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Bitter Grounds

exploring the stories stamps tell

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Cyprus 2025 stamp program – motorbikes and mosaics!

Jun 22, 2026

As promised in the 2026 article, here is the Cyprus 2025 stamp program. I don't believe it either, but let's just enjoy the moment. It's hard to go wrong when you start the year off with classic motorbikes. You don't meed to be a enthusiast to appreciate the beauty and design involved in them. And when you follow them up with a eye poppingly beautiful mosaic set, well, you have everything we...

This day in stamps

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Mario Moreno "Cantinflas" 100 Anniversary 1911-2011

August 12 is Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” Reyes’ birthday

August 12, 2026

Beloved Mexican actor and comedian Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” Reyes was born August 12, 1911 in Mexico City, Mexico. Cantinflas took a while to find his footing in the world after

Austrian stamp, Covid 2020 & a sense of humour

The Austrian post office outdid themselves in October with a stamp that perfectly symbolizes Covid 2020. That is a piece of toilet paper and it's a legitimate Austrian stamp. The design perfectly describes what all of us think about the year so far. In case you are struggling with the stamp, the point is to emphasis distances. It's a little reminder to stay 1 meter or 1 baby elephant away from...

Catpaw's archive picks

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Cyprus stamps for 2026 – nice designs from mystery artists

Jun 20, 2026

Last time I posted Cyprus' stamps was way back in 2023. Somehow I missed them in 2024 and well, 2025 was a dead loss as far as work was concerned. HOWEVER ... I have already laid out and prepped the stamps for last year and you should see it up in a few days. Just...

2026 Jersey stamps – oh the journey we will take!

May 17, 2026

Buckle up mammals, we're off to see the 2026 Jersey stamps! How in hell do I find so much to write about them each year. It's a tiny island. I start with an innocent "just a few links, maybe a few cool facts". Before I hit the end of March I have over 900 words...

Japan 2026 stamps, cancels & pure joy

May 13, 2026

Ah Japan, the post mark cancel capital of the world. If you are a cancel hound, this is the country for you. Many countries create them, few attain the sheer delicate beauty and whimsy of Japan's. Here are a few samples from over the years: The little snowball...