{"title":"Halloween, Mail, and Halloween mail essays","description":"\u003cp\u003eEssays on celebrating Halloween, October, autumn, during the calendared season and the rest of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeas about who to mail, what to say, and how often to say it. Sharing mail coming in and going out.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sending-halloween-mail-year-round","title":"Sending Halloween mail year-round","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo of the great loves of my life are Halloween and the mail. They both go together perfectly, celebrating inexpensive art and craft, paper and stories, terror and whimsy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThus, I make it a point to send (and enjoy receiving!) Halloween mail year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eMail I have sent and received!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/happy-cold.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe onset of autumn brings new selections, memories and ideas, and early winter brings clearance sales and time to slow down, catch up, reply and stumble across names I'd meant to send to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dreaded \"what to say on a card or letter\" is simple to solve...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat spooky, witchy, autumnal thing are you dreaming of right now?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf it is not actively autumn, what are you remembering? What are you missing, what are you excited about returning?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat are you planning for the next autumn?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/pumpkin-mail.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/great-pumpkin.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/dracula.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/gorey-mail.jpg?v=1788739809\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/mother-goose-grimm.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/fun-stamps.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/bats.jpg?v=1788739810\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDon't over-think it with your non-spooky friends!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour ephemera selections are as much about \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e as they are the \u003cem\u003erecipient. \u003c\/em\u003eWhile most (if not all) of my mail is monster and ghost-based, not everyone I send notes to share the aesthetic, the stories, the artwork in their life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mail I send is a reflection of \u003cstrong\u003emy\u003c\/strong\u003e taste, \u003cstrong\u003emy\u003c\/strong\u003e life, \u003cstrong\u003emy\u003c\/strong\u003e joys. I send Halloween and monster cards all year, for all occasions, to everyone (with exceptions to known boundaries). The message may be more conventional in nature, but the card and decoration will be purely October.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43590797393981,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-mail.jpg?v=1788739572"},{"product_id":"now-we-are-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown","title":"Now we are the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown","description":"\u003cp\u003eHalloween is one of the great pleasures in my life. Both the holiday as well as the spirit, which I celebrate year-long... a celebration built from a lifetime of memories, experiments, successes and failures, themselves built from materials developed by countless hands and claws, minds on sleepless nights, ghosts, haunted places, mistakes, mishaps, happenstances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it is so important to me, I am always tempted to create the \"Perfect Halloween.\" \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/great-pumpkin_87b2a388-1714-4595-a018-835fda1fc9f1.jpg?v=1788813520\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull of activity and energy, somehow with the exact combination of far-flung famous haunted houses as well as neighborhood haunts. Great feasts and costume parties, intimate gatherings and dumb suppers with friends and loved ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorming nights alone with popcorn and spooky cartoons. Shadows made long by a roaring fire, an oversized chair, a thick pile of books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/infinite-joy.jpg?v=1788813445\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIn the end, though, Halloween is perfect because it is \u003cem\u003eHalloween.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever wanting it to end is the best possible place to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find getting lost in the rush a signal to pause and slow down. Enjoy cool night air! Browse the library's holiday section! Watch spooky cartoons and old specials!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy two favorite holiday traditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReviewing and recreating experiences from years past. \u003c\/strong\u003eDoubly so if it has been a handful of years since I have had time to recreate a cherished memory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbsolutely \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003edisregard\u003c\/span\u003e everything I have done in the past \u003c\/strong\u003eand plunge head-first into novelty and figure out something new. Immediately declare it my favorite thing ever, proclaim it will be a defining moment forever, and never suffering ill will if\/when it is forgotten.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two contradict each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is how I keep the spirit (ha ha!) alive and well in my heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanning less.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo more.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBe completely open to sponteneity.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnd when in doubt or lack, delving into the library's \"holiday\" section for a free read, art and comics browse.