Remembering Someone Matters

A few days ago, my granddaughter texted me and asked for a new pack of cards. And it made my heart so happy.

Every year for Christmas, I give each of my grandkids their own set of cards. But the gift comes with one little promise: unlimited refills all year long.

Because more than giving them paper and envelopes, I want to help them build the habit of noticing people.

When someone crosses their mind. When a friend has a birthday or when someone needs encouragement. When they simply want to say, “I was thinking about you.”

My grandson uses his cards for birthday parties. He writes a handwritten note when he goes to a friend’s party, and I love that so much.

My granddaughters use theirs pretty regularly too, and when they need more I get a text asking for more. I custom design their cards around whatever they are interested in at the time.

Sometimes they want their names on them. Sometimes they don’t. Either way, I’m always happy to make them just how they want them.

I have also sent them Kindness Krewe kits so they can join along in sending cards each month.

Because this has never really been about stationery. It is about teaching them, while they are young, that remembering someone matters.

That kindness does not have to be complicated and that a few handwritten words can make someone feel seen. There is something incredibly special about opening your mailbox and finding a card from a child who took the time to write your name, hold you in their thoughts, and send a little love your way.

My hope is that this feeling stays with them as they grow. That they remember how good it feels to send kindness. And that they carry that habit with them, one card at a time.

If you have children or grandchildren in your life, this is such a simple habit to help them begin. Give them a small stack of cards. Let them choose designs they love. Keep stamps nearby. Remind them that they do not need a big reason to send a note...they only need to think of someone.

This is one small way we can support the cause of keeping handwritten correspondence alive. It doesn't need to be formal or perfect. Just make it familiar and teach them that their words matter.

And by showing them that kindness can travel through the mail and land right where it is needed.

It's Never Too Early to Start!

One day this week I posted on social media that Emily Ley's book released. It's her new children's book called You're Always Enough. One of my customers texted me to ask me to hold one for her daughter. She wanted to come by and pick one up for her as she was having a bad week.

You see her grandmother passed away a bit ago and she has been struggling with the loss and her Mom thought the book might help brighten her day. So yesterday she texted to tell me she would be in later in the afternoon.

My heart felt compelled to create a special gift for her daughter, who I have gotten close to over the last few months. So I grabbed one of the children's journals off the shelf and wrapped it up in pretty tissue paper and put it in a bag. I also wrote her a sweet little note to let her know to keep smiling. I asked her to keep creating beautiful art and to write in the journal to help her feel better...and I signed it...Mrs Elizabeth.

I put the little package in the special mailbox we have in the shop and waited for her to come in. When she did I told her to check the mailbox as there was something special in there for her. She was so excited and went over to the little area in the shop where we have chairs. However, she didn't sit in the chair but instead dropped to the floor to open her special gift.

I left her to open it by herself and went over and chatted with her mom. She wondered over to her mom and asked her if she had a pen she could borrow. She sat on the floor intently writing on one of the postcards that came with her new journal...and when she was finished...she handed me this...

This sweet little girl gave me a "Thank You" note! How special is that? 

One of my missions in opening the paper shop has been, since day one, to get more people writing to each other. To send more cards to say thank you, or I have been thinking about you...and she knew just what to do to say thank you for little gift.

If her momma is reading this...thank you for raising the most sweetest and politest young lady! You are definitely doing something RIGHT!

I hope you will keep writing!

Hey There Girl Cards Make Their Preview!

I think those close to me secretly thought I was a bit crazy opening a paper store in a time when so many people prefer email or texting…or even Facebook and Messenger to send messages.

Let's face it…it’s easier to send a text or email than it is to get a piece of paper or buy a card and sit down and write a letter or short note; addressing an envelope and putting a stamp on the envelope, and then…mailing it.

So, I can't tell you how thrilled I was to send out over 100 free cards to you from our 'Hey There Girl' new card line. I thought introducing my new card line on March 8 - International Women's Day, would be a fun way to make the women in my life smile. So I addressed the mailers to all of my girl squad (friends and family) and then thought...who else can I send a special treat to?

And you all came through asking to be included - for that, I thank you. I hope you got your International Women's Day card and the free card that I sent you...and most importantly, I hope you turned around and mailed out that free card to someone who needed to hear from you!

My sister-in-law bought a few cards from the new line and told me that she was going to use them for a friend who was finishing up chemotherapy. She bought one for each of her remaining treatments....and that made my heart feel good - because that is what I created this card line for!

I wanted to create a card that you could grab and write a quick thought or message to someone who needed to hear from you...or someone who needed some extra love so I created the 'Hey There Girl' card line to help me and you send messages easier and more often!

Take a few minutes to look at the cards - I hope these cards will resinate with you and you will enjoy sending them to your best girlfriends…especially when they need a little extra something!

Who Would You Send a Thank You To?

One of the things I am known for is sending cards and writing letters to my friends and family. I still believe that getting a card or letter in the mail makes people feel happy inside. And I don't know about you...but we could all use a little more happy inside!

I know that not everyone is 'into' sending mail, but I do know think that everyone has a lot of kindness inside of them and if they could they would send more thank you notes then they do. 

So who would you like to send a thank you to? Remember you don't have to have a fancy card to say thanks! All it takes is a heart-felt written note to let someone know you're grateful for them.