From the Mailbag...
July, 2010
"Yesterday's downpour was penetrated by a double ray of sunshine focused on our mailbox, and I just knew that our postman had come and brought an envelope from you! The Micheaux insert is a most credible piece of research, and both covers (Micheaux and 2010 Duck) are outstandingly beautiful.
"I have to comment particularly on your 2010 duck. I have a dedicated album of duck covers, including work by such as Poormon, Lipof, Pugh, Collins, Ham, Dunne, DeRosset, Geerling, and Sue Allen -- but your 2010 duck is not only right at home among these elite fowls, it's glassy eye makes it an appropriate overseer of and superior to the others.." -- JAD
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"Just when I think you can't draw a more beautiful cover, it happens! I love it! Please email me next year, with your 2011 cover. Thank you very much!" -- EC
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"Today's mail was fascinating, beautiful, and educational. I did not know of this man (Oscar Micheaux), and what an inspiring life he had. Thank you for choosing to educate us about him." -- EG
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June, 2010
FROM THE PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM: “We would like to thank you very much for your donation of the Bill Mauldin Firs Day Cover. This has been gratefully added to our museum’s collection. We realize that there are many options when considering a donation and appreciate you choosing the Palm Springs Air Museum.”
"The Palm Springs Air Museum is an exciting tribute to everyone who participated in the aviation success of World War II. It is far more than a collection of airplanes and artifacts, but a very active organization conducting special educational programs throughout the year. Your support benefits both the museum and the community. Best regards,
R. Richard Clark"
May, 2010
"Your Adopt-a-Pet cover just came in, and were it not for Pegge's allergies, I would be on the way to the animal shelter! I simply cannot conceive of a more appealing set of protraits than those that adorn this beautiful cachet!"-- JD
April, 2010
"Your YEAR OF THE TIGER IS OUTSTANDING -- JUST LIKE ALL YOUR OTHER Chinese New Year covers." --FEM III
"Your YEAR OF THE TIGER is a real prize. Ya' know, we see the expression "handcrafted envelope" used quite liberally today. In general it refers to a cachetist who simply folds his/her envelope. However, by adorning your covers with a special gold 'chain,' as you did on this cover, you gave true meaning to the word "handcrafted." Thumbs up! -- RL
March, 2010
"It looks like my timing was right for ordering the Bette Davis FDC, since it looks like the last one available." -- DE
"I enjoy looking at (my) collection and noting the changes over the years. Your covers are unusual and show a lot of thought and study goes into them." -- EF
"Your Year of the Tiger FDC is a real prize. Ya' know, we see the expression "handcrafted envelope" used quite liberally today. In general, it refers to a cachetist who simply folds his/her envelope. However, by adorning your covers with a special gold "chain" as you did with this cover, you gave true meaning to the word "handcrafted." -- RL
"Keep up the good work. Your Year of the Tiger is outstanding -- just like all your other Chinese New Year covers." -- FM III
"When I opened the envelope with your Chinese Lunar 2010 FDC, I didn't know if the tiger was "purring" at me or going to "attack" me. So I built an iron cage with iron bars and put this "Tiger Cachet" behind bars. Now I'm not worried if it will attack me! Great cover; great information; and a wonderful REALISTIC cachet." -- BRO
January, 2010
“... I have to write to say that your artistry never ceases to amaze me! Your ability to idealize, create, and get the cachets processed is in of itself so incredible, but then you go on to research and compose the enthralling and oh-so-readable article inserts! And, newsletters! Allow me to compliment you over and over...I especially love the biographical cachets -- Gary Cooper (a favorite of my Mom's), Bob Hope (oh, how I miss his kind of humor), and Edgar Allen Poe (favorite since high school). Learning about other customs is so interesting, and I love the wonderful way you always capture nature (Duck stamp). Your capacity for pulling in the essence of your subjects just must be limitless! I send my very best wishes for another successful year and look forward to your future treasures. ” – LK
August, 2009
When Grandchildren Sheryl and Pablo were in Argentina on vacation, they presented the Libertad Synagogue with my 2006 cachet design in their honor. I received the following e-mail:
B"H
Dear Mrs.Doris Gold:
We had the pleasure to recive your grandchildren who gave us the First Day Issue of the stamp of October 6,2006 ,with the cachet of our synagogue designed by you. We are really proud that our synagogue,the oldest in this country,will be known all over the USA,thanks to your design and text; considering also that we have our Jewish Museum,well known all over the world. We thank you so much,and we ask the Almighty to give you good health and strenght to continue your wonderfull work and we wish you the best for the comming New Year 5710.
