"Happiest Birthday Wishes!!" with cake and pennants made of recycled book pages

Why did I start selling cards in the first place? Well, because my Mom told me to! For years I had been making cards to send to my family and for years my Mom kept saying I should sell them, so finally, one day, I decided to take a chance. I created about 75 cards, put them in a small cardboard apple box, and set up shop at a local craft fair. At that time, each card was created and sold, and if someone wanted another the same, it was hit or miss if it would work out the same. Since my business has expanded so much, I now create an original and then I am able to use my home printer and print out multiple copies, thus enlarging my product line and inventory. The insides of these cards are purposely left blank so that there is plenty of room to write, to share life and encouragement with others. This was done purposely, with my Uncle Jim in mind, as I have fond memories of letters from Uncle Jim for no specific reason, but simply to check in and let us know he was thinking of us. Connection to others is SO important for our wellbeing and these cards are made with that in mind. I love when friends gather in front of my card racks and giggle together over designs or exclaim, "Oh! I know just the person who needs this card!" That's truly what brings me the greatest joy in this endeavor.

As for homelife, I am a US Army Reserve veteran, having served 4 years as a combat medic. I am also the wife of a USAF (Ret) veteran. I was a stay-at-home, homeschooling Mom for our 3 children for 26 years and then went back to school to earn my master's degree in Counseling with an Emphasis in Creative Arts (perfect for me!). I now work part time as a counselor for first responders, veterans and their families. I am also a care partner for my husband as well as a long-distance care partner for my parents. Community and connections are a soap box issue for me!