Nov 6, 2024 — I don’t know about you, but I’m sticking with Kamala’s mantra from Monday night: “There’s more that unites us than divides us.”
In our regular Cardie Newsletter yesterday morning, I shared my election day wish that, a year from now, “I want to feel that kindness has prevailed. Each evening, I want to be eager to catch the news for exciting reports of progress in Congress. On the floor of the House, true respect is shown, ideas flow, and great give-and-take leads to effective solutions …”
That hasn’t changed today and, all day yesterday, it was heart-warming to see Cardies weigh in via email and in the Comments section. “Oh my, your wish for the rest of this year into 2025 is my wish, too!” wrote Linda Bogaard. “Thank you for putting it out into the universe and sharing it with us!”
Early afternoon, Kay Valentino had wisely mused, “May the person who gets the most electoral votes accept the results with grace and gratitude and be a president for all people, even those who did not vote for the person who won. And may the coming years bring peace and prosperity with people working together to try to solve all of our issues ~ small and big.”
After reading the dozen or so Cardie comments, Paige Baker summed up late in the day as she often wonderfully does from her vantage point on Pacific time. “So good to know my heart’s desire is shared so beautifully in our community. There is much to be hopeful about … may God grant us the grace to move forward.”
This morning, I received a bright and early call from friend Naomi Patterson (who many of you may remember cared for our Hannlis to her dying day). Living just outside D.C., Na said, “I just wanted to say I love you. Politics be damned, we all need to stay connected to those we love and who love us.”
As I sat there savoring Naomi’s call and Paige’s positive, “There is much to be hopeful about,” an email from Cardie Barri Goldfarb popped in saying, “I’m at home in western North Carolina which has been devastated by the hurricane. But the beauty in the tragedy is the way the community has come together. Neighbor helping neighbor. There was a strong tradition of that here already but it has been on full display these past five weeks. Love to see it!”
Then I happened to spot this pic I keep on my desktop for grins, its pure joy and innocence, and as a reminder that there is hope for humanity.
Little Gracie was scraped off the street by a kind-hearted cop five years ago. He whisked her to the nearest animal hospital, personally paid the $1,500 needed to fuse her hip and pelvis back together, and then found a shelter that would keep her for the nine months it took for me to come upon her there in 2020. She was one scared puppy with me for two years … until “MamaLuda” came into her life.
Luda, many of you may remember from past stories, is originally from Crimea and moved freely between Russia and Ukraine until coming to the States with an American husband she’d met in Europe 30 years ago now. She lives in the high-rise next door, and we’d long been nodding acquaintances on our little stretch of Miami Beach, but became fast friends when I reached out to her in concern as Putin was threatening to invade. Since then, Luda has become “family by love” to me and — for you — has chosen each and every image published on new Cardthartic cards.
All this is to say it’s true: You, me, Kay, Paige, Naomi, Barri, Linda, Luda, and nearly 385 million fellow citizens. Yes, we’re different, and yet the same. Surely, “there’s more that unites us than divides us” in this land of the free and home of the brave. On we go.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
Nov 6, 2024 — I don’t know about you, but I’m sticking with Kamala’s mantra from Monday night: “There’s more that unites us than divides us.”
In our regular Cardie Newsletter yesterday morning, I shared my election day wish that, a year from now, “I want to feel that kindness has prevailed. Each evening, I want to be eager to catch the news for exciting reports of progress in Congress. On the floor of the House, true respect is shown, ideas flow, and great give-and-take leads to effective solutions …”
That hasn’t changed today and, all day yesterday, it was heart-warming to see Cardies weigh in via email and in the Comments section. “Oh my, your wish for the rest of this year into 2025 is my wish, too!” wrote Linda Bogaard. “Thank you for putting it out into the universe and sharing it with us!”
Early afternoon, Kay Valentino had wisely mused, “May the person who gets the most electoral votes accept the results with grace and gratitude and be a president for all people, even those who did not vote for the person who won. And may the coming years bring peace and prosperity with people working together to try to solve all of our issues ~ small and big.”
After reading the dozen or so Cardie comments, Paige Baker summed up late in the day as she often wonderfully does from her vantage point on Pacific time. “So good to know my heart’s desire is shared so beautifully in our community. There is much to be hopeful about … may God grant us the grace to move forward.”
