Tropical Flowers, USA

This colourful First-Day cover was attained during my visit to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington D.C. 

Brasilian Jaguarundi

Today for Sunday Stamps - letter 'J' turned out to be a bigger challenge than I thought...considering I'd skip countries beginning with that letter. But then I've realised this kitty on a Brasilian stamp is called Jaguarundi (or eyra) - a small wild cat native to southern North America and South America.

The jaguarundi is closely related to the much larger and heavier cougar, having a similar genetic structure and chromosome count. While both species have been traditionally placed the genus Puma, the jaguarundi is now sometimes classified under the genus Herpailurus (to be honest, animal classifications sometimes downright confuse me). Despite the usual feline solitary lifestyle, they seem to be somewhat more gregarious than many other cats; they make an unusually wide range of vocalisations, including purrs, whistles, yaps, chattering sounds, and even a bird-like chirp (this made me chuckle :D).

More J-entries on this Sunday Stamps link.

60th Anniversary Of The Smurfs

An awesome surprise by dear Gerda, thank you so much :) Grouchy Smurf on the left is my soulmate heh

EUROPA 2014 - Monaco

I don't think I have swapped for too many Europa 2014 stamps/covers, but this one sure is a gem. The theme was the national musical instruments. The birds are also especially memorable :)

Moldova Various

Different aspects of the country of Moldova, plus the matching cute hedgehog :) Since this was sent the postal prices in Moldova have gone up and have made swaps that more difficult...a real shame.

Gandalf, New Zealand

Another mint mini-sheet swap, because its just so awesome, from the New Zealand's The Hobbit series (2013). Also lovely stamps on the envelope from Malaysia.

Year Of The Monkey, Hong Kong

Not typical for me to swap for mint stamps, but when it comes to mini-sheets like this I make an exception:)
Thanks to Hazel from Hong Kong

Flora, HP Mostar, Bosnia And Herzegovina

I have visited Mostar last weekend, and one of the reasons to visit the 'Croatian side' (political divide is a very complicated matter in BiH, as many people would know) is the existance of HP Mostar, one of three companies responsible for postal service in Bosnia and Herzegovina (other two being BH Pošta and Pošte Srpske). 

I have checked their stamp issues online and knew instantly I was in trouble - soooo many great stamps! Alas when I arrived to the main PO the philately desk was closed, and it was only thanks to the enormous friendliness and help of the ladies working at other desks that I have managed to find some different issues (I wasn't able to go through the whole catalogue, I am especially sad for not getting a donkey stamp as I even had a donkey postcard to attach it to, but it was my own fault for not remembering the year of issue!), the result being this lovely cover with local flora (endemic to the area) - Helleborus hercegovinus and Lilium martagon var. cattaniae (2014).

Hopefully there will be more visits in the future, as I loved Mostar and its spirit!

Btw sshh but I have to say, I prefer their issues to the ones of my own country ;)