penandpatience

WRITERS WORDS: “No matter what people tell you, WORDS AND IDEAS can change the world.” –Robin Williams

JUNE 2018 MONTHLY MUSING

ARE GREETING CARDS PENDING EXTINCTION?

Greetings! Greeting cards have been a staple in my life since my son colored and cut me a handmade Valentine in kindergarten. Add two daughters and I became the recipient of a treasure trove of handmade birthday, Mother’s Day and holiday greetings many retained to this day.  Years later and before Internet and Telecommunications advancements entered our lives, every birthday and Mother’s Day greeting cards were awaiting pickup in my mailbox. There were humorous ones that made me laugh, thoughtful verses that made my heart soar and I cherish the final birthday greeting Mom gave me before her death with “Love Mom” written in her beautiful cursive handwriting—a special keepsake for sure.

Today, I realize we live in a fast-paced society. Technology changed but has not always been a positive influence in the methods individuals utilize to communicate with each other. What technology has provided is convenient options to keep in touch with out of town family members and friends such as Skype, E-mail, text and cell photographs to name a few. Social media sites now unite people on a world- wide basis—a connective phenomena unavailable in previous centuries.

What I find disheartening is the proliferation of inane trivia, opinionated rants and rampant advertisements polluting what should be an arena for sharing noteworthy events in daily living. Although we have great new tools at our fingertips, I find it difficult to find value in folks continually hunched over cell phones on every occasion and in almost all public places. However, recalling my role as a former safety professional, I champion the expedient ability to reach emergency personnel via cell phones when necessary. Yet, I’d like to think we’d all benefit from the meshing of old and new communications and occasionally step away from the addicted overuse of today’s technologies.

I’m a writer and we pen and pencil wielders spend large segments of time utilizing computers and social technologies that assist in the writing craft. Nevertheless, throwing away pen and pad will never be an option. New story ideas, character names and attributes that surface unexpectedly are quickly jotted down on available pad and paper that most writers keep around for just such “aha” moments. Short poem and verse ideas for greeting cards may also surface when triggered by inspirational sights and happenings. Yes, greeting cards are available online, but, for me, it’s not the same as strolling through greeting card aisles attempting to find just the right card for that special person and time.  And…one cannot include a hand-written note, gift card, or special occasion check in a Face-book or text message:)

Sadly, I sense the tradition of sending and sharing specialty and seasonal hard copy greeting cards is on the wane.  It’s a time consuming task to sit and write greeting cards to local and far away friends when daily activities and Christmas holiday preparations take precedence.  Also, like everything else, the cost of cards and postal stamps has increased in past years. However, think about elderly friends and family that no longer have access or embrace new technology and how a “thinking of you” greeting they could hold in their hand might brighten their day. There’s no better way to express condolences, sympathy for individuals who have suffered grievous losses in their lives—and don’t forget that hand-written note.

Readers, should you have an interest, there are many sites available to assist enthusiastic, talented and creative people in writing poetry and verse for greeting cards. One of my favorite writer sites is Hope Clark’s Fund for Writers. Check out this article: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/how-to-break-into-the-greeting-card-industry.  Also, Hallmark Card Company needs no introduction and accepts submissions: http://www.hallmarkcards.com. There are many other card companies listed on the Internet but perhaps you might want to design, photograph and write verse for your own original creations.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Happy Father’s Day to Dad’s everywhere!