Ilona. I really thought about what you wrote as I read your words. I realized that the memes I see that land so close to home for me are ones that make me feel more connected to the person who posted it or to humanity in general. I have a "they get it!" feeling. Your point about writing and speaking our own words from our own hearts lands as well, and I love the idea of making cards on Canva, which would make back the cost of a pro membership if you don't have to buy cards any longer ( I have seven birthdays every April, for instance). One thing that also popped into my mind was how getting silence from others feels as well. I am going through something extremely difficult right now, and reached out to two lifelong friends over a week ago, and it's crickets back. Words from others are powerful...and you are right...we want them to come from the heart of the humans closest to us. And yes...I thought that meme in your post was funny.
Linda, the cards you might make would be on another level with your artistic talents. I know the memes make people feel connected, but maybe we settle for too little? Friends that don't respond when you need them suck! OK, well maybe they don't and perhaps are having their own problems. Still, even tnough we haven't been friends for a long time, I am here for you anytime 🤍
I’m sorry that you have not received a response from your friends when you have needed them. This can hurt so much. I’m glad you had the courage to express that thought here in this comment thread in a safe and loving place. I don’t know you, but I want you to know that I care.
I recently started making my own cards too but I use diecuts, stamps, paper, sissors etc.I like the creative process - I’m not a fan of writing or journaling but this provides a creative outlet. A friend of mine sent me a package of extra supplies she had while I was recovering from being ill. I was starting to get bored but had little energy - it was a perfect way to”play “. It’s fun to personalize the card for the recipient.
Your husband makes his own cards! Give him 10 points from me. As far as making my own cards, I almost bought a card making kit from the National British Gallery I was visiting this morning. But didn't at the last moment. Now I am thinking to go back and get. Then again I have Canva. Maybe I should just do it there. Great piece Ilona. I am glad your friend is getting better. She sending you a card is a nice touch.
I will deliver those 10 points with glee! He'll be thrilled to get recognition for his genius. A card making kit sounds super cool. Remember, you have to carry this stuff home : /
I love your story about your husband carrying the plant down the stairs for you, and was relieved he was ok. My anticipation was not positive, so thanks for the reprieve.
Also, it’s a beautiful testimony to the woman who hurt herself before your retreat and how she’s stretched emotionally and artistically even without experiencing your retreat. Boy, you are powerful. She was clearly ready 💕👏🌈🙏
I recently wrote three condolence cards, one for a spouse, one for a beloved dog, the third for a beloved cat. It takes a lot of work to find a card in my lifelong collection of cards, then lay out the three envelopes, then find someone's street/mailing address, and then write by hand expressing my response to their loss in a meaningful coherent way. Then a stamp and the mailbox drop! And yes, once a regular card/letter writer, I continue to have a fairly large collection of cards - mostly of nature - as well as my mother's notepaper and envelopes. I admire your creativity to create cards that are original. And how cool about the woman from the workshop and the card she created to thank you! I was just re-reading your postcard from Greece this morning. Good timing, Ilona! I get to read your handwriting from Greece!
You're right it is a bit of work, but if we care about the people then it's a labor of love, right? I also like to buy blank notecards with beautiful artwork that my friends have made. There's a global loneliness epidemic and the interactions are so necessary. Thanks for your contribution to the cause!
I loved this article. I sometimes feel like I’m 12 years old when I write cards to people since I decorate the envelopes and put stickers on them and I have a stamp with my first name and other stamps with the Eiffel Tower and the word Paris.
I always love doing this, but a part of me wonders if people will think I’ve lost my marbles. Just the other day I received a card from a dear friend, and the envelope was also decorated fancily, but minus stickers. It made me smile so much. Thank you for giving me renewed permission to just keep being myself and be creative and express my love and enthusiasm for another person. I think the card you did in honor of your friend’s husband was extraordinary and I’m sure it touched her so deeply. I agree with you that seven dollars at the Hallmark store to convey someone else’s generic words is lame and feels like checking a box. Thank you for your beautiful writing. It enriches my life.
