(the following conversation occurred through text.)
Friend: YOU!
Me: Me what?
Friend: You with the sneak attack cards making me all weepy!
Me: Hallmark doesn’t pay me to be pretty.
Friend: As it should be.
I can vividly remember sitting at the dining room table drawing a card for my dad. I don’t remember the details of the card although I would suspect it was for my aunt’s birthday and he had forgotten to pick up a card from the store so he was playing the old “win the family over with a hand drawn card by the kid” card. You know you’ve played it. Or been on the receiving end of it.
He came up behind me and said “You should work for Hallmark.” I’m sure every parent has dreams of their kid going on to pursue something they are wildly passionate about in childhood but in my head I thought “Yes. Yes I should work for Hallmark.”
I was always the kid (and am currently the grown up) hanging out in the card aisle. Reading every single one, buying way too many and sending them to my friends. I always liked the way someone could put into a card exactly how I felt about someone and all I had to do to express my love was sign it and stamp it. Do you remember those Hallmark commercials where the girl gets a card from her boyfriend and then drops something so she can check to see if the Hallmark crown is on the back of the card? Yeah. That was me. Well played Hallmark.
I was convinced that people who gave Hallmark cards loved you more.
Fast forward to 2009, I was sitting in my mom’s living room in New Mexico when an email came through from Hallmark asking me if I’d like to come to Kansas City to tour their facilities and meet with some of their writers. I squealed so loud I scared bats. I sobbed through a good majority of the Hallmark tour, this was my dream since I had been a little kid drawing silly handmade cards at the dining room table.
(photo by Gabby Blair)
But the thing that got me the most was when our group was asked how we keep in touch with our friends.
“Email. Texts. Phone calls. Girls night out. Visits. Dinner.” were some of the answers. After we all finished answering someone from Hallmark said “None of you said send cards.”
THE HORROR. What had happened to that little girl who wandered the card aisles? Here I was in the hallowed halls of Hallmark WORLD HEADQUARTERS and I had to admit that with this digital life I lead I had forgotten about the magic of picking out a card, stamping and mailing it.
I’m pleased to say I have much improved my card sending strategy. But I have broadened my card sending repertoire to include cards from Etsy as well, because nothing says love like handmade (and Hallmark, well played 1990’s marketing campaign.)
I, along with several other bloggers were challenged to send out a stack of cards to our friends and family, while I’m sure they enjoyed opening the cards, I much more enjoyed knowing that my friends were going to know that I was thinking about them and that they had tangible evidence of me doing so.
Hallmark wants to give you the same opportunity. I have 10 packs of cards to give away to you lovely people. Cards you can send to whomever, whenever. (winners chosen! thanks everyone!) Cards that can stand in for a giant hug when you can’t be there yourself. Cards that can make a sad friend laugh or a lonely family member feel a little less lonely. I’ll pick ten people at random from the comments left on this post.
But what I want to know is who would you send a card to right now? Or, who sent you a card or letter that made all the difference in a day (or your life) for you? For me it was a letter from my Anna. Two pages single spaced about how much our friendship has meant to her. I treasure it. And all she had to do was write it (and find a stamp, let’s be honest, that can be kind of tricky.)
While it’s the intention that matters when we tell someone how much we love them, sometimes it’s nice to do it through something tangible that can be treasured.
********
DISCLOSURE: I am working closely with Hallmark during their “Life is a Special Occasion” campaign and have been compensated to share little moments in my life that are special occasions, not for endorsing a specific product, any mention of specific products is purely voluntary and all opinions stated are my very own.
making unbreakable - formerly moosh in indy. 
I live pretty far away from my family, and I only get to see most of them once a year. My grandfather’s aren’t good about calling me, and sometimes I forget to call them very often. Every once in a while, one of them will send me a card for my birthday…and it always makes it so special.
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I would send first to my beautiful older sister who has the best stock of cards I’ve ever seen, and who is always taking the time to send them to others.
We looove the Fresh Ink cards!
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I would sen a card to my mom. All of her kids and grandbabies live in california and she lives in Virginia. My dad is a truck driver so she is alone a lot. A card or two would make her feel so happy and loved.