Sincerely:
Rabbi Dr.Simón Moguilevsky
(Congregacion Israelita de la Republica Argentina [Libertad])
July, 2009
“...So, there I was working quietly at my desk when the postman showed up and left a small package from ZIP 91941, now 91942 (a clear indication that La Mesa is growing) which I opened immediately, saw the Bob Hope marquee with the incandescent light bulbs, and nearly dropped unconscious to the floor. As you know, I am one of Broadway's greatest admirers and to see the old world marquee that still exists and to see the incandescent bulbs around and under the marquees that still exist was almost too much for me to bear. It brought back too many GREAT memories too soon. ... Thank you, Doris, for the glorious walk down memory lane. And for the GREAT cachet. You are a marvel of creativity and your cachets are extraordinary.” – SZ
June, 2009
“I was particularly fond of the Love: King/Queen cover. When my parents were alive, I used to fly up to North Carolina a couple of times per year. Part of each reunion consisted of a couple hours of "friendly" poker. It was one of the many ways we bonded. ... And therein lies the beauty of collecting covers. It’s not just the appreciation of beautiful art, but its treasured memories, as well. ... You definitely dealt a royal flush with that cover. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.” – RL
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"I just received your King and Queen of Hearts FDC. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. No, not at your artwork of the FDC, but the non-descriptive and bland looking stamps. I suggest that you send the Post Office your art work before they design any new stamps. Maybe they will incorporate your art work into their postage stamps. ... P.S. I loved your Bob Hope cover with the marquee projecting out on the cover. Too bad I can't turn the lights on when it gets dark! -- BO
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Excerpts from a long letter from one of my collectors:
"I remember sharing with you some of the art from my copy of Johnny Gruele's book Friendly Fairies that my father sent me from Mt.McGreggorHospital in NY in 1930. One of my favorite stories in that book was about a magic chest filled with gold coins, and the chest replenished itself when coins were removed. You have made my mailbox my magic chest, for today I found Touch of Gold covers once again in my mailbox. Thank you for converting my otherwise ordinary postal receptacle into a Gold chest.
What an experience to go aboard the USS Midway -- and to meet two of the Hope children! I have never been aboard that particular carrier, but have gotten lost on others like it. ...
The two covers (King and Queen of Hearts and Bob Hope) have to be among your very best. You capture Hope better than any camera shot, and your king and queen are the romantic figures as I visualized them in childhood -- not the Peyton Place characters we find too frequently among royalty today. Your inserts make these a learning experience as well -- Packy East was new to me. ...
I almost forgot -- the photos in your Hope newsletter are great These add so very much." -- JD
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“Every once in a while, I pull out my entire collection of your work. You continue to impress me with the extent you go to in making your covers really enjoyable to see. I truly do enjoy your artistry, and I look forward to each of your future covers.” – KW
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"As usual your cachets are different – shows a lot of thought goes into them. They are lovely... Still have the cachets your daughter and granddaughter made a few years ago.” – EF
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“Received the King & Queen of Hearts and Bob Hope covers, and as I’ve come to expect of a Doris Gold cover, they were super – always creative and beautifully rendered. Always makes you want to see and possess the next cover(s)... If I’m not a subscriber for the Duck Stamps, then I want to be and I want to ensure that I can receive the 2009 cover – as I have all of them. Thanks, – BJS ☺☺☺
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February, 2009
CACHET APPRECIATION 101
In the 1980's Professor Earl Planty, Dean of Cachetmakers, published a paper which espoused analyzing cachets. He called this Cachet Appreciation. I received a letter from a subscriber recently, which seems to follow along these lines, and I would like to share it in its entirety:
“After I received your latest two covers: Year of the Ox and Edgar Allan Poe, I felt compelled to drop you a quick note. The Year of the Ox was delightful, especially with the addition of the “lights” – always innovative. But it was the Edgar Allan Poe cover that really caused me to stop and write this.