This morning, I received a bright and early call from friend Naomi Patterson (who many of you may remember cared for our Hannlis to her dying day). Living just outside D.C., Na said, “I just wanted to say I love you. Politics be damned, we all need to stay connected to those we love and who love us.”
As I sat there savoring Naomi’s call and Paige’s positive, “There is much to be hopeful about,” an email from Cardie Barri Goldfarb popped in saying, “I’m at home in western North Carolina which has been devastated by the hurricane. But the beauty in the tragedy is the way the community has come together. Neighbor helping neighbor. There was a strong tradition of that here already but it has been on full display these past five weeks. Love to see it!”
Then I happened to spot this pic I keep on my desktop for grins, its pure joy and innocence, and as a reminder that there is hope for humanity.
Little Gracie was scraped off the street by a kind-hearted cop five years ago. He whisked her to the nearest animal hospital, personally paid the $1,500 needed to fuse her hip and pelvis back together, and then found a shelter that would keep her for the nine months it took for me to come upon her there in 2020. She was one scared puppy with me for two years … until “MamaLuda” came into her life.
Luda, many of you may remember from past stories, is originally from Crimea and moved freely between Russia and Ukraine until coming to the States with an American husband she’d met in Europe 30 years ago now. She lives in the high-rise next door, and we’d long been nodding acquaintances on our little stretch of Miami Beach, but became fast friends when I reached out to her in concern as Putin was threatening to invade. Since then, Luda has become “family by love” to me and — for you — has chosen each and every image published on new Cardthartic cards.
All this is to say it’s true: You, me, Kay, Paige, Naomi, Barri, Linda, Luda, and nearly 385 million fellow citizens. Yes, we’re different, and yet the same. Surely, “there’s more that unites us than divides us” in this land of the free and home of the brave. On we go.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
Such wonderful and very needed words that keep me with my chin up today. Thank you for reminding us of that. I will search for kindness and wisdom to prevail.
Feeling almost physically sick today. There is comfort in being part of a community of thoughtful and kind people to remind me to try and be my better self.
Why couldn’t you just sell cards.
I had lunch with my 22 year old granddaughter today trying to help her through this very distressing election result. See she’s biracial and so very smart but very scared about the way she feels our country will be going. I listened & reminded her that we will still fight for our rights with kindness & facts. I told her we need to be the lights helping others through this. I still believe we’ll be ok, I have too, for her sake.
Best concession speech ever! We will fight on when needed!
You can’t just sell cards cause as John Lewis so eloquently said:
“You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage!”
Thank you for your uplifting message that is giving us the encouragement we need today.
As someone else posted, Harris gave the best concession speech. She quoted an adage that I think could be used in one of your cards. “Only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars.” Harris continued by encouraging us to fill the sky with the light of a billion stars- the light of optimism, of truth, of service. May we all continue to shine our lights!
My dear husband , and my best friend Tom, passed away on July 1st of this year. We have been married 54 years this past September. I am devastated and having a very difficult time. Yesterday’s election was more very devastating news. My first acquaintance with Cardthartic was a sympathy card I received from one of your cardies. I immediately looked up your website and ordered a multitude of cards which I love sending to friends and family. We all need to take small steps in remembering what we’re here for. Thank you for all your beautiful expressions of love and kindness in your cards and quotes.
Well said! I love the wrens! Thank you for all the thoughts, comments and messages! Keep singing and carry on!
Jodee, we know you missed yoga today because you were working on this email blast & I said a little prayer for you to find just the right words…& you did. I needed yoga & I needed your encouraging words. Thank you.
♥️
“Faith over Fear” as we move forward.
Today was my 77th birthday. Election Day has fallen on or near Election day for all those years but today was the hardest one to accept…but in the spirit of Kamala, I will and I will work every day for the next four years to do whatever I can to build a kinder, stronger, more inclusive America in order to make our country and our world a better, more compassionate place. One by one, we can make a true and lasting difference.
Cardthartic has brightened my life by being able to send cards that family, friends, and acquaintances absolutely love.! Thank you.
I so appreciate the poignant message that you sent at a time when I needed it ❤️
Thank you for the positive post. I’ve always said the world would be a better place if there was more kindness in it.
This is one more reason why Cardthartic Cardies feel appreciated, accepted, and valued beyond all measure. Jodee puts our thoughts to print at times when we might feel alone or uncertain. We ARE more alike than different. We will continue to support each other and those around us…one great thought, prayer, and card (okay-two!) at a time.
Nevertheless, I WILL persist.