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I’ve been really sick and have let my friendships slide I’m afraid. I would send a card to each of them begging forgiveness and telling each of them how very much they mean to me.
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In the weeks after my ex husband announced he wanted a divorce, my 3 best friends sent me cards. They were all far away, but wanted to remind me that I was not alone. Some of them contained gift cards. Some contained song lyrics. Some just a handwritten a note of love and encouragement.
I have saved every single one of them, and when I am having a bad day, I pull them out and re-read them, and I remember how much I am loved.
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My daughter (6) and I have been sending pictures and notes in the mail to friends all summer. I love sending and receiving mail that is not a bill! Cards are a lost form of cheering people up!
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Hi, there! Frequent reader, never responder, fellow Hoosier here! I think I would be sending cards to both my Grandmas right now. Both are ill, though, on is currently on her third round of apartment/hospital/rehab/wait and see. Neither get out and about and rely on family to come in and run errands and be there for them. With my full time paid job, full time mommy job, recent move and life in general, I haven’t been able to go and love on my grammies as much as I’d like, but would still like them to know I’m here and love them as much as ever.
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@mama2roo, OH, and if I won the giveaway, after sending to the grammies, maybe I’d send one to YOU for making me smile or feel something special whenever I read your blog–its lovely.
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I adore Hallmark. I worked there for about a year during college and I rarely buy anything but their cards. I’m especially fond of their Between You and Me line. I bought two Father’s Day cards this year because both of them made me want to sob. Right now I would choose to send a card to my best friend Cheyenne who is across the country in California to let her know just how much I miss her.
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My sister and I got in a HUGE fight last night. I would send one to her.
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I would send more cards to my friend Krippy/Kristin. I actually just sent her a condolence card yesterday because her grammy died. I met Krippy’s Grammy during college and spent time with her at Krippy’s bridal shower and wedding. Losing Grammy reminded me of how important it is to send and keep letters from friends and family members. I’ve spent the last year or so exploring and analyzing the letters from my own grandmothers that I managed to keep over the years, and now I should do that with my sisters of my heart, like my college friend Krippy. Krippy and I hand wrote long letters during the college breaks but now that distance and family obligations have taken over, those hand written cards and notes aren’t as frequent. Perhaps having another box of handy Hallmark cards would be able to bridge the gap and continue to express everything and anything to one who has seen you at your best and worst. I would send these to Krippy to help her feel the love and affection I have for her, even with her so far away. Miss you Kripster!
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I would send one to my bff’s parents. They always fed me, and it was good stuff too! I don’t see them too often (like once every 5 years), but they have a special place in my heart and really help mold me.
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You & my Mom must be working together to keep Hallmark in business! She always has the perfect card to send out for any occasion ~ after we miscarried & then (finally) got pregnant again Mom managed to have an “I love you/I’m praying for you” card delivered to my mailbox on the day of Every. Single. Ob appointment until her grandbaby was safely delivered. I have no clue how she did it, but it meant the world to me to have a new card for every appointment.
I would send several to my sweet step-sister-in-law. We lost her father 2 weeks ago in a sudden & horrible accident and she is crushed beyond words. I’ve sent texts, I’ve sent FB notes & called to check on her ~ but I keep forgetting to get her a card. I know, I was raised better than that.
(I gotta tell you – Hallmark did my Christmas cards completely on line & that was MAGIC! I created them & then entered the mailing addresses & they sent them out for me!! LOVE LOVE LOVE them for that!)
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I would send one to my Aunt Ag. It’s her birthday this weekend, so I’m sending her one regardless. She always sends handmade cards with pennies taped inside. Those pennies are some of the most priceless gifts I’ve ever received.
I’m sending a penny back to her, FYI.
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People think I’m weird that I insist of sending thank you cards after Christmas and birthdays. But I think it means more to take the time to write a card instead of a digital version.
I would send a card to my sister, who lives far away.
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awesome.
working at a local Hallmark was one of my most favorite jobs ever!
