To Card or Not to Card

For the last two days I have been busy making cards. You may ask why would anyone want to do such a thing when you can go to the mall or even a grocery store and pick up a card. Well, let me tell you, it is a little like relaxation therapy. You have to stop and think in a creative way. You sort papers by colors and prints and figure out ways to best fit them into a card size envelope. But even more than that is the satisfaction of giving a little piece of yourself to a friend.

It is just a little way to say, "Happy Birthday," "Get Well," or just "Thinking About You." My little sister (yeah, she's 50 already) got me started a few years back and we have so much fun creating cards together. Since she doesn't live in town, when we plan a "card making session" it is usually on a weekend because of the 2 hour drive each way. But it is a great time to share sister stories, catch up on family stuff, and feed off of her super creativity. Her cards put mine to shame!

I have neglected some of my in-town ladies who make cards with me, but I truly have been busy...I mean besides the working out and house work. I hope we will get together soon and make fall cards while watching the Chargers. Of course, if the Chargers have a winning season, the card making will come to a halt due to the constant screaming and shouting for every touchdown.

The problem with card making though is two-fold. One, it is costly to buy the papers etc. Well, it is costly for me, because I love all the colors and stamps and can't say no. HOWEVER, now that I am retired, I have no money to buy the pretty papers, so I will use what I have :) The second and probably most problematic is that once you get all the stuff out, your entire house (note, not room) is full of STUFF! Poor Dan can't find a place for his briefcase once the paper stuff is spread out.

But it is all worth it because giving a home-made card is a gift from the heart and that is something that money can't buy. So if you get a card from me, I have given you my time, my creativity, and my love. For you I have neglected the grocery shopping, ironing, house cleaning, and cherished book reading.