your loved one and spend some nice meaningful moments with together. Here are some ideas that might give you an inspiration for a day or evening with your sweetheart – and most of these can be done with friends as well, so no restrictions only to couples! And what the heck – no restrictions to Valentine’s – do this whenever you like!

a gift challenge Set a budget for the gifts (5 or 10 USD) and make it a challenge: buy as many nice and actually useful gifts for each other. But each separately and then get together, give your gifts (wrapped of course!) to each other and see who got more (and what kind of silly things). You can do this over the distance as well (and then send it to each other and unwrap it on webcam!). 47

THE GIFT OF GIVING by Rae Gee

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Photos If you’re an avid photographer, you might want to send some of your favourite photos. People love seeing where others live or have been travelling. They also love to see those absolutely stunning photos you’ve taken. You can either print them out using your normal printer and photo paper or take them to a

local store that prints them off for you (supermarkets tend to be cheaper than specialist photography shops). There are even places online which will print your photos for you and a lot of them have introductory offers, say 40 free prints (and you’ll just pay the postage). It’s worth a go to be able to share those special memories!

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the cost of postage to yourself and to your pen-pal. Amazon also allows you to include a personal message. There are other ways to get music to people. 7Digital allows you to gift music to people. As long as you have their email address, you can add single tracks or full

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their albums. Or you could send them albums by your favourite bands. You never know; you might convert them! You don’t even have to send brand new copies; you can find cheap copies second-hand on eBay and Amazon. Both companies allow you to send packages to other addresses saving you

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CD’s and DVD’s. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could send them a CD or DVD that either you know they want, or you love and want to share with them. If you know their favourite bands, you might find a band similar to some they love and send your friend

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What do they like? Who are their favourite bands? Do they have a favourite singer, film star or idol? What’s their favourite films or books? What are their hobbies? You will probably know the answer straight away and you may already have something in your house that you can tuck into a letter and send to them.

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it. It makes you feel loved and appreciated that someone, somewhere, has seen something and thought of you. Perhaps there’s someone out there who you’d like to send a little gift to either as a thank you or to cheer them up or just because. So how do you go about it? First, think of the person you want to send a gift to.

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If you are an avid pen-pal, then you’ll love getting things through the post, be it a letter from a far flung friend or the latest order from your favourite store. We adore getting mail and I know that there

are people out there who like to send little gifts, not just for the holidays, but all year round. There’s nothing more special than a wonderful letter from a treasured pen-friend. It’s even more special if there’s a little, unexpected surprise tucked a w a y inside of

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Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/ [Disclaimer from the website: Our ebooks are free in the United States because their copyright has expired. They may not be free of copyright in other countries. Readers outside of the United States must check the copyright laws of their countries before downloading or redistributing our ebooks.]

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The Book Depository (Free worldwide postage and packing) http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/

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Bookmarks What better to go with that new book than a bookmark? You can find them in most dollar/euro/pound shops and, if you’re struggling, take a look on eBay (Ah, eBay – 50

the solution to every shopping nightmare!). Some bookstores and online book retailers give bookmarks away for free, so take a look at them as well. If you’re still finding it hard to decide,

how about making bookmarks yourself? It’s really easy to do and has the added bonus of being something personalised. Just find some nice card, collect together the bits and pieces you want to put

on it and away you go! Once you’ve finished, punch a hole at the bottom and add a piece of ribbon. And, if you’re blessed to have a laminating machine, why not coat it in plastic to make it last longer?

Books “Oh no!” I hear you all cry. “Books are so heavy and expensive! I can’t send them!” Ah, but you can, and all for the price of a blank CD or DVD. And the best part? It’s completely free and legal! If you have a friend who loves reading then check out Project Gutenberg. They host over 30,000 copyright free books in

ebook form, all of them ready to download. Most modern authors won’t be hosted on there due to their books still being in copyright (copyright laws vary from country to country) but if you know what kind of books your friend likes to read then do a search for the subject or genre. For example, they might be writing or researching 18th century

maps. Do a search for “18th Century maps” and see if there are any old atlas’ hosted on there (I know there are because I have one I downloaded!). Pick the files you want (they give you a choice and have updated themselves for iPad, Kindle etc) and download them. Once you have all the ones you want, burn them to a CD or DVD as a data disc and send it on its way.

However, if you have a normal book you’d like to share with a friend, why don’t you go ahead and share it? Again, look on Amazon and eBay for cheap second-hand copies. I was able to share my love of the London Underground with a friend in America thanks to Amazon shipping it to them for me. Just don’t forget to add a message! 51

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SoundCloud http://soundcloud.com/

their tracks as a free download. But hurry; they’re only available to the first few hundred downloaders! And, with over 1 milion members, you’re bound to find something you both like! If you’re sending a CD of the music you’ve downloaded please, please, please include the track title and artist name and mention that you found it on SoundCloud so that your friend can look for them themselves!

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Sending Music Online www.7digital.com

and DVD’s so if you see some, pick up one or two. Who knows what you’ll discover! Are you still a bit stuck on the music you want to send? Check out SoundCloud. SoundCloud is a place for up-and-coming and established artists to début their music. Search by genre, artist name or track title and take a listen. Do you want a free and legal way to get the music? Some artists offer

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albums to your shopping basket and click “Gift This” beneath the basket. You will then be asked to sign in and add their email address, your name and a personal message. Click “Send” and they have the music! And it adds no extra money to the cost of posting your letter! Don’t forget that some music shops, venues, cinemas and magazines offer free sampler CD’s

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Online Photo Printing www.photobox.com www.snapfish.com (A lot of supermarket chains also do online photo printing so check their websites for details)

Badges You may call them badges. You may call them buttons. You may call them pin-badges. Whatever you call them, badges are always popular! You can find them pretty much anywhere, from music stores to book stores to cosmetic shops to jewellery shops. Everywhere seems to sell them and everyone has their favourites. Cheap and cheerful, they brighten up anyone’s day. Find some you like and start sending them to your friends. You never know who you’re going to bring a smile to.

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Ebay If you’re still thinking of what to send, you can always turn to our good friend eBay for help. Have a good think about your friend, about their loves and likes, and then type it into eBay. They may be into 52

Japanese culture, so that would be your starting point. Yes, you’ll have pages and pages to shift through but think of it as a treasure hunt. Sooner or later, you’ll find that little, inexpensive gift that can be dropped into a letter and, not only will

you feel good, but so will your friend. You don’t always know what’s happening in their life and a little token of your friendship can make even the gloomiest of days feel like the height of summer. So there you have it,

more gifts for you to send! So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make someone’s day that little more special! If you have any more pen-pal gift ideas, please get in touch with either Sandbook or Rach Gee.

Crafty Bits and Pieces Do you have a friend who’s crafty? If they like their threads, how about sending a cross-stitch pattern? Small bags of glitter and confetti can be easily tucked into a letter, as can sheets of card making adornments. You can buy card making materials from a lot of places, including discount bookstores, so you don’t have to break the bank buying them. Craft papers are also a good idea, especially if you have friends who are into scrap-booking, cardmaking and decos.

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Sales Hands up who likes the sales?! I’ll admit that I’m not a huge shopping fan but even I love going to the sales. And with stores having sales every other month, you may want to pop into the costume jewellery store, or the stationery shop, or the music store and see what they have on offer. You never what you may find and you may wind up surprising both yourself and your friend!

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Address Labels Do you have a printer? Do you have blank sticky labels? Then get creating! Most people seem to use address labels, either for their envelopes or for FB’s. Yes, it can take time to put them together but it’s something hand-made and will mean a lot to the person at the other end. Find pictures that they like, or perhaps add in a quote or lyrics that they live by. The possibilities are endless! Also, if you sign up to Vistaprint, they have weekly offers offering things like free address labels so have some made up for you and some made up for a friend. And with thousands of designs to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

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Tea Bags and Coffee Sachets If your friend likes to start their day with a caffeine rush, how about sending some coffee? Most supermarkets sell boxes of single cup sachets of coffee. The same goes for tea. Both of you could try different teas; fruit teas, herbal teas, teas from around the world and compare your thoughts and feelings on them. I find that the individually wrapped tea bags travel a lot better than unwrapped ones.

VALENTINE PHOTOSHARE

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Samantha Stroy

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Mike! Ria Cabral

my Everything. My Rock, My Love, My Heart, My Strength. Without you I am nothing. I have enjoyed many years with you and wish for many more together. Our children and the love we have will never go away and I love you with all my heart and soul. Thank you for always being here and I love you more then anything. Always and Forever, Your Wifey

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Paula Milburn

friend in the world. I love you

Robert Stroy, you mean the world to me! You are

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belonged to you from the moment we met. Took 13 (OUR number!!) years to finally be yours, but I am now, forever and always. Love you Darling! Kittycat x x

Here is my valentines day message for my husband. Though I know I can express my love for you any day and every day, yet I would like to take this Valentines Day’s opportunity to thank you for being such a sweet, caring and affectionate husband and my best

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Joel, My Heart, Mind, Body and Soul

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Happy Valentines to the best husband anyone could ask for. I love you,

Robert. Tanja Reynolds

Brendan

Dear , Happy Valentine’s Day. I can’t believe it will be almost a year already.

Vanessa

I have loved you since the very first moment spent together... I love you more and more each passing day.And I will love you for the rest of my life.

Ire 55

LOST PENPAL Have you lost a penpal? Yes?! Then this is the section for you. Place your story about your Lost penpal and we will try to help you reconnect!

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Tammy Albertson Dupont, USA (via Facebook) I have been looking fofr a friend of mine who I lost contact with along time ago and I really miss her. Her name is Kim Bear and she lived in Texas. I would love to get back in touch with her. Her maiden name was Heiliman. Jules Muni (via Facebook) My penpal of 15 years Jacqueline Mcinnus who last known lived in Kingston, Jamaica.I hope that I will be able to get back in touch with her. 57

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Katarina Långdahl, Sweden kat.sweden@gmail.com I’m looking for my lost pen friend Yvonne Bell in Miami, Florida. She’s born 1973.

Marlene Miller, Ohio, USA marlene159@zoominternet.net Hello, my name is Marlene Miller, 55 and I am in Ohio in United States, have a favor to ask, am looking for friend I wrote to about 8 yr s or so ago, we lost touch, when she divorced. Her name was Jennie Smith. She lived in Australia, has son and daughter ,grown now, We wrote and taped letters on regular bases. We were doing email then lost my computer( blewup) and lost contact as well as her addy as never had it when she moved. Anyone able to help, please email me at marlene159@zoominternet.net and put in message about her,thanks for any help you can give.

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SeongMi An, South Korea sweetheart0529@gmail.com Hello! It’s SeongMi An from South Korea I lost my penpals for some reasons. I’d love to keep in touch with you again. Please e-mail me, I miss you guys!

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Have you lost a penpal?

