Well, Ottawa’s been the capital for 150 years now. And nobody knows how to commemorate quite like our dear friends at Canada Post: Of course, as far as Ottawa’s status as the national capital goes, it was touch and go there for a while. Anyhow, … Read More →
Category Archives: Postmarked
Portraits of an Artist
I have another intersection between poetry and philately for you to consider. This here’s a ’92 issue (from Britain) commemorating the centenary of Lord Alfred Tennyson’s death. The stamps feature likenesses of a progressively older poet: “O earth, what changes hast thou seen!” Now, I … Read More →
A Vast Empire
I came across this one today: It’s a 1898 issue featuring a wonderful map (multicolored to boot — which was a first in Canadian postage), reminding us of a time when the British empire really did span the four corners of the earth. (If you’re … Read More →
His Royal Likeness
I came across this pair a while ago: The two stamps are basically the same but appear to be issued from different countries. Depicted are King George and Queen Elizabeth, and judging from the dates given (1923 – 1948), the stamps commemorate the Royal Silver … Read More →
BioBlitz: Kemptville Creek
So, last Saturday we went struck out on Kemptville Creek, more or less in the name of (citizen) science. Here’s a map from Google Earth of the stretch we paddled: We basically travelled from the bottom-left corner to the top- right one. We started off … Read More →
Something About Mary
Last week (March 15, 2007, to be more specific) CP recognized Canadian realist painter Mary Pratt with the latest issue of its continuing Art Canada series. Here’s a taste: “Realist” indeed! It’s only after taking a close look at paintings such as “Jelly Shelf” (pictured … Read More →
International Polar Year
I’m kind of late on this one — the sheet shown below is part of a eight-country issue (February 12, 2007) coinciding with the fourth International Polar Year. Canada’s contribution is quite striking, and I couldn’t resist picking it up as I was passing by … Read More →
Oh, and People who live in Underwater Houses…
…probably shouldn’t throw stones either. On a side note, I read today that the original proverb can be traced back to Chaucer’s “Troilus & Criseyde”: Who that hath an hed of verre, Fro cast of stones war hym in the werre!
Bits & Pieces
Hmm, I think I may have something vaguely intriguing for you today. Be warned, though, that this post is about postage stamps. * * * Well, diligent reader, let me begin: many of the stamps I have accumulated over the years have been passed on … Read More →
Puns & Postage
Sometimes a random grouping of stamps will seem to appeal to a fellow (or lady) for no particular reason at all. Philately as “found art,” if you will — all that’s left to do is frame it! Other times you’ll look at an apparently random … Read More →