Day of Atonement

Mindy on September 23, 2011

Yom Kippur is the final day of the High Holy Days (or High Holidays)  in the Jewish calendar that began with Rosh Hashanah (also called Jewish New Year). It is considered the holiest day of the year.

During this time, celebrants observe a period of fasting, prayer, and repentance for wrongs committed against God, as well as wrongs committed against friends and family. During the High Holy Days, God makes judgment on mankind, and on Yom Kippur, an individual’s fate is sealed for the coming year in either the Book of Life or the Book of Death. Yom Kippur is the final opportunity to make amends and seek forgiveness.

“G’mar hatimah tovah – this Yom Kippur, may a small piece of our souls be, if every so briefly, inscribed, even sealed – b’sefer ha’hayim – into God’s Book of Life.”
—–Rabbi Rena Blumenthal in Yom Kippur Readings

A very important part of Yom Kippur is confessing and asking forgiveness of friends and family for any wrongs that may have been committed against them.

“Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the book of good life.
Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the book of salvation and redemption.
Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the book of sustenance and support.”
—– part of the Yom Kippur liturgy

Greeting Card Universe offers unique paper greeting cards for Yom Kippur to help you reach out to loved ones near or across the miles, sharing this occasion of atonement and making amends.

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Talk Like a Pirate Day

Mindy on September 16, 2011

Avast there, ye grass-combing swabs! It be almost time for International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

That’s right, matey. On September 19th, all good folk are hereby enjoined to speak the pirate’s way, and to make merry with all things piratical for the sheer, wicked joy of it. Aye, and lift a glass o’ grog to the patron saint of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, too.

“For the record: the Patron Saint of Talk Like A Pirate Day is the late Robert Newton, who played, if not the first (that honor goes to Wallace Beery) at least the definitive Long John Silver in Disney’s 1950 version of Treasure Island. The whole “arrrrrr, matey” thing seems to have been Newton’s own invention, and he milked – er, played it for all it was worth, reprising the classic pirate in 1952’s Blackbeard, the Pirate.” —–Cap’n Slappy

On this day be pirate parties, pirate sing-a-longs, the watchin’ o’ pirate films, the wearin’ o’ pirate gear if ye choose, and much other amusements and allurements to gladden a buccaneer’s black heart. So brush up on yer pirate lingo, me hearties, or instead of treasure, ye’ll be gettin’ a taste o’ the gunner’s daughter, and no mistake.

Tis time to hoist the Jolly Roger, mateys, and set sail for fun!

There be Talk Like a Pirate Day greeting cards, too, for which to celebrate with yer crew o’ cutthroats, or invite ’em to a right old carouse.

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In Memoriam: Our Lost Pets

Mindy on September 10, 2011

Each year, National Pet Memorial Day is observed on the second Sunday in September – a day when we remember, with love, those pets who have passed  over the Rainbow Bridge.

“Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge…”
—Author Unknown

When pets come into our lives, they become more than just animals. They’re cherished members of our family, giving us devotion and unconditional love. When they die, it’s a heart-wrenching time of grief and loss. National Pet Memorial Day is a time set aside to honor the memories of the pets we have loved and lost.

On this day, many pet cemeteries hold open houses, special ceremonies, and other events.

Here are five things you can do to observe National Pet Memorial Day:

  • Share photographs and stories about your pet with family and friends. Recall the good times, the special times, the times that make you laugh or cry – the wonderful memories you hold within  your heart.
  • Make a memorial website or web page to pay tribute to your lost pet, featuring photos and anecdotes.
  • Visit your pet’s burial site with family and friends, and hold a memorial service, inviting everyone to contribute their favorite story. Afterward, come together for a shared meal.
  • Volunteer or contribute to a local animal shelter, rescue group or humane society.
  • Contact a local pet cemetery to find out if they offer sponsored plaques on trees or benches.

In addition to observing your own personal National Pet Memorial Day, share this time with others who have lost beloved pets. Send a pet loss sympathy greeting card – Greeting Card Universe has many beautiful pet loss condolence cards to express your loving  sentiments.

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories
from Earth to Heaven above…
It keeps our dear ones near us
It’s the bridge that we call love.
—A Bridge Called Love, Author Unknown

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National Grandparents Day

Mindy on September 2, 2011

On the first Sunday after Labor Day, Americans celebrate Grandparents Day, a holiday honoring grandparents and the elderly for their many important contributions to the family as well as society in general.

Who created Grandparents Day? In 1970, Marian McQuade – mother of 15 children, 40 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as a staunch advocate and activist for senior citizens – began campaigning for a day officially recognizing grandparents. Due to her work, in 1973, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Grandparents Day, and in 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day has become an important national holiday celebrated by millions, who not only treat their own grandmother and grandmother (and other elderly relatives) to a special lunch or dinner, greeting cards and gifts, but many also do something special for shut-ins and nursing home residents, who always welcome visits and cards.

This Grandparents Day, don’t forget to celebrate with the older members of your family. In addition, contact your local nursing home to find out how you can make a difference in someone’s life.

At Greeting Card Universe, you’ll find many unique ways to send your love at Grandparents Day to Mamaw and Papaw, or to say “I miss you” to someone who may be far away, but who’s still close to your heart.

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