Today marks FIVE YEARS as a business. I remember when I began, it was a dream in the making. I diligently wrote and re-wrote the business plan SEVEN times. YEP, seven. For me it was about insuring the success of my dreams. Today, I am celebrating my with awe my successes and jumping with vigor into the next dream!

I could go on and on about how much I have learned, and that is completely true. I could share the changes that have occurred in the last five years, (not the least of which is almost 3 years at the Hungerford)- which is also true.

But.

For me, this is a gigantic celebration that isn’t just about celebrating the success I feel in growing a business of five years. It is about about the opportunity that I am jumping into with my everything. It is about the bubbling pure joy that is overflowing in my heart as I write this.

Let me give you the background information.

When I was little, my mom used to say when my father was feeling a bit grumpy he’d go to the hardware store. He would wander around and sort out his thoughts among the nuts and bolts and shiny new tools. When he returned, he was usually in much better spirits. As an adult I recognize that this was sort of his time out. He didn’t have to talk to anyone, he just found himself in “the zone”- his zone.

I have a similar “”thing”, however usually at a stationary store. I wander around, look and let go. My terrible mood usually turns into something proactive, I buy a card or two (or ten) not usually because I need them, but because I have thought of someone who seems to be going through something, or someone who needs to be celebrated. My favorite opportunities are the ones that are not required. An encouragement, a thank you, or just a little bit of love.

Why am I telling you all this? In life we are given many messages, if we pay attention it seems that everything is revealed at the perfect time. My love of pretty stationary, beautiful cards and fine papers isn’t just an artist thing, I would suggest perhaps a it’s a vocation. I fully embrace the art of thoughtfulness. It gives me life and more importantly seems to positively affect those who I send them to.

One of the things that bothers me about our very fast paced world is that we forget to take notice, to pause, to appreciate, to recognize. We don’t send cards as often as in the past.  A recent survey that I posted on social media indicates that we don’t send as many cards as we want to (which inspires guilt), we LOVE getting cards, AND we appreciate cards that are unique, and beautiful. The message is clear -it is vital to pause, to notice, to appreciate each other.

As an artist it is a natural extension to make cares from artwork. It is affordable for those who appreciate your work and it is a lovely way to share creativity. I have been honored by those who mention to me after sending some of my cards that they were not only proud to send my greetings, but the recipient was delighted as well. One person shares with me that she sends my cards to her “special people” because she likes to send beautiful art.  I love it when I hear from someone I was inspired to send a card to sends me a message that my card positively changed their day, made them feel important or truly loved. I will admit, it is a bit of an ego boost when someone tells you that they exclusively send your images for every reason there is to send a card.

I have listened- and my next step has been revealed.

It is with great honor I announce the birth of GREETINGS 4 GOOD.

Greetings 4 Good will flourish under the parent company, Create Art 4 Good. It will use the fine art images to create gorgeous stationary, greeting cards and other inspiring  products. Each week(from now until October) I will reveal the product line piece by piece. I want these images to be your very favorites, so I will humbling ask for your help at deciding which images should go to print! I will invite you to join Greetings 4 Good– which will have some really nifty perks! (free cards, promotions & special offers)

Are you in?

SAVE THE DATE! The official launch date for Greetings 4 Good will be October 7th, 2016 at my gallery – Create Art 4 Good. That night you will see the original images I have created married to the poetry I write to bloom into beautiful and unique cards for you. You will have the opportunity to view and purchase greeting cards that give back (just like with Create Art 4 Good- a donation is made with each sale) and help you to send a little bit of love to those you cherish. This opening will be the gala of a lifetime of making art and poetry and celebrating the bloom of thoughtfulness.

Thank you for celebrating my anniversary, your support of my work sustains me in ways you could never imagine. I appreciate your love and faithfulness.

with great joy, love & peace,

Susan