November 2, 2021 — It’s a bittersweet thing that we see every day at Cardthartic: As Cardies, we are all blessed with big, beautiful hearts that pick up on everything around us … the good, the bad, and the ugly. And we generally feel so keenly and deeply that it becomes vital to learn ways to guard our big hearts and self-soothe.

In the last few weeks, I’ve shared here in Cardie Newsletters three pieces of inside news: Our talented Cardie Community Manager — effectively, my right hand — was leaving us to go back to her first love (music); my dear friend, mentor and pandemic-pal that you’ve come to know and love, Hannlis, was having health issues; meaning she’ll no longer live down the hall. 😢

Although I didn’t state that these were huge, sad losses that I was pushing through but not taking well at all, Contributing Cardie Rosemary Tolliver — amazing empath that she is — sensed it and sent a lovely note. “I woke up thinking about you,” she wrote. “What with Hannlis away and Felicia leaving, I thought it might be a good time to send a little love your way.” And she enclosed a wee notepad perfect for capturing passing thoughts and feelings.

I emailed Rosie as soon as I’d opened the sweet care package. I said that her ESP seemed to be working perfectly because, all week long, I’d been re-reading and reciting to friends her amazing winged heart card message that you’ll see below; I had let myself get really agitated about some of the decisions being made on our beloved H’s behalf and it was wise Rosie’s words that provided the perspective I needed and a most soothing balm.

In that same email, I acknowledged the powerful poem Rosie had written and shared with me months ago. I’m guessing she’d say it was less poem and more stream-of-consciousness … I’d say it was a true Cardthartic Experience, laying it all out there and honoring her emotions as she did. After a bit of loving cajoling to get past her humility, Rosie agreed that I might share it with you here:

Earlier today, I was feeling very
mortal and inadequate.
There are too many starving
or homeless or sick.
Our children won’t get to know
the 23 species that were declared
extinct this week.
Viruses and lies are thriving
while goodness feels diminished,
and not just in Perelandra.
How to make my little corner better?
I said thank you, out loud,
for long-blossoming zinnias and
for all those who stayed to cheer on
the last cross-country runners.
I called a friend who lives alone,
far away, who will turn 91 tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I will work on
the quilt I am making for refugees.
Tomorrow, I will try again
and pray that is enough.

Just as Rosie shows us how she honors her emotions by writing of them, more than 80 caring cardies will honor Hannlis with cards for her 98th birthday Thursday. 🤩

Whatever your way to peace, may it fill your own big, beautiful heart every day.

Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative