Dec 31 2023- 123123

 The last day of the year is marked by the date 12/31/23, or, written consecutively, 123123. The date is not only interesting, it's super rare: The series of numbers only happens once a century, and it has significance in numerology.

New Year's Eve always comes with fanfare, as we reflect on the past year before ringing in the next one. This year is no different, but the date of New Year's Eve has a special meaning, and it's worth taking note before you sing "Auld Lang Syne."

Is 123123 an angel number?

If you see a series of numbers all the time, that's an angel number, and some people recognize them as a sign from a higher power. The Old Farmer's Almanac explains that 123123 can depict a "spiritual awakening." It also "feels like a 'mental preparation' for a year that will bring a completely new energetic landscape."

We hope you embrace this energy as you welcome 2024!

Artwork created by Ria Cabral for Dec 31, 2023 -- 123123 covers.

Merry and Bright at Star Station in North Carolina

 

Star, NC- The star post office once again spread holiday cheer in 2023 by continuing its annual tradition of offering a special holiday pictorial postmark.

2023 was the 37th - consecutive year for the postmark in Star. Cancellation of cards and letters started on Dec.1 and was available all month. 

I get excited each year for the new holiday postmark. Visitors come from near and far to get their holiday mail postmarked and you can request it by mail if you can not make it to the location. 

I remember in 2022 approximately 25,000 cards and letters were cancelled by hand and I am sure it would be a similiar amount in 2023.

It is wonderful to be able to obtain the postmark by mail order by following a few simple steps. As long as you affix postage to an envelope or postcard, addressing the envelope or postcard for mailing, and placing the envelope or postcard in a larger cover envelope- you will always get your envelope or postcard returned to you once postmarked.

Sending stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation is also acceptable, as long as a larger envelope with adequate postage and a return address are provided for the item to be returned to the requestor.  I have seen a lot of artwork covers being sold on ebay and I am sure this is the option they do to add artwork to an already postmarked cover.

Lollypop Farm Commemorating its 150th Anniversary

 

Fairport, N.Y. (2023) This year marks the 150th anniversary of Lollypop Farm in the Greater Rochester Community. As part of the celebration of its 150 th anniversary, the organization displayed a historic exhibit at the Rundel Memorial Library Anthony Mascioli Gallery and a pictorial postmark was offered. It spans from 1873 to now.

It's been inspiring to learn more about the history of Lollypop farm and it has been a part of so many lives throughout their community, animals and people alike. To prepare for this celebration it took over a year of planning. Along with my returned cover, I received a card showing the organizations mission statement and a sticker- all which makes up my page for display.

I am happy to have this pictorial postmark for the momentous occasion, and grateful for the organization with a compassionate world for all animals.  Lollypop farm stands as a testament to the valuable work that is accomplished when staff work together for pets and people throughout the greater Rochester area. 

What is a philatelist?

 Other forms: philatelists

Don't call a coin collector a philatelist. That word is reserved for people who collect stamps. If you're going to become a philatelist, start saving those old envelopes.

The phil- at the beginning of philatelist gives you a hint as to its meaning: it means "love" — a Francophile is a person who loves France. The Greek ateleia meant "exemption from payment," an exemption that was marked by a stamp. So a philatelist is literally a person who "loves stamps." The world of the philatelist is a strange and tiny one. It makes one wonder why someone starts collecting stamps in the first place. Maybe it's the pretty little pictures.

Chief Standing Bear Lincoln Nebraska

I am super excited to receive my chief standing bear cover today which was postmarked Dec 26th, 2023. Particular interest to the postmark and signature applied to this cover.

The chief standing bear stamp was originally issued on May 12, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Artist of this stamp is Thomas Blackshear II and designed by Derry Noyes, Washington, DC.

There were 18, 000, 000 stamps of this design printed.