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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

A Card For Damian (And a Giveaway)

I had the greatest experience yesterday.

In one of the breaks between our daily tornado watch/flash flood/hail storms yesterday, I dashed out to Whole Foods so that we'd have something for dinner. We're sort of down to the canned beans because the weather is so terrible.

I went to check out, and as I walked up to the register, the checker, a man about my age or a little older, I am guessing, said : "Are you ok? Is your house flooded?" He had sincere concern on his face - and I was really taken by surprise - pleasant surprise. It isn't often that that sort of thing happens when you're just buying groceries. I told him yes, it was fine,  and we started chatting about Wimberley and all the devastation there. I told him I was having a retreat there in a few weeks and was just beyond heartbroken for that community and the families of the missing people.

He put his hand on his chest and he said, "I know - I lost my mom in Katrina - so I know first hand how hard that is."

I was in shock. I started telling him how sorry I was - that I can't even imagine how awful that must have been.

He reached over and patted my hand and said "It's okay - it's okay - she's an angel now" with the biggest smile on his face, and genuine peace.

As I'm taking my things, he says to me "Tonight I will go home and light a karma candle for all those people and for all the people traveling to your retreat."

As soon as I was outside the store, I called the manager and asked for his name, so that I could send him a card.

I told my friends, that sometimes, in moments like these, if you can look past the hipsters and the high rise condos and the politicians, you can almost still see Austin around here. More often than not, I have Whole Foods to thank for those experiences, because as I said in this post - they value the human spirit and our quirky, Austin culture, and it shows.

I decided that I would like to see this man have his good karma come back to him.

Will you help me?

If you help me, I will give one of you the You've Got This stamp sets from the upcoming catalog. I picked this one because it says "Good things are going to happen."

Good things ARE going to happen. And probably when you least expect it. Like in the checkout line at Whole Foods on a rainy day.

All you have to do is send a card to this gentleman. Just tell him that word of his kindness got out.

Let's see how far it goes.

Send him your best wishes. Tell him some crazy lady who needed kale in a thunderstorm told you about him. Tell him thanks for making the world a better place, one good wish at a time. Tell him whatever you want, but just send him a card. Do it today. You never know what will happen tomorrow.

Damian 

c/o Whole Foods Market, 

4301 W. William Cannon Dr. #800 

Austin, TX 78749


Pretty please?

Once you send a card, leave me a comment telling me you did (and karma will know!), and I'll draw a winner.

Heck - I'll draw TWO winners. :)

Your card has to be mailed by this weekend, and I'll pick the winners on Monday. Deal?

It's the little things.

Speaking of little - I have a very little video for you today with a very big (for me anyway) revelation in it about how to best use this Floral Wings host set. Here's the card I made for Damian:

Pin It
And here's the video with the revelation - it's a quick one!

(Make sure you watch in HD :) )



Now go make a card and mail it to Damian.

Do it now. Laundry can wait. 

Loveyameanitbye.

77 comments:

  1. Well - I'm not expecting to be included in the draw, but I will certainly pop a card in the post to Damian tomorrow. I just re-made a damaged card with It's the Little Things That Make Life Big on it, and it's even in suitably masculine colours. I'm so envious that you have a store like that - I would LOVE to be able to get such a variety of fresh vegetables. I do have a very nice friendly local greengrocer - but his range is limited!! Sometimes he gets odd things in that don't really sell, and I can get them cheap :D.
    Stay safe in the rain.

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  2. My card is in the mail. That is very touching for others to see just how caring we can be in the time of adversity.
    Thank you Lydia.
    Renee Turner

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  3. Thanks for the opportunity but did it because your story moved me to want to send something out to him. I will post my pic later today on IG. My IG name is pin_addicted. I hope he recieves tons of cards

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  4. A card will be going out to Damien tomorrow. Texans are such sweet people! Stay safe and stamp on!

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  5. I saw your card on Facebook and followed the link to your blog. My card is in the mailbox and will be picked up tomorrow! I was thinking of you when I saw all that flooding in Texas on the news. Glad to read that you are fine. I hope Damian is deluged with lots of love!

    Lois Bak

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  6. You know, I enjoyed reading every bit of your story and felt right at home with it's lessons and your take on it to help spread joy to this man; to read about "life's unexpected goods," right?!!! What I truly loved, though, was how your one experience in a day is now becoming "world known," that YOUR ONE DEED is making countless others feel so happy and "good," too, and waking them into unexpectedly yet joyfully doing a kind action also! THAT is the way that life really should be, and really it is..... sometimes it just takes a call into action!

    I thank you for sharing and also have a card that I will put into tomorrow's mail for "Damian!" I am positive he will be deeply touched and happily scarred by your gesture forever, and I thank you for that, too!

    Thanks for sharing Lydia; and may all stay safe from Mother Nature... and have a blast of a retreat, also!

    With stampin' Hugs, Donna

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  7. Oh, Lydia, what a touching story!! And it really is the little things in life that make it big! Ah, I'll send him a card, and thanks for sharing this...and your great card. Just love that butterfly set! Hugs!

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  8. Hmm? Did my post not take??? It's MIA. Well, thank you for sharing such a wonderful and heartfelt story with us; what a guy Damian seems to be, right??? I will have a card in tomorrow's mail for him and I thank you for the opportunity for us to do some more good in the world! Blessings to you all and may you truly fare well in your storms and have a safe and a Rockin' Retreat, also! Thanks Lydia! Cheers!

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  9. I sent my card to Damian today air mail - I hope they use an actual airplane and not a pigeon! Thanks so much for taking the time to find out his name and get the address for the store - I would just love to see his face! And your black, white and red butterfly card is FABULOUS!

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  10. Great story. Card karma heading his way.

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  11. Teddy and I are definitely sending a card! We've been talking to him about all the flooding too. Teddy knows all his states and capitals, and any time, and I mean any. time. he is asked what his favorite state is he replies: TEXAS! Because it's the biggest! He's thrilled any time we see a Texas logo or license plate. So, we promise to send Damian a card and hope you'll send Teddy a postcard from his favorite state - TEXAS! Hugs and prayers from Virginia.

    Master Theodore Ezra John Lessard
    1420 W Abingdon Dr., Apt 226
    Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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  12. This post made me teary eyed! God Bless Damian and his love of people! Such a rare find! Card going out! Not in drawing! Just cuz he treated my Lydia good!

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  13. I tried to leave a comment earlier, but it never showed up, so I'll try again.
    I think this is so nice of you, Lydia, to do this for Damian. I have a card addressed and ready to go out in tomorrow's mail.
    D Sparks

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  14. What a sweet story and how awesome you are for doing this for Damian! My card is made, addressed and will be in the mail tomorrow. I'm in Texas too (Forney) so I feel ya on the rain. I'll help you build your ark and you can help me build mine!?!?

    Hugs,
    Colleen

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  15. What a wonderful idea, Lydia! My card for Damian is stamped and ready to mail in the morning. I've posted it on my blog: http://kkstamp.blogspot.com/2015/05/pass-on-random-acts-of-kindness.html

    If I win, choose another name.

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  16. My card for Damian is in the mail. Thanks for sharing this story!

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  17. I put a card in the mail for Damian! What a really nice thing you're doing. :D

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  18. What a fabulous story! My card is in the mail. ;) I hope you'll see him again sometime and let us know of his response!

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  19. My heart goes out to those affected by the storms in Texas. I will send Damian a card tomorrow. God bless you all in Texas. Dhne

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  20. Oh how I adore this most uncommon story, Lydia!!!
    Wowsomeness!! Wouldn't you LOVE to see his face when he goes to Whole Foods and receives instead of buying?!!!

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  21. I posted yesterday and do not see it here? My post got lengthy and was expressive. In short, this is a wonderful story and I am happy to serve another's heart. My card is out in the mailbox! Enjoy the love and be safe in the storms. Happy Retreat to you and your crowd, too! Thanks Lydia! :)

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  22. The card is in the mail. It is a good thing to send cards to someone like this as I have experienced really good service from a store in the large city next to me and sent a thank you card and it has reaped more benefits for me - I wasn't expecting anything in return but not only did I feel good about sending the card - many, many people at the store have become so helpful on my return visit that I was really surprised. If more people show this kind of behavior wouldn't that be what we need more of! Thanks for the opportunity to spread a little joy!

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  23. wow is all I can say........

    thanks for sharing
    hugs

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  24. What a great story and a fun idea! I'm glad he brightened your day, and I hope we can brighten his!

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  25. This really touched my heart. I have a card going out today!

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  26. I love this idea, Lydia!!! :)

    Hopefully our cards will touch him a litter bit of the way his concern touched you! ;) So glad that you're ok and I hope the retreat occurs as planned!

