Last Friday, I was completing my final task of the workday, feeling ready -- so ready -- for the weekend to begin, when I turned from my computer and noticed that someone had left an envelope, addressed to me, on top of a stack of papers on my desk. I opened it immediately and found that it was a short, lovely greeting card from a co-worker. Her simple message: "This card made me think of you."
The effect on me was immediate. Instead of rushing for the next bus home, I was rushing to thank my co-worker and give her a hug. Her small gesture had made my day.
The greeting card tradition -- perhaps undervalued in today's digital social-networking age -- hasn't gone out of fashion, and a walk down the card aisles at the grocery store suggests it isn't slowing down. Each new month brings images of upcoming holidays, and there are always new versions of the standard cards for birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations, or to offer condolences or encouragement, say thank you, or express love or friendship.
It should also be noted that greeting card prices show no signs of slowing down. Buying cards for family and friends throughout the year can add up. And the new boutique cards, though often beautiful, are frequently astronomical in price. Has anyone else seen the price tag on the greeting card with a tiny hand-sewn pink (or blue) sweater congratulating a couple on the new addition to their family? It's exquisite, but...
And yet we go back to that greeting card aisle again and again -- even if we think Valentine's Day is a holiday made up to sustain the greeting card industry -- looking for the right card with the perfect message. Why? Because we know sending a greeting card is a surefire way to make a friend, a loved one, or a co-worker feel appreciated. And this, of course, is priceless.
A more personal option -- and one that is altogether more economical -- is to write (or even make) your own greeting cards. Sound daunting? It doesn't need to be. You don't need to be a brilliant wordsmith or artistic genius to do it. Wanting to send someone a note is all the preparation you need. If you do feel intimidated by the idea of the blank page, you're certainly not alone, and we're here to get you started.