Tina Jacobs (Nieman) ,USA tina70mercer@yahoo.com I had a pen pal from Greece who I wrote up to 5 years ago and we just lost touch. Her name is Helene Anastasopoulou. I have wrote her old address a few times and no response. I have searched her on the internet and still no success. She is 39 and lived in Patras as her last address I had. I’m hoping we can reconnect.

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photo by Manuela Balocco

Beverly Kuttler Rampero, USA (via Facebook) I’m trying to find a good friend of mine. Her name is Aimee Plunkett. We have been writing for about 17 years. She use to live in Tracy, California but then moved away to another state and I lost her new address. I havent heard from her since.

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Nanda S. Gaikwad (born 24-02-1973) 26-A-Sarnath Anushaktinagar IND-Bombay (now Mumbai) 400094 India (address valid until 1993) Additional information: her father worked at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Bombay (Mumbai).

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Maria Nieves (or Maria Neus) Estébanez Gutiérrez (born 29-03-1974) Carrer Briquets 1, entlo primero E-Barcelona 08033 Spain (address valid until 1991)

Samia Oumohand, France samgunsjovirow@yahoo.com Hi all! I’m looking for my former penpal Jerry Lynn Daniels. She was a huge fan of French supermodel Laetitia Casta and is from the USA (from Tennessee, if I’m not wrong). If you know her, please let me know at: samgunsjovirow@yahoo.com

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Sonia Hardoin (born 08-08-1973) 461 Rue de la Trapinière F-50000 Saint-Lô France (address valid until 1993)

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Theda, Germany info.tiehsvd@forum-artium.net

Katharina Nöhring (was: Melter), Germany KathaNoehring@aol.com Actually I am looking for a couple of former pals: Nike van Heeswijk from the Netherlands, Josephine (Joyce) Camilleri from Malta (Gozo island), Vivienne Hunter from England, Zenildo Rosa Jr. from Brasil. We lost contact a LONG time ago, and I would love to get back in touch. Does anyone know about them? Any help is appreciated!

PenPal & Swappers Ads How to place an ad in the magazine? Go to www.sandbook.net and click the Magazine section. Then simply select â&#x20AC;&#x153;Place an Adâ&#x20AC;? and you will have to fill out the form that loads on your computer screen. Ads placed on pages/groups/ walls on Facebook will not be printed. Please note that the ads on our website are ads for the website itself. Unless you fill out the form under Magazine --> Place an Ad, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see your ad here. Who can post an Ad? Anyone can post an ad in search for swappers or penpals. Our Ad Policy: 1) We are not a dating site/community - write appropriate ads to have them published. 2) No inmates - we have kid members in our community! 3) No money requests - such ad will result in your permanent ban from our community. 4) Snail mail addresses - we are not going to publish any snail mail addresses for security reasons. So you are going to be in charge of sending your home addresses to future penpals. We will publish your email address. 5) Religious, racial or discriminative materials would not be tolerated. 6) Any form of abusive or rude language is forbidden and will result in your ban from our community. What is the policy on Commersial Ads? Commercial Ads are paid ads for products or service that is not classified as a penpal or a swapper ad or an add from a small business that provides supplies for correspondence (stationary, address labels). Such ads are going to be negotiated with the respective companies. For more information email magazine@sandbook. net SandBook.Net Team

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name : Irene

Name: lesley griffin Your age : 53 country : england Ad: place your ad, include hobbies and interests looking for penfriends any country and any name : Tina Bryan age have been penpalling for tinabryan23@yahoo.com 41 years and started at the age Your age : 36 of 12 my hobbies are computer Your country: usa, San and internet and driving and Diego, cailfornia eating out photography i live Ad : hello all,my name is Tina in england message me and i looking for pen pals that will will write that is 100 per cent i write to me more then once. answer all letters am married for my hobbies are making hats 30 years put images or photos on and scarfs and sell them. my all letters write soon and we can intesterest,writing to pen be come good and fond friends. pals,talking on the phone with Love, Lesley pals and texting.e-mail if you want a pal tinabryan23@yahoo. name : Martina com Email : Martina_J_@gmx. at name : Cécile age : 25 ciloune@gmail.com country : Austria age : 27 Ad : Hello! I love it to find nice and country : France long letters in my mailbox... you Ad : Hello everybody, I’m looking too? - Then we should become for new penpals from all over penpals. My name is Martina and the world, no matter where you I am from Austria. I am looking

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name : Josh Cowan jcowan1023@gmail.com age : 30 country : USA Ad : Hello, my name is Josh Cowan. I am 30 years old and I have a good since of humor. I like snail mail better then email because you can send little gifts with your letters. I am looking for male or female Penpals age 18- 41 who can make me laugh or smile. My hobbies include making my own greeting cards. jcowan1023@ gmail.com

come from :) I can write in french, english, spanish or romanian so feel free to contact me in your own language if it’s one of above. I love writing and receiving long letters. I love swapping things (stamps, stickers, magnets, stationery), sending small gifts from time to time ... I’m a school teacher, mum to be (in january) and I’d love to know you, you who are reading this ad :) Just contact me by mail at : ciloune@ gmail.com and I’ll send you my snail mail address.

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Gregory Lentz Email: gj.lentz76@gmail. com Your age : 34 Your country : USA Ad : Hello! I’d be interested in trying out some E-Pal correspondences with folks from all over the world and all walks of life! I like to learn about other cultures, a little bit of a history buff, foodie, self taught artist and aspiring writer of many genres. I like to swap postcards, nothing in particular as long as they are stamped and written, as I relish the personal connections as much as the beauty of the cards. I enjoy all kinds of movies, tv shows I keep up with are: any Law & Order, CSI, Fringe, The Event, House, Lie To Me, Castle...I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan, I like to read name : sheri shrader Stephen King, Dean Koontz, age : 39 and I’m hooked on George R.R. country : USA Martin’s A Game of Thrones. Ad : Hi my name is sheri and i am 39 yrs old,And i am Happily Your name : Eliska married and between us we have Email : elda999@seznam.cz 7 children and 1 grandson,I love Your age : 26 to write and meet new people. country : Czech Republic looking forward to meeting new Ad : Hello everyone, my name people.

Rory Latimer latimerj@telkomsa.net Your age : 39 country : South Africa Ad : Hello Everyone I am a 39 year old Caucasian Male in Cape Town South Africa. I am hard of hearing but that doesnt get me down. I love to write snail mail letters. That is a hobby of mine now after 9 years. I do have some wonderful pen pals who have become great friends. Yes I am single however all I ask is for friendship, I will be single until the good Lord takes me home. I will be a faithful letter writer and if you would like me to give you some names of my penpals to message and ask for a reference that is fine. you can message them. I also enjoy reading, watching a good movie, Military History, camping and spending time with a good friend. I write back as soon as I can after your letter arrives. I look forward to hearing from you.

Your name : Anita s c h u t z e n g e l . a n i ta 33 @ gmail.com age : 34 country : Austria Ad : Hello my name is Anita and im searching for nice female Penpals, Epals and Swapper from all over the world. My name is Anita, my Nickname “Angel” im married and my sign is libra. I live with my husband in Austria. My hobbies are: reading, writting letters and emails, skype, Facebook, Internet, Photography, playing saxophone, cooking, Music, Concerts, Formula 1, Soccer, Esoterism, Religion, Gothic, Middle Age, history and more. Im a very funny and helpful person. My job is nurse for elderly and I work with Alzheimer Patients. Hope to find nice female pals between 20 to ? years. Nice to meet you send a email to schutzengel.anita33@ gmail.com

age : 23 country : Italy Ad : Hey Everyone my name’s Irene 23 y o living in Milano, Italy. I love penpalling and meeting new friends around the world. I’m studying veterinary medicine. I love animals. I’m vegetarian. My interests are long distance running (marathons and getting statted with ultramarathons) hiking and climbing mountains, penpalling, collecting postcards (I’m also looking for postcard penpals), surfing the internet, decoupage, watching tv, traveling. I like writing to both male and female but no dating please, I have on bf and I find that enough! I hope I can find many good and long lasting friendships.

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name : Elizabeth Rahuba age : 56 country : USA Ad : My name is Liz and I am 56 years young(Aug. 15, 1954), originally from New Jersey, now living in Chicago, Illinois. Before moving here, I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah(4/86-2/87), then Houston, Texas(3/87-7/99). I have one brother, aged 44, still living in New Jersey. I am divorced and never had children/ grandchildren. I consider myself a positive, straightforward person, with a good sense of humor. I am honest and non-judgemental and am patient, plus I will usually give a person the benefit of the doubt. I am disabled with Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Degenerative Arthritis(back), as well as Arthritis in other joints, requiring me to use a walking cane. I have been on disability (SSDI), since the year 2000. My hobbies/interests include Pen Pals, Acting, Digital photography, the Internet, chatting on YIM/ AIM, trivia, crossword, acrostic and word puzzles, Traveling,

is ELiska I am 26 years old, I am looking for penpals, as I like writting (and also receiving letters :-) ) so much. I am taking care of my little girl at home. I will be glad to find new penpals! See you!

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documentaries and current events (news). I am also what you would call a railfan, as I love trains and train travel. I am also into Star Trek RPGs/Simms, as I am a fan of Star Trek. I collect stickers, especially transparent ones, fridge magnets, postcards, keychains and coffee mugs. I also swap FBs Slams, SS’s, etc. I am looking for lon-term, long letter wrters, who will not stop after just a few letters.

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name : Mandi Moore moore87@yahoo.com age : 23 country : USA Ad : Seeing long letter pals worldwide, ladies only. Hobbies: Reading, TV & movies, music, photography, scrapbooking, playing computer games, etc. I have one son, 17 months old. Swaps: FBs, Mommy FBs, slams. Please email me for address! mandi.moore87@ yahoo.com

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PenPal and Swappers Ads

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name : Angela Benton Email : nkotbfan@live. com age : 29 country : United States Ad : I am 29 years old. Married and have 3 kids. I love nkotb. Facebook. Making new friends. Hot summer days, swimming, and birds chirping. I have 2 cats. I enjoy taking pictures. I enjoy concerts. I love music videos. Your name : Bev

Your name : Petra Schmied Email : p.schmied02@gmx.

