Merci.

10 years ago, when I was in college, I taught a class at my church once a month. At the end of the year, one of the class members wrote me a note thanking me for the time I put into my classes and telling me how much she enjoyed them. I was so grateful for that letter. I was never sure if my classes were any good or if anyone was getting anything out of them. The letter was from an almost-stranger, but it meant so much to me that I couldn't throw it away. It is still sitting in my keepsake box.

Since then, I made a goal to write thank-yous more often. On the first (or there-abouts) of every month, I write 4-5 thank yous or thinking of you letters and mail them out. I send out the obvious ones, thanking for gifts or service, but I also try to pick a few unsuspecting recipients. Last month, I sent letters to an old college professor, 2 long-lost high school besties, and a few bloggers that have inspired me. I am sure a lot of them don't think twice of the little notes in the mail, but I hope that I give a little cheer every once in a while.

I don't always make my cards, but this month I did. These girly, frenchy cards were so fun to make.  (Supplies: Cardstock: Papertry Ink, Neenah, American Crafts; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Ribbon: Papertry Ink; Border Punch: Stampin' Up!; Stamps: Stampin' Up!; Ink: Memento; Markers: Copic); Embossing plate: Fiskars)

Oh, and whenever I craft, my daughter is by my side. She pulled this bird cage stamp out of the same stamp set and made her own card. I think she has a real eye for color, don't you think? (hehe.) She also took this picture of her card after seeing me take a picture of mine. She's my shadow.