AND THERE THEY GO

Last weekend, I worked like a caffeinated monkey to put the finishing touches on my holiday cards.
I put them all in a STRAND bag and carried them over to the corner mailbox.

It was a great feeling to send the notes out into the world, continuing the tradition I started in 1999 of writing down highlights from the year and sending those to friends, family, and clients.

For folks who want to send holiday cards but feel overwhelmed by the task, the key is this: start early and use the "swiss cheese" approach. Start looking for stationary in November. (I choose something that is festive, but non-religious.) Address envelopes while you are watching tv or listening to music. Do all the other parts in 30-minute increments.

Or, as an alternative, consider sending cards after the New Year, when things are mellow and people can use a post-holiday madness pick-me-up. A Vlentine card always makes someone's day!

KEEPING IN TOUCH ALL 'YEAR ROUND

Like me, you might be a fan of email as a way to stay connected to people.

But guess what? Nothing beats good old fashion snail mail notes hand-written on attractive stationery. People are likely to keep a thoughtful note penned on good-looking paper in front of them way longer than they would an email. I go to visit people who still have thank you notes I wrote to them eons ago.I know because I see the letters posted above their desks.

In this high-speed world, people appreciate and remember the personal touch.

December is a traditional time to send cards. Here's the thing: people are often inundated with cards during that season. Why not pick another season - like Spring! - to reach out to friends, family, clients, patients, and colleagues to let them know you are thinking of them.

Whether you are a parent, an artist, community activist, small business owner or entrepreneur -- this piece of advice is for YOU!

I decided to do a Spring mailing this year to connect with clients, colleagues, readers, friends, and family members. Spring is a time of new beginnings, and fresh starts. I just ordered some great-looking personalized notecards from my favorite online source - Fabulous Stationery. Most of the stuff I find online is too precious, pastel-y, and delicate looking. Their graphics are bold, eye-catching, and often inspired by the 60s. (See above picture.)

I'm looking forward to getting a bunch of new wildflower postage stamps and sitting down to write notes to all the great people in my life!