April 1, 2021 — Months back, when our little Creative team was discussing which card we should feature on Easter, someone mentioned the chocolate bunny, which naturally made me think of marshmallow Peeps. “Does anyone actually eat Peeps?” our Founder Jodee asked, so I clarified, “I never enjoyed eating them, but did you know that, if you stick a toothpick into the front of two Peeps and stand them face-to-face for 30 seconds in the microwave, they’ll sword fight before they ultimately explode? It makes quite the mess, but it’s really fun to watch!” Motivated by my colleagues’ disbelief, I set off alone down the Internet rabbit hole seeking hilarious videos of Peeps fencing. (Go figure: dozens of YouTube demonstrations later, it appears that Peeps meltdowns are not nearly as captivating now as they were to the pre-teen me. :)
Contributing Cardie Jenni Betz recently showed us a whole new world of rabbit-holing: The Card Shopping Rabbit Hole! (You’ve been there: “I’m going to scroll through just one more page of cards, then I’ll stop.”) Meticulous as Jenni is, we asked her to take on the fun project of reviewing our 730 designs to confirm that what’s printed on the physical card is portrayed the exact same way online. Ha! She told us that nearly every design she came to made her think of a friend, a book, a movie, etc.
We found Jenni’s Cardie Rabbit Hole adventure so entertaining that we asked if we might share her stream-of-consciousness with you here. It’s a fun way to kick off what we hope will be for you an easy breezy spring weekend. Enjoy! And see you in the Cardie Rabbit Hole. :)
Felicia Elenum
Cardie Community Manager
I love the new Frontline card to honor healthcare workers. The nurses I know are like Swiss Army knives, finding eleventy ways to try to spare a life — that’s not new since the pandemic, but years from now, many of us will still be sharing stories of courageous frontline workers who saved us during the covid crisis.
As I finished working my way through the congratulations cards, I noticed the King Chess Piece design and it made me wonder if you’ve considered a chess piece for Meanings of Life? I think The Queen’s Gambit series on Netflix may’ve given chess a little rise in popularity.
Speaking of great shows, please tell me you’ve watched Ted Lasso on Apple TV. I wasn’t keen on the thought of a “sports” show but, mercy, Ted Lasso is like Major League meets Mr. Rogers and makes radical empathy funny. Carve out time, if you can!
When I got to the music card that Mom wrote, it reminded me that I heard Joy Oladokun sing on Jimmy Fallon and cannot get enough of her voice.
Seeing the phrase “among us” on birthday card 1487 made me think of the digital game by that name which has quickly become a big pandemic hit. It’s extremely popular with students and many teachers have started using it in their classrooms, too!
94004 made me think of family friend, Carmen Cool. She’s a positive body image activist, and I remember she posted something like: “Do these jeans make me look like I’m changing the world?” Because Carmen’s family has suffered loss that resulted from an eating disorder, Carmen does a lot of work with people around healthy eating habits … she posts some solid deep thoughts. And enjoys a LOT of cupcakes, no regrets.
This card reminded me of a quote by author Jeff Brown. (Something about it never being rude to interrupt your false self, asking him/her to give it a rest.) It’s from his book called Hearticulations (quotes on love, friendship and healing) that I have reserved at my local library.
Having just ordered five-year-old Hank the rainbow backpack of his dreams (because he’ll start kindergarten next year!) my fervent hope is that he will always, always refuse to diminish himself to fit in. And, you know, “Refuse to Diminish Yourself” just might be a good message for a new Pretty Words card!
Wow, Tucker is twelve now, Tolliver nine, and Hank is five … but that changes every year ;)
Ah, when I saw the Little Red Wagon card #1301, it brought back so many memories I bought one for myself and put it above my washer and dryer to remind me of all those fun times. My aunt gave me that little red wagon on my 1st birthday. I gave my dolls and stuffed animals many a ride in it. Our two boys pulled and pushed each other around in it and then our grandkids did the same. I still have it and will never part with it. Hopefully someday a 4th generation will make memories with it too. Thanks, Cardthartic for bringing back all those memories.