Drawing a blank. Blank slate. Blank inside.
The word blank comes to mind as we enter February 2021 because one year ago life was as we used to know it – mask-free; COVID wasn’t on every continent; kids and college students went to school buildings; and people gathered in groups and crowds in homes, arenas, theaters, stadiums, parks, and pools.
Here’s my meaning, for the last twelve months we’ve been working with a blank slate of sorts – living in a condition none of us have faced before, living through an opportunity to define a new way of living based on very little of the options available in our pre-COVID days and lives. Consider how you’ve changed your way of living, socializing, entertaining, working, and celebrating.
We’ve all drawn from a new set of rules to create a new picture of how life can be lived. Some of us like it. Some of us don’t like it. As one friend says often “it is what it is.”
Written notes, hello messages, cheer-up greetings, and thinking of you – all can make someone’s day, or even a whole week. Human connection is what people are craving in these unusual times. NestingCards, with their beautiful card covers and blank interiors are ready for your simply hellos as well as your carefully crafted long-messages too.
Struggling to find the right words? Words-for-Free can help.
No matter how long or short your worded message is, your heart-felt sending of a message is what matters to the recipient. Enjoy creating a message that speaks from your heart.
Here are some ideas to get your own creative messages flowing. Use what follows or create your own with these idea-starters.
Anniversary:
We celebrate your _____ anniversary with you! When you met, it was meant to be. Cherish the celebrations. Remember the day you met? Marriage is challenging in even the best of times, thanks for sticking with each other! Let’s keep sharing happy family stories! Remember the time we all…. I was pleased to be a part of your wedding day and continue to celebrate your marriage. Happy Anniversary! First you two, then the family grew, we celebrate you! Gather people you love, look them in the eye, and share how much you love them. Through the years, you’ve… Here’s to all the years ahead! (in the smallest card)
Birthday:
Oh happy day! Happy Birthday! Cheers were given the day you were born! Celebrate You, Celebrate Life! I/We Celebrate YOU. On the day you were born, celebrations began. Have some cake. May your birthday wishes come true. Just because we are not with you in person doesn’t mean we’re not celebrating you! I remember when you were (10, or a specific age and tell the story… you can put a different story in each of the seven cards with a gift-card in the smallest card/envelope.)
Encouragement/Supporting a Friend:
You are AMAZING! You are spectacular. You are strong. You are brave. You did it – I celebrate you! You are bold. You are just toooo much! Warm hugs are coming your way. Feel better, much better. As you and your family manage this transition, celebrate the good. Way to go – You did it! Some times are tough, many are rough, you’ve been through enough – we are lifting you up!
Friendly Hello:
You are a wonderful friend. You bring delight. You spread cheer. Your laughter is contagious. How charming you are! You spread happiness and cheer wherever you go. Looking forward to seeing you soon
Friendship:
You make me smile. Glad we met. Remember when we…? You life me up. You inspire me….We are celebrating ____ years of friendship. Hooray! Hello You, from happy to be your friend – me. Smile, I’m thinking of you.
Love:
I Love You! You make my heart sing. When we met, I … Smile, I’m thinking of you. Let’s go to dinner, just the two of us. I love you true, yes, yes I do. Thanks for all you do, I love you. Every day I appreciate… Tonight I just want to … I got a sitter, tonight let’s…
Memorial of a Life:
We celebrate (person’s name)’s life with you. I remember when… (share a story or two or three on the smaller cards). I felt so supported when… Thank you for including us as friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of big transitions. As you and your family manage this transition, celebrate the good. Celebrating life is an ongoing process. We thought we’d share these stories with you… (Person’s name)’s will always be remembered for…
Nested Sequences for 7 Decades or 7 Memories:
NestingCards
largest (1): Announcing the arrival of… on ____(birthdate, or first date of work)
2 When we first met, I …
3 Remember the time we…
- Be of good cheer, Happy Birthday(or Retirement)! And here’s to many more.
5 Along with the challenges, recall all of the celebrations you’ve had!
6 I remember the time we…
smallest card (7) Happy, Happy Birthday! (or Retirement) (can include a gift card)
Nested Sequence for a Wedding:
largest (1): Celebrating You Both!
2 When you met, we knew…
3 Congratulations on your new life (home, job, etc)
4 All relationships require work. A marriage requires the most. Take care of yourself so you can take care of each other!
5 Remember when we… So glad you’ve gotten married.
6 Thanks for hosting a party, so we can celebrate you!
smallest card (7) Enjoy your new life together! (can include a gift card)
Retirement:
Thank you. We celebrate you. We appreciate your contributions of …to our team. Great work. You’ve earned a day off! Enjoy this new chapter of your life. Bon Voyage – Enjoy your travels. Thanks for…. From all of us! (in smallest envelope with a gift card.)
Thank You:
Thank you for the nice things you do. Thank you for your caring words. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your gentle thoughts. Thank you for being so generous. Thank you for being you. Thank you for remembering us. Thank you for (list all the things the person did or gave to you…)
Treasure Hunt: You have seven envelopes into which you can put clues to finding a hidden treasure. Think creatively. Keep your treasure-hunters safe too.
Wedding:
We love you both! Onward to new dreams, while celebrating the old dreams. Congratulations on your new life. Celebrating you! May joy rain down upon you every day. Never go to be angry – always kiss each other good night. (Share tips for keeping a marriage strong in one or two of the cards.)
Photo note: Contemplation set by Peg Owens for NestingCards®
Nesting shares ideas for using NestingCards® and tips for creating keepsake memories on these cards which are printed with original images and paintings on fine papers. The written word shares joy, creates memories, and can envelope a sense of home!
Enjoy browsing and shopping www.NestingCards.com for fun, for gifts, and for joy-spreading possibilities.
NestingCards® is a registered Trademark, United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Jana Kemp
