I honestly thought our little Cabin in the Pines was going to be our homebase for a while. As it turns out, lately it has been more like a launch pad. Today, the rocket has returned home.

Today is a special person's birthday. But first some background. Most people hardly think about the series of numbers they put at the bottom of the address on an envelope. However, the inclusion of the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) Code number on an address was not always second nature and its history is interesting to me. I found a very groovy video explaining how a Zip Code works. It's a fun watch.

Interestingly in 1966, only about 44％ of all first class mail had ZIP Codes in the mailing address. One year later, the percentage had risen to about 63％ due to the USPS hiring of the Ad Council who saturated the American media with the “Mr. Zip message” through massive distribution of print ads and broadcast spots. The vast scope of the Ad Council campaign had succeeded in attracting a great amount of attention to Mr. Zip and ZIP Code. By 1969, 84％ of all mail was properly addressed. Wild, right?

One of the main goals of Mr. Zip was to appeal to children, so they would grow up knowing to use Zip Codes. Soon Mr. Zip had his very own comic strip and board game. Plus he was pictured on a variety of memorabilia, including a thermos set, and tin bank. In later years he would appear on a toy mail car, toy train, jewelry, clothes, mugs, and have his own bobble head. In the 60s, children were also encouraged to include the North Pole’s Zip Code on their letters to Santa.

How funny that in the 60s they were trying to Stamp Out SNAIL MAIL. I certainly have a different definition for that term now. I 🩵 Snail Mail.

Today, the USPS “zips” around nearly 42,000 zip codes across the United States. While Mr. Zip is not quite as visible as he used to be, it’s because of this character we know mail moves the country and zip codes move the mail. Now that's a birthday worth celebrating!!!

During his official career, post offices across America displayed mounted figures of Mr. ZIP. Some Mr. ZIPs have been back on unofficial display in several post offices since his retirement. Steve and I are always delighted when we have the opportunity to be photographed with this Postal Legend.

One of my favorite art galleries is Rubine Red.

It also captures the vibrancy of Palm Spring's style."

We were excited to find Master realist painter Geoffrey Gersten's first solo show was still on display (it was supposed to conclude on December 16th).

Mid-Century Magic is so me!

Gersten is arguably the best around in throwback realism -- his iconic images bring back the tastes, smells, treats and playtime of our mid-century youth. I laughed out loud when I saw Boyfriend in a Box. So totally realistic. Wow.

I have admired Nikki Virbitsky's art for the last few years. Nikki is a fiber artist (and sometimes a painter, jewelry maker, and taxidermist) from Pennsylvania who recently relocated to Palm Springs in search of new inspirations and a greater abundance of naturally sourced Vitamin D.

Her embroideries feature a vibrant color pallet juxtaposed with antique elements, and are a playful mix of syrupy sweet and hauntingly tender. I wish you could see her talents up close. Her work is amazingly complicated and joyful.

These paintings were the ones that surprised us the most. We are huge fans of trompe l'oeil and Michael Bane's work is some of the best we have ever seen. It stuns in its nod to art, vintage and the fine art of Painting. These 'backs of canvases' are actually the front... the masterpiece image. Oh my gosh!

"Michael Bane is an American artist whose work merges technical mastery with emotional depth. Known for his distinctive style and his reimagining of iconic works, Bane often pays homage to the artists who inspire him while creating original, thought-provoking compositions that explore the boundary between reality and imagination."

Months ago, Steve and I decided we just had to attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

Every few years I adopt a word, a tangible visual that I can hold on to. In 2019, after surviving my neck fracture, it was GRATEFUL. In 2022, after carelessly breaking my foot, it was MINDFUL.

This darling independent bookstore recently opened and I'm so glad we finally had the opportunity to explore it.

One of my greatest joys is reading! With the weather frightful and the fire delightful, I spent a joyous day reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

I'm a huge fan of South Lake Tahoe author, Kat Medina. Today's eblast from her struck a chord.