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-book.jpg?v=1788815593\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-book-two.jpg?v=1788815593\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/treehouse-of-horror.jpg?v=1788815593\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI watched the original \u003cem\u003eTreehouse of Horror\u003c\/em\u003e in October of 1990, and have re-(re-re-re-) watch them every year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt wasn't until 2025!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat I realized!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComics!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs well!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThere are! \u003cem\u003eTreehouse of Horror\u003c\/em\u003e properties! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI've never seen!\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are \u003cem\u003eThe Haunted Mansion\u003c\/em\u003e novels, and friends I will meet in the beginning of the year that I've never mailed a spooky card to, pumpkin patch vendors change locations every year, and decorations...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e...oh the decorations...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e...are never enough, always too much, and seemingly multiply in the dark when I am not looking (best for us all, perhaps, privacy is important.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/pumpkin-uncarved.jpg?v=1788816638\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Halloween celebration is perfect merely via existence and celebration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43593965830205,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/great-pumpkin_87b2a388-1714-4595-a018-835fda1fc9f1.jpg?v=1788813520"},{"product_id":"making-mail-with-collage-and-scraps","title":"Making mail with collage and scraps","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/collage.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003eOne of the best ways to add more visual texture to your mail is to chop up old magazines.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003eOne of the best ways to find old magazines are the side-of-the-road library book boxes where people are looking to \u003cs\u003eget rid of\u003c\/s\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eshare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e their ephemera collections.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/collage-mail.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/spikes.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/pinup.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/josh-mail-dmv.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eOne of my favorite tiny envelope doodles. A good friend had a weird issue with a car, and because the DMV hates him specifically as a person, it took 105,748 trips to resolve.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/donovan-mail.jpg?v=1788823088\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrab a few old magazines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut or rip out pages. Cut out things as desired -- photos, illustrations, advertisements, chunks of text.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlue down with a glue stick.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf it looks boring, \u003c\/strong\u003eadd a sticker or more scraps on top. Repeat as desired. Continue until it no longer looks boring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you are applying to an envelope,\u003c\/strong\u003e cover with a layer of clear packing tape to help ensure easy processing during mail sorting. If you do not have tape, make a note for a future store run. Do not delay mail \"until the perfect time,\" it does not exist beyond \"right now.\" Mail imperfectly, with fervor, often.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43594215555133,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/josh-mail-dmv.jpg?v=1788823088"},{"product_id":"31-october-ideas-for-postcards","title":"31 October ideas for postcards messages","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt is either October or you have the October energies coursing through your bones and spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopefully it is twilight or darker, maybe with a bit of rain? Or a chilling wind, behest with owls and creaking branches? \u003cem\u003eHrm... \u003c\/em\u003ethat's the stuff. That's the good stuff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLet's start writing!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-postcard.jpg?v=1790790561\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHalloween postcard sent to a friend, part of a larger bit of mail art.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMemories, the past, traditions, themes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn? October? Halloween?\u003c\/strong\u003e Do you differentiate? If so, are there layers, do you have special activities for one over another? Do you focus on a selection?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA favorite Halloween memory. \u003c\/strong\u003eA party, a trick-or-treat. Something you have done and want to talk about, you want to relive or share. What was the temperature, what was the weather? Do you remember the year? Do you remember the feeling? This doesn't have to be the absolute favorite, just a favorite. First that comes to mind!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDescribe a costume you wore.\u003c\/strong\u003e Something big and complex, something simple and modest. Something you made, something you bought off-the-shelf. Something you rummaged together out of the debris in your closet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo you have any special traditions?\u003c\/strong\u003e I watch \u003cem\u003eIt's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown\u003c\/em\u003e when I carve the year's first pumpkin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScary (horror) or spooky (thrilling)? \u003c\/strong\u003eSexy or homespun? Silly or serious? Body horror or cartoonish? Outlandish and extensive or handcrafted with paper and pipe cleaners? Convert any and all \"ors\" into \"ands\" if you like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParty or stay-at-home with movies, a book?\u003c\/strong\u003e What are you doing this year? What do you normally do? What is the perfect day, evening?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBooks, movies, music, television\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's on your October bookshelf?\u003c\/strong\u003e I read \u003cem\u003eThe Halloween Tree \u003c\/em\u003eby Ray Bradbury for the first time in... I want to say 2012 or so. I re-read it every October!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral marathons? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTreehouse of Horrors\u003c\/em\u003e play regularly in the studio, as does a collection of \u003cem\u003eBob's Burgers\u003c\/em\u003e Halloween episodes. I recently purchased the \u003cem\u003eBeetlejuice\u003c\/em\u003e cartoon and it is going into the rotation this year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThemed marathons?\u003c\/strong\u003e I make a playlist of T\u003cem\u003ehe Headless Horseman of Halloween \u003c\/em\u003efrom The Scooby-Doo\/Dynomutt Hour (season 1, episode 5), \u003cem\u003eSleepy Hollow\u003c\/em\u003e (dir. Tim Burton, 1999), and \u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow \u003c\/em\u003e(Disney, 1949).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is on your music playlist? \u003c\/strong\u003eTraditional like Bach's \u003cem\u003eToccata and Fugue in D Minor?\u003c\/em\u003e Seasonal classics such as Bobby Pickett's \u003cem\u003eMonster Mash? \u003c\/em\u003eSomething a bit less well known, \u003cspan\u003eToto Coelo's \u003cem\u003eDracula's Tango (Sucker For Your Love)?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFavorite obscure classic? \u003c\/strong\u003eSomething most people have never heard of. Recommendation from the deep cut list, something probably new-to-the postcard's recipient that you know too much about.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFavorite popular thing? \u003c\/strong\u003eSomething everyone has heard of. \u003cem\u003eOver the Garden Wall\u003c\/em\u003e is an immense hit for a reason and I'm never tired of talking about it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot obscure, not popular, but a secret third layer. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eNight of the Comet\u003c\/em\u003e (1984) is my go-to. Teenagers fight zombies in a mall.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/lemon-peel.jpg?v=1790789726\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis season, please keep Lemon Peel in your thoughts. Not because he is lacking candy (he isn't), but because he is cute and adorable.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGive me the creeps, the crawls\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRank monsters. \u003c\/strong\u003eVampires or ghosts, zombies or werewolves. Do you play favorites?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAliens, and robots, and pirates, oh my! \u003c\/strong\u003eAre you more classical monster or \"select all, add to crypt\" creep? Do you mix and match? Killer vampire robots, space witches, astral mermaid demons?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRank party activities. \u003c\/strong\u003eHaunted house, spooky hayride, ghost story contest, bobbing for apples, good ol' trick-or-treating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRank cozy activities. \u003c\/strong\u003eVideo games, board games, reading, movies or television. Best way to spend all day?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHalloween commercials.\u003c\/strong\u003e Evocative immersion? I love older commercials with cheesy practical effects. Corporate overlords skulking into spaces they do not belong in?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/pumpkin-bread.jpg?v=1790789346\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ePumpkin bread on a seasonally appropriate plate by jack-o-lantern light is a special delight.\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTricks 'n treats\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"19\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApple cinnamon? Pumpkin spice?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both? Something else? Neither?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWitch's brew. \u003c\/strong\u003eLet's talk about ingredients. What would you put in it? Is it a spell cast, a potion to drink, a poison? Why not all? Fantasy-inspired, real life concoction, why not both?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is in your seasonal cooking pot? \u003c\/strong\u003eWhat is in your autumn oven?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial meal or all season? \u003c\/strong\u003eDo you save a specific recipe or do you indulge as the mood strikes? Just autumn, just October, just Halloween? All year?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFavorite treat from outside the home. \u003c\/strong\u003eIs there a local restaurant or shop with a special something only available around this time?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSnap, snap\u003c\/em\u003e (and on the other side of the cemetery path) \u003cem\u003e\"Oh, Herman!\"\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"24\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAddams Family.\u003c\/strong\u003e Let's talk theories. Let's talk fan fic. Let's. Describe. Ourselves. As Addamses. I am Cousin atty and I live on a twilight beach that the Addams visit for summer vacation. The sun never quite rises and the palm trees are full of fruity bats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo you enjoy the movies from the 90s?\u003c\/strong\u003e Do you remember the cartoon that came around not long after? Did you watch the cartoon from the 70s?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow about the Munsters?\u003c\/strong\u003e Are they on your lists? I regularly feel the Addams get all the gloom light! Let's show some love for 1313 Mockingbird Lane!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUncle Gilbert visited the Munsters\u003c\/strong\u003e (season 1, episode 31), tying the Universal Monsters (Gillman!) into this universe. If you were a Munsters uncle or aunt or other, who would you be? (Arguably, Grandpa is Dracula, but Dracula is so much bigger than Universal... also, this is a shallow excuse to dive into the Black Lagoon on this blog post.