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I’d send them all to my Godmother, Rose. She never fails to send cards for every occassion…even St. Patricks Day! She lives states away and knows how many days in advance she needs to mail it so it arrives on time. With the exception of birthdays or anniversaries falling on the weekend, she sends cards on time,without fail. My kids so look forward to the cards she sends and get so excited when it’s addressed to them. I have not been as viligent in returning the favor, but if I was one of the lucky ones to receive a pack of cards, I’d space them out and mail them all to her to show her how much I love her and appreciate all the times she thinks of us. Then I’d go buy some more cards to send to other people to let them know I care! 🙂
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I recently moved away from all of my family and friends to New Mexico. (I wish I knew you and your mom so I could have some friends here!) If I had a bunch of Hallmark cards, I’d send one to my mom, one to my dad, and the rest to the friends who have influenced my life and made me who I am today. I miss them so much!!
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My best friend and I became best BEST friends through letters and cards. I have a binder FULL of letters and cards from all sorts of people, but hers are my most treasured.
Oh, and also a card from my mom when I was having a REALLY bad day when I was a teenager. I’m glad I save everything, because I would have tossed that card out in some teenage fit, I’m sure.
And a random doodle in a notebook from my sister that I found after a visit with my family when I’d already gotten home. What a nice surprise.
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I love sending cards! I have a lot of very dear supportive friends I would totally send a card to.
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I LOVE sending cards, and actually being better about mail correspondence and “just because” cards is on my 2011 List.
However, the card I’m working on – and would love to send – is one for my dad’s 60th birthday. I’ve been making a list of 60 things he’s taught me and I’d love to enclose it in the perfect card. (I haven’t found it yet).
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I am also a card person! My family is very much a card sending family so I guess I just come by it naturally. I would send my very good friend who is going through a tough divorce a card. She had to move far away from me as a result of her divorce and I miss her a TON!
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I’m the girl who stands in the card aisle sobbing because of reading a sentimental card and I know JUST who to give it to. 🙂 I love cards, but I’ve gotten really bad about sending them, especially since I had kids. This has inspired me to go buy some cards right now! (well, when hubs gets home to watch the gets) 🙂
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I would send a card to my best friend from high school. We’ve grown apart over the years and I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately.
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I’d send them to my two college roommates–I so need to touch base with them, its been too long!
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I’ve been planning to send a card to my father-in-law for quite some time. Last year he gave me money to get new tires for my car. I think about this often as I’m driving on tires that are. not. bald.
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I LOVE writing cards! I sent out 50+ last year, and would love to win this pack!
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My favorite was a graduation card from my great-aunt and uncle.
When I was in high school I wrote for a local newspaper and my great-aunt admitted to me that when people asked if I was her granddaughter, sometimes she just told them yes, because she was so proud of me.
She has since passed away, but I’ve kept the card because it made me smile so much.
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Right now, I’d send a card to my sister’s friend Tricia who just lost her older sister Kathy to cancer. Kathy was by every sense of the word a mother to Tricia because their mom died when Tricia was still a little girl. I never met Kathy and know a little about Tricia through my sister but have heard some very loving and touching things about Kathy and I’d want Tricia to know that she is loved and that Kathy will always be with her even if it’s not here on earth. That it’s okay for Tricia to be angry that someone so amazing and wonderful was taken away from her. That life really is unfair sometimes but that she’s never alone in her grief – we grieve with her.
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I LOVE the Fresh Ink section of cards at Hallmark, and just bought 5 cards there the other day. I plan to send a funny “just because” card to a friend in California who just moved and is All Full Up with the details of life.
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Most likely my cousin Daniel and his new wife. I remember how much adjusting had to be done after the wedding was over and you started to live together and a funny card would be much appreciated now.
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Who wouldn’t I send a card to? The grad school fiance and I live 1006 miles away from everyone who has been near and dear to us for the last 30 and 27 years respectively.
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I should send a card to my best friend, who I haven’t seen in 8 months. We keep touch with email, but it’s just not the same.
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I learned from my first sister-in-law the power of thank you notes. I _always_ write them, for everything, even if my parents or in-laws watch the kids–which they love but I’m still asking them to take time out of their schedules to watch my kids.