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name : Anastasia Email : aja23@yandex.ru age : 29 country : Russia Ad : Hello people! I’m an active penpaller for many years already and used to have many penpals but recently most of them stopped writing me or writing too seldom because they are too busy and I understood that I have only a few left. Thought these ones are very important for me, I still want to find some new friends About me: My name is Anastasia, I’m 29y.o. and I come from Saint-Petersburg, Russia but I’d love to move to Europe at least for some time soon. For sure, I like my country but it would be exciting to live in other places of the world to see how people live there. At the moment I’m working as a secretary. I have lots of hobbies, just a few to mention: watch movies, tv, read books, write letters, meet my friends or chat with them online,

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name : Gina Email : powerofthesun89@

name : Katarina kat.sweden@gmail.com age : 41 country : Sweden Ad : I’m looking for pen pals aged 25-55, esp. from USA, New Zealand or the Latin American countries. I love cats, writing letters and swapping. I enjoy to go shopping, watch TV, search for ancestors, read books & cartoon magazines and just have a nice time.

paranormal things, etc. I’m quite open-minded and chatty girl, so I can talk about almost anything. Just give me a subject^) I’m not very much into clubbing and prefer an evening with a good book or movie but sometimes it’s a real fun to go out I’m looking for: I am looking for female penpals at any age from everywhere, with absolutely different hobbies, who write long letters (e.g 2 pages of A4 papers or 2-4 pages of B5 papers, well it depends on how your life is) at least once in 2 months and I won’t stop writing after a few letters. The way of a letter may be quite long but there’s nothing we can do With my future penpal I’d love to discuss not only life events, but also share our ideas, thoughts, dreams, feelings and everything. With whom we’d share our attitude to events, happening in the world around us. There are no forbidden topics for me and I love ask and answer tons of different questions. I love letters in a form of a conversation. I don’t mind typed letters, if they stay sincere and personal. I can play stamps back, if you ask me. If you like, we can exchange postcards, photos, fbs and other small things. I would prefer, if you speak fluent English or German and won’t have troubles expressing your thoughts and feelings. So, this was my introduction and now I’m waiting for a letter from you

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Name: Kimi Age: 19 Country: Australia E-mail: kimberley. jensen91@gmail.com Hello, potential future penpals! I’m Kim from Australia. I’ve been pen palling since I was 9-yearsold, and I’m looking for serious pen pals of any age, sex, race, religion and species (I welcome you, extra-terrestrial friends!). Ones who won’t stop writing but

Email : BlondieBear75@ hotmail.com age : 35 country : Australia Ad : Hi All.....I am a stay at home mom of 4 from sunny Qld who would love to write to other Aussie’s. I have a wide range of interests and hobbies including reading, scrap booking, card making, pen palling, spending time with my hubby and children and heaps more. I am willing to write to both men and women. Look forward to hearing from you.

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name : Natalie Email: natkenfloppy@ hotmail.com age : 37 country : Canada Ad : Hi my name is Natalie and I’ve been paling for about 25 years (started when I was in grade 6) I like snail letters (I do still swap Fbs from time to time) and emails so either way is perfect for me. I love hearing from new people. I am married and have a

hotmail.com age : 21 (close to 22) country : Greece Ad : Hi! My name’s Gina, I’m 21, Greek, rather humorous and a senior-year student of Ancient Greek & Latin Literature. I’m looking for fellow female penpals from any countries that speak English or French. Apart from penpalling, I love heavy metal, collecting postcards and vinyls, reading international literature, writing poetry and crime novels! Looking forward to hearing from you!

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name : Jolene Email : Whiterose232006@ yahoo.com age : 28 country : USA Ad: Hello Everyone, I’m looking for new pals & swappers. I swap anything from FBs to Stickers. I’m not accepting any new penpals from overseas at this time but I take any amount of pals & swappers. I’m always taking new pals from Canada & USA. So feel free to drop me a line & I’ll get back to as soon as I can. My email is: Whiterose232006@yahoo.com Thanks, Jolene

Name: Radhia Age :42 (soon to be 43) in february Country: Tunisia akrimi.0208@live.fr A warm hello to you all! Is there anyone who is interested in snail mail penpalling? I am a Tunisian woman, happily married, have only one daughter; I am stay at home mom, looking for FEMALE snail mail pals from all over the world. I like movies, reading; crocheting, cooking, listening to music, postcards, stickers, Kawaii things, writing letters and swapping; I like sending and receiving little surprises in the letters. There’s nothing more joyful than getting a letter from a friend ;Enough of bills in mailbox! So! Let’s start penpalling!..,

who aren’t overly demanding, either - life does get in the way of things, sometimes. Intelligence and/or open-mindedness is always a plus in my pen pal searches, too! ^__^ Here’s a little bit about me. I am a female (I had to specify because I once had a penpal when I was younger, and her mother said we couldn’t write anymore because she thought I was a male due to my uni-sex name) and I’m 19-years-old. I major in Linguistics and the Indonesian language at university. I love languages. Biiiig fan. My hobbies and interests are: crafting, sewing, listening to music (indie rock, indie pop, alternative, classic rock, etc.), watching films, thrifting, kawaii, going to alternative music festivals, politics, designing my own clothing, cooking, vintage, anime, culture, travel, languages, history, science, religion (I’m an atheist, however), philosophy, kitsch and geeky things like dinosaurs, sci-fi, hacking (Though I don’t know how, argh! I just think it’s great.), studying voluntarily and video/computer games. If you’re interested in my attempt at an appealing pen pal ad, don’t be afraid to send me an e-mail! Though, I will get a tad grumpy if I receive requests for romance or money. I have a boyfriend, and I’m a poor university student. :D

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3.5 year old daughter who is the apple of my eye. Please email me at natkenfloppy@hotmail.com and we will go from there. Hope to hear from you soon. Please no prisoners.

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for penpals around my age from anywhere in the world (female penpals only!). My hobbies/ interests include: writing/reading letters (of course), shopping, surfing the internet, traveling (I LOVE it), reading, movies, PS3, Wii, Nintendo DS, spending time with my boyfriend, going out and lots of other things... Interested? - Please contact me at Martina_J_@gmx.at I am looking forward to hear from you!

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PenPal & Swappers Ads

Name : alison hepworth Email : malin@malin. karoo.co.uk Age : 44 Country : england

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Name : Mandee Email : southernfaith@ live.com Age : 27 Country : usa Ad : I’m Seeking To Make New E-Pal Friends And New Facebook Pal’s Aswell. Send Me Msg If Your Seeking The Same Or Like To Be Pal’s..xoxo Name : John Ferguson Email : jferguson92200@ yahoo.com Age : 26 Country : USA

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Name : Henry Email : hbaker@ rochester.rr.com Age : 57 Country : USA Ad : I am disable gentleman looking for e-pals in USA only, I like WWE wrestling, and law

Name : Stephanie Fatta Email : aveggiemom@ yahoo.com Age : 30 Country : USA Ad : Hi everyone! I am a married mom of one son. I love pen palling and looking for new pen pals from the USA only please. I am looking for long term/sincere pals around my age. I enjoy reading, travel, pen palling, working out, healthy, beauty, blogging, houseplants, and so much more! Email me for my address if you are interested!

Name : Samantha Stroy Email : itsapenpalworld@ gmail.com Age : 27 Country : USA Ad : Hello everyone, Im looking for some long letter penpals who enjoys a little bit of numerology,astrology,tarot, and twilight and vampire novels. SOmeone who likes to swap various things that fit in an envelope. I am a married stay at home mom of 3. I promise to write back. Long letter pals only please.. I love reading,writing,s hopping,divination,hello kitty, and so much more.. Hope to hear from you all soon.

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name : Louise Email : louisexmarie@ gmail.com age : 21 country : UK Ad : Hello! Hobbies; reading, writing, penpalling, letters, music, films, walking, socializing, drawing. I am looking for email or snail mail. I’m looking for a penpal that will write for a long time as i’m hoping to form a long-lasting friendship. I’ve never swapped or collected anything but if you want to send me something then feel free. Anyways, email me and we can chat some more :) Everything

Name : Phyllis Estep Email : phyllisestep@live. com Age : 60 Country : usa Ad : Hello I am a 60 year old wife, mother and grandma. I would like pen pals any ages. I will answer all. I will also swap fb, slams, post cards, recipes and many other things. write me if you want a faithful pal. phyllis Estep P.O. Box 6311 christiansburg, va. 24068

Name : Rosita Druijf Email : roos.chimene@ upcmail.nl Age : 38 Country : the Netherlands Ad : hello penpalfriends , im looking for long letter penpals who write regular about anything , love to hear your story`s . im almost 38 years old (12 february) , but feel more like 30 hahaha . my hobby`s and likes are : writting letters , swapping , walk with my dogs , photography , facebook , kawaii , diddl , disney and manny more , i will tell that in my letter . if you want to write with me , give me a message . happy writting everybody . greetings Rosita

Ad : hi there i am alison 44 mum to 4 23 to 16 live in town called hull uk hobbies are palling travelling reading music tv computer family i am after pals to wrtie from asia all europe usa canada australia new zealand, worldwide females for now.

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name : John Ferguson Email : jferguson92200@ yahoo.com age : 26 country : USA Ad : I like snail pen pal only in the USA, & e-mail pen pal from all over. My hobbies are collecting postcards, collecting wrestling cards, & many more. Especially writing to people.

name : Colleen contact me at: Colleen Penpal on Facebook. Add me! Your age : 45 Your country : USA Ad : Hello Friends... Colleen from the USA saying hi to everyone!! Love this magazine!! I am 45 and am from Wisconsin in the USA. I have been penpalling on and off since 1989. It’s an awesome hobby. I love reading, 70s and 80s rock music, crafts, scrapbooking, journals, history, thrift stores, travelling, the paranormal, penpalling, and swapping fb’s/ stickers/stationary. I also swap postcards. Short or long letter pals welcome. Hope we can meet....

books and action movies and country music

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name : Meli manzalone@hotmail.de age : 28 country : Germany Ad : Hey everyone, I’m looking for pen pals from New York, Las Vegas and the Bay Area - California. I love long handwritten letters, swapping, horses, traveling, stationary, crafts and the USA. Feel free to email me.

isn’t going to fit in here. Louise x

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name : Yvonne inkytrailers@yahoo.com age : 37 country : Netherlands Ad : Hiya! Thought I would give this a try as I am looking for a few new pals :). I am specifically looking for long letter and somewhat regular pals from Italy,

*grin*. If it did get you interested, I would love to hear from you! Have a great day!

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name : Victoria G nekrobows@yahoo.com age : 18 country : California USA Ad : Hello im from socal! I love all kinds of music im looking for all postcards and basically to start swapping picture clippings stickers surprise donated books anything really for my penpal swapper scrapbook to remember my youth when i age. Here’s my main interest: Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Punk bands John Waters! Courtney Love Kurt Cobain & Nirvana Seria Killer(anything works) Bette Davis Ariel(the little mermaid) anything 1950s anything is welcome and appreciated email me: nekrobows@yahoo.com

Portugal, the Middle East (Iran in particular) and Asia, Japan in particular but all countries are fine :) as long as have something in common. My only request being you can express yourself in English or Dutch well enough to have a decent conversation. I don’t want to get stuck in sole conversations about the weather. As for the meaning of regular, I don’t expect you to write every month but I do like to receive (at least) 3 to 4 letters a year so I guess I’d like you to write - and I will do the same :) - once every two to three months. If you are more regular, then so am I :). Also I like you to ask and answer questions and I can tell you upfront I tend to ask many questions - you’d better be prepared *LOL*. A quick word about me, I am in my late 30s, married without kids and work fulltime. When I am not working I have plenty to keep myself busy with *laugh*. I love books and would not be able to live without them. They are great way to relax as well as to learn from! I enjoy watching movies though I find that at this stage of life, I need to see them in the cinema as I am not having peace of mind watching them at home :(. Also I love cooking and like to experiment with different ingredients, I love walking, taking photos, travelling, keeping up to date with (and form an opinion about!) what is happening in this world, I enjoy going to the theater, like to listen to music, socializing with family and friends. Quite a normal person I would think

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at age : 40 country : Austria Ad : Hi, I am a 40-year-old Austrian with an 8-year-old daughter. I love snail mailing and have various interests including travelling, reading, dancing, languages (German, English, French and some Spanish), sports etc. Please send me an email if you are interested and I will send you my address.