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWrite a fan fic postcard\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003efrom\u003c\/em\u003e the Addams \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e the Munsters, or vice versa! Or both!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHome Haunted Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"29\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow do you decorate?\u003c\/strong\u003e When do you decorate? Is this an all-year affair? Do you have \"every day Halloween decorations\" and \"seasonal Halloween decorations\"? Do you use the \"good Halloween dishes\" for the special occasion of it actually being Halloween?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo you make your own decorations?\u003c\/strong\u003e Have you never, but are going to start this year? If this question has inspired you to make something, what are you going to start with? I want to work on \u003cem\u003esuper\u003c\/em\u003e simple things (simple banners) and work my way up to full artwork and paintings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnd of course, the gourds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sketch your pumpkin line up. How are you carving? A lot or a few? One at a time or cluster? Traditional grin, grimace? Sculptural masterpiece? Props? A scene? Simple? If you cannot draw it out, take a photo, print it out, paste it onto the postcard, and mail it out!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43742325440573,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-postcard.jpg?v=1790790561"},{"product_id":"come-with-me-on-an-october-morning-mail-run","title":"Come with me on an October morning mail run","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-01.jpg?v=1791300146\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCome with me to send mail and pick up received cards on an October morning with sunshine so soft and beloved that it feels like haunted honey gathered by the ghosts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-02.jpg?v=1791300153\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003efor you, and \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003especifically,\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-03.jpg?v=1791300153\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eto welcome you to their autumnal home,\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-04.jpg?v=1791300154\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003efor a rest, for a time, for as long as you like.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-05.jpg?v=1791300153\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43774956503101,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/oct-morn-01.jpg?v=1791300146"},{"product_id":"views-from-the-grave","title":"Views from the Grave","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePhotos taken while strolling through cemeteries and graveyards, local and while traveling. Visiting old and new ghosts, swapping tall tales, haunting and laughing.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-07.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-00.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-01.jpg?v=1791409502\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-05.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-09.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/salem-2012-01.jpg?v=1791409445\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-02.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-04.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-06.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/grave-08.jpg?v=1791409501\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43779801972797,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/salem-2012-01.jpg?v=1791409445"},{"product_id":"mail-about-a-favorite-halloween-memory","title":"Mail about a favorite Halloween memory","description":"\u003cp\u003eWrite about a favorite Halloween memory. It does not have to be your ultimate favorite (though it can be). Think about a time you had a lot of fun, something special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favorite memories are as an adult, celebrating Halloween with friends, running amock with mocktails, cocktails, and candy. Scandelous costumes, ridiculous disguises, and howling as our dancing worsened through the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-memory.jpg?v=1791477198\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSome thoughts to get you started (some starters to get you thought-ing?)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDid you wear a costume? Store bought, home made? Modified? Why did you choose it? How did it fit?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParty or trick-or-treating? Or both? Haunted house?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDid you go during the day, at twilight? At night?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDescribe the neighborhood, buildings, other locations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTry to remember a 30-second snippet and describe it in as much detail as possible. How was the weather? Who did you go with? Were you by yourself?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaybe it was a night in.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat did you watch? Read? Listen to?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat was the weather? Cold and gloomy? Much wind? Branches raking against window panes?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo you have a spooky blanket? Mine is black, covered wth orange pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDid you prepare a snack? A meal? Dumb supper? \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDid you light candles? Big and tall, short and small?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Netherworld Post Office","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43782476070973,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/7499\/1677\/files\/halloween-memory.jpg?v=1791477198"}],"url":"https:\/\/netherworldpost.com\/collections\/halloween-mail-and-halloween-mail-essays.oembed","provider":"Netherworld Post Office","version":"1.0","type":"link"}