Episode 128: My Postcard Teacher

Did you see the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher ? It’s like a real-life Charlotte’s Web. But instead of a clever spider, there’s a clever octopus that provides lessons that are unexpected. And true. On the surface, the movie is about a man who found joy and purpose through immersion in nature and a remarkable bond with an octopus. And it’s really remarkable. But it’s deeper than the story of just a diver and an octopus. It’s also about how that man created a connection with his son while he built this deep admiration for an octopus. And that octopus taught him so much.

Postcards, in a way, are my octopus. I’ve been thinking about that a lot. You’ve heard me talk about how postcards connect people. Mainly, I mean that in the sense of one person getting to know one other person. That part holds. But there’s more. It’s deeper than that.

Postcards connect people…as in we’re people of the world. They connect us to something larger.

What made me start thinking about all this? Colors. And a postcard. This podcast is about a group of 10 recent incoming postcards and what I learned from them.

Note: If you would like to read a complete transcript, including substantial research links, please click here.

Ana’s Azure Blue Bench in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Justin’s Peace Fountain
Jamo and Ashely’s Disney 50th Anniversary
Clocky’s Disneyland Card
Nikita’s Van Gogh: The Meadow with Butterflies
Denise’s Man Near Manhole
Maggie’s La Conquista del Espacio
Melissa’s Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Wild Animals in Hokkaido
Devin’s Stonhenge

Do me a favor, please. Leave me a comment about what you’ve learned recently from a postcard. Also, what do you think about a little postcard club to discuss a couple cards you like?

10 comments on Episode 128: My Postcard Teacher

  1. Joyce says:

    I received a postcard from French friends visiting Roubaix. The postcard they sent was from La Piscine, an art museum where the art and sculptures are around the edges of a swimming pool. I learned that one can have an art museum in the most interesting of places!

    1. Frank says:

      Hi, Joyce. What an interesting place for an art museum. And what a cool little nugget of information. Now I’m looking that up. And the ripples (from the pool) continue.

      UPDATE: Wow. I looked, and it’s amazing. What a story and what a beautiful place.

    2. Frank says:

      I’ve looked at that place a couple more times because you mentioned it!

  2. JESSICA MAND says:

    What I always learn from a postcard is that I was on somebody’s mind … I matter. It’s a wonderful feeling. As the reason why I love postcards so much.

    1. Frank says:

      That’s a wonderful learning! Yes…so true. The best thing about a postcard is someone paused to think about you.

  3. Ana says:

    Another great show! So so interesting. There is always something new to know and places to visit and things to appreciate. And I also like what Jessica said, that is true!
    Something new I learned through a postcard? I have a friend from Wyoming, Marion. She says Argentine polo players go there to play every year. I knew they traveled but never thought that was one of their destinations!

    1. Frank says:

      Thank you. It was a really fun show to make. Funny, those Argentine polo players are everywhere. They come to Farmington, CT, a few times a year. Spectacular.

  4. Orla Hegarty says:

    I learn so much from postcards! I learned today that puffins are in Maine too! 🙂

    And yes, I’m in on a Postcard club!!

    1. Frank says:

      It’s funny…as I’ve slowed down and smelled the postcards I learn more and more. Plus…puffins. Saw many of them on the Cliffs of Moher. An great about a little Postcard Club.

  5. Teresa Edmunds says:

    I looked at this page while I listened to the episode. So enjoyable! I especially liked the readings by others you included. The info about the hot air balloon was so entertaining! And though I adore each card you highlighted, that circle card is to die for! Wow!
    Thank you again for your efforts to enlighten and entertain us postcard nerds. <3

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