I Just Wrote to say I Love You :: Hallmark Get Carded Challenge

 The neighborhood where we live has a community mailbox.  It is not far from our house, so we either stop on our way home from running errands, or walk down everyday.

My children are always filled with anticipation as I open the box...did they get anything today???

I am filled with anticipation too, is there anything other than ads or bill statements? Did I get anything today???

I love getting mail, and really, I love sending mail too.

I have been known to spend an hour (or more) in the card isle of the grocery store just reading and laughing. (of course that was pre-kids. Now I am lucky if I can walk past the cards without my children trying to find the ones that sing and ripping them to shreds so I have to buy them!)

I love picking out the perfect card for someone and am more likely to send a "just because" card than I am a holiday, birthday or thank you card.

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be partnering with Hallmark this year to talk about how Life is a Special Occasion.

You might remember I wrote about this earlier in the year, finding the special occasion in everyday moments.  This is something that keeps those seemingly mundane every day moments from becoming just another moment.

Hallmark recently gave me the Get Carded Challenge.  They sent me a package a cards with the challenge to send a card to 7 different people.

I wish I could sit down and send a different card everyday, but really, my kids and my life don't allow that.  So, on Sunday afternoon, while the kids were playing with Daddy and the baby was sleeping, I sat down and thought about my friends.  I read through the cards and thought about who needed one this week.

It was such a great opportunity to listen to my heart and know who in my life needed a little pick me up in the mail.

It was really hard to narrow it down to 7, and to be honest...I didn't.  I just couldn't.  I sent 10!!!

I sent to my Parents, my friends Kate, Heidi and Loralee -- all back in my sweet Mountain town in Utah.  I sent to Arianne, Sara Sophia, Heather and my sister-in-law Melissa -- 4 of my heart-gut friends.  and, I sent to Candida, one of my dearest friends here in Texas.

The cards I sent each of these people were the words of my heart.  Some were funny, some were short, some were long winded, some were sentimental -- but all of them celebrated friendships and that everyday special occasion that comes with them.

The first person I heard back from was Loralee.  And in typical Loralee fashion, it was a tweet that made me giggle!

Then, I got a sweet email from my girlfriend Kate.  She and I used to have nice long sit down chats.  You know the ones where kids are running in and out and you get interrupted fifteen gazillion times, but you always come away feeling so much better about life?  Yeah, those kinds of chats.  I miss those, and the card I sent her said just that -- I miss you friend.

As I was leaving the gym on Saturday, I got a phone call from Jeremy's sister, Melissa.  She called to thank me for the card.  She said that she handed it to her husband and said, "This is why I want to move to Austin". We get each other, and have always been so close.  The card I sent her was perfect for her...

Photo by Steph of Adventures in Babywearing

Photo by Steph of Adventures in Babywearing

I also heard from my dear friend Candida.  She is a sweet Southern nut Belle, and as only she can, she said, "Oh girl, you crazy" when we were talking about the card.  That is her way of telling me she loved it.

This experience has also prompted Arianne and me to start being penpals.  I feel the same giddy anticipation as I did in 3rd grade when I got my first penpal. I can't wait.

This making a connection with each other is what life is all about.  All too often we type (((hug))) or "lol" or "btdt, xo".  And while that is helpful, there is something so much more meaningful about a handwritten card.  It shows a moment taken to sit, contemplate, and write (without the benefit of backspace or editing) to those who we love.

You can join in the fun of this challenge by liking Hallmark on Facebook.  Also, you totally should sign up for the free e-newsletter.  It is full of great ideas and fun ways to celebrate the everyday special occasions.

Hallmark wants to spread the love around and so they are offering 10 of my readers card packs, so you too can get carded!
I will send cards to the first 10 people who comment on this post.

Also (totally inspired by my darling friend Stephanie!) I will choose a winner at random for a fun gifty from me! I want to hear from each and every one of you.  I don't care where in the world you live, if you win, I will send you something.  I will choose a winner on Monday, July 25 at 9 PM CDT.

So leave a comment.  Tell me about the last time you sent or received a card.  How did it make you feel?

Hallmark provided all cards, postage, and prizes for this Get Carded challenge, and is compensating me for this sponsored post.  As always, all content and opinions expressed are my own.