Occasionally Thoughtful - The official blog of GreetingCardUniverse.com

Dancing Without the Stars

Corrie on July 20, 2015

Nemaha, Iowa is a truly small community (population 112, mostly farmers). In 2000, it was reported that some of the residents enjoy square dancing with a twist: they allemande left and promenade while seated on tractors. The dancers execute their movements on the farming machines with delicate precision and timing. Only one little problem exists: all the square dancers are men. As an acceptable solution, half of the performers don the typical calico skirts worn by female square dancers. Why? Because they consider cross-dressing preferable to overtly dancing with another man.

When you need to tell someone “great job!” after a successful dance or ballet performance, GCU has the perfect unique Congratulations – Recital/Performance card for you! Order on-line, add your personal message, and we’ll waltz your card into the mail the next business day.

What Are Happy Customers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This was my first order and I am so impressed with the quality and the quick turn around time. I think I will be buying cards from you often in the future!”– Natalie – July 13, 2015

The Princess Who Became a Nun

Corrie on July 12, 2015

Princess Ileana, daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England and Tsar Alexander II of Russia, once went with her mother during World War I, helping wounded Romanian soldiers in hospitals. By the time her parents died and war broke out afresh in Europe during World War II, the princess was married to an Austrian archduke and had given him six children.

When her brother, the king of Romania, abdicated at the insistence of Communists in 1947 Ileana (who had moved back to her home country with her children in fear of the Nazi regime) and the royal family were exiled and ended up emigrating to the U.S. For her family to survive in their new country, she sold her jewels,, did lectures against communism and wrote an autobiography.

In 1961, Ileana felt a calling to serve God and took her vows to become Mother Alexandra. She founded a monastery of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania and worked as the abbess and wrote religious books until 1981 and her retirement from active service. She died at the age of 82 in 1991, forever known as the princess who became a nun.

If you know a woman who is taking her vows, be sure to send them a unique Congratulations on Becoming a Nun/Taking Your Vows card. Ordering at GCU couldn’t be simpler! Just choose your order on-line, add your personal message and we’ll mail your card the next business day. Or order on-line and get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Customers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“These invitations are gorgeous! We had one date chosen for his Eagle Scout Ceremony and due to unforseen circumstances, we had to postpone it. Thus we reordered the invitations and they were here in such a timely manner, we couldn’t believe it! The price was very reasonable and I would order from them again in a heartbeat. I loved my dealings with them. I highly recommend Greeting Card Universe for all your card needs!”– Judy – Canton, Mississippi – July 8, 2015

Design Challenge Winner: June 2015

Corrie on July 6, 2015

Each month, Greeting Card Universe hosts a Design Challenge for our artist community. Cards may be in any category and are designed around a specific theme. Winners are selected by a panel of judges.

Winning cards may also be found at our special Pinterest board or by liking us on Facebook.

In June 2015, the winners of the challenge are:

First Place: Barbara Schreiber

Second Place: Liz Van Steenburgh

Congratulations to our winners and thanks to all artists who participated!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About America’s Birthday

Corrie on June 28, 2015

July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day in America, a time of parades, fireworks and barbecues, when patriotic citizens recall the freedom won from Great Britain by the thirteen colonies in 1776. Here are 5 things you may not know about the United States of America’s birthday:

The very first proto-Independence Day celebrations took place in 1776, the same year the Continental Congress declared the colonies’ freedom. Mock funerals were held for the English monarch George III, along with the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Nine of the original colonies voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. Voting no were South Carolina and Pennsylvania, New York abstained and Delaware was undecided. It took 15 months to get the majority of the colonies to agree.

Independence Day was declared a national holiday by Congress in 1870. Federal workers got the day off with pay after 1938.

The number of people living in the U.S. during the time of American independence was approximately 2.5 million.

One of the most important effects of the Declaration of Independence at the time was to allow foreign governments to recognize the United States of America as a free country, no longer dependent on Great Britain.