Yes, it does feel like checking a box with a minimal effort. Well-said. We're so much better than this. My husband is a big sticker decorator of envelopes. You two have much in common! You are an amazing person, so please, BE YOURSELF!!!
You can go to Michael’s, joann fabrics or online. I get ideas from pinterest. Lots of places. I did some scrapbooking and had supplies from that so I can use those.
I like both sharing memes and writing in blank cards occasionally as well as crafting something special. I enjoy memes, gifs and lil vids (think reels) a lot. They can succinctly hit a point and provide a needed laugh or nod of agreement... a connection. As for weighty subjects, I am terrible at expressing grief on paper as it all sounds trite (thoughts, prayers, sorry, good vibes, healing, etc.. meant in my heart but feel stunted to express it) or not like what I wish I could say without unloading my sadness on top of someone else's pain. I don't use memes for those situations. Anyway, I don't think being a "meme queen" is lame. We are all more than that and reaching out to find common ground is the goal. I love your articles Ilona.
Memes have a place in this world especially with all this chaos. They're short and often hit home. My question is are we spending too much time on the surface of connection, and not enough attention to relationships.
I am working on expressing support better for a death while not being a burden. It's definitely a challenge, but I do try emulate others who do it well. You don't understand what works until you experience your own sorrow and someone says or does the right thing. This type of support is an art.
Thanks for loving my articles, Joanna! You've been with me on this journey a long time and I appreciate you 🤍
Ilona. I really thought about what you wrote as I read your words. I realized that the memes I see that land so close to home for me are ones that make me feel more connected to the person who posted it or to humanity in general. I have a "they get it!" feeling. Your point about writing and speaking our own words from our own hearts lands as well, and I love the idea of making cards on Canva, which would make back the cost of a pro membership if you don't have to buy cards any longer ( I have seven birthdays every April, for instance). One thing that also popped into my mind was how getting silence from others feels as well. I am going through something extremely difficult right now, and reached out to two lifelong friends over a week ago, and it's crickets back. Words from others are powerful...and you are right...we want them to come from the heart of the humans closest to us. And yes...I thought that meme in your post was funny.
Linda, the cards you might make would be on another level with your artistic talents. I know the memes make people feel connected, but maybe we settle for too little? Friends that don't respond when you need them suck! OK, well maybe they don't and perhaps are having their own problems. Still, even tnough we haven't been friends for a long time, I am here for you anytime 🤍
Thanks! I actually thought of you right away but didn't want to presume. ❤️
I understand. Let's connect.
Dear Linda,
I’m sorry that you have not received a response from your friends when you have needed them. This can hurt so much. I’m glad you had the courage to express that thought here in this comment thread in a safe and loving place. I don’t know you, but I want you to know that I care.
Warmly,
Tara
Tara...thank you so much! That DOES help. My husband thinks that some people don't deal well with hard news. But frankly, I'm surprised.
Thank you for the mention and sharing my work. It means a lot. We still have to meet!
Looking forward to it
I’m not sure how to get in touch with you? No DMs here.
I just sent you a note on Chat. You can also send me a note at info@thepebbleinmyshoe.com
Ok just replied to chat
I recently started making my own cards too but I use diecuts, stamps, paper, sissors etc.I like the creative process - I’m not a fan of writing or journaling but this provides a creative outlet. A friend of mine sent me a package of extra supplies she had while I was recovering from being ill. I was starting to get bored but had little energy - it was a perfect way to”play “. It’s fun to personalize the card for the recipient.
I love that you're doing that, Carol! Where do you get those types of supplies? I may experiment with die cuts too.
Your husband makes his own cards! Give him 10 points from me. As far as making my own cards, I almost bought a card making kit from the National British Gallery I was visiting this morning. But didn't at the last moment. Now I am thinking to go back and get. Then again I have Canva. Maybe I should just do it there. Great piece Ilona. I am glad your friend is getting better. She sending you a card is a nice touch.
I will deliver those 10 points with glee! He'll be thrilled to get recognition for his genius. A card making kit sounds super cool. Remember, you have to carry this stuff home : /
I love your story about your husband carrying the plant down the stairs for you, and was relieved he was ok. My anticipation was not positive, so thanks for the reprieve.
