In keeping with my goal of becoming better organized, I decided to do something about it. My youngest daughter and I have described ourselves as organized hoarders. She probably inherited the "saving" trait from me, and is now accumulating treasured memories of and for her three little girls.
But back to the "organized hoarding" part. Fifty years of greeting cards can take up a lot of room. I decided that the most important part of each card is the handwritten "I love you" or "I've enjoyed working with you" or even the "You are old, I am young, hee hee" written in the hand of my 16-year-old. So that's what I decided I should save.
They actually don't take up a lot of room -- just a little box that some salad plates came in holds all that I've recovered so far. I imagine I will find more as I work on my other organizing goal for the year -- cleaning out drawers and closets and the boxes in the garage. I may need a slightly larger box, but that's okay. You see, they are not there just to put away in the back of a closet. I found myself going through them again as I prepared this photograph. I told my daughters about them when they were here at Christmas, and they wanted to look through them. I told my husband that, if he ever doubted that someone loved, or admired, or wished him well, he should look through the box.
Much better than a box of chocolates, when you never know what you'll get! Well, maybe not, but who says you can't have good wishes and chocolates, too?
Annie
11 comments:
Note: The 16 year old comment was not from the youngest sweetest child. Just sayin :)
Duly noted -- but the evidence is there -- the youngest and sweetest said "ha, ha, you are 50!". :)
What an absolutely brilliant idea, Annie! I have so many cards saved over the years from children and grandchildren. But, as you say, the important bit is what they have actually written on them. So! I am going to take a leaf out of your book and do exactly the same. Can't believe that no-one has thought of it before.
I also have 50 years of cards.
Notes from my children from early school and on. At times when I felt alone and unloved - all I have to do is look at these cards.
They are a treasure.
Thank you for your recent comment !!
What a great idea. I have boxes of Christmas cards ... I always save them for at least a year. So many treasured notes from dear friends and family who have passed away. There is something so special about even a brief note scrawled by hand.
{We must be related somehow! :) }
I too have a stash of cards. Not for as many years...but for several. I enjoy looking through them from time to time. Sadly some of the people who sent them are no longer with me...that part is hard sometimes. I keep mine in old tin candy boxes - one of my older friends (died when she was 99)gave me big boxes of Russell Stover candy in old fashioned tins each Christmas. I have them all and they are stuffed full of old pics and cards...
I save letters but very few cards {with the exception of those pretty hand stamped, homemade cards}. I love letters, especially those from overseas. The stamps are so cool!
I like you organizational skills. Now you can take quick peeks whenever you want.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I loved your comments! :-)
XO,
Jane
I AM SO DOING THIS! I always feel guilty tossing them, but you can't hold on to them forever. Right? Ha. Now I know how to keep the smiles. Thanks!!
Sweet! I stash cards, too. And my online version is an email folder with nice things people have sent. It's labeled "Encouragement" and I dig through it when I need it!
Yes, I so hear you as I am a hoarder of cards too...no, of all paperwork!
Notorious in fact!
Great ideas you shared!
Thank you!
Joanne
Hi Annie- I love this post! I too have a basket full of wonderful cards and notes from friends and have hated the thought of throwing them away. I stopped by after you posted on my blog via LBS tea party!
Will visit again~ Belle
http://bellescottagenest.blogspot.com/
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