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Feb.20,2014
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I couldn’t let this day pass without a mention of an important milestone in American history: On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating a national postal service.
I must confess, I’m addicted to mail. I love sending it and receiving it. I love seeing a stuffed mailbox at the end of our drive, even if the stuffing is only what others call junk mail. To me, every piece of mail means someone has a message for me; someone knows I exist. So what if it’s just from the dry cleaners down the street or another cause seeking a donation?
For a long time I’ve been thinking how cool it would be to read a mystery series set in a post office. The protagonist would be a female postmaster (no such job as postmistress, I’m told), in a small town, where all kinds of fascinating stories would come alive. The series would be set in Western Massachusetts and—wait! I think I’ll write that series! More news coming soon to a mailbox near you.
Tags : mystery series, post office
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I’m with you, Ruth. There’s something affirming about a piece of mail with your name on it!
My favorite phrase is “You’ve got mail!”
When I was a volunteer, I felt as though I “belonged” when I was allowed a mail slot. Junk mail, advertisement, bills! Goals every slip of paper.
The series is as real as can be, with the first manuscript due August 1, 2014!
I got so excited at the thought of a series set at the Post Office that I forgot to make my other comment. I really miss getting all the cards and letters we used to get in the mail. Email are informative and immediate but so impersonal. I leave cards displayed for a period of time and keep them forever just as my mother and grandmother have done. I also keep letters. I could write an essay on the importance of cards and letters (and I hate to write) from a person importance to historical.
Ooo..Small town Post Office as the setting for a murder mystery? How perfect ! The local Postmaster is the eyes and ears of a community. I hope you really are considering a series at the PO and not pulling our leg. You have my attention.
I use both mail and e-mail. Some of my friends refuse to join the 21st century.
It is a treat to see what might arrive in my mailbox. Even if it consists of bills.
Mail pickup wasn’t so pleasant during the recent election campaign. All the political ads were oversized and they crowded the box. I kept wondering if my normal mail wasn’t being delivered because there was no room for it.
I assume your new series won’t involve any apocalypse like that in “The Postman” movie. But then, what constitutes an apocalypse in western Massachusetts?
As for eastern Massachusetts, Revere made the weather news recently.
So glad to hear this, Maryellen! We could be pen pals.
I am a mailer! I love to mail cards and letters. When I hear of a friend who is ill, or needs a lift, or has a birthday, I mail a card. And I love all the choices in stamps. If I am mailing to my young grandchildren, I can usually find a Disney stamp. If I am mailing to my 4-H Club – I try to pick a stamp with a historical event. And for my fun (to mail to my friends) I try for pretty or silly. I can’t wait for your new series!