Category: Inspirational Greeting Card Tales

September 11th – Ten Years On

This year marks a few anniversaries for me. Ten years ago, I moved into my first apartment. Ten years ago, I started working at Prudent Publishing. And, somehow, ten years ago four jets attacked us on our own turf – two of them crashing into buildings not ten miles from the one I sit in today.

I feel as though this past decade has gone by in no time at all. Wasn’t it yesterday that we sat down on a clear September morning to start the workday? The memory seems vivid enough. Though the Prudent Publishing offices are very close to New York City, we felt a bit removed as misinformation spread through our floor. We knew that planes had flown into the World Trade Center, and we had heard about the attack on the Pentagon. I clearly recall being told that planes were headed for all of the major cities in the U.S., and many of the landmarks that define our country. The dismay and shock in the room was palpable.

Then, an email was sent. “One of the Towers has collapsed.” I can hear coworkers on the phone, trying to get through to family in the City. I can see the plume of smoke that rose over the skyline. My new apartment’s beautiful city view would be shadowed in smoke for weeks afterwards.

We were dismissed late that morning and I can still picture the faces in the cars around me, driving to their destinations in silent shock. I can still feel the adrenaline pumping as I would awake in the middle of the night and tune to the cable news channels, wondering what would happen next.

In the ensuing years, it’s been quite an experience to watch Americans come together to volunteer in the days after 9/11, collecting supplies for workers at Ground Zero or putting together care packages for the troops who were sent overseas. There was a sense of patriotism that became more prominent after such a horrific day. As time went by and political lines were drawn, we seemed to lose some of that camaraderie, but on this tenth anniversary, I hope we can remember what we are capable of when we come together instead.

The Gallery Collection Now Features QR Codes For Your Mobile Devices

It seems like smart phones and various other mobile devices are taking over the world. Everyone seems to have one. These phones and devices are for so much more than making simple calls. Between texting, facebook, photos, games and apps, there is nothing you can’t do when you are on the go, or just sitting at home on your couch! And now, this technology is making it easier than ever to get the greeting cards you want, directly from The Gallery Collection. How so, you might ask. The Gallery Collection is proud to introduce QR Codes for your mobile devices.

QR Codes are like bar codes for your smart phones and other devices. You simply install a QR Code reader app, which are generally available on the website of your service provider. Then you simply take a photo of the QR code wherever you find it, be it in a catalog, a mailing, or even a poster. Once you’ve scanned the code this will take you directly to the destination set by the QR Code.

The Gallery Collection QR Code

 

The Gallery Collection is proud to be on the forefront of this technology. When you receive a mailing that has this code, just scan away and you’ll be linked up with the most beautiful greeting cards around. Just imagine, personalized Christmas cards, business birthday cards, thank you cards and much more, all available at the click of your device. Isn’t technology grand!

How To Write Calligraphy – A Lost Art

There is something romantic about taking the time to write out a card in calligraphy. The defining characteristics of calligraphy are beautiful handwriting, elegant penmanship, style of handwriting and beauty of a line. But it is more than just a combination of all those things. It is an art and skill that involves touch, pressure, hand movement and flow. Both beauty and grace can become a mastery of work to be proud of. It is also an excellent way to add a special touch to your business greeting cards. With a little practice you can form delicate lettering for an elegant touch.

With a few tools, practice and patience you can create your very own work of art. Open up your creative juices and follow these easy steps. Think of all the cards, invitations and heartfelt letters you can compose. Before you get started you will need the following items.

Felt tip pen/calligraphy pen– convenient, disposable, does not need to be dipped in ink. The tip is broad and flat instead of round.
Fountain pen – refillable, long lasting, dipped in ink. The nib grade fits into slot and holds the ink.
Steel point pen – inked with dropper, creates fine detail, tip needs replacement.
Old Fashioned Quill pen – cut off end to an angle, dipped in ink.

You will notice the calligraphy pen/felt tip pen is slanted at an angle. This allows for narrow or thick lines. As we flatten the angle, the lines get wider. This is the basis of Calligraphy. Choose what you are comfortable with and try different ones as you feel more confident. Use different ink colors to fit what you are working on. These items are available at your local craft/art store.

You will also need fair quality paper. To practice any paper will do. As you progress you might want to go for a thicker quality of paper. Try even using a lined or graph paper to make use of a straight line and height. Good lighting is also important. Have a desk lamp on to make sure you are well lighted. If available, a slanted desk seems to work best. If not, any flat surface will do. Now you are ready to begin.

Calligraphy for Business Greeting Cards

Get used to the pen you are working with. Practice different angles without touching the pen to paper yet. Hold the pen at a 45 degree angle. Use your arm not your fingers to apply pressure. Keep the pen at a constant angle. Lead the tip making sure not to press too hard into the paper. Point the tip in the same direction unchanging the angle diagonally away from you. Start with the letters A-D paying attention to height and spacing. Practice lower and upper case. Feel the flow and angle of the pen lightly touching the paper. Sharpen straight up and down strokes, vertical and horizontally. With a bit of repetition anyone can add that special touch to a simple piece of paper. Just give it a try and find the artist in you.  Remember all it takes is practice and patience.

Welcome Cards Help Ease First Day Jitters

I work for a greeting card company. We sell all types of cards, but our main seller is Christmas cards. Because of this, in addition to our regular employees, we also hire seasonal workers. They are only with us for a few months out of the year, but are an extremely vital part of our team. Without them we wouldn’t be able to get the job done. Using welcome cards is a big part of how we make our seasonal employees feel like part of our family.

Remembering my first day on the job, and how I had the “new kid on the block” jitters, I always try to welcome our new employees. I just give a smile, a quick hello and a welcome aboard. There is nothing like a smile and a friendly word to ease the nerves. It was one of the first things I looked for when I started this job nine years ago. A friendly smile and a kind word can go a very long way in making a stressful situation just a little less so. It certainly made it easier for me.

What also helped make my first day jitters disappear was the lovely welcome card that greeted me upon my arrival. I knew I was working for a company that valued me right away. The signatures from all the people that worked in my department also put me at ease, because I knew they had taken time out of their busy schedules to welcome me.

Business welcome cards are also often sent by companies to new customers as a way to show them that their patronage is appreciated. So why not send them to new employees? So whether it is a seasonal worker or not, a new client or a new customer, any little (or big) show of appreciation and support is welcome.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day and Veterans Day have a long and storied history. They began as two special days in our country’s history, Decoration Day and Armistice Day.  The first came into existence after the end of the Civil War almost 150 years ago as visitors to cemeteries in both the North and the South honored the war dead by “decorating” tombstones and gravesites with fresh flowers.  The latter holiday signified the end of the fighting on the Western front of the Great War (World War I) at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918.  Again, that day was to honor those who died in that war.  Since the advent of both holidays, there have been quite a few changes, however.

Although Decoration Day began to be known as “Memorial Day” beginning in 1882, it was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.  The following year, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, moving the celebration (which had always been on May 30) to the last Monday in May instead so that Americans could have a convenient three-day weekend, thereby “announcing” the unofficial beginning of summer.  That same bill also moved Armistice Day–better known since the end of World War II as Veterans Day–to a Monday.  (Because of public furor, however, the official celebration of that day was moved back to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.)

The Gallery Collection features several patriotic Christmas cards, the designs of which are perfect for holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day or even Veterans Day for those who are inclined to send out cards commemorating those days. It’s a wonderful way to remember those who have given so much.

Both holidays were meant to be special days on which the United States and its people would honor those who fought and/or died in all the wars in our country’s history, for which these special days are now known.  Although this is still the thought and practice for many people, over time thinking about our fighting men and women on these days has become much less important, having been replaced by visits to the mall or to the beach or staying at home and enjoying barbeques or video games during the long weekends. With U.S. military personnel serving all over the world–especially in far-away places like Afghanistan–and with the news of the demise of Osama bin Laden at the beginning of this month, a real sense of patriotism is in order for this Memorial Day.  Certainly having fun with family and friends and enjoying the warmer weather during the holiday weekend is a great thing.  But let us not forget how wonderful it is to have the freedoms we cherish in this country, thanks to those who came before us and those who continue to serve in our armed forces.  That’s what these holidays are all about.

Take Your Child To Work Day 2011

I love and totally support “Take Your Child to Work Day”. When my son was growing up, he would constantly ask me what I do when I go to work. Explaining it was easy, but I don’t think he could imagine the way I would look or how I would talk, act or interact with the people I worked with. Whoever first convinced their employer to let them bring in their child should take a bow, because it has become widespread and accepted by a large number of forward thinking employers. My son now takes himself to work, and probably doesn’t ever think about what I do on a daily basis.

Feeling a little left out of this new yearly event, I watched other people’s children come to work with their mother and father. Living vicariously through them I experienced how much joy and pride their parents were feeling. Not actual jealously, but always just a touch of what if.

Take Your Child To Work Day 2011
The children had lots of fun at the office, and they learned a lot too!

This year my niece mentioned that she would not be taking her daughter, Grace, to work with her and I jumped all over that. “Maybe Grace would like to come with me”, I offered. Believe it or not Grace was so thrilled she had to immediately pick out her outfit a week in advance. Bright and early she showed up on my doorstep for the trip to work with a backpack full of things to do, assuming she would be bored.

Grace was thrilled to see that other children had come to work and there were activities for them. They were designing greeting cards, working on a newsletter and touring the office. She discovered in one day what I have always known: that I work for a fabulous company. The company provided a pizza lunch for the children, but more importantly they allowed us the time to show the children the intricate workings of a company. The president even spent time interviewing the children. Grace never opened her backpack and informed me she would be coming again next year. High praise!

Three things I re-learned from taking Grace to work.:
1. It is never too late to experience something new.
2. You don’t have to be a parent to experience parental feelings.
3. Children will always surprise and delight you.

My recommendation to you would be take the time next year to experience the total delight of having a child with you at work. If don’t have your own child – borrow one. Parents are surprisingly ready to lend their children out free of charge.

World Events that Shape & Shatter Lives

After the official announcement that Osama Bin Laden was dead was made by the networks and confirmed by President Obama late last night, the cameras showed crowds of people outside the White House and New York’s Times Square joyously celebrating.  But when I heard the news, I did not feel joy.  Yes, I did feel some relief that, after almost a decade since 9/11, we finally found the man responsible for all the killings, meeting out the long ago-promised justice.   I am proud to be an American and that feeling of unity we all felt after that fateful day has returned.  It took awhile, OBL was now silenced forever.

But I immediately began to wonder what the ramifications would be.  Would it demoralize terrorists all over the world now that their leader was dead and make our country and the world’s future safer?  Or, would his death infuriate terrorists so that we will need to be more ready than ever for acts of vengeance?  More importantly, does the death of Bin Laden bring any real closure to those who lost loved ones on that day almost 10 years ago?

Will sympathy cards be sent to those who have loved and lost on the 10th anniversary of September 11 to demonstrate their beloved father, mother, son, daughter or friend is gone but in no way forgotten?

I invite those who have an opinion about yesterday’s events to add their comments.

Get Well Cards Can Brighten Someone’s Day

While I wouldn’t call myself clumsy, I am probably not the most stable person out there.  A couple of sprained ankles and wrists and a hospital visit here or there can attest to that.  Luckily, I have never had an injury that I couldn’t laugh about after a few days.  This was the case, at least, until last winter.  Let me back track a bit here to set the scenario for what actually happened.  After a few months of being out of work, I finally found myself a great job at a great company.  I was so happy and things really could not be any better.  Then came the ice storm only one month into my new job.  You have to understand that a small patch of ice to someone like me is a recipe for disaster, so when the whole ground was covered by ice, I knew I was in trouble.  I couldn’t stay home, though.  I was only at my job for two weeks and I couldn’t miss a day so soon, especially when the roads looked clear.  I walked slowly down my steps, holding onto the railing for dear life and could you believe it, I actually made it safely to the bottom.  I think this is where my confidence got a little high because on my third step away from the steps, I found myself in the air, horizontal, and falling fast.  The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital with a cast on my right arm.  A few days passed and my work said it was fine and to take my time feeling better, but I couldn’t help being nervous about missing so many days so soon into my new job.  All my fears subsided, however, when I received a packet of get well cards from everyone at my company.  Just knowing that they cared and didn’t forget about the new employee meant the world to me.

I spent a good hour reading through all the messages in my get well cards.  Nothing could have brightened my day any more than this.  People I didn’t even know yet at the company were wishing me well.  The card really gave me the strength to get through the next few days and until I was able to return to work.  The first thing I did when I got back was let everyone know how the company get well cards helped to get me through my injury.   They meant more to me than they could ever understand.

An All Occasion Assortment Box is a Lifesaver!

While entertaining one evening with close friends from out of state, in conversation my friend Mary announced, “Well, we’ve all made it, 25 years of marriage.” I suddenly realized it was their wedding anniversary. We were married in the same year, a few months apart and were each others maids of honor at our weddings.

Then it hit me…I had an all occasion greeting cards assortment box in the bedroom. With that, I exclaimed, “Oh! I’ll be right back,” and left the room. I went into the bedroom, retrieved the box of greeting cards from the closet knowing that there were anniversary cards in the box. Miraculously I found a pen, signed the anniversary card, and returned to our guests. I then handed Mary the card. She opened it and remarked how beautiful the card was.

It was beautiful! It had shiny embossed gold and orange balloons with gold confetti streamers and shiny gold letters that said “Happy Anniversary.” I’ve also used the Sympathy cards in the all occasion box of cards when hearing of someone passing or someone’s birthday. It certainly comes in handy, allowing me to immediately send a card. With all our busy lives you would have to work into your schedule a stop at the card store and select a greeting card, but instead I just stop in my bedroom. This box is so convenient!

Bringing your Child to Work Makes for a Rewarding Day at the Office

Take Your Child to Work Day was originally founded by Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation as the Take Our Daughters to Work program in 1993. Originally, the intent of the program was to address the self-esteem issues that face young women and the foundation resisted the inclusion of young men. The Ms. Foundation provided materials to schools so teachers could incorporate “choosing a career” activities the day before or after the event to reinforce the experience with the participating girls.

Schools began to resist the program because of the exclusion of boys and the program was changed to Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in 2003. Although most individuals who bring a child to their job for the day bring their own child or a relative, the program originally encouraged participants to bring a child from a residential program or shelter who may not have access to adults with careers in skilled professions.

Hannah busy at work on Bring Your Child to Work Day at Prudent Publishing.
Hannah busy at work on Bring Your Child to Work Day at Prudent Publishing.

Although, I don’t have children myself I know that children can become passionate about a future career early in life, and giving them working knowledge of the ins and outs of a particular position or industry can help them discover what they do and do not want in a future career. This can be the first step on the path to their future. Not every child is afforded the opportunity to visit a company. Some parents are self employed, others have returned to school to continue their education, and others work in highly confidential or dangerous fields that don’t allow for children to come to work for the day. I brought Hannah, the child of a family friend with me for the day. In this case, Hannah’s family owns a restaurant that she helps out at several times a week. Although this is certainly a career option for her in the future, she is already well aware of what is involved in the restaurant business and wouldn’t be gaining a new experience by spending the day there.

She couldn’t have been more excited to spend the day at the Prudent Publishing offices. She loved seeing the process of designing a greeting card from start to finish and getting the opportunity to design and photograph her own card creation. She was thrilled to meet the other staff members and enjoyed seeing how many career opportunities there were within one company. She listened in on several live phone calls and assisted with small tasks throughout the day. I enjoyed seeing how much she has matured and that she felt comfortable asking questions about the tasks she was seeing and participating in. Hannah even took our typing test and was able to type 59 wpm with 99% accuracy – not a small feat for such a young woman! Hannah was very fascinated with our electronic typewriter. Since she has grown up in the computer age, she thought it was amazing to hear how much we used typewriters as little as 15 years ago and the increased efficiencies we’ve seen with the introduction of computers.

Overall it was a great experience for all the kids who were able to spend the day with us and a very rewarding experience for the adults. It was very refreshing to see our careers through their eyes as we too often take for granted what we see and do everyday.