Ever had one of those late-night conversations with a friend where it's way too late, you've been talking for too long and suddenly you're asking pretty random questions of each other? I had a friend in college who asked one evening, "If you could do any job in the whole world and not worry about making money or of the practice stuff, what would you do?"
That is a huge question and yet it only took me a few seconds to come up with my response.
"I'd make cards for people."
When he asked me to explain I began to share how much I love making cards. I didn't want to have a card shop or manufacture a line of cards, I just wanted to make them for people. I love picking out the papers, paints, or whatever supplies seem right for the moment. Sometimes I'm thinking of a specific person and what they might enjoy, other times I'm letting the supplies lead me down a creative path. Then I get to select a purpose (Thank You cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards or just a card to say "Hello!") and a recipient. More fun!
No doubt this love of cards and handwritten letters comes from my mom who has a similar excitement over letter writing and mail. She and I wrote so many letters back and forth my freshman year of college (all of which are currently stored in a hat box in my closet). To me, cards are little envelopes of joy and there is always a reason to send joy to people!
For years I made cards and didn't even consider an alternative. Over the years my hobbies have shifted and my time has been distributed differently. I recently started purchasing cards and building up a little stash to send to friends and family. Then I read about
Happy Mail from the blog and business
A Beautiful Mess. I was so excited by the idea yet hesitant to try. Would I really send all the cards? Would I like them? It's a surprise package each month so there is no control over the content you receive.
So for my birthday I decided to give it a go. I went ahead and made a goal to work with what was sent and to decide if I would continue the subscription. As of today, I'm totally hooked! A week ago I got 8 cards in the mail and I have already used 5. I have watched and re-watched the video announcing the March box! Though I'm not the one making the cards it's still totally fun because I get the privilege of sending little envelopes of joy to friends and family. And it comes in this totally cute packaging. Pure joy! Happy mail all around!
Do you send cards? Do you check your mailbox???