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PenPal & Swappers Ads

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Name: Lisa email: lisaluvsfbs@aol. com Age: 45 Country: usa My name is Lisa and i am 45 years old USA mother to two (ages 12 & 18) lisaluvsfbs@aol.com I am Native American/German/ Irish lady. I love making friends with ladies all over the world. I enjoy photography, swapping fbs, phone calls, music, family, God, learning about other cultures. I am especially looking

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Name : Nelda Dunlap Email : rosepetunia69@ gmail.com Age : 42 Country : USA Ad : Hello all my new friends. Are you looking for a devoted snail

Name : Katka Louzilova Email : katerina174@post. cz Age : 34 Country : Czech Republic Ad : Hi, my name is Katka, I am 34, have 2 children, living in Prague. I love to write and recive letters , I would love to find penpals from all over the world. My hobbies include reading, cooking, travelling.

for Middle Eastern ladies to correspond with, I traveled to the Middle East in 2007 and loved the people I met there. I am not looking to push religion, just make friendships. Would love to hear from other moms anywhere.

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Name : Tonya Cassell Email : tazzymania2001@ gmail.com Age : 36 Country : United States Ad : I love photography, pen paling, and collecting celebrity autographs. I collect celebrity autographs, Christmas village pieces, china dolls, stuffed animals, and crystal figurines

Name : Sandra Walker Email : southernrosebelle@ yahoo.com Age : 59 Country : USA Ad : hobbies: collects postcards and foreign coins. Loves to read. Likes to cook. Married, 2 sons (grown-NO grandchildren or daughters-in-law.Wants pen pals who like to write more than a paragraph. NO religious stuff please (I have my own religion). I have 3 dogs. Much more but will tell when you write.

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Name : barbara glisczinski Email : yumyum1948@ yahoo.com Age : 62 Country : united states Ad : Hello from Wisconsin.I am 62 a Type 2 Diabetic also am disabled.Looking for women from 35 to 80 to write to by snail mail.My interests are counted cross stitch, needlepoint, plastic canvas, knitting, latch hook, reading, gardening, cooking, crossword puzzles ,jigsaw puzzles and collecting postcards. Want worldwide penpals.

mail penpal? One who will not stop writing after a couple of letters or who only writes twice year? A penpal to talk with about everything from the sublime to the ridiculous? A penpal who enjoys stuffing letters, decorating envies and getting something in the mail besides bills? Then look no further! For the low price of postage, you can have all this in the form of a long letter life long snail mail pal who loves - loves, I say! - who loves the written word in all its guts and glory. I’m 41 with two grown children in college and an ornery old hubby I’ve had for 21 years. We have 1 black cat who’s 13 years old and a loveable crab apple. I enjoy so many things I can’t begin to list them but here a few of the highlights: Kawaii, penpalling, family, animals, ancient history, Regency romances, Dr. Who, AGT, sticker, Facebook, sci-fi, writing... I collect Kawaii, Hello Kitty, stickers, s/p shakers, pens, postcards, FBs, LBs, SBs. I swap postcards, FBs, LBS, SBs and take all excess. I’m looking for ladies only 30-50 from anywhere, especially UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Japan, Scotland. As always, no men(happily married) ,cons, Africa/Ghana(I’m no fool and I don’t have money to spare so forget it). Please put penpals and this site name in the subject line so I don’t think you’re spam and delete you. I look forward to hearing from all my new friends. Nelda Dunlap 316 W. Tyler Av Charleston, Illinois 61920 USA

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hobbies are making new friends, facebook, watching tv/movies, listen to music, penpalling, and hanging out with family and friends. Please email me if you want to pen pal with me. Sorry no prisoners or men plz.

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Ad : collecting postcards, history. I prefer my postcards collecting wrestling cards, listen written and stamped, not in an to music, reading, coloring, play envelope. my ps2, collecting wrestling magazines, & much more. Name : Fabi Email : writing-fabi@web. Name : Karen de Email : leahrosesmom@ Age : 23 cox.net Country : Germany Age : 48 Ad : Hello everyone out there, my Country : Middle Georgia name is Fabienne, but everyone USA says Fabi. I am 23 years old and a Ad : Hello, my name is Karen. I am female. I am searching for LONG a 48 year old single mom of a 7 LETTER pen pals. No matter year old daughter and a 23 year where you are from. My hobbies old son, living in Middle Georgia are writing, photographing and USA. I am new to penpalling a lot more. I don’t mind your and hope to share this hobby age or your gender. Just write with my 7 year old daughter. I me an email which makes me love reading books (and reading want responding right away. long letters), classic rock music, And mention Sandbook in your arts & crafts (making jewelry, email (best would be: “Sandbook crochet & cross stitch), and - pen pal” as your email subject). blogging. I write poetry and I I would love to get to know you love to take digital photographs. before writing letters to you. I hope to eventually swap FBs, I am not sure if I can answer all and postcards. I am looking messages, but I will sure try to. for a female penpal, preferably Write me a long email and your around my age, in the US, a chances are getting better. I mom and a Christian is a plus. I hope I will find some nice friends. can write short, long or medium letters. I can be reached at Name : Melissa G Holland leahrosesmom@cox.net. Thanks! Email : melissagholland@ hotmail.com Name : Stefanie Age : 35 Email : stef.langenberg@ Country : USA web.de Ad : Hi my name is Melissa Age : 45 and I’m 35 yrs old. I’m looking Country : Germany for new pen pals in the USA Ad : I am looking for poeople only for right now. I enjoy from around the world to collecting recipes,cookbooks, swap postcards with. Besides postcards,recipe postcards, in swapping postcards I am stationary, Hello Kitty items, interested in reading, travelling, and so much more. I have been photography, genealogy and penpalling since 2006. My

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PenPal & Swappers Ads

PenPalling Connections:

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Yahoo Groups that you might want to join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/strictlysnail http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crazy_pen_pals

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booklet coming out february 21, 2011

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mercury: penpalling has its own planet

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Sandbook.net and gaya designs present: Georgia Mystrioti’s

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PenPal Directory and Newsletter Hi! I am Tracy. I sell stationery address and stickers. I also have a penpal Directory and a newsletter. Take a look at my links if interestered. My new thing is making a catalog of all my designs: http://tracyscreationsstationary.shutterfly.com/ http://addresslabels4sale.shutterfly.com/ For more information contact: Tracy Sanders, tracylynnsanders38@yahoo.com

My name is Maxine. I’m the owner of www.penpalmagazine.blogspot.com and www.friendshipbooks.blogspot. com As the names suggest, the former focuses its attention on penpal newsletters and magazines, and the later - on FB’s - what are they, how to make them, how to swap them, etc. Follow the blogs to learn all the cool stuff that I have prepared for you!

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Penpals ‘nd Swappers magazine Penpals `nd Swappers is a new magazine for people who like to write letters and swapping, also for people who are looking for new penpals and swappers. In this magazine there are PenpalAdds and SwapperAdds, all around writing letters and swapping and many many more. How can I order it? Just send an e-mail to penpalsandswappers@ googlemail.com with your name and e-mail address. You get your magazine by e-mail. How to get my PenpalAdd/SwapperAdd in the magazine? Please, send your PenpalAdd or SwapperAdd via e-mail to: penpalsandswappers@googlemail.com. Please do not forget your address or e-mail address.

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Pen Pal Book C/O Kimberly Garigin 3726 Green Pond Rd Gray Court, SC 29645 One issue is $12 black or $18 color. Subscription for 4 issues is $20 black or $25 color. Its like buying two and getting two FREE. Comes out Jan. Apr. Jul. & Oct. I take Cash, checks & Money orders in my name. It is non-profit!! Pen Pal ads to be put in is FREE starting with Jan 2011. Business ads r 5 cents per word/symbols & count your name & address. Add $2 more for Canada or $4 more for Over seas. I use quick print to see the darker print its $4 per issue or $16 for 4 issues. No Inmates!!! For more information contact: Kimberly at vandine69@yahoo.com

INTERNATIONAL COUPLES

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whenever free, exchanging letters and sending each other gifts through mail. Could there be We don’t choose our partners anything more romantic than this? It brings us according to their nationality. Yet, in back to the time where paper correspondence many cases it happens that people between the couple would be the pinnacle of from the opposite side of the romance and love, before the two are united. world (or maybe just from across Since there are many bigger or smaller obstacles the boarder) feel the butterflies so in international relationships, the love tends to strong and they fall in love. be so incredibly strong that it overcomes all the Instead of writing this article just possible problems. And when love is so strong, based on my present marriage it can move the mountains - nothing can stop it. and past relationships, I wanted to make this much more objective, LEARN interesting and interactive: I have If something is different than what we know, we collected information on the topic either reject it, ignore it, or learn about it. If asked from 11 women (8 nationalities) about the biggest advantage of having a partner from all over the world who are in from a foreign country, 100% of our survey love relationships. respondents unite and say: the #1 advantage is to Against the odds of the distance, be able to learn about another culture, traditions language, race, religion or culture, and customs of the partner’s country. This is a the bonds hold very strong. So what knowledge you cannot obtain from books, or is it like to be in an international even if you went to spend holidays in the country. relationship? The best teacher by all means is love and affection The 3 L’s: Love, Learn & Laugh – and the foreign culture becomes a part of your life in the most intimate way. This might also be LOVE the reason why none of the surveys mentioned a It is pretty simple: girl meets a guy, cultural reason for a conflict. Suddenly, you have they fall in love and then…well, wait one more home somewhere far away, you have a second, it’s not that easy. How do another family, celebrate new traditional festivals, they meet? How do they fall in love? or you end up with several ways of celebrating the Interestingly, a lot of the “falling same holidays. You taste many new kinds of food in love” is happening over the (and home-made tastes always the best, right?), distance (and we are back into our might learn a new language, see different movies, good old penpal world). It can be sing different songs, and last but not least, you meeting on chatting programs, also learn about your own culture and country. interpals, through a friend… As you introduce your own customs and culture but at the beginning, the written to your partner, you inevitably need to reflect on communication is very frequent and what has been very natural to you all your life. that is what makes people open up, Suddenly some of your own habits and cultural get personal and eventually intimate behavior might become more meaningful as with each other. Writing several you understand them better. With a partner from long emails a day, chatting through another country, you’ll never stop learning! late nights (don’t forget the different time zones), skyping like crazy LAUGH

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by Theresa Wodehouse

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Couple: Erika and Kris Nationalities: Mexican and Polish Photo taken: July 1st, 2009

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Couple: Gergana and David Nationalities: Bulgarian and Finn Photo taken: Christmas time, 2010

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PATIENCE Just as much as number one advantage is to learn, the biggest difficulty that we have with international relationships is the distance – and patience to overcome that. Ok, I have disguised the word “distance” into “patience” so that it does not hurt so much to be reminded of it. Unfortunately, in the relationship with a foreigner, there is always a distance problem. Either you live far away from each other (sometimes it does not mean how geographically far, but the fact you cannot see each other at least every other weekend); or you stay together, but at least one of you have a family and friends far away. There is always patience that we need to practice when in international relationship. If you take the better aspects of this – the long distance relationship is based on communication (and no physical contact), so we become really good at expressing ourselves. We also find creative ways to express our love through the distance (listening to music together over the phone, having lunch/dinner together over the video chat, getting wildly intimate over skype, going as far as audio and video tapes, slideshows and creative letters to send to each other). The patience brings its fruit – when you are finally together, the amount of passion, understanding and strength of the bond is next to

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The 3 P’s: Patience, Piggybank & Paperwork

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I also like the fun way of shocking and embarrassing people when understanding their conversations when they think you really don’t (just because you speak a different language). A boundless bunch of similar examples wherever you look. So love, learn and laugh with your sweetheart!

