Thanks a lot USPS

So this happened. 

The packing was beyond secure: box within a box, high-density foam around painting, bubble wrap and air bags between boxes. 

Insured, you ask? Yes and denied twice now. You know, I'm not heartbroken over the painting and have already nearly finished painting it again. I am frustrated with the injustice of USPS selling insurance for services that they seem to have no intention of honoring. 

It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to seek a reputable art gallery owner's assessment of the painting and statement of value since a receipt of sale and cancelled purchase check wasn't enough for them.  Going to a gallery was hard to do since I don't quite feel "ready for prime time", if you know what I mean. But, praise be! the owner wrote a wonderful and affirming letter valuing the painting higher than I priced it.

So I just filed my final appeal (word of warning, USPS only lets you appeal twice) and now await the verdict. It's pretty sad when something bought from WalMart is more insurable than something created from the heart. And, yes, I will be looking into other delivery options.