December 21, 2021 — Funny how our perspective changes: A few weeks ago, when I asked our great graphic designer Brandon Hawthorne to create the fun flat-lay image you see above, we’d just excitedly sent our 73 new products to press … and still had miles to go before releasing them to you a week from now. I saw the photo and thought, “I want to kick-back and relax like that!” Then after a good, long, restful weekend, I looked at the pic again with fresh eyes and said to B, “Hehe, I hope no one thinks our furry friend here has had a few too many nips!” 😉

Our Retail Partner Carrie Wolfgang of Novel Destinations in Jamestown, NY, put it well when she sent the good wishes, “I am sure it is hectic as the holidays draw near and with end-of-year business things … along with a new year on the horizon. Take good care. Practice all the things we preach to others to maintain their health, strength, and humanity.” 🧚🏽‍♀️

And then there is the thoughtful note so beautifully written by Cardie Lauren Rowell. While her hand-made holiday card may have have been addressed to me, it sure feels like her message is meant for everyone in this ever-loving community.

“We had our first accumulating snow of the season,” Lauren began, “and the wind sounds blizzard-like now. But it’s warm in my home … and in my heart … as I write to you. ☺️ What a vibrant community you’ve created! Built on love, support and presence, here we have a living, breathing fellowship of real people doing real life together.

“You know you’re a cardie when you spend your life actively observing, looking for those who need just a bit of love or recognition,” she so aptly said. “The number of times the right card, with the right words, gets to the right person at the exact right time is breathtaking. And it’s all about giving love away … that’s truly what brings the joy. With gratitude, Lauren” 💌

Cardies, how many loving cards do you suppose you’ve sent this year — and then, wow, how many this community has sent collectively — brightening that many lives along the way! Inspired by Sleepy Cat, encouraged by Carrie, and warmed by Lauren, what say we now follow the sweet lead of Cardie Oma Hannlis here and see if we can’t start making our way toward some well-deserved downtime.

Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative