American Greetings Blog

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How to make Hygge happen in spring

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(And share it with those you love)

A cozy Hygge place shown with soft blankets, warm coffee, the glow of candlelight and a good book.

Maybe you’ve heard of it. Or maybe you’re thinking, “hy-what?” Either way, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced hygge.

It’s pronounced HOO-ga. (Not quite what you were expecting, right?) Hygge is the Scandinavian philosophy of comfort and coziness. It’s not just a word; it’s a way of life, a sense of togetherness and connectedness – known all too well by the people of Denmark who are considered the happiest people in the world despite the region’s long, dark winters.

So, is it only a cold weather thing? Heck, no. “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things,” writes Meik Wiking, author of “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” “It is about being with the people we love.” It can be the smell of spring, a mug of hot cocoa by the fireside, reading a great book, the feeling you get from connecting to something meaningful, and especially spending time with your favorite people.

As spring brings new blooms and warmth from the sun we can all appreciate – what better time to create and connect with your happy place and share some hygge with those you love? We’ll get you started with some ideas you can do with a friend, your child, your partner, or even just for yourself.

Hygge with your friend

A tray holding a candle and friendship plant to remind you of your time together picking out a plant.

  • Share a pot of ‘thank you’ tea.
    Pick an afternoon or early evening, simmer some relaxing tea, and show a friend your gratitude by giving them your undivided attention and sharing good conversation (sans cell phones).
  • Hike and a fire.
    The smell of the earth as spring begins and the scent of wood smoke curling in the air are two of our favorite smells of all time. Experience the best of both by heading off for a hike then unwinding fireside afterwards. #awesomeday
  • From cyberspace to your space.
    Get those pics off of your phone and up on your wall. (They can’t make you smile hiding in a cloud.) Choose your faves and frame them up so you’re reminded every day of those priceless moments and the friends that made them happen.
  • Brunch via video.
    Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t want to get out of bed on the weekend to meet your wolfpack for brunch. So change it up – leave the pj’s on and have everyone brunch via video chat. This is especially cool if you’ve got friendly faces in faraway places – coffee talk with friends is the ultimate, especially when you can stay in your bunny slippers.
  • Share a friendship plant.
    Next time you’re together, head to the local garden center and pick out a plant for each other or buy the same one. Now you’ll have a super springtime reminder of your friend as you watch your plant thrive and flourish. (Just like friendship. ‘wink’)

Hygge with your child

A DIY craft made with yarn and a paper plate with hygge design elements.

  • Decorate their room with this cheerful homemade yarn craft.
    The design of hygge is all about clean shapes and earthy color palettes, but it’s the together time in creating this piece that counts the most. This yarn craft is the perfect thing to make to hang in your child’s room, so grab some yarn and craft a memory.
  • Plant garden seeds and watch them grow.
    Have the kids create the space where they play. Purchase some seeds of their choice and help plant them in the yard so they can watch their handiwork bloom through the spring.
  • Press flowers.
    Take a walk with your child to gather nature’s gems and jewels then press them in pages to frame, or string them up. It’s a great way to bring spring indoors to decorate your space, as well as create a priceless memory.
  • Create a hyggekrog (or nook) in a sunny window spot.
    Gather your child’s favorite cozy blankets and pillows for the perfect togetherness space where you can get lost in your favorite books.
  • Bring the inside out.
    Lay down a blanket in the yard and keep your eyes to the skies – what shapes do you see in the clouds? At night, point out constellations and keep a lookout for shooting stars. Since the air may still be a bit chilly at night, be sure to layer up before you look up.

Hygge with your partner

3 cards with warm wishes - huggable sweetness, sending a huggle and sharing good times together.

  • Massage and a movie.
    Get those sheets off the bed and onto the floor for you and your partner to have a good old fashioned slumber party in the comfort of your home. Get your lineup of movies going and take turns giving back massages for the ultimate in entertainment relaxation.
  • Build something together.
    What would be spring without a little cleaning and a small (or big) renovation project?
    Roll up your sleeves and dig into that ‘room re-do’ or list of repairs that you both keep saying you’ll get around to. This stuff is always more fun with two.
  • Print those pics – and frame them!
    Nothing says home like your own memories right in front of your eyes. What an awesome reminder of all the special moments and people you have in your life.
  • Toast to togetherness.
    Uncork a bottle of wine and every time you ‘cheers,’ say out loud two things you’re grateful for. Not only are those grapes giving you a little health kick, but expressing gratitude boosts your heart and mental health as well. (Clink, clink!)
  • Make a nursery date – to refresh your home.
    Spend an afternoon together picking out fragrant flowers and eye-catching plants to give your home a fresh, spring feeling. Not only can plants totally bring out the personality of a space, but they also help clean the air in your home, so your lungs also get a good dusting with every breath. Ahh…

Hygge yourself

A warm phrase illustrated beautifully and available in a free download for your daily hygge inspiration.

Click here or on the image above for the free printable phrase.

  • Set up your writing space.
    Create a space where you keep cards, notes, stamps, etc. and designate that area for your card and letter writing to connect with friends and family. When you have a specific place set aside to do this, you’ll see how easy and natural it is to make sure your best intentions make it to the mailbox…and straight to their hearts. If you need some inspiration on what to write inside a card, we have a whole lot of that for you here.
  • Let the light in.
    With spring arriving, the daylight is deliciously lingering longer and longer, so head to your favorite feel-good store and pick out some fresh new curtains that filter more light into your space, creating a cheery, warm atmosphere.
  • Frame your favorite phrase (or this printable).
    What phrase or quote inspires you every time you read it? Print it out in a cool font, frame it, and hang in your home for that daily dose of inspiration. Or go ahead and download this one we created to remind yourself to connect with others in a meaningful way.
  • Meditate, rotate, repeat.
    Rotate your relaxation or meditation practice from indoors to outdoors to maximize your connection to nature and refresh your body and spirit. Namaste.
  • Splurge on what makes you smile.
    Every now and then you just gotta have that thing that brings you joy. Allow yourself that special purchase. New couch? Pretty bedspread? That metal chicken holding a daisy that makes you think of your mom? Get it. Having something in your surroundings that makes you smile and feel good will make your space even more enjoyable to be in, and better yet – those good vibes will stick to you when you head out the door, too.

At the end of the day, hygge is all about gratitude, sharing, and the pursuit of happiness. Now that’s an idea we can all get behind.

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At a Loss for Words – By: Kathy Davis

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At a Loss for Words - Kathy Davis

I found myself at a complete loss for words…and as a writer of greeting cards, that is not my usual M.O.

Sadly, on not just one but on three separate occasions in recent years, I received the mind-numbing news that a dear friend had suffered the sudden and shocking loss of a husband at a far-too-young age. Each of these friends had NO time to say goodbye, NO warning of what was to come…and NOTHING to help them prepare for their tragic loss.

Having lost both of my parents in the past 10 years, I was not a stranger to grief, but these sudden losses were the kind I was used to reading about in the news…the kinds of things that happened to OTHER people. The deaths of my friends’ husbands hit far too close to home…and while I couldn’t begin to imagine the depth of loss these women were experiencing, I was not immune to the shock waves of pain I felt from just knowing them. Suddenly, this subject became a lot more personal to me.

These deaths were not only unexpected, their circumstances were most unlikely. Sigrid’s husband died during a morning bike ride; Joanne’s husband never woke from an afternoon nap; and Shannon’s husband tragically drowned in the ocean while swimming with his son. All three deaths were attributed to heart issues, but these men were otherwise healthy and in the prime of their lives.

I have no idea what words I may have expressed to each friend upon hearing their terrible news, but as one who makes a living helping people share words of comfort during times like these, it was important for me to better understand what may have helped my friends cope with their loss.

I have always found writing messages for sympathy cards and serious illness a challenge, albeit a rewarding one. Helping people express their feelings when it matters most is a privilege and one I take to heart. My experience as a writer has taught me it’s often not how much you say, but what you don’t say that is important. Simply letting someone who’s suffering know they occupy a space in your heart can be so meaningful. Everyone’s experience with grief is different and very personal. The gesture of sending a sympathy or thinking-of-you card means the most when it includes some personal words from the sender, especially a memory or story about the loved one.

 

Kathy Davis - At a Loss for Words: When a friend suffers the sudden loss of a loved one

While I know there are countless books and articles written on this topic, it was important to me to learn this knowledge in an authentic way…directly from my friends.

I asked each of them two simple questions:

  1. What words or gestures from others offered you comfort in dealing with your grief?
  2. What words or gestures, while well intentioned, were not comforting…and were maybe even hurtful to you?

I’m sharing my friends’ responses in their own words.

Please DON’T

  • Don’t ask me “How are you?” I’m not OK. (Instead, you might ask me, “How are you doing this afternoon?”)
  • Don’t ask me what I need! I don’t know!
  • Don’t be afraid that you may make me cry…or laugh! I want to hear your memories, stories, recollections. My tears help to cleanse me, to heal me. My laughter helps me to celebrate my time with my loved one and gives me strength.
  • Don’t say, “Call if you need anything,” because I do not want to impose. Just DO something nice for me without being asked.

– Words that do NOT help:

  • “I know just how you feel.”
  • “Everything happens for a reason.”
  • “(He’s) in a better place now.”
  • “You’ll feel better with time.”
  • “God works in mysterious ways.”

Kathy Davis sympathy cards

Please DO

  • Understand that my grief is different from anyone else’s. It is long-lasting, and it comes to me in waves.
  • Show me you care by sending cards, letters, texts and emails.
  • Add a personal note to my sympathy or thinking-of-you card. I especially appreciate memories about my loved one. These memories mean the world to me and let me know that my (husband’s) life made a difference to you and others.
  • When writing me a message, just be yourself. Simple yet genuine words let me know you care.
  • Share your stories and photos with me.
  • Please keep me in your thoughts. Receiving cards and thoughtful gestures for months or even years later really made me feel loved. One friend sent me a thinking-of-you card once a month for six months. That was really special.
  • Honor anniversaries and special occasions. When I heard nothing from my family and friends in remembrance of our wedding anniversary, I was really hurt.
  • Sending me small gift cards for coffee or a meal are so appreciated. Small gestures make a big difference.
  • SHOW UP – in person, via email or text, in a card or a letter. Show your love with actions:
    • Take my kids for an afternoon.
    • Pick up some food items for me from the grocery store.
    • Bring me a prepared meal.
    • Ask me to go for a drink.
    • Take me to a movie.
    • Take me to a park to go for a walk.
    • Just give me a chance to talk.

– Words that help me:

  • “I know this is a really difficult time for you.”
  • “I am here for you.”
  • “I can’t even begin to imagine how you are feeling.”
  • “I care.”
  • “Call me whenever you may need to talk.”

The above feedback from my friends gave me a lot of insight into the kinds of words and gestures that have helped them heal.

I am so grateful for their openness and willingness to share their experiences with all of us so that we, in turn, can help others as they journey through grief.

I honor Sigrid, Joanne, and Shannon for their courage, their strength, and their grace in the ways each of them have handled their loss. May they have continued healing and warm memories to carry in their hearts.

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How to Make Tissue Paper Flower Pens

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Tissue paper flower pens are a fun, inexpensive and easy way to make someone a gift from the heart. For less than $1.00 per pen, you can create a festive keepsake that’s sure to make them smile—without breaking your wallet. And the best news is, you don’t have to be super crafty to make one!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Pens (straight ones without a clip work the best)
  2. Tissue paper
  3. Curling ribbon
  4. Double-sided tape
  5. Scissors

 

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Lay a single piece of tissue paper flat and smooth it out.  Fold it in half four times, smoothing it out each time to avoid wrinkles.
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Take your scissors and free-hand cut a cloud shape, cutting through all layers of tissue paper at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfectly symmetrical or that it resembles a perfect flower-shape. (In fact, we found that the uneven cloud-shape gives you a fuller look.)

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Take your stack of petal-clouds and restack them on top of each other, flipping some of them over and rotating them around so that they’re in an uneven stack, not perfectly one-on-top of each other.

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Use the tip of your pen and press down on your stack of petals. Carefully pull the petals up 2-3 layers at a time onto the handle of the pen.AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Pen

Once all of the tissue paper is pulled onto the pen, wrap the flat end of the pen in double-sided tape. Pull up a single piece of tissue paper and gently press it onto the tape from several sides. Gently squeeze the tissue paper to pull it all close together.

Now you pull all of your petals a few at a time towards the end of the pen.  Gently pull your petals through your thumb and index finger to smooth them out and bring the flower together.

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Holding the flower between your thumb and index finger, wrap the very base of the flower in double-sided tape. Apply double-sided tape length-wise down both sides of the pen and wrap the base of it as well. Then starting at the base of the flower, wrap the pen in the green curling ribbon.

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Move slowly and overlap it so that the pen is completely wrapped in ribbon. When you reach the base of the pen, cut of the excess curling ribbon. If the ribbon feels loose at the tip, you can tuck another piece of double-sided tape under the tail end of the ribbon for extra security.

 

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And there you have it–an adorable tissue paper pen, perfect for celebrating any occasion! If you want to make a dozen, it will take about two packages of tissue paper and about a roll and a half of curling ribbon, keeping the total cost of this project under $1/pen.

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Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

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The five friends everyone needs to have

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Friendship quoteIn every person’s life, some good times will be had and some tears will fall—but who is always there to share the ups and downs with you? You may not realize it, but your friends shape and sustain you through both happy and sad times, altering forever our perspectives, our hearts and even the course of your life!

When hard times appear, you always turn to your friends for the right reaction and words. While the pressures of daily life may have gotten in the way of nurturing these relationships, a bump in the road is always a speedy reminder of what (and who) is important to you.

With this in mind, here is our list of the five friends that every woman needs to have:

  • A shared history: Whether you met playing junior high basketball or at your first job out of college, having a friend who knows your history helps you to remember who you are and where you come from. Even if you don’t get to see each other as often as you’d like, when you get together it’s like no time has passed at all.
  • Your own personal therapist: Having a friend who truly listens, helps you get to the root of problems, and come up with solutions is essential. She helps to keep you balanced and is always there when you’re not feeling sure about what to do or even how you feel. Best yet, you know that no matter what, she’ll keep your secrets in the utmost confidence.
  • Two peas in a pod: Having a friend who shares your interests–whether it’s a love for listening to local bands or spending the day quietly scrapbooking, helps keep you on track and active. Whenever one of you gets a hankering for your favorite things, you know you can always reach out and make solid plans with one another.
  • The work friend: Since we don’t get to make friends on the playground anymore, sometimes you need to be a little old school and make a friend in the office lunchroom. Having someone to share your daily gripes (and giggles) with definitely makes the work day go faster, and oftentimes these friendships can blossom even further after you’re coworkers.
  • Mommy madness: If you’re a parent, you need another mommy friend to talk to, vent, and share tips with. Whether you meet her through your child’s school or just around town, you’ll need someone who truly understands your daily struggles (and also your joy!) She can also be there in a pinch—whether you need someone to pick the kids up

While it can be more challenging to make friends as an adult, making it a focus to both create and nurture these relationships has great rewards. Always keep your “friend antenna” up and tuned in to see what new friends you can make. You never know if they may turn out to be just the type of person who could make meaningful contributions to your life.

Did we miss any types of friends that you think are must-haves?

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Take on a creative challenge

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Take on a new creative challenge

Last week we shared a few fun ideas for hobbies, but this week we wanted to expand with a few that lean into your artistic side!

Did you know that learning a new skill could improve your brain function and help protect against cognitive decline? The brain is a complex and fascinating network of nerve fibers that respond to mental stimulation and exercise. But beyond the physiological benefits of trying a new hobby or craft, there are benefits to your self esteem as you expand your horizons, make time for yourself, and even have the opportunity to connect and share these hobbies with friends and family.