The portrait of Edgar Allan Poe was right on, but as you stated in the Newsletter it was the stark trees against the ‘bleeding’ brown backdrop that gave the cover its aura of mystery. It’s like you are being drawn deeper and deeper into the cover, much like the allure of Poe’s books – into the world of the macabre. Then, the addition of the raven, that in the poem quoteth, “nevermore.” But in the case of your covers, the raven should say “evermore” – your covers should come evermore.
Your covers remind me of Keats’ Ode on a Grecian Urn, where he says “A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” because as in the case of any good treasure, they can be enjoyed again and again. Thanks for sharing your talent via your covers and I, like the raven, hope your covers come “evermore.”
Can’t wait to see the next treasure!” – A devoted fan, BJS
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“What can I say that has not already been said about your cachets? Received the OX ‘n’ POE and again thrilled with the results, in particular, your treatment of the lighting on the “Lunar Year of the Ox” cover. How clever. ... If I was a cachetmaker I would hang up my tools rather than compete against the “Touch of Gold.” You can play down your popularity out of respect for your competition but let us face it, you have the “Wall of Fame” for all of your acclaimed cover honors that speaks for itself.” -- HPD
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“The past week in South Florida, we recorded some of our coldest days on record, with the temps dipping into the low 30s with a wind-chill factor in the 20s. During the same week, I received your last 2 FDC: the Year of the Ox and Edgar Allan Poe. Your timing was perfect, for your covers provided me with some much needed sunshine.” – RL
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January, 2009
In response to LK's receipt of our 2008 YEAR First Day Covers,I received the following letter:
“Once again I am trying to find the right words to thank you ever so much for the lovely cachets. As always, your talent amazes me, inspires me, teaches me, and brings me such joy. ...
- I love the Bette Davis and Frank Sinatra cachets – they will be eternal favorites. You captured their likenesses perfectly.
- A few years back, I was dragged to a few baseball games, and the best part (for me) was the seventh-inning stretch and the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” – ha! I had no idea about the myth regarding President Taft starting this tradition – so interesting! See? That’s what I appreciate about your wonderful work; not only are you an incredible artist, the interesting tidbits and facts you include are just so great.
- The story with your beautiful Rykestrasse Synagogue cachet was just so moving. Wow! 60 years after that horrible, horrible event, this glorious synagogue celebrates a grand reopening. So inspiring!
- I will probably never get to Ethiopia, but I now know some important and interesting things about it, along with the Chinese New Year. Your staging of both cachets is just stunning.
- I read “The Yearling” by Marjorie Rawlings many years ago (and saw the movie many years ago, as well), but now your delightful cachet will motivate me to look into her other novels.
- As it is bitter cold outside again as I write this (we’ve had sub-zero temperatures already this winter), I look longingly at your lovely Duck Stamp (complete with a real feather, no less!) and pine for what appears to be a warm, partly cloudy day at sunset on a quiet, little pond (or maybe near a lake shore?) Your artistry truly invites me in.
- I am still reading your newsletters – I’ve brought them to work and look over them at lunch time. You’re such a great writer – a real communicator who gets a difficult job done in a smart and entertaining way.” – LK, Morgantown, WV
Note: How eloquently LK expresses herself! It is always nice to know how the recipients of my covers feel. This was so nicely done, I will treasure it forever. – DG
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November, 2008
"I don't know which is more fun -- your beautiful cachets or the humor and taste with which you inform them." -- PE
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"We are blessed with so many caring people in our lives. Thanks for your beautiful First Day Covers. They are amazing." --D&RL
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=title September/October, 2008
(From France): "Now I have been at your homepage and read a little about you. It was fun and interesting reading to get to "know you" :-). I really love your production and am always looking for the ones with the "touch of gold." -- SD'O
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"What I find so interesting is that you research the figures and their markings so well (2008 Duck FDC)." -- EG
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July, 2008
"I was at the mail box when our jovial postman came with the mail. "Today is going to be special for you," he said, as he handed me the envelope from Touch of Gold. What an understatement! And those beady eyes bring the little feathered critters to life.
I have HP duck stamps from many of the very best -- Pugh, Lois Hamilton, Linda Geerlings, De Rossett, Poorman, Sue Allen, Ross Hamilton, and some others with only initials that I cannot identify now -- and yours not only do not suffer by comparison, they add substantially to the natural beauty of a collection in which they are quite at home.