And I still write “snail mail” letters to my best friend/college roomie. She is the one who decided email etc. was too insufficient to contain our correspondence. That was 11 years ago and we still regularly write letters back and forth. So much so that my 5 year old wants to add notes to my letters to her and dances a jig when he sees something from her in the mailbox.
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I have a teenager and it’s tough to talk without her being offended by what I am saying. So, the card definitely works!!!!
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I went to a Bible school for a year, and the girls there would leave notes for each other all the time. Sometimes I would find one in my mailbox, slipped under my door, sneakily left in my car… all sorts of places. They were always so encouraging, and always ‘just because.’ I loved it.
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I LOVE to send cards (and receive them of course!) but I haven’t been quite as good since the advent of the internet.
But I sent a birthday card to a friend last month and talked to her last week… it was the only card she’d gotten and that for a couple of years! I couldn’t believe it, but I was glad to have made her day. 🙂
Right now… probably need one for my brother’s birthday coming up!
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This post, that picture, your love of cards all gave me a big happy BEFORE I got to the giveaway part. 😉
I love “happy” mail so much, I’ve organized numerous card swaps on message boards and such – doing one right now with a group of ladies: it’s SO nice to get something cheerful in the mail instead of bills and junk mail!
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I would send one to my daughter. She has fought a tremendous fight with suicidal depression and has finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. She has been through so much in the last year she could use a tangible reminder of how much I love her and how proud I am of her, not only on her good days but also on her weakest days, too.
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I love sending cards, however, I rarely do it. I would send a card to a friend who has recently learned that her 13 week pregnancy is in jeopardy and could really use some cheering up while on bedrest.
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i bet you and I have been standing next to each other in the card aisle some days.
Would ten be enough? 😉
I’d send one to my friend Emily and one to her Mom. They’re coming up on a really difficult anniversary next week and I’d just want them to know that their friends are here to help carry the burden of their grief.
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For sure I would send a card to my ‘new mom’ friend who understandably can’t find time to let me know she made it through the first week. Then I’d send one to my ‘I’m not the newest new mom but I’m second!’ because I miss her dearly and someone should say ‘hey! you still hanging in there even though you’re not the first one anymore?’
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I have a friend who recently miscarried. She could really use a card right now.
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I would send a card to my sister, even though we live together. I’d also send one to my son who is 5 but loves to get mail with his name on it.
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I would send one to my great-niece who is 3-1/2. She LOVES cards.
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My father and I used to exchange cards on Christmas Eve, kind of recounting what had happened that year and our hopes for the next. The last year we did this (before I got married and moved out) in the card was a 5 page single spaced hand written front and back letter detailing his life. It is still one of my most treasured possessions and I read it at least once a month!
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I would send a card to my grandma. She’s blind, but she still loves to get cards that my grandfather reads to her.
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for me, i love writing and sending cards. it’s a lost art form. right now i would send a card to my best friend that simply says, “i love you.” and another thing i enjoy doing is writing cards with encouraging messages or quotes and sending them to random people or leaving them in books or on coffee store tables. i just hope they get to someone who needs it.
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I would send emails to my old college roommates. We still keep in touch with Facebook and emails and what not, but in college, we used to write little letters and post-it notes to each other. We’d draw funny pics to each other on our white board. Those little touches always meant so much to me. I just know that if I got a random card from any of them it would completely make my day. I would love to do the same for them 🙂
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@Nicci @ Changing the Universe, LOL! Shoot! I wrote email when I meant send CARDS! LOL!! Just proof that I need to step away from the computer for a day or so 😉
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I typically don’t send cards, but right now I’d send a card to my new niece, Jolie. She’s 2 days old and lives in Idaho (I’m in Indiana) and I’m already smitten with her. I want her to know that although I probably won’t get to see her much, I love her to pieces. I know her mom–my husband’s sister–would keep it for her. 🙂
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I love cards!! I would send one to my best friend, Amanda. I was there on Tuesday and bought a birthday card for her…her birthday is in May, so I’ll hold on to it until then. I once mailed her 25 birthday cards because it was her 25th birthday! It was totally worth the postage to fill her box up.
I also left there with 6 birthday cards for my boyfriend’s b-day on Saturday. 🙂
Cards are awesome! And I agree you have to read them ALL when you go into the store.
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