Put your crafting skills to the test with these fun creative challenge projects that are simple to master and then reap the unexpected benefits!

  • Knitting: What do Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz know that you don’t? While some may guess that they know what it’s like to collect multi-million dollar paychecks (which may be true), the real answer is that they all know the joy and skill of knitting. Stitching and purling is not only rewarding in the sense that you are creating a new accessory and garment, but many find that the feel of needles and yarn to be relaxing. The craft is so popular, there is an entire social networking site dedicated to the craft!
  • Scrapbooking: Preserving family photos has come a long way from the days of just placing them into an album behind a plastic sheet. Today scrapbooking has grown into a multi-billion dollar business where “scrappers” (as they’re affectionately called) create personalized, multidimensional storybooks to be treasured for years to come. Many scrapbook companies and craft stores offer workshops, weekend scrapbooking retreats, and even cruise vacations to enjoy the hobby in the company of others. What better way to celebrate fond memories of the past while making new ones (and getting a suntan!) at the same time?
  • Cooking:  You don’t have to attend culinary school to tap into your inner Julia Child. We mentioned last week that trying new foods can be considered a hobby, but if you’re not already skilled in the culinary arts, attending a cooking class can expose you to new types of food, preparation techniques and a world of tastier and healthier meals with less processed ingredients. For a more laid back approach to the art, pair up with an adventurous friend and take turns hosting an evening where you cook together, learning a new recipe in unison.
  • Photography: We’ve often heard people described as “having an eye” for photography, but have you really given your eye the opportunity to flourish? Learning a little bit of composition and gaining a clear understanding of settings offered by your particular camera goes a long way in making you able to operate it confidently, and with ease. Once you’ve mastered the technical aspects, go out and express yourself while recording places, people, and occasions that are important to you. You never know, you could turn your love of photography into a new career!

Whatever new hobby you choose, selecting one that suits your lifestyle will benefit you tremendously… And if things go awry, at least you’ll have some fun anecdotes and you can be commended for giving it a try.

Do you consider yourself crafty? What’s your latest project? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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New hobbies (to do with friends!)

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New Hobbies to Do With Friends

If you search for the most popular hobbies today, you would learn that our society considers pretty much anything a hobby. In fact, we came across one list that included napping and watching TV! Not that there is anything wrong with either activity (who doesn’t love a nap?) but we were aiming for something…a little more creative to help us get through these last few weeks of winter.

However, the more we thought about it, the more we realized that most of the simple things everyone enjoys can also be opportunities for us to not only learn something new, but to spend quality time with our family and friends who may be suffering from a similar bout of cabin fever!

So, with that optimistic spring-forward view in mind, we compiled a few suggestions to transform leisurely activities into useful hobbies.

  • Start a book club: By forming a club based on your love of reading you not only gain more ideas to help you as you peruse bookstore aisles and library shelves, but you also get some much needed quality time and thoughtful conversation. To personalize your group, focus on topics, titles or authors that you have always wanted to read. If you really want to challenge yourself, come up with a goal of how many books you would like to complete by year’s end, and keep a running tab of how you are doing.
  • Get in the game: Video games have evolved from being the bane of parent’s existence to a great pastime for anyone in the family! Now, with the wide variety of games (including singing and dancing competitions) that get you up and going, you can add a little activity into every day without leaving your living room. Multi-task by spending some time with loved ones while burning off a little energy in the process. Set up a regular game night or begin a tournament to get your competitive juices flowing.
  • Create a whole new playlist: Musical tastes ebb and flow like few other forms of entertainment, but few hobbies are as universally appreciated. This year, embrace your love of music and expand your horizons by trying out new genres and performers. Research older artists that may fit your particular tastes or seek out new acts that friends enjoy. Whether adding to your playlist for the treadmill or taking in some fun concerts, the practice will certainly help you gain some appreciation for the medium.
  • Start a culinary quest: Checking out the latest restaurant, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner out, can be a challenge. Budgeting time and finances often leads to ordering in or making a quick meal instead of an outing. This year, spice things up by creating a small dinner club or schedule “dinner dates” with other couples every month. Enjoying a good meal and a quiet night can be the perfect anecdote to a long week, and making it a monthly practice will help ensure that your newest hobby is affordable while giving you something to look forward to.
  • Lights, camera, hobby: Few activities have been made more convenient over the past few years than enjoying a movie. You can make a night out of it by hitting the local movie-theater, rent a DVD or set up the ultimate Netflix queue. So, whether you are looking to host your own film festive live from your living room or revel in all of the subtleties that make a movie theater so charming, coordinate a regular movie night with friends and family.

By integrating entertainment into your life in a way that not only helps you to learn but also connect more with those close to you, you are sure to grow and have a lot of fun in the process. No matter what piques your interest, challenge yourself and be sure to include others to enhance your appreciation!

Do you have a new favorite hobby? We’d love to hear it in the comments!

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Reconnecting with Long-Lost Friends

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There may be many friends—from childhood classmates to work acquaintances—who (despite the best of intentions) we lost touch with over the years. We think of them often, recall warm memories and wonder what they’re up to today. Even in this age of social media, it can sometimes still be difficult to locate people after name changes and not everyone uses social networks to keep in touch. But when contact information is available, why is it so hard to take that first step to reach out?

Enter the heartfelt note.

Writing a personal, handwritten note is a great solution to reaching out to long-lost friends. Whether in a birthday or holiday greeting card or just an unprompted note to say, “I’m thinking about you,” receiving a special note makes us feel important and loved.

So why not give that great feeling to a friend or family member that you’re missing? It only takes a few minutes and costs next to nothing, but the impact to your relationship will be long-lasting.

To help you out in this process, we’ve consulted our greeting card writers and relationship experts for some helpful tips on how to write a meaningful message every time.

http___prod.cdata.app.sprinklr.com_DAM_257_82ab33f3-b36b-4b7b-87cc-126eba4d6c47-937076694-2014-06-10 14_29_06First off:

• Try playing some music that gets you in the mood for the type of note you’d like to write, whether it’s touching and heartfelt or upbeat and fun.
• Think back to experiences you’ve shared together—that outing you took, the time they gave you really great advice or even a shoulder to cry on. You should focus not only on the event, but how it made you feel and the impact it had on your life.
• If you need some help walking down memory lane, try revisiting old photos and looking through mementoes.

Next:

• Create a list of words that describe your friend, as well as notable personality quirks that make them unique. These words can help to create a handy reference guide if you encounter writer’s block.
• Start with a quick draft on scrap paper before penning the final note on your card or stationery. Try writing a few simple sentences that describe what your friendship means, how grateful you are, and what makes them so exceptional.
• Just remember, no masterpiece was written on the first try. So don’t get frustrated if your first version doesn’t turn out as perfect as you’d like it to be. As you write more notes to friends and family in each birthday and holiday card, it will steadily start to become more natural to you.

Finally:

• When you’re ready to write, select a nice pen and some beautiful stationery or a great card.
• Penmanship counts! Take your time to carefully write the note so that every letter is clear. Since this is something they’re likely to keep (and possibly even display), you’ll want your handwriting to look its very best!
• If, after all this effort, the words still don’t come, you can always head to the greeting card aisle and select a sentiment that best expresses what you would like to say. Then underline the words that stand out to you and jot a short note inside to let them know that you really mean what’s written on the card.

With a little practice, you can become known as the person who always writes sweet sentiments in notes and cards. Each time you write a personal message, it will become easier to get to the root of what makes your relationship unique so that you can express it most effectively. Happy writing!

Who is on your list of people to reconnect with? Share your stories of long-lost friends in our comments section!

 

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A Helping Hand…

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 Friendship Quote: "I get by with a little help from my friends." - John Lennon

I get by with a little help from my friends – John Lennon.  A nice quote we wanted to share about friendship.  Everyone needs help from time to time and it is great when your friends are nearby to lend a helping hand.

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