Richard and Nancy: Together Again

[David Stafford]

A great honor to receive a card from Richard Canard whose reputation for aphoristic wit rivals Nietzsche in pith, Bierce in ferocity and Henry Gibson for a third thing which escapes me at the moment. I'm not exactly sure what Richard is up to as this is my first Canard (technically then I am unable to say "O that old Canard") but I think one interpretation might be that Richard spied an opportunity to vent via the encouraging packaging for Angry Richard's Soft Cider. For on the back he reveals:

not one but seven rants. It all boils down to a bilious "So what!" A Bravura(o?) performance as Richard inhabits the character of Angry Richard right to the bitter end. I offered an alternate explanation on Richard's return card so we'll see what unfolds. At any rate...a deep bow from an admirer. Thank you, Sir Richard.

Nancy Bell Scott sent me this essential piece of school days ephemera. I am still struggling to learn these letter forms. I placed this on top of one of Cheryl Penn's exquisite school desks. Nancy sent me this a few day before I went on a spring cleaning binge and like a hog rooting for truffles I managed to turn up this amusing piece of my past. 

I thought these had a certain symmetry. Thank you, Nancy.

[De Villo Sloan]

PP, David couldn't have said it better. I have a pile of m-a from Darest Richard received in recent weeks. Wait until you see what he wrote to me! I'll blog it soon as I can.

Richard is a mail-art Mona Lisa, an institution. No, he's a mail-art Trungpa Rinpoche sharing his "crazy wisdom."

[David Stafford]

PP, not to worry. We need our curmudgeons. Now more than ever. And I think you're correct in not taking this personally. Richard tries on guises, inhabits them and we get a great show. Richard will now contradict me to complete the circle.

[Petrolpetal]

I also received an angry card from Richard Canard - bemoaning the low quality of much so called mail art. At first I was hurt ,thinking he was calling me out on something careless I sent him.then I got defensive.then followed indignation and annoyance at the not so hidden elitist tendencies. Finally I realised I was just being over sensitive and egotistical! Anyway - it must be good mail to evoke feelings ! I have also sent off an alternative perspective...so we shall see if a debate ensues...

[De Villo Sloan]

Like Mark Twain, Richard's outlook seems to be growing darker & darker. I sent him a letter about this supposed computer meltdown but know I'll never get a direct answer.

Wow, those early letters by NBS & David are great! That's recycling.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Who wouldn't love this about the Stafford parents? Sleeptime now, yet I'm a melted candle running across the floor. The things you noticed. Richard, though somewhat a crank, might just be suffering the recent computer trauma of a low-techie. (Takes one to know one.) So funny to find this blog tonight, as I put something in the mail to you just this morning. Quirky revealing blog, I love it, thanks Dave.      

[Alicia Starr]

succinct. all four of 'em.