You have an amazing talent. Thanks." -- JAD
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"Here is my order for two of your beautiful covers (Ducks). ... I purchase your covers, whenever I can find them, and I love every one of them! Thank you very much!
and
"I received the covers today--2005 Hooded Meganser Duck, and 2008 Northern Pintail Duck, and they are beautiful! Thank you so much!" -- EC
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June, 2008
“Just received the Frank Sinatra issue – another great cover, especially with your ability to capture the essence of the individual, which you so often do. Each addition to the cover is always interesting and just somehow gives it that extra and personal touch. ... Your accompanying Newsletter is always a plethora of information and always interesting. The info about Frank Sinatra was particularly interesting. The inclusion of pictures a real plus, especially those of you and your family– really adds the personal touch." – WJS
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“I am so glad I ordered the Hand Painted FDC of Frank Sinatra. When I took the FDC out of the envelope, there was a portrait of Frank Sinatra smiling and looking like “OLD BLUE EYES” himself. Congratulations on a job well done. Are you sure that you’re not a portrait artist passing yourself off as a First Day Cover designer?” – BO
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"Start spreading the News!” your Sinatra cover is , ‘A’ Number One, Top of the Heap! – Dr. HC “Just loved the Frank Sinatra thru the ages cover.” – JF
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“Regarding Sinatra: I have always suspected 'I’VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN.' When old Blue Eyes arrived it convinced me to have it '“MY WAY' 'NIGHT AND DAY. While looking at your cover I admit 'MY HEART STOOD STILL.' 'THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU' sending it to me 'ALL THE WAY,' 'COME RAIN OR COME SHINE”is appreciated. 'WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE' is your touch of gold. Maybe it’s “WITCHCRAFT” hmmmm?” – HD
May, 2008
(Responses to A Blast from the Past by Doris Gold, appearing in First Days, June 1,2008, page ll)
"What an interesting article. I also went on the DN Journal's web site for the bibliography and was overwhelmed to get a double-barreled treatment of success stories -- yours and the one of Ari. Doris, you have been such an influence to those who have come in contact with you, it goes without saying you are a "TOUCH OF GOLD." We may never meet, but it is no loss as long as our association continues through communication. God Bless You And Yours, -- Howard Dennis "
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"My copy of First Days came in only today, but what a joy and inspiration to read your article.
"You may remember in 'Diary' I reported meeting a student some 20 years after she had been in a class I taught, and how pleased I was that she said that that course was the best she had ever had. The truth was not as flattering, when I asked her the name of the course or the text, which she could not remember. "But what made my class so special for you?" I asked. She replied "It was those funny stories you always came up with."
"Thus, I can only consider my legacy from years of teaching to be giving some young people a few laughs. Your impact has been so much more. I have come to believe that impact on others has nothing to do with the medium -- teaching in my case, FDC art in yours -- that makes the difference, but the high integrity and humane conscience of the person. Your young man is a high tribute to you.
"Oh -- and incidentally, nice writing! -- Junius Davis, PHD"
March, 2008
“You have such a wonderful grasp of colors, it never ceases to amaze me with each cover you send. Many cachetmakers must marvel at the unique artistry given your covers. Thank you again, and by the way – in the words of (Marjorie Kinnan)Rawlings, “Cross Creek belongs to the wind and the rain, etc.”– well now it belongs to me through your creations. What a treat to be blessed with your gems all ‘THE YEAR-LING’. ” – HD
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(From a new subscriber) “Am enjoying your first covers.” – HS
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"I just had to send you another note to say thank you! You are a wonderful and talented artist… I love the Garbo and the Tiffany covers. I enjoy working in stained glass and I was lucky to see some of Tiffany’s work first hand about a year ago in Pittsburgh. It was just exquisite – beyond my description... Your beautifully crafted cover will remind me of that every time I look at it.
