A bad sailor

Message on the front of this 1908 USS Georgia postcard: "Sorry to say but I did not get any souvenirs from the sailors. I had a hard time getting on board this boat but when I got there I seen it all." Included is a tiny stick figure of "a bad sailor".

But I know this crush ain't going away-ay-ay

Two more drawings from the same love-struck artist posted earlier (apparently for a fantasy redesign of 2008 American Idol runner-up David Archuleta's Crush CD cover).

Ye Gods! I'll bet she was an ornery cuss

In praise of Hal Borland

Hal Borland (1900-1978) was an American author, probably best known for his 1963 young adult classic When the Legends Die. This note was found among books at the Everett Goodwill Outlet.

Don’t you think I’m getting awful fat?

The worst thing I have heard of

A rare handwritten AIM chat log from the early part of this century.

Where this thing could go

Mrs. Hunter defends her boy

Written in the bottom margin of this 1941 report card from Lake Forest Park School: "I believe the checks are uncalled for as Chas is trying to be a good scout & trying hard."

Don’t forget the crab apple

In the spring of 1958, Mrs. Kaplan of Medina apparently decided her yard needed a little sprucing up. After spending $31.00 cash at Strander Nurseries in South Seattle, no doubt her place looked lovely with the addition of peach, plum, cherry and crab apple trees.

Not just cool but oh-so-fansy

"You're a shining star,
no matter who you are..."

No Figaro

After he retired in 1973, my dad became in charge of the family's groceries. When he wrote this list (sometime between 1973 and 1986), Figaro-brand cat food was on sale -- four cans for $1.00! But, sadly, there was no Figaro to be found. I sure hope he asked for a raincheck.

By Hand

Almost every day they find me, these bits of the past. Someone somewhere put pen to paper and created a one-of-a-kind memory. Saved here for posterity because every doodle deserves its day.