Before I post I look at my past entries on this blog to make sure I'm getting the numbers right for everything. I just realized that my last "In the Mail" was for Christmas! So, we'll hop in the time machine and slowly inch our way forward, because I've had quite a bit of mail since then.
We'll start with the Spring Swap. Spring was rough for me. Very, very rough. But it seems that in bad times, something always comes in the mail to cheer me up. Usually it's a letter or care package from my penpal, sometimes it's something else. This time it was a package frooooom...
...Australia! I was excited just to have a package come from Down Under (I've never gotten anything from Australia before), but Mel really spoiled me with this one!
First was an eraser that slightly shocked me. Only because it's a Kiwi. Kiwis are from New Zealand, and if there's anything I've learned in my time on the internet and watching Flight of the Conchords it's that there's an ongoing sorta-war between New Zealanders and Aussies. He now hangs with my Japanese-style erasers. She also sent me two pen/highlighters which are now among my favorite pens in the world.
Next came candy. I had enough candy to choke a horse here. She sent me lots of Cadbury (including bars with Australian animals on them), Aero, and... Tim Tams!!! I'd heard amazing things about Tim Tams, but we don't have them in the States, so until recently I'd never had one. I don't know how I lived this long.
And finally, the ponies. I had a creeping suspicion watching the Swap thread that these guys might come here but didn't get my hopes up in case. But here they are! I'm in love.
Tolkien ponies!!!
First up is the Paso. On his left side, he has "All that is gold does not glitter" written in Tengwar, the Elvish script. (It's the English form of Tengwar - yes, I know all these things, I study Sindarin Elvish!)
On his right side, he has Tengwar again, reading "Not all those who wander are lost." The lines on him are the first two from a poem Bilbo wrote about Aragorn in the books. He also has Smaug the Dragon coming out of his mane.
Next is the Friesian! On his left side, the quote "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future" is written.
And on his right... The Fellowship! Gandalf lead the march on his chest, followed by Frodo, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Boromir, Sam, Bill the Pony, and Aragorn. He also has a white star-like flower on his back near his flanks. The detail on both of them is wonderful.
(My proud Tolkien collector would like to point out that photos were taken in front of the 1977 movie tie-in copy of The Hobbit. Very rare.)
Next we head on into June. June 1st was my birthday, and I had asked my mom via Facebook messages for GVF Sjokolade. Somehow that message didn't go through, but I was given an Amazon gift card, so it all worked out. At long last, after years of pining, I have a Fjord.
(I promise I'm not trying to show off my Tolkien collection. My bookshelf was the only place I could make room for him. Also photobombing Legolas.) He's beautiful. He's even more gorgeous in person than in photos and has the sweetest face.
Next stop - July! Breyerfest was coming up and I had a bit of money. I had my eyes on a few horses and, thanks to a friend and a very sweet person I knew from Blab, I was able to get pickups for the first time! I wound up getting Athos and Birthday Cake.
Athos is gorgeous. I'm absolutely in love with him. He does have staining, but I've been talking to my dad about bleaching him. (Bleach and I don't get along, so I have to have him do it for me.) Stains or no, he's beautiful, and is now gleefully stomping over my Legos like an equine Godzilla proudly displayed on my dresser until I can make some room for him to go next to his black Friesian brother.
And we can't forget little Birthday Cake! She's absolutely adorable, and very glossy. These horses arrived in wonderful condition (again, save for Athos' staining), and I want to thank Heather for the umpteenth time, even though she's probably sick of me thanking her by now.
And finally, we come to yesterday, known better as October 2nd. As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been "sick" lately. But as I also mentioned earlier in this post, whenever I'm going through a rough time, the mail has a way of cheering me up. Yesterday I received my Spring Swap from Ann, and it's lifted my spirits after a very rough three weeks.
First thing I got out of the box - this adorable, ridiculous bird pen. He's supposed to be a flamingo, I think, but violet, with a witch hat. I can't get over how stinkin' adorable this thing is. He looks like a muppet.
Next up - candy! What's Halloween without candy? The candy wasn't packed in the little Franken-basket, but I've put it there for safe-keeping (hopefully it's family-proofed). I was treated to Kit-Kats, Jolly Ranchers, Caramel apple taffy, candy corn, and Baby Ruths. This will soon be gone.
Next was the pony! Another Friesian for my conga and collection of customs, and my first ever flockie! I'm absolutely in love with him and love rubbing my fingers over him. I refer to him as His Fuzziness. Ann mentioned in the card he was afraid to travel alone so... he has a buddy!
It's the little pink para-dressage SM! I'm in love with him too. I've never seen the new translucent Stablemates in person before, and I have to say I adore them. (It's also fun to remind my glitter-phobic boyfriend of the glitter on his mane and tail :D )
I also got a baggy of vampire teeth and fake mustaches. I also made the mistake of showing them to my boyfriend...
But anyway...
As always, I'm beyond grateful to my swap partners. I'm always the victim of the most amazing people. But receiving is only half the fun! Orlando will be going out very soon (I FINALLY finished that blasted costume!), and as usual I'll be waiting with bated breath to see what his new mom thinks of him. Until next time!