Good Vibes Come by Handwritten Notecards
An Investment
Imagine discovering a simple, cost-effective routine that requires just a few minutes once you grasp its purpose and steps. Its payoff? A profound sense of well-being, not only for yourself but also for those who benefit from your commitment. Would you embark on this journey to invest in yourself and uplift others?
Notecards
Receiving a lovely handwritten note card from a friend or family member, especially in today's digital age, can truly uplift your spirits. Opening those heartfelt messages feels like unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning to me. My mother, who is turning 102 this year, has been a steadfast source of encouragement through this nearly forgotten art form.
Christopher Bergland's article in "Psychology Today" sheds light on a fascinating revelation: we often underestimate the impact of gratitude and primarily consider the benefits we derive from writing and sending note cards. However, research indicates a different outcome—it's a mutually beneficial experience for both the sender and the recipient. As Bergland aptly puts it, it's a win-win situation.
“But it quickly became clear that sending handwritten notes created the ultimate win-win: Writing thank-you notes made me feel good, and it made the recipients feel good too.”
My Mother
Since I left home at 21, my mother has maintained a beautiful tradition of sending me notecards, resulting in a collection of hundreds of heartfelt messages. She finds solace in expressing herself through simple, encouraging notes tucked inside elegant cards. In contrast, my father preferred the elegance of longer letters on fine stationery, eventually transitioning to weekly emails in his later years.
Reflecting on my parents' communication styles, I realize many of us have followed a similar path, trading handwritten notes for the convenience of electronic mediums. But what if we resurrected this lost art alongside the exquisite cards that accompany it? Gratitude becomes a deliberate choice, and sending handcrafted notecards becomes an investment—not only in our recipients but also in the talented artists who create them. It's a truly beautiful way to spread love, something we could all use a bit more of these days.
The Purpose of a Notecard
Notecards are a way to thank a giver for a gift especially if they were not there when you opened it. It lets them know that you have received it. Notecards can be written to express appreciation for friendship and random acts of kindness. Then, there is my mother’s specialty, writing a note with the expressed purpose to encourage with no occasion attached, just a desire to stay connected.
For as long as I can remember, I've harbored a deep-seated desire to craft and sell notecards. This longing has remained steadfast, quietly urging me forward. Surprisingly, it wasn't until recently that I made the connection. Notecards hold a special place in my heart because they embody my mother's love language. Can you relate? Do notecards resonate with your own expressions of affection?
Over the years, I've dedicated myself to creating these tokens of love for my mom and other cherished family members. And now, I've taken the leap to share them with a wider audience by selling them. Each card is a product of my passion, born from my original watercolor paintings. I meticulously scan and print them onto luxurious linen paper, a choice that pays homage to the discerning taste of my father. It's a harmonious blend of my family's influences and my creative vision.
Nature Inspired
My artwork is heavily influenced by nature, particularly flowers. It's a passion I share with my mother and extends to our entire family—we're all avid plant and flower enthusiasts, from aunts to cousins. We bond over exchanging plants, discussing our flower beds, and sharing photos of blossoms in full bloom. I often jest that I've never encountered a flower I didn't adore.
My Mom buys a lot of cards from me. I try to give them to her, but she sends a check anyway. It is a very clear strong message that she loves my paintings and appreciates having the cards to use. It encourages me in ways I am only now beginning to appreciate and understand.
Garden Inspiration
Until recently, whenever my sons and I visited Ohio, we made it a tradition to take my mom to different gardens in her city. While she enjoyed soaking in the garden's ambiance, we wandered around, capturing photos of the trees, plants, and flowers. Those photos still serve as valuable references for some of my paintings today.
As I've gradually developed my small business, I've realized that its inspiration and essence stem from the lifetime of love and encouragement my mother has bestowed upon me.
Thank you for taking the time to read "Yes, I have Something to Say!" If you're interested in receiving my weekly emails and staying updated on other news, you'll find a sign-up form in the footer below. Enjoy and may you find inspiration in all that you do!
