I found Frankie sitting on my bed in its safe, bubbly envelope when I came home from work on Monday. Unfortunately, I was so wiped out that I could barely sort the deck (and discover the pretty badge Aulruna sent me
) before I had to put it away again and go to bed. With what seemed like a beginning migraine, those colors were just too much... I did notice, however, that no one of the previous hosts had photographed the other side of the bag, yet, so that was a surprise.
After a few hours of sleep, I got out the deck again and first went through it quickly, sorting it into cards that I liked or that made me curious about the deck they came from, and cards that I didn't like or that just left me with a neutral feeling. I was surprised to discover how much I liked the TdM cards - sooo calming to the eye (I guess the migraine was still having her say in this)!
Then I started writing a few words about my first impression of each card, starting with the Fool. I got to the Devil and then had to take another break. Will continue soon. Will the Frankendecken be the first deck that finally makes me get into journaling? Stay tuned!
I decided I also had to do something with the backs (like sort them by color or something) because they were also really fascinating in their variety. Maybe they can be read as well?
I admit, I was tempted to see if I could gently open the side seams of the bag to make it a little bigger, so that all cards would fit comfortably (as it is, it's awfully tight, and I'm worried about the damage that will occur if another 30 pairs of eager hands take the deck out of the bag and put it back again and again. But then it didn't feel right to alter someone else's work so I didn't do anything. (If you think I should apply my sewing skills to the bag, let me know over the discussion thread!)
For now, the cards wait in their mailing envelope until I find a better place to keep them. They'll have to go to work with me tomorrow, although I'm not sure if I'll actually take them out there or if they'll have to hide in my bag.
I have also just sent an email to my one real-life "tarot friend" to see if she's up to get together with Frankie and me. Depending on my schedule, I might also offer a few small readings with the deck here on AT (but real life comes first, so no promises yet!).
I think I'll go write some more about the cards now... Frankie needs my attention! (It's funny how knowing I only have a week with the deck keeps me from putting off things I could do with it and do them right now...)