Also, it’s a beautiful testimony to the woman who hurt herself before your retreat and how she’s stretched emotionally and artistically even without experiencing your retreat. Boy, you are powerful. She was clearly ready 💕👏🌈🙏
Clearly ready!! Honestly I attribute it to the boundless power of yoga.
I recently wrote three condolence cards, one for a spouse, one for a beloved dog, the third for a beloved cat. It takes a lot of work to find a card in my lifelong collection of cards, then lay out the three envelopes, then find someone's street/mailing address, and then write by hand expressing my response to their loss in a meaningful coherent way. Then a stamp and the mailbox drop! And yes, once a regular card/letter writer, I continue to have a fairly large collection of cards - mostly of nature - as well as my mother's notepaper and envelopes. I admire your creativity to create cards that are original. And how cool about the woman from the workshop and the card she created to thank you! I was just re-reading your postcard from Greece this morning. Good timing, Ilona! I get to read your handwriting from Greece!
You're right it is a bit of work, but if we care about the people then it's a labor of love, right? I also like to buy blank notecards with beautiful artwork that my friends have made. There's a global loneliness epidemic and the interactions are so necessary. Thanks for your contribution to the cause!
Absolutely charming Lolo. Nice early morning musings and memes. 🙏🏻💙
Thanks, Lolo. Appreciate your good taste in memes.
I do love a good meme!
Hi bud,
I loved this article. I sometimes feel like I’m 12 years old when I write cards to people since I decorate the envelopes and put stickers on them and I have a stamp with my first name and other stamps with the Eiffel Tower and the word Paris.
I always love doing this, but a part of me wonders if people will think I’ve lost my marbles. Just the other day I received a card from a dear friend, and the envelope was also decorated fancily, but minus stickers. It made me smile so much. Thank you for giving me renewed permission to just keep being myself and be creative and express my love and enthusiasm for another person. I think the card you did in honor of your friend’s husband was extraordinary and I’m sure it touched her so deeply. I agree with you that seven dollars at the Hallmark store to convey someone else’s generic words is lame and feels like checking a box. Thank you for your beautiful writing. It enriches my life.
Love, your BW friend .
Yes, it does feel like checking a box with a minimal effort. Well-said. We're so much better than this. My husband is a big sticker decorator of envelopes. You two have much in common! You are an amazing person, so please, BE YOURSELF!!!
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Ilona.
Thanks for the smile. You bring such joy to others, I'm sure through your presence, definitely through your words.
Aw thank you Paulette. I appreciate you ❤️
You can go to Michael’s, joann fabrics or online. I get ideas from pinterest. Lots of places. I did some scrapbooking and had supplies from that so I can use those.
I like both sharing memes and writing in blank cards occasionally as well as crafting something special. I enjoy memes, gifs and lil vids (think reels) a lot. They can succinctly hit a point and provide a needed laugh or nod of agreement... a connection. As for weighty subjects, I am terrible at expressing grief on paper as it all sounds trite (thoughts, prayers, sorry, good vibes, healing, etc.. meant in my heart but feel stunted to express it) or not like what I wish I could say without unloading my sadness on top of someone else's pain. I don't use memes for those situations. Anyway, I don't think being a "meme queen" is lame. We are all more than that and reaching out to find common ground is the goal. I love your articles Ilona.
Memes have a place in this world especially with all this chaos. They're short and often hit home. My question is are we spending too much time on the surface of connection, and not enough attention to relationships.
I am working on expressing support better for a death while not being a burden. It's definitely a challenge, but I do try emulate others who do it well. You don't understand what works until you experience your own sorrow and someone says or does the right thing. This type of support is an art.
Thanks for loving my articles, Joanna! You've been with me on this journey a long time and I appreciate you 🤍
Also... yes. Meme was funny and as seen in another meme... you can def start a convo with me by telling me about your tooth 😁
I mean seriously. There wouldn't be any *gaps* in our conversation. 🤣