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Since laughing is one of the ways to prolong your life, the international couples might live to be hundred years old. So many funny situations that can arise from the differences of cultures will definitely keep your life interesting. One of the funny points is the language. Even if you are from two similar language groups, there are some words which will mean something funny or often vulgar in the other’s native language. To take an example from one of the surveys: Italian pasta “penne” if pronounced differently can mean a “certain part” of male body – which is definitely something that you would not be cooking. When we are talking about food, there are many food items which you simply cannot get in your country and it is typical for your partner’s country. Example: how can a European girl know that something which looks like a tree stump is actually edible and delicious when cooked? (=yam ). I personally think that my food-item dictionary has doubled since I’ve been with my husband (who is from India). Another laughing point is around social customs. How many times do you kiss someone on the cheeks as a greeting? Or do you kiss them at all? Do you finish your food when served by your partner’s mom? Will she get offended when you don’t finish it? Or will she give you another portion even if you insist you had enough? Why do you need to take your shoes off when you enter someone’s home? And if you do take your shoes off, why is it unacceptable to be in your socks only? When you serve food, do you prepare a knife and fork? Or fork is enough? Or just don’t bother about cutlery, hands are enough? If you eat at 4 pm – is it a dinner, lunch or a snack?

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PAPERWORK This is an issue that was not mentioned in the surveys too frequently - maybe because not many people feel it as a difficulty (yet). We can start with getting a visa – in case you need one to visit your sweetheart. That alone can cause sleepless nights and worries. Plus, additional

money (added to the piggybank above). But even if you don’t need the visa to travel, once you decide to move in together and live in one country, there is a huge paperwork to get through. Now there comes the issue of e.g. work visa, fiancée visa, student visa, entrepreneurship license…and ultimately a marriage and residence permit. Actually, the whole marriage paperwork is a chapter in itself. I have recently gone through it and everyone who knows me (and you know who you are, reading this) can remember my insanity in those months. Try dealing with two completely different bureaucratic systems. Madness! I have never seen a bigger mess. And I keep seeing the same thing in international relationships around me (with different countries involved!). So brace yourselves and know that once this is over, your bond grows

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PIGGYBANK Yes, this is the number 2 problem connected to the distance. If you fancy an international relationship, you better get a big fat piggybank! The amount of money that you will be likely spending on travel expenses is crazy. And if you live together, how much does it cost for you to visit your two families? Of course, the positive aspect is that you don’t usually pay for accommodation in either of the countries but the ticket across the world is expensive enough.

Being able to save money is definitely a good habit that will help with having a household together in the future. At the same time, you can enjoy shopping in the cheaper country of the two (a lame excuse for the expensive travel ticket, I know!). The simple rule is: enjoy the small inexpensive things in your life (like penpalling or reading great books instead of crazy shopping sprees), have saving targets and of course – it’s a game for two. You are not alone in this.

Couple: Leonard & Vendy Nationalities: Haitian American and Czech Photo taken: December 19th, 2010

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impossible. It bursts in flames and we need to be careful not to burn ourselves to be able to overcome another long period of waiting to see each other again. There is a beautiful quote to help us with the heartache: “Distance is just a test to see how far love can travel”.

Couple: Teresa and Donovan Nationality: Czech and Anglo-indian Photo taken: September 3rd, 2010

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Couple: Elina & Anton Nationalities: Finn and Russian-Polish Photo taken: Wedding day 24.3.2006

even stronger, as you really have to fight to be together (on paper). And all’s well that ends well. Now that is how we – the girls from international relationships – see it. Having a partner from another country means we will be always entertained, fed with good food, have lots to learn (and our brains will not get rusty with boredom ever), have great opportunities (choice of which of the two countries we want to live in, having bilingual children, combining the best of each culture) and have great stories to tell our grandchildren one day. Thanks to everyone who helped with their views and experiences: Raia & Geri from Bulgaria, Erika from Mexico, Melanie from Germany, Veronica from Argentina, Elina from Finland, Magdalenka from Poland, Yuki from Japan, Vendy & Zuzka & Helenka from Czech Republic. 75

A HUNDRED WAYS TO SAY....

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Romanian - TE IUBESC Roman Numerals - 333 Russian - Ya tebya liubliu Rwanda - Ndagukunda Scot Gaelic - Tha gra\dh agam ort

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o t s y wa xox d ! e u r o d y n hu ove A I l say

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Tajik Man turo Dust Doram Tagalog - Mahal kita Taiwanese - Wa ga ei li Tahitian - Ua HereVau Ia Oe Tamil - Naan unnai kathalikiraen Telugu - Nenu ninnu premistunnanu Thai - Chan rak khun (to male) Thai - Phom rak khun (to female) Turkish - Seni Seviyorum Ukrainian - Ya tebe kahayu Urdu - mai aap say pyaar karta hoo Vietnamese - Anh ye^u em (to female) Vietnamese - Em ye^u anh (to male) Welsh - ‘Rwy’n dy garu Yiddish - Ikh hob dikh Yoruba - Mo ni fe Zimbabwe - Ndinokuda

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Serbian - Volim te Setswana - Ke a go rata Sign Language - ,\,,/ (represents position of fingers when signing ‘I Love You’ Sindhi - Maa tokhe pyar kendo ahyan Sioux - Techihhila Slovak - Lu`bim ta Slovenian - Ljubim te

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Navaho - Ayor anosh’ni Nepali - Ma Timilai Maya Garchhu Norwegian - Jeg Elsker Deg Pandacan - Syota na kita!! Pangasinan - Inaru Taka Papiamento - Mi ta stimabo Persian - Doo-set daaram Pig Latin - Iay ovlay ouyay Polish - Kocham Cie Portuguese - Amo-te

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chu Hiligaynon - Palangga ko ikaw Afrikaans - Ek het jou lief Hawaiian - Aloha wau ia oi Albanian - Te dua Hebrew - Ani ohev otah (to female) Arabic - Ana behibak (to male) Hebrew - Ani ohev et otha (to male) Arabic - Ana behibek (to female) Hiligaynon - Guina higugma ko Armenian - Yes kez sirumen ikaw Bambara - M’bi fe Hindi - Hum Tumhe Pyar Karte hai Bangla - Aamee tuma ke bhalo Hmong - Kuv hlub koj baashi Hopi - Nu’ umi unangwa’ta Belarusian - Ya tabe kahayu Hungarian - Szeretlek Bisaya - Nahigugma ako kanimo Icelandic - Ég elska þig Bosnian - Volim te Ilonggo - Palangga ko ikaw Bulgarian - Obicham te Indonesian Saya cinta Cambodian - Bung Srorlagn Oun padamu (to female) Inuit - Negligevapse Oun Srorlagn Bung (to male) Irish - Taim i’ ngra leat Cantonese/Chinese Ngo oiy ney a Italian - Ti amo Catalan - T’estimo Japanese - Aishiteru Cheyenne - Ne mohotatse Kannada Naa ninna Chichewa - Ndimakukonda preetisuve Corsican - Ti tengu caru (to male) Kapampangan - Kaluguran Creol - Mi aime jou daka Croatian - Volim te Kikongo - Muke zolaka nge Czech - Miluji te Kiswahili - Nakupenda Danish - Jeg Elsker Dig Konkani - Tu magel moga Dutch - Ik hou van jou cho Elmer Fudd - I wove you Korean - Sarang Heyo English - I love you Latin - Te amo Esperanto - Mi amas vin Latvian - Es tevi miilu Estonian - Ma armastan sind Lebanese - Bahibak Ethiopian - Ewedishalehu : male/ Lingala - Nalingi yo female to female Lithuanian - Tave myliu Ewedihalehu: male/female to male. Macedonian Te Sakam Faroese - Eg elski teg Malay - Saya cintakan mu / Farsi - Doset daram Aku cinta padamu Filipino - Mahal kita Malayalam - Njan Ninne Finnish - Mina rakastan sinua Premikunnu French - Je t’aime, Je t’adore Maltese - Inhobbok Gaelic - Ta gra agam ort Mandarin Chinese - Wo ai ni Georgian - Mikvarhar Marathi - Me tula prem karto German - Ich liebe dich Mohawk - Kanbhik Greek - S’agapo Moroccan - Ana moajaba bik Gujarati - Hu tumney prem karu Nahuatl - Ni mits neki

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By Samantha Stroy

Spanish - Te quiero / Te amo Surinam- Mi lobi joe Swahili - Ninapenda wewe Swedish - Jag alskar dig Swiss-German - Ig liebe di

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sURVIVING ST. VALENTINE’S DAY

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THE VALENTINE’S DAY SURVIVAL GUIDE By Rach Gee It’s not all hearts 78

and flowers for some on Valentine’s Day. As Christmas is fading away, the shops are suddenly filled with cards, gifts and flowers

ready for a day that many look forward to. A day when they can show their partners how much they love them. For others, it’s a day

that can be one of frustration, anguish and loneliness. It’s not just those without partners who may dread the day; it’s those who

were born on Valentine’s Day as well. My father likes to tell a story to people he meets. “We started dating on Valentine’s Day, we got engaged on Valentine’s

Day and, in 1981, our first child was born on Valentine’s Day.” It’s a story I’ve heard a million times but one which I still love to hear. He tells how he got my

heavily pregnant mother out of bed on a cold and snowy February morning to help him get their car started. I was due to be born two weeks later, on the 28th but, through

some odd insight, my father was convinced I’d be born on the 14th. Several hours later and many frustrated phone calls (this was before the days of mobile phones 79

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Ignore Everyone Else Seriously, just ignore the loved up people. It’s your day and your time to have fun. They may not even be together next year but February 14th will always be your birthday, your special day. Celebrate it however you want to celebrate it. And, if you have any other ideas for celebrating a birthday on Valentine’s Day, feel free to email me! ( rae@ glasscompletelyempty. co.uk )

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to pick their partner over you so, unless Valentine’s Day actually falls on a weekend, then it’s harder to get people together to do anything. Sometimes, especially if it’s on a Saturday, people will meet up for a party after they’ve been out for dinner or to

Single Friends Seriously, if you have any, GRAB THEM! About a month before, go around your single friends and ask them what they’re doing for Valentine’s Day (You never know; they may have someone they’re keeping in the dark for the moment). If they say “Nothing”, start arranging to do something. Having a movie night at home is always a good one. Find a couple of movies none of you have ever seen, make a table of nice food (chocolate, popcorn, fizzy wine, soft drinks – all the foods you wouldn’t normally eat) and have a blast. If you’re with a bunch of girl friends, do each others nails or, if you all dye your hair, do that as well! If you’re feeling up to it; have a slumber party. Believe If You’re By me, you’re never too Yourself old to act like a child! It’s Retail therapy. Pure and something I’ve learned simple. Doesn’t matter

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seemed to forget that it was actually my 21st birthday, I promptly dumped him. Well, wouldn’t you?! It’s a hard compromise to make. On one hand, you want to spend your special with your friends and family. On the other, they’re always going

Your Mother If your single friends have all suddenly got someone and you’re feeling a bit Bridget Jones, grab your mother. I know it sounds like a world of dread for some but, if your mother is anything like mine, the attraction of Valentine’s Day wore off the day she spent goodness knows how many hours in the hospital pushing you out. Trust me on that one. Go out for lunch, go to the cinema, go do a bit of shopping. Or have a movie night. If you’re male and born on Valentine’s Day, round up any male siblings and friends (and not forgetting your Dad! Well, someone has to reward him for the 5 minute he spent creating you!) and go paint-balling or go-karting. I’ve known those ones to be done as well!

if you’re male or female, a bit of shopping and a nice cup of coffee (or a swift pint in the pub) can work miracles. Seriously, go out, find a nice outfit and perhaps go and paint the town red. Or hang out in your favourite coffee house, bookstore etc.

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birthdays; full of fun, gifts and cake. But, as I grew older, I found myself on the edges of society, a cast off as my friends decided to spend the day with their loved ones instead. I remember trying to spend a day with my partner at the time but, when he

over the years; never let go of that inner child because you never know when you might need them!

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and the internet, remember!) my father arrived at the hospital, all smiles as he said to my mother, “I told you so!”. Being a Valentine’s baby never really bothered me when I was younger. Well, it had no need to, did it? Instead, it was like everyone else’s

Of course, there are the upsides to having a birthday on February 14th. When people ask how many cards I’ve had, I always answer with a big grin and the words, “Too many to count! Perhaps twenty or thirty.”. Of course, this only really works if people don’t know or realise that your birthday is Valentine’s Day. People do send me flowers, something I greatly appreciate as all the partners I’ve had always seem to buy me techy gifts. Not that I mind; I’m forever in need of a new camera lens or MP3 player! Over the years, I’ve

pretty much written the survival guide to having a Valentine’s birthday. I’ve discovered it’s also a survival guide to being single on Valentine’s Day (double whammy for me, seeing as I’m also single!).

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the cinema but, I’ve discovered, it’s often easier to celebrate my birthday on the weekend. That way, the dreaded day is out of the way and everyone’s free to do something. Most of the time, I celebrate it the weekend after Valentine’s Day because at least I’ll actually have had my birthday and won’t be stressing about growing older! (Which, as many people tell me, I’m not. I’m a spring chicken to them and besides, we’re only as old as we feel!)

Lastly, if Valentine’s Day is your birthday... Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Valentine’s babies! Happy birthday to you! I hope you all have a great day and I wish you a lot of luck, happiness and prosperity for the future. 81

sAMANTHA’S thOUGHTS Happy Valentine’s Day also Feliz Dia De San Valentin!!!

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Wow, we have come a long way since November 2010, and I wish for many more issues to come as well. Just a shout-out to everybody who makes this magazine possible, Raia, for her idea to start an online penpal magazine, the people behind the layout and design (the Sandbook Net Team and of course Gaya Designs), the authors of the articles who submit monthly and give much thought and effort into each and every article we write, and to all the newcomer’s who will write future article’s for this amazing magazine. That is what makes this magazine worth reading and writing for, in my opinion. With that out of the way, we come to what Valentine’s Day means to me.

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Saint Valentine’s Day Valentine’s day has always been special to me. As a kid, our whole class would use brown paper lunch bags, glue, glitter, markers, stickers, and cut out hearts to decorate them. Then, when we were done, we would tape a part of the open side to the outside our desks. When we would come inside from recess, our teacher had already added a sandwich bag of goodies for us containing candy, pencils, pens, heart shaped erasers, and mini notepads. Then, it was the students’ turn. To run around the classroom and put our valentine’s day cards in each person’s lunch bag. Nobody got left out. There were at least 30 kids to our class back in elementary school. Sometimes you would get a letter from a boy who has a crush on you and signed “ Your secret Admirer.” The girl’s would color Disney princess coloring pages for each other or something with princesses on them, and the boy’s would include mini hot wheel car’s for the boys. It was fun as a kid. Hereweare20yearslaterandmyoldestdaughter still has the same tradition she follows every year in her classes. I love it. She always makes me a special card at home, which I add on our 83

SAMANTHA’S THOUGHTS

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here we are married for 7 years (this July 4th), and three beautiful, talented, smart and

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share Valentine’s Day with s group of friend’s and have a party, or take advantage of the sales and go shopping, go clubbing with the

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a card, write him a poem of how I feel and get him a “manly” stuffed animal. This year the kids and I are going to make some

girls, have a pajama party and watch movies, play games, drink some wine, and eat chocolate, but most of all have fun. This year if my husband has to work, I got my three girls to keep me company and have our own pajama party, eat popcorn, watch a movie or listen to music (this year it’s all about Justin Beiber) and sing and dance until we get tired. Happy Birthday to all those born in the month of February. As soon as I get my blog up and running, you will be able to comment and leave suggestions, recommendations, and/ or answer the questions I usually ask throughout my article. So, please bear with me while I work on getting it up and going. The link is at the bottom of the article. I will be adding older articles from the previous articles of Samantha’s Thought’s, so you can go back and answer those questions also. Which brings me to my first question to be answered on my blog: What do you think about Prince William and Katherine Middleton’s engagement? Why do

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Valentine’s paper craft’s, sit back and watch a movie together as a family. We pick “Tangeled,” this year for our family movie and for the adult’s, we will have some wine and sit back and either watch “Letter’s To Juliet,” or “ Dear John.” Valentine’s Day isn’t all about being married or having a boyfriend or girlfriend. You can

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w o n d e r f u l princesses of our own. We are living our own love fairy tale. Every year my husband brings me a dozen long stem roses and a big heart shaped box of yummy chocolates with a beautiful card and teddy bear. It’s kind of a ritual. I always get him

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card it read “Happy Valentine’s Day! I really like you! Will you be my girlfriend?” Can you guess who it was from? None other than the man I am married to today. It’s amazing what a little puppy love can make you do. I had made him a card saying I would be his girlfriend, and he kissed me on the cheek. Fo u r t e e n years later,

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homemade Valentine’s Day cards just to show their appreciation just for me. It was so sweet and melted my heart. When I was 13, I received my first Valentine’s Day card from a blonde haired, blue eyed boy who liked me. I still have it in fact. The card has a floppy eared bunny holding a box of chocolates shaped as a heart saying “Be Mine.” When, I opened t h e

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refrigerator. I volunteered for her kindergarten class all of last year and her whole class, including the teacher surprised me with

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Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology is a 1 It is more than likely that you will be spending this Valentine’s Day alone. However you may not be that unhappy about it as you may be busy making money or away on a trip. It can also mean that you will be single this year. Instead of partying or going to a “meet market” of some kind you might prefer to spend time alone pampering yourself at a spa or simply going to bed early and reading a good book.

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First of calculate your Life Path number. This is easy enough as all it entails is adding up the numerical digits in your birth dates and reducing them to one digit. For instance, let’s say your birthday is June 7, 1960. The calculation for your Life Path Number would be 6+7+1+9+6+0 = 30 = 3+0 = 3 Keep whatever number you arrive at in mind as you will need it late to figure out your own

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Your Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology Calculating your numerology for a special day is called event numerology. Here is a look at what the numbers reveal for you this Valentine’s Day and what they forecast for you in terms of love and romance. All it takes to figure out your own personal day numerology for Valentine’s day, 2011 is a few simple calculations that you will be walked through in this article.

This year’s Valentine’s Day equates to being February 14, 2011 which translates numerological to being – 1+1+4+2+0+1+1= 9 The event number for Valentine’s Day 2011 is 9. To arrive at your own event numerology for Valentine’s Day you would add your Life Path number to the 2011 Valentine’s Day number of 9. So in the case of the birth date example above that would be 3 + 9 = 12 = 1+2 = 3. Once you have done your personal numerology for that day you can then look up the interpretations below to find out how your Valentine’s Day will go.

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Lost PenPal

Personal Valentine’s Day numerology.

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Here is something I found just browsing the internet the other night that I think will be fun for everyone to do for Valentine’s Day.

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Superbowl Here in the USA, we are getting ready for the Superbowl. It’s good American football and we have The Greenbay Packer’s (Go Packer’s) and The Pittsburg Steeler’s playing against each other. Whichever team wins will get a lot of money and a trophy as well as a Superbowl Gold/ Silver and diamond ring. Most people go to Disneyworld and take their families when they win. I watch football with my husband and we are big Packer’s fans!!!

Recently, (well placed in previous issues) I placed a “Lost a penpal,” ad for the magazine. She was my first penpal ever, when I first got the internet at age 14. Well, somehow over the years we had lost touch and that’s why I placed the ad looking for her. She somehow came across Sandbook. Net and noticed I was looking for her, and she contacted me saying she was wondering what happened and why we lost touch and still wants to be penpals. We exchanged addresses again and now we will write to each other again. Isn’t that exciting? I really missed her and I’m glad this magazine helped me find her find me, and me being able to place an ad to find her. So, if you think the “lost a penpal” ad doesn’t work – I can assure it does. Is anyone on Interpals anymore? I have a very informative profile on there that tells more about me if anyone is willing to check it out and add me as a friend. I am curious to see your profile’s also and just link me to yours. Here is my link w w w.interpals.net/ foundmyangelnow .

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you think he chose her out of every girl/woman he has dated, and proposed to her with his belated mother’s engagement ring? Do you think the ring could be cursed? I only say that as the relationship between Princess Diana and Prince Charles wasn’t a good marriage. I was always raised to never use an old family engagement ring, if the marriage didn’t work out. You can follow up on my blog very soon. I would like your honest and true opinions and answers from your heart.

