September 17, 2021 — As lovely as this new card in our fall release is, it’s just as meaningful: It reflects the beauty of this ever-growing Cardie Community. And while all of us have not (yet) met, it’s increasingly clear that our hearts know each other well …

Cardie Carolyn Reinertsen put it perfectly when she recently introduced herself. “Until Cardthartic, I didn’t really know there were others like me who thrive on taking the time to find just the right card in which to write just the right note to let friends and family know we’re thinking about them and wishing them well,” Carolyn wrote. “I’m glad to know there are many of us doing our part to knit together a loving net of supportive connection. ♥️  To warm thoughts and loving links!”

Indeed. Going back more than 25 years now, I created our very first Passages cards by culling the messages that people who loved my dad had written in condolence cards to me when he died. I also dug through my big box of keepsake cards and asked permission to publish what loved ones had said in the many touching notes I’d saved, some for decades. After publishing all the initial messages I’d mined, any and all new were on me … and you’ve seen the (yikes!) thousands I’ve penned thus far.

Over the last few years, though, we’ve seen a wonderful shift: More and more cardies began reaching out to us, speaking directly from their charming hearts, and we began asking if we might publish what they had to say.

‘Lo and behold, in this fall 2021 release alone, 16 of our 20 new designs arose from the hearts of cardies! Someone in this community of kindred spirits either inspired the card message, or wrote it, or proposed the photo, in the process becoming a Contributing Cardie. 🤩 Amazing, isn’t it? All this goodness bubbling up to become cards by cardies for cardies!

In future Cardie Newsletters, we’ll tell you the new cards’ great backstories, and the cardies from whose hearts they sprang. Until then, we hope you’ll enjoy the collective talent on display in the release, take pleasure in submitting any messages and photos of your own you think the world should see, and come to better know and love your own kind heart most of all. We appreciate you for inspiring and motivating us every day.

Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative