Q: Who will you be celebrating this Thinking of You Week? Why?
A: I will be celebrating my husband, Jack, during Thinking of You Week. Jack and I have been married for ten years, and we just celebrated our anniversary this past August. Throughout these years, Jack has consistently written me love letters every couple of months, always on Papyrus cards – a touch he knew I cherished. These notes serve as both daily boosts of encouragement and simple yet profound reminders of his affection. These notes are so special to me, and I want to celebrate him because he is truly the best husband. His joy can light up any room, and when you’re around him, you know everything is going to be alright. He is an incredible human who deserves a celebration not only this week but forever.
Q: What are your favorite occasions/holidays to celebrate? Why?
A: Birthdays are cherished in my heart as the pinnacle of celebratory occasions. It’s a celebration of life, and the new trip around the sun gives us an opportunity for new beginnings, goals, and a chance to continue being the best versions of ourselves. Birthdays are particularly special to me because my close friends and family write me handwritten letters and cards every year. I am lucky to say I have everything I need in this world: a beautiful family, a home, and an incredible community that supports me in all that I do. Getting these handwritten notes from my friends, who live near and far, has been the best birthday tradition. Gifts are how I show love, and I enjoy giving them too. I’m a self-proclaimed gift-wrapping paper aficionado. It’s not just about what’s inside the wrapping paper; the presentation and the visuals make the gift-giving experience exciting for me. I’m always trying to one-up and make each party bigger and better than I did last year. It’s just something about communing with your favorite people that you may not get to see often, eating good food, dancing, and gossiping about the year’s current events while stuffing your face with cake that makes me smile.
Q: Why do you feel it is so important to send a greeting card versus a text or phone call?
A: There is nothing more intimate, timeless, and sacred than receiving a handwritten greeting card. To see the unique qualities of someone’s handwriting, there is beauty even in the errors when words need to be crossed out. Texts can be deleted, but a handwritten card truly can last forever. The act of writing by hand fosters a sense of mindfulness and thoughtfulness, offering a deliberate and unhurried way to communicate. Preserving the art of handwriting in the digital era keeps alive a tangible piece of our human identity and history.
Q: There are so many milestones one celebrates in life. What is one milestone you feel should be celebrated more?
A: Life’s reality is that not everything aligns with our plans, and it’s important to acknowledge imperfections and setbacks. Instead of fearing failure, we should recognize the courage it takes to initiate new ventures. Celebrating even the initial steps in these endeavors is crucial. Often, the fear of failure prevents people from even trying, resulting in unfulfilled aspirations over time. While the journey towards aspirations might be imperfect and challenging, taking those first steps is a noteworthy accomplishment that deserves celebration.
Q: How do you feel when you receive a card?
A: I love handwritten cards. I could spend hours in stores admiring all things Papyrus. When I receive Papyrus stationery or greeting cards with the elegant gold embossed stamp I feel so special. The personal touch of receiving a card far outweighs that of a text message. Cards demand consideration and care, embodying thoughtfulness and affection. Over time, I’ve collected numerous cards, seeing them as something to pass on to our future children. I can’t wait to show my kids this one day and say, “Hey, Kids! This is what handwriting looks like. Isn’t this cool?”