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Numerology is a 3 This predicts a Valentine’s Day that might possibly find you torn between two people. The 3 is the ultimate number that denotes a love triangle. There may be a question of commitment or loyalties. Indecision or a fear of offending one party or another often leads the person to attend a party in order to having to face any type of dilemma where they

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could happen for you this Valentine’s Day. If you entered this year single, it is possible you could, through a lucky coincidence, meet the right person on St. Valentine’s Day. Your chances are doubly assured of this if you do something you really love that day; even if you are by yourself as that is one sure way to attract a soul mate. P e r s o n a l Valentine’s Day

Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology is a 5 This holiday you are going to feel like you might want to strike out on your own and experience life’s sensual Personal pleasures to the fullest. Valentine’s Day This is okay if you are Numerology is a 4 single but even people You are not likely to who are not single might make much of this decide to create a bit of holiday this year a crisis with their loved whether you are with ones so they can see someone or not. It what else their options is not that you don’t might be when it comes have something to to love and adventure. celebrate, it is just that Five is a restless, reckless you may be held back number that takes by a lack of money, a chances on love and acts great distance between from the groin instead you and a loved one or of the head. It is also the even a health problem. number of the addict When Valentine’s Day that indulges too much. event number is a 4 it Overdoing it when it means that there is little comes to partying is a room for a relationship definite likelihood for Personal that excludes others. the person with the Valentine’s Day You may have to 5 Personal Valentine’s Numerology is a 7 work late or include Day number. The good It is highly likely that you

will be spending this Valentine’s Day alone and more than likely that you will be suffering from some kind of unrequited love or heartbreak. The 7 is a very obsessive number and it may take all of your strength not to contact an ex or give into feelings of despair. Although it is advisable for you to spend the day with friends, it is not advisable to go to romantic places if you are alone or recently separated as it could depress you. If you are attached you might simply just feel depressed and more like doing simple things like watching television or surfing the internet. The 7 energy is not that romantic however it is creative. Finding a way to express yourself through music or art is highly recommended on a 7 personal day. Time alone pampering oneself and shopping for a new wardrobe is recommended to lift the spirits.

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P e r s o n a l Valentine’s Day Numerology is a 2 You are bound to spend a very loving and special

Valentine’s Day with the one you love. It is not likely that the two of you will go out in public. It might be a memorable time spent between the sheets or doing something together that the both of you love like taking a long walk in nature or cooking a delicious meal for each other. The other nice thing about this 2 energy is that it denotes commitment and it is quite possible that a proposal or engagement

news though is that it is a very sexual number and there is likely to be some kind of romance finishing off the evening for you. Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology is a 6 You are destined to spend your Valentine’s Day with family and friends. This is likely to be a social event that includes quite a few people, which does not make it such a romantic one. If you are experiencing this number on February 14th it is highly likely you are expected to babysit kids or look after elderly people. You might also find yourself in the position of hosting a dinner party. The 6 vibe is very domestic and dutiful and not that concerned with courtship or sexual adventures, however if you are attached you may have sex with your husband or wife simply as a way of acknowledging the tradition of romance on Valentine’s Day. However it is more likely that fatigue from putting everyone else first and being responsible is likely to make too tired to care whether you are desirable or not.

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This number means that you will prefer to spend your time loving yourself and doing things that interest you and increase your sense of self-esteem and self-worth. It is likely to be a quieter, more reflective Valentine’s Day for you but there is nothing wrong with that!

coworkers or family in your plans, if they do happen to develop. It is also more likely that if there is any kind of acknowledgment of the holiday that it will be celebrated at home. Although the number is friendly, it is also not that friendly or romantic so don’t get your expectations up too high when it comes to Valentine’s Day this year.

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feel torn. In some cases the 3 event numerology can indicate some pretty kinky sexual activity, especially with someone who is also experiencing a 3 personal event day or a 5 day. Yet another thing that could happen on this day is an overindulgence in alcohol or food that further sabotages you from moving forward with plans with someone, prevents sex or prevents discussions about commitment. Still the wildness of the evening will prove to be a great deal of fun, no matter where you end up.

Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology is 8 This Valentine’s Day is one that is likely to be enriched by the presence of someone who truly loves you and wants to celebrate it in the traditional manner. It is likely you will be going out to dinner with that special someone, drinking 89

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champagne and then going home together. If you have been attached for a long time the two of you could be enjoying discussing your future together. If you are single you could meet someone unique or new quite by accident. This is one of the nicest numbers to have on a Valentine’s Day as it is all about loyalty, unity and a commitment that lasts forever. The number 8 can also signify finding or celebrating a partner who is both emotionally and financially completely secure and who makes you rich by association.

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Personal Valentine’s Day Numerology is a 9 You are likely to perceive this holiday as being too commercial for you to celebrate in the traditional day and want to opt instead to do something private and empowering with the one you love. You may have a ritual that is shared only between the two of you that will cement your bond such as exchanging sentimental objects or taking each others picture. If you are single you will not be seeking out a kindred spirit as you will feel just as happy to be alone this year. In fact you may make it your mission to be selfsatisfying and throw a party for all of your single friends, 90

not with the intention of matchmaking, but more to be altruistic on this holiday to show that love should be inclusive and unconditional in nature. By being positive, you may attract a wonderful new relationship to you or enjoy even more enriching times with your current partner. Now for a word about the Numerology number for the Event which we have calculated as being a 9. This means that the overall tone of this year’sValentine’s Day celebrations will be a little less focused on the importance of being a couple or one’s own story when it comes to love and more focused on making sure that everyone is taken care of and his having fun. The 9 energy also means that the parties will be less focused on sex and romance, more about family and children and that there will be less parties in general. This is not a very erotic influence but it can be fun because it is not all about money, impressing people or being competitive sexually.

Day! I am always looking for some good book recommendation’s on anything. Love, ghosts, Astrology, Astrology, Numerology, Angel’s, Vampire Novel’s, anything by your favorite author’s. Link me to the book’s amazon page, please. So, please go to my blog and subscribe as soon as possible so I can approve it. There’s not much there now but very soon there will be. I will follow anyone back that follows me also. In a separate article, possibly March’s issue, I am going to be setting up (with Raia’s help) a children looking for penpal’s section. I have a 7 year old that can read and write, a 4 year old that can color, and a 2 year that can scribble. We can always help our children make crafts, send stickers or

postcards or coloring pages. What am I reading at the moment: Numerous things that you can get a description from Amazon. Angel Magic- Cassandra Eason The Vampire diarie’s: Stefan’s Diary by L.J.Smith Lillian Too’s Guide to Numerology Faerie Path- Frewin Jones. Well, I hope you have a very great Valentine’s Day. If your single, don’t stay home, go out and have some fun! Xoxoxoxo, Samantha Stroy itsapenpalworld@gmail. com w w w.facebook .com/ angelbaby916 http://itsapenpalworld. blogspot.com w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / xoxoxowithlove www.swagbucks.com/ refer/xoxoxowithlove

Any ideas for my next article to write about in March? I am Irish, so my family and I celebrate St. Patrick’s 91

WORLD TRAVELER: SAINT KITTS By Josh Cowan jcowan1023@gmail. com

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shade tree, opened our cooler of beverages and settled in for a delightful afternoon. It seemed a bit irreverent for observers to be draped all over the gravestones and markers but apparently it is accepted and, I suppose, the departed may enjoy being part of the festivities now, as they were in the past. This Grand Parade was totally different in that it began with a children’s parade which then led into a more ‘adult’ parade, all originating from the same location. I guess the most amazing thing to me was the thought that every feather, ruffle, sequin, boa, and yard of cloth had to be ordered and shipped in. The costumes were awesome creations made up of things not to be found anywhere on the island. There are no Michaels’ Craft or Joanne’s Fabric stores to bop into when one more package of spangles was needed! Many of the big truck/ floats were used again to provide music-and booze-for the troupes! So unlike our parades in the States anymore where we are lucky to have even one or two bands playing-and no drinks!

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from masquerade balls of the French, the slaves would stage their own mini-carnivals in their backyards — using their

taped music--loudly. Each of the trucks dispenses beer or rum or hard wine. The truck/float is decked out in a particular color as are all the many, many folks dancing along the street with it. So, those folks dressed in purple walking with the purple truck, music blaring, start from their town and wind their way along a route towards the center of town, while a red group comes from another area, and the yellow group comes from a different area, etc.. They all, eventually, converge along Basseterre’s center streets going around and around, dancing Sugar Mas Grand Parade. We watched the Sugar Mas Grand Parade and, WOW, grand it definitely was! While J’ouvert was a parade of ‘excess’ this parade was a visual delight. We have never seen such an array of gorgeous colors and inventive costuming.... and endless entries! This parade went past us for three hours...and we were on the beginning part of the route! We were told by locals that the best viewing spot was up in the cemetery, so it was there we plunked our chairs under a

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his very tall elf with a bullhorn! Santa had the requisite red velour suit (hot, hot, hot!!) but was

own rituals and folklore, but also imitating and sometimes mocking their masters’ behavior at the balls. The origins of street parties associated with J’ouvert coincide with the emancipation from slavery in 1838. Emancipation provided Africans with the opportunity to not only participate in Carnival, but to embrace it as an expression of their new found freedom. Some theorize that some J’ouvert traditions are carried forward in remembrance of civil disturbances in Trinidad when the people smeared themselves with oil or paint to avoid being recognized. It would normally be held on the day after Christmas but with that being Sunday this year, J’ouvert was changed to the Monday morning after Christmas. It started about 2AM Monday and was still going strong when we arrived at 10AM! Each area (town?) has one of the huge truck/ floats with amps and DJ’s and folks playing electric guitars along with the

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family members. Events we participated in while on the islands in several events.

also sporting sunglasses and was in his bare feet! It was a kick to see him coming along the beach with all the kids in tow! J ’o u v e r t - J ’o u v e r t (contraction of French words meaning dawn/ break of day) is kind of a ‘battle of the bands’ type parade to see in the new dawn. Carnival was introduced to Trinidad by French settlers in 1783, a time of slavery. Banned

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Christmas Eve We celebrated Christmas Eve-beach style! Reggae Beach Bar put on an evening BBQ with Santa! When it got dark, Santa came ashore way down the beach. The kids were all standing out on the sand watching and waiting. Suddenly Santa was spotted and the kids shot down at the water’s edge to greet him and

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using different calls for different predators. Monkeys scream when they are disciplined by members of the troop. Facial expressions and body posturingserve asadditionalcommunication tools. Their social interactions are highly complex. Where alliances can be formed for benefit, deception is sometimes used. Physical affection is important between

