National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mindy on October 6, 2011

“Women agonize… over cancer; we take as a personal threat the lump in every friend’s breast.”
—Martha Weinman Lear, Heartsounds

  • More women die of breast cancer every year than any other cancer except lung cancer
  • Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed  cancer in women
  • Although a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer doubles if she has a close relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had breast cancer herself, 70-80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no history of the disease in their families

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to educating and raising awareness of breast cancer, preventing cancer, and the importance of early detection that saves lives. The international symbol of breast cancer is a pink ribbon,  first adopted by Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1991.

Each October, fundraising events are held in many communities in the U.S. and internationally, including the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and the Komen Race for the Cure. This year (2011) is the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can help by participating in events, volunteering, making a donation, or helping organize a fundraiser at your company or in your area.

Greeting Card Universe’s diverse artist community offers greeting cards for cancer survivors, cancer patients, and their families and supporters, as well as thank you cards for doctors and nurses so you can send a heartfelt message of encouragement and love, as well as a smile, to someone who needs it.

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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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“I am a buyer and a designer of greeting cards for 5 years. I have discovered that Greeting Card Universe has the best quality. Another big plus is that a buyer can personalize the inside to meet their needs. Plus … you can’t beat the price. GCU is the best!” Maria – Holland, MI – Sep 19th, 2011

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.

What Be Folk Sayin’ About Greeting Card Universe?
“The card arrived today. This is the first of my own cards that I have ordered, I was very impressed with the clear, bright and accurate colors. I was also impressed with the paper quality.” Sandra – Jackson, MO – September 13, 2011

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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“I love your cards.. They are delivered so quickly. I will never buy them from the store again. I love that you can view the sayings & add to it if you like.. Great service, I am so happy to have found Greeting Card Universe.com. Thank You (from) a very happy customer !!!!!” Carolyn – Pittsboro, North Carolina – September 7, 2011

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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Labor Day

Mindy on August 26, 2011

THE WORKING MAN’S
(AND WORKING WOMAN’S) HOLIDAY

Labor Day is observed annually on the first Monday of September, and was made a U.S. federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894. Meant as a day of tribute to American workers, Labor Day also marks the end of summer, as well as the beginning of the NFL and college football season.

Top Five Facts About Labor Day

Why do most workers get the day off? In the 19th century, the majority of workers (including children) worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week until the first labor unions began to organize strikes and demonstrations for better wages and safer working conditions. In 1882 in New York City, 10,000 workers left their jobs to march from City Hall to Union Square in the first “Labor Day” parade, and the idea of a “workingman’s holiday” caught on. Until made an official federal holiday by Congress, workers who took Labor Day off had to sacrifice a day’s wages.

Why did Congress make Labor Day a federal holiday? In 1894 in Chicago, Pullman Palace Car company workers had their wages cut, and union representatives fired, and went on strike in protest, supported by a boycott suggested by the American Railroad Union. With the railroads crippled from coast to coast, Congress stepped in to break the strike by sending Army troops to Chicago, sparking riots and unrest. To improve relations between the government and American workers (and many states had already adopted Labor Day) Congress voted an act to make Labor Day an official federal holiday.

Who founded Labor Day? Who proposed celebrating Labor Day remains a mystery, however historians suggest two candidates: the founder of the American Federation of Labor, Peter J. McGuire; or the secretary of the Central Labor Union, Matthew Maguire.

What do people do with their day off? Popular Labor activities include barbeques and picnics, political speeches, concerts, art festivals, water sports, parades, and fireworks. For many families with children, Labor Day usually means the end of summer vacation, and the beginning of the new school year.

What’s the deal about not wearing white after Labor Day? While historians are split on the reason behind this “rule,” and even etiquette experts aren’t sure, these days, wearing white after Labor Day isn’t such a fashion faux pas. The reason may relate to the early 20th century custom of wealthy Americans to wear light, white clothing in summertime, then with summer’s symbolic end on Labor Day, switch to heavier, darker fabrics to deal with the fall weather.

Celebrate Labor Day in style with Greeting Card Universe, where you’ll find colorful, fun, and one-of-a-kind ways to celebrate your hard working friends and family, invite them to a barbeque or party, or just say hi!

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“Very happy with all the cards I purchased. Good quality for a great price and love the fact that I can add my own sentiments. Have recommended your website to several friends.” Gail – Huntington Station, New York, August 25, 2011

Just Because Day

Mindy on August 18, 2011

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN…

Every day of the week, we do things because we have to: we go to work, we do our chores, we fulfill our obligations and responsibilities. However, there is one day of the year, every year, when you can do things “just because,” and that day is August 27th – designated Just Because Day.

We’re not sure who dreamed up this holiday, but what a fun idea, and what a great way to be reminded to do something nice for someone for no other reason than “just because.”

So perform a random act of kindness. Take your kids to the zoo. Surprise your husband with a special little gift. Buy a cup of coffee for the person standing next to you in line at the coffee shop. Stay in touch with family and friends by sending them a smile with a  “Just Because” greeting card from Greeting Card Universe.

And don’t forget to tell someone special  “I love you” for no reason… just because you can.

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National Senior Citizens Day

Mindy on August 5, 2011

In 1988, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21st to be National Senior Citizens Day, a holiday celebrated annually to honor the elderly.

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older.”
—–President Ronald Reagan

On this day, everyone is encouraged to get in touch with their elderly relatives – aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers, great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers – or with older friends and neighbors, and show your appreciation for their valuable contributions to your family and your community.

You can also olunteer at a local senior center, visit a nursing home, or give to an organization that supports and serves the needs of America’s senior citizens. How about helping an elderly neighbor care for her pets? Or making time to help a senior citizen you know with chores like mowing the lawn and trimming hedges. There are many ways you can make a real difference in an older person’s life.

Whatever you do, giving a heartfelt thanks or saying “thinking of you” with a unique greeting card from Greeting Card Universe is a sure way to make someone’s day a lot brighter.

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Greeting Card Universe’s Affiliate Program Is Now Live!

Mindy on August 3, 2011

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