"As for my father, well he went on and on about his covers, postcards, stamps etc, etc. Getting the FDC's for him was a great reason for him to take out some of his albums and again enjoy his love for Philately. So from both of us, thank you again." -- MR
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In response to an email authenticating my autograph on a "Happy Birthday America" cover designed for Greater Miami Cachets in 1976: "Thank you so much for the information. I will be on the lookout for more of your works. Looks like you were blessed with a very special gift. Your work will continue to give much enjoyment to many for a very long time." -- BP
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"This cachet (Charles Chesnutt) is fabulous, and it was a learning experience for me I do not recall of ever hearing of this writer." -- EG
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Note with subscription renewal deposit: "Dues for the Poor Man's Metropolitan Museum of Art." -- JAD
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February 20, 2008
"Saw your article in the latest edition of "First Days." Your title was so aptly stated -- neither too young nor too old. As a retired educator, I appreciate the significance of telling our young and old about our hobby. My greatest regret is that I didn't start collecting sooner and it's important that one has a hobby -- it helps give life more significance and importance in later years. With collecting -- you can't wait to see the next cover creation -- you have something to look forward to. It's just what the doctor has ordered and if I were still teaching, I would have wanted you to come to my classes. Seeing the quality of your work, I know your presentation had that "touch of gold." My hat's off to you for this endeavor, because despite being very busy, you still gave of your time -- something all of us should do. You make me proud to be a member of the cover collecting community. Thanks from a retired educator who is awfully glad to have a hobby that brings enjoyment, anticipation and a sense of accomplishment." -- WJS
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January 28, 2008
"Just had to send off a small note to compliment on your Year of the Rat cover; the golden braiding was the frosting on the cake, so to speak. I really appreciate the extra time you take and extra effort that goes into creating those special effects. A solid thumbs-up.
In another matter, I enjoyed your First Days article, and I applaud your efforts to bring the joy of covers to young minds. Hopefully, in the years ahead, they will carry the torch that you handed to them, and keep the Hobby's light bright for many, many years to come.
Thanks again for your contributions to the hobby."
-- RL
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In response to a donation of FDC's:
"On behalf of the Officers and Board of Managers of the Congregation Beth Ahabah, the Rabbi, Cantor, Sisterhood, Museum & Archives and me, please accept my sincere "Thank You" for the lovely and generous contribution of "First Covers." Please know that your caring and concern for our congregation is very much appreciated." -- RMF, Executive Director
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"The two FDC's (Christmas and Hanukkah) are teriffic! So much work went into the costumes on the Bulgaria cover, and the historical information about the synagogue (Beth Ahabah) in Richmond, is so special. How wonderful that you were able to share that knowledge with everyone." --EG
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October, 2007
A hand printed letter from one of my recent subscribers is so heartwarming, I would like to share some of it with you:
"Doris, I just received your latest cover, Gerald R. Ford, and as always you capture so well the spirit of the man and our former President. I am a great admirer of President Ford, who handled so well a most difficult time in our political history. Your cachet does him great justice. Thanks for another great cover as do all your covers -- they have that appeal that makes you want to see the next one and the next one. Keep going -- here's one fan that hopes to receive another Doris Gold cachet for years and years. I never tire of going through my cover collection again and again. I wont tell you the number of times I have revisited my Doris Gold collection. For me this means you're doing it right. Some cachets are mundane, but yours are the most alive and vibrant. ... For me, I collect what I like and I like that "touch of gold." -BJS
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From a Christmas Topic collector: "Do you really visit all the countries you write about for your FDC's (Christmas Around the World)?" Answer: "I wish! But, no, I just armchair travel without leaving my home. It's known as the computer, which can take anyone to any place in the world.-- DG
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"Thanks, Doris, for the cute, lovely card. But then, that's the Doris I've come to know and love! :-) Seeing you as a cachetmaker is only seeing you on the surface without seeing the big heart that lies beneath it". – DM
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"Just what I needed to ward off the cold,
A cheerful message from your "Touch of Gold."
Fire on the hearth, slippers on my feet,
DGX #138 & 139 would really be neat."
-HD
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"For these many years I look forward to your beautiful cachets. It's always a great surprise, and a thing of beauty." -LW
"Thank you for your latest covers! They're all just beautiful and I treasure every one. It's really been nice receiving your covers, and it always makes me feel like I'm receiving a present from you.
-SS
"I received your Arthur Ashe cover. I am always particularly fond of special effect covers, in this case the 'netting'(on the tennis racquet). It's always such a pleasant surprise when you do this."
-RL