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We have packed up everything we could fit into a rollerbag and a duffle bag each for our two month stay on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean, West Indies. Luckily, American Airlines allows 2 checked bags at no cost for travel to the Caribbean, though there is a bag embargo over the holidays so they cannot be overweight and you cannot pay for a third bag like my sister and my brother in-law each had to move to St. Kitts. Arriving in St. Kitts is always interesting. The airport is pretty shabby and outdated. At least this trip we were prepared for it and the whole atmosphere didn’t concern us a bit. We finally got to hug the kids which was so wonderful! It seems forever since they moved here, and yet, it is hard to believe that eight months have passed! We met Miss Moore. My brother in-law brought us to her little food stand down in port. It is

tucked in an alleyway and certainly is not a place we would have stopped at on our own. Saint Kitts has a species of Monkeys called green Vervet monkeys. I have included some information about these monkeys. Chlorocebus monkeys live in large groups, which can consist of some males, many females and their offspring, and can be as large as 80 animals. The group hierarchy plays an important role: dominant males and females are given priority in the search for food, and are groomed by subordinate members of the group. While young males must leave their group once they are fully mature, females remain and take on the role of their mothers. These monkeys are territorial animals, and a group can occupy an area of approximately 0.1 to 1 km². They use a wide variety of vocalizations. They can with warn off members of other groups from their territory, and they can also warn members of their own troop of dangers from predators,

FASHIONISTA

by Stephanie Fatta http://bea u t y br i te. blogspot.com

more! Feel free to stop by and leave a comment. If you have a blog, I would love to exchange blog Hey everyone! It’s links or buttons with you. Stephanie from Beauty I hope everyone is having Brite here! Be sure to a good 2011 so far! A new visit my blog at www. year comes new things, beautybrite.blogspot. and I am still hoping com for product something good happens reviews, giveaways, for us. In the meantime, beauty recipes, and I am always looking for

ways to save money. I recently made my first batch of homemade shampoo. I’ve wanted to do this for awhile and finally gathered all of the ingredients together. I wanted to make my own shampoo because my hair can feel frizzy, dry and crunchy, and worst of all full of static.

I have been using my homemade shampoo for about a week now and love the results. I found 2 homemade shampoo recipes and they only have 3 or 4 ingredients. If you are looking for all natural, environmentally friendly shampoo, you may want to try either of these

recipes. Both recipes make a great 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner as well! As you can see, both recipes are customizable and you can even create your own “herbal shampoo” by adding your favorite essential oils. If you can do without the name brand

label or fancy bottle, this could be for you. You can find Dr. Bronner’s castile liquid soap and apple cider vinegar at any health food store. Otherwise, you can find both online! I made the first recipe, but I used ½ cup of liquid castile soap. You can adjust the

ingredients to your own desire. Instead of a spray bottle, I used one of those soap dispensers that make liquid soap come out foamy and it works just as well. I don’t mind the liquidy feel of the shampoo. I am actually tired of the store bought shampoos

because they make so many bubbles and strip my hair of its softness. Since I started using my own shampoo, my hair feels so soft, full of volume, much less static too! I do not have to use a separate conditioner either! I also love that I am saving money!

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Make your own shampoo

Homemade Shampoo #2 ¼ Cup Water ¾ Cup Dr. Bronner’s organic castile liquid soap 4 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.

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Combine together and store in a spray bottle. You can also add your own fragrances you desire, such as lavender, peppermint, etc. This shampoo will be more liquidy than your standard shampoo. Rubbing your hair first works well to activate the suds and then scrubbing into scalp. Your hair will feel slightly more greasy than normal, but that is actually more natural anyway. Most modern shampoos actually dry out your hair, removing the natural oils.

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castile for its whole

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1 cup Dr. Bronner’s organic liquid soap (use baby mild versatility - works for the family) 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar ¾ Tbs tea tree oil ¼ cup water 1 (16 oz) spray bottle or container for application

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Homemade Shampoo #1

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAY TWINS: FAMOUS FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

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May you all have a wonderful day! To join our birthday twin section, send us your birthday, name, country and email to our email: fun@ sandbook.net To contact any of our Birthday Twins, log onto our website and look at the BirthdayTwin Section.

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Levin, USA 16th February 1985, Choi, Ji Hye, South Korea, 22nd February 1974, AnneBritt Eide, Norway 23rd February 1963, Susan Campbell, USA 24th February 1981, Guilia Aliberti, USA.

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(Actor) 21st February 1943 – David Geffen (Record executive and film producer) 22nd February 1978 – Jen Frost (Singer) 22nd February 1810 – Frederic Chopin (Composer) 23rd February 1995 – Daokta Fanning (Actress) 23rd February 1944 – Johnny Winter (Musician) 24th February 1966 – Billy Zane (Actor) 24th February 1873 – Enrico Caruso (Operatic tenor) 25th February 1964 – Lee Evans (Comedian) 25th February 1901 – Zeppo Marx (One of the Marx Brothers) 26th February 1972 – Erykah Bady (singer) 26th February 1928 – Fats Domino (Pianist) 27th February 1981 – Josh Groban (Classical performer) 27th February 1932 – Elizabeth Taylor (Actress) 28th February 1973 – Eric Lindros (Hockey player) 28th February Mario Andretti (Formula 1 driver)

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1st February 1968 – Lisa Marie Presley (Daughter of Elvis) 1st February 1901 – Clark Gable (Actor) 2nd February 1977 – Shakira (Singer) 2nd February 1947 – Farah Fawcett (Actress) 3rd February 1976 – Isla Fisher (Actress) 3rd February 1918 – Joey Bishop (Comedian) 4th February 1948 – Alice Cooper (Rock Musician) 4th February 1940 – George A Romero (Film Director - “Night of the Living Dead”) 5th February 1962 – Jennifer Jason Leigh (Actress) 5th February 1940 – HR Giger

(Painter) 14th February 1942 – Michael Bloomberg (Mayor of New York) 14th February 1913 – Jimmy Hoffa (Teamsters Union leader) 15th February 1971 – Renee O’Connor (Actress) 15th February 1954 – Matt Groening (Creator of “The Simpsons”) 16th February 1959 – John McEnroe (Tennis Player) 16th February 1921 – Vera-Ellen (Dancer) 17th February 1991 – Paris Hilton (Socialite) 17th February 1972 – Billie Joe Armstrong (Musician) 18th February 1974 – Jillian Michaels (Personal trainer) 18th February 1933 – Yolo Ono (Artist and musician married to John Lennon) 19th February 1985 – Haylie Duff (Actress) 19th February 1473 – Nicholas Copernicus (Scientist) 20th February 1967 – Kurt Cobain (Musician) 20th February 1902 – Ansel Adams (Environmentalist and phototgrapher) 21st February 1989 – Corbin Bleu

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If you’re born in February you’re in luck!There’s a wealth of knowledge, humour, talent and music sharing your birthdays. Brighten up your February and check out some of their work! If you want to find out who else shares your special day, check out the Famous Birthdays website at: http://www.famousbirthdays.com

(Artist) 6th February 1962 – Axl Rose (Rock Musician) 6th February 1895 – Babe Ruth (Baseball Player) 7th February 1965 – Chris Rock (Comedian/Actor) 7th February 1960 – James Spader (Actor) 8th February 1932 – John Williams (Composer) 8th February 1931 – James Dean (Actor) 9th February 1945 – Mia Farrow (Actress) 9th February 1874 – Amy Lowell (Poet) 10th February 1991 – Emma Roberts (Actress) 10th February 1962 – Cliff Burton (Bass Player) 11th February 1992 – Taylor Lautner (Actor) 11th February 1847 – Thomas Alva Edison (Inventor of of the lightbulb, phonograph and movies) 12th February 1980 – Christina Ricci (Actress) 12th February 1809 – Abraham Lincoln (16th US President) 13th February 1974 – Robbie Williams (Singer) 13th February 1892 – Grant Wood

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Birthday Twins Birthday Twins! What’s more cool than finding someone who shares the same birthday date with you? No matter how far away you live from one another an instant connection is made. On one and the same day, you party together to celebrateYour own Special Day! The Team of Sandbook.Net 96

would like to say a very Happy Birthday to: 5th February 1991, Georgie Freestone, UK, 13th February, Latoya Warren, USA 14th February 1979, Rachael Gilliver, UK 15th February 1981, Robyn

NEXT ISSUE

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How to become a guest writer?

How does the subscribe feature on the website work?

Coming out: MARCH 11, 2011

Commercial Ads are paid ads for products or service that is not classified as a penpal or a swapper ad or an add from a small business that provides supplies for correspondence (stationary, address labels). Such ads are going to be reviewed and negotiated with the respective companies. For more information email magazine@sandbook.net

Make sure that you stay informed for the latest news Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandbook Add us as a friend on Facebook http://facebook.com/sandbooknet And join our Facebook Group: http://on.fb.me/SBNgroup And join our Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/SBNpage Read our blog at: sandbooknet.blogspot.com Visit us on our website: www.SandBook.Net

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What is the policy on commercial Ads?

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I don’t see my Ad. Why?

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1) Promote us - tell your penpals and swappers about the magazine. 2) Give us feedback - either on our website www.sandbook.net or through Facebook/Twitter. 3) Become a guest writer - Contact us with your idea of an article. We need to make sure that the topic is still not taken by someone else. We don’t want to print out articles with similar content. Deadline of all The published ads are in agreement with our policy: articles is the 30th of each month. If we receive the 1) we are not a dating site/community - write article after that date - your article is going to be run in the next issue. If you decide to send any pictures appropriate ads to have them published! 2) no inmates - we have kids that are members in our with your article, you will need to have the rights to that image and the image needs to be with a minimal community! 3) money requests - such ad will result in your resolution of 800x600. permanent ban from our community. Go to www.sandbook.net and go to the Magazine section. Then simply click “Place an Ad” and you will have to fill out the form that loads on your computer screen. Please remember to give your actual/real email address, as it will be the only connect information that anyone can use to get back in touch with you.

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What can I do to help with the magazine?

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How to place an ad in the magazine?

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Yes! So go ahead and tell all of your penpals and swappers about it. Promote the magazine so we can choose from various penpals and swappers ads. The Again, get in touch with us and let us know the name of the topic that you want to write about. If it is not more, the merrier! already taken, we’d give you the go ahead to write it. We are doing that simply to ensure that we don’t have one and the same stories printed under variation of names. The deadline for all articles is the end The “Subscribe” area on our website collects of the month (Nov 30th, 2010). Any articles submitinformation such as your name/nickname and an ted after the deadline with be either published in the email address. After filling out the form, we will send next issue (December one) or will be left for the one you a notification when the latest issue is released. after it (January 2011 one). It’s done simply to ensure Don’t forget to check your spam folder - our automatic we have enough time to design your pages so that system message may be stuck in there. When you they will have the look that we all will enjoy. Thank find it, just click “not spam” and your notification will you for your understanding. appear in your inbox next time.

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March 1st: Happy Baba Marta March 8th: International Woman’s Day World Traveler

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Samantha’s thoughts Lost PenPals Birthday Twins PenPal Meetings Penpals & Swappers Ads

PenPalling and Letters Fashionista Letter Insider Write Around the World

S U T C A T N CO

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