Greeting Card Universe helps you celebrate the Fourth of July with unique Independence Day cards for every member of your family, friends and co-workers. Making someone’s day special couldn’t be easier or more convenient! Just order your card on-line, add your personal message and we’ll get your card in the mail the next business day. Or order on-line, get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“The cards and mail direct to recipient service are wonderful. Everyone who has received a card was delighted. I especially like the variety of cards and the ability to personalize. It is an easy process to add your own message in any font you desire. The day before leaving for vacation I was able to select 5 cards for various occasions and know they would be mailed with personal messages while I was away! Fantastic website!!!!” – Glenda – June 23, 2015

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Corrie on June 21, 2015

Canada Day, observed annually on July 1, celebrates the birthday of Canada as a united nation with parades, barbecues, lots of fun activities and fireworks. Here are some fun facts about Canada you may not know:

Prior to 1965, the Canadian flag reflected the country’s origins as a British territory. However, with the advent of Canadian independence, a new flag was needed to better represent the new country. The search began in 1925, but it wasn’t until 1965 that the current maple leaf design became official.

The national anthem, “O Canada” was written by Sir Adolphe Basile Routhier and Calixa Lavallée was originally sung in French Canadian. Various English language versions were sung until the official English lyrics were written by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908. Prior to this time, the most popular English anthem was “The Maple Leaf Forever.”

It took 17 years to choose Ottowa as the capital of Canada. Prior to 1857, the Canadian government had asked the Queen of England to choose the capital several times, but she failed to do so. Various cities had acted as the seat of government, but a permanent capital was needed. Finally in October 1857, the queen reached a decision and chose Ottowa.

Greeting Card Universe sends our best birthday greetings to Canada and you can too with unique Canada Day cards for everyone! Purchase on-line, add your special message and we’ll put your card in the mail the next business day. Or order on-line and get free, in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I ordered this card for a friend who has a birthday on Flag Day. I was very happy with the selection of cards from which to choose, ease of customizing & ordering, quality of the card, & speed of delivery. I won’t hesitate to order from Greeting Card Universe again.” – Susan – June, 2015

Summer Camp for Adults

Corrie on June 14, 2015

Summer is here and it’s camping time! Many families send their children to camp for a few weeks to have fun, socialize with other children and learn something new. All kinds of camps for kids are available, from astronaut camp to adventure camping, but did you know there are special summer camps adults can attend? Here are a few of the more unusual:

Wine Making: Weekend courses in wine making called “Crush Camp” are available in California at a number of wineries. Adults are exposed to every stage of wine making. Most courses include a gourmet dinner. You’ll usually find other activities of local interest like hot air balloon rides, etc.

Space Camp: In Huntsville, Alabama, adults can attend a 3 to 8 day Space Camp to experience living and working as an astronaut, including going on a virtual shuttle mission wearing genuine astronaut gear and using NASA training equipment.

Ghost Hunting: At the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, adults can learn the basics of ghost hunting, how to use their equipment (cameras, scanners, etc) and brush up on their technique over this 3-day course.

Greeting Card Universe thinks summer camp is great fun for children and adults! We offer Thinking of You/Summer Camp cards for girls and boys of all ages to let your campers know how much you miss them and so they can stay in touch with home. Just order on-line, add your personal message, and we’ll mail your paper hugs the next day. Or order on-line and get free, in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I searched and searched..in store and on line..for the perfect First Anniversary card..after getting discouraged..I found and sent the ideal card from Greeting Card Universe…It was absolutely perfect and arrived on time..The receivers were thrilled beyond..so Thank you so very much…Cost a bit more than ordinary cards..but worth every penny..!! Thaks again.” – Ann – June 9, 2015

The Ramadan Feast

Corrie on June 5, 2015

Ramadan is more than a day, for Muslims this religious holiday is a season lasting in 2015 in the US from June 17 to July 17. During Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, Muslims do good deeds and acts of charity, pray and fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating is only permitted during the evening.

Traditional foods are enjoyed during the feasts, often shared by friends and family. In fact, some foods are required to be served. Here are some of the traditional dishes of Ramadan’s iftar table for various countries when breaking the fast:

In Morocco, chabbakia is a fried dough flavored with orange blossom water and sesame seeds.

In the Middle East, a cucumber and yogurt salad called khayar bi laban is popular. Another salad in this part of the world is tabbouleh, a dish of bulgur, tomatoes, parsley and mint.

Harira is another famous Moroccan dish, a soup made from beef, vegetables, herbs and spices.

In Turkey, Ramazan Kebabi, a dish made from lamb, yogurt, onions and pita bread, is served.

Chinese Muslims enjoy hand pulled noodles called lamian with beef or mutton.

Greeting Card Universe wishes you Eid Mubarak and an easy fast as you observe this important holiday and offers unique Ramadan cards for family, friends, co-workers and others. Order on-line, get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores. Or order on-line, include a personal message, and we’ll mail your cards the next business day.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Great quality cards, prompt service….very satisfied with my purchase. A great variety of cards are offered and very convenient to shop from home. I’m a happy customer!!!!” – Dale – June 1, 2015

May Design Challenge Winners

Corrie on June 2, 2015

Each month, Greeting Card Universe hosts a Design Challenge for our artist community. Cards may be in any category and are designed around a specific theme. Winners are selected by a panel of judges.

Winning cards may also be found at our special Pinterest board or by liking us on Facebook.

In May 2015, the winners of the challenge are:

First Place: JJB Designs

Second Place: Audrey Drake

Congratulations to our winners and thanks to all participating artists!

That Tingling Feeling: Electrifying Congratulations

Corrie on May 26, 2015

Regardless of whether your house is on a city power grid or you generate your own power through solar panels, wind, etc., if your house is wired for electricity, at some point you’ll need the services of a certified/licensed electrician.

An electrician goes through courses at a trade or vocational school, then graduates to further training and on the job apprenticeship under an experienced electrician before he or she can become certified or licensed according to their state’s regulations. Electrical work should only be done by someone with the proper certification—work with electricity can be deadly and should never be attempted by amateurs.

If you have a friend or family member who is graduating from vocational school, Greeting Card Universe has unique, high voltage Congratulations on Becoming a Licensed/Certified Electrician cards made especially by our design community. Just order on-line, add your personal message and – don’t be shock – we’ll put your card in the mail the next business day. Or get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Just finished addressing the personalized Graduation cards I ordered from Greeting Card Universe, one of my many orders. The cards were perfect and I know the graduates are going to love them. I have ordered cards several times and have really been very well satisfied with the cards. Excellent choices, awesome quality and speedy delivery. Will order again, and again and again!”– Kay – May 21, 2015

A Memorial Day Remembrance for Armed Forces Animals

Corrie on May 24, 2015

Dogs and cats – and pigeons, horses, oxen and even elephants – have served with Army and Navy service persons for much of history. These brave animals have not only provided essential services and moral support for soldiers and sailors under wartime conditions far from home, they’ve saved lives and sometimes given their own lives for the humans who cared for them.

The HMS Hermione, a British Royal Navy anti-aircraft cruiser during WWII, acquired a ship’s mascot shortly after it entered the war in 1939: Convoy, a black and white cat who was not only officially listed with the ship’s crew, but assigned a sailor’s kit including a pint-sized hammock. While the Hermione patrolled the Mediterranean, Convoy kept the crews’ spirits uplifted. In 1942, the Hermione was attacked by a German U-205 and struck by a torpedo; 87 crewmen and Convoy went down with the ship.

TBC or That Bloody Cat was found on the River Clyde in 1941 by a crewman aboard the HM SGB-7, a Scottish steam gunboat as a black and white kitten almost frozen to death. However, with care TBC soon recovered and proved himself a warrior, running to the bridge snarling when the Action Alarm sounded. TBC also enjoyed his ration of rum. When the ship was docked, he typically used the torpedo tubes to disembark. One day prior to the SGB-7’s sinking in 1942, he slipped, fell into the ocean and drowned.

During the Vietnam War, a German shepherd named Kaiser was assigned to D Company, First Marines, 3rd Marine Division as a scout dog. Together, he and his handler did combat patrols and military operations. In 1966, they were ambushed by the Viet Cong. Kaiser was shot and didn’t survive his wounds. He was the first dog killed during the Vietnam conflict.

Greeting Card Universe joins you in celebrating all our wartime heroes – four legged or two legged – with our unique Memorial Day cards. Order on-line, add your personal message and we’ll send your cards through the mail the next business day. Or order on-line and get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.