    Crafty hugs,

    Jennifer
    partridgelu at yahoo dot com

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  27. Oh! I almost forgot: thank you so much for the lesson and the video!!! :) That butterfly set is on my wish list and I wondered how difficult it might be to line up those flowers. ;)

    Crafty hugs,

    Jennifer
    partridgelu at yahoo dot com

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  28. Oh, Lydia! What a heartwarming story! Thank you for telling us about your wonderful experience and letting us help you shower Damian with more good karma! My card is already addressed and ready to mail. It would be soooo great to see Damian's surprise when all the cards pour in! Happy Mail is the best! Our hearts are with all of the people in Texas. Thanks, Lydia, for being YOU! ♡Dawn Y.

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  29. Oh, Lydia! What a heartwarming story! Thank you for telling us about your wonderful experience and letting us help you shower Damian with more good karma! My card is already addressed and ready to mail. It would be soooo great to see Damian's surprise when all the cards pour in! Happy Mail is the best! Our hearts are with all of the people in Texas. Thanks, Lydia, for being YOU! ♡Dawn Y.

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  30. Alrighty! That man deserves a card or two. I'll send one today.

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  31. What a sweet story and wonderful thing you are doing. My card is going to the post office this afternoon. I toured the Katrina damage a couple years afterwards and the images have never left me. Thinking of all your Texas neighbors. Thanks for a great tutorial by the way. I wasn't particularly drawn to this set, but after seeing what you did, I changed my mind.

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  32. What a lovely story. Damian has restored my faith in humanity. So glad to be part of returning the good karma to him. My card's in the mail.
    I hope y'all stay safe during these storms. Sending prayers for blue skies for ya soon.

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  33. My card is ready to be mailed today. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to thank someone for showing a kind and caring human spirit. His story especially touched my heart when he said he had lost his mom in Katrina. I was teaching school at the time and we had many students who were "relocated" to our school. It was a very difficult time for these students and their families. Louisiana is our neighbor, but things are quite different in East Texas, and it was a huge adjustment in every way for them. Kindness goes a long way...in every circumstance.

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  34. You are so lucky to have met such an amazing person! I sent a card that I just made the other day with the Sheltering Tree stamp set (my absolute favorite!!). Thanks for the message of good will and love for our fellow humans!

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  35. AWESOME story.....and an AWESOME man....warms my heart to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing....it made my day. Now I do not want to be included in the draw....I have the stamp set, but I was so touched by the story I sent him a card and a letter. I sure hope he gets bombarded with lots of cards and love to encourage him to continue to be such a caring and loving individual. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

    Shel Anderson Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    Email: shel@shelscreativecorner.com

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  36. Loved the story and love especially that there are people in this world still, like Damian.. my card is in the mail. What a blessing you and Damian have been in one another's lives!
    Stay safe in all this terrible weather!

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  37. i sent you a picture of the card i made for Damian. some commented that it was sweet of him to express his concern during the trying times y'all are experiencing. here's something i bet is true of Damian: he's like this EVERY.SINGLE. DAY. he sees the value in people he meets, even though they may not see him. i'm sure Lydia wasn't the only person whose day he impacted. i'm THRILLED to participate in honoring someone who chooses to give of himself because he knows his job is bigger than ringing up groceries--it's spreading hope.

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  38. I read your post, made a card, and dropped it off at the post office to make sure Damian gets it right away. I enjoy reading your thought-provoking posts, as well as the humorous ones, along with your artsy instructions. You seem more "real" to me. Thank you for being a happy part of my world.

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  39. I read your post, made a card, and dropped it off at the post office to make sure Damian gets it right away. I enjoy reading your thought-provoking posts, as well as the humorous ones, along with your artsy instructions. These make you seem more "real" to me. Thank you for being a happy part of my world. (This is my fourth attempt to post since my computer has the hiccups. I sincerely hope that all the comments don't show up together!)

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  40. Oh my Goodness!! Your technique video is most certainly a life changer for me. I just finished a set of cards using this set for a swap-was a difference this would have made. Thank you for sharing both the video and the heart touching story of Damian. It is always nice to hear stories that renew my faith and hope in humanity.

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  41. Card made and ready for tomorrow's mail! Deborah S.

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  42. A card will go in the mail tomorrow when I run errands -- love this idea and wish we could see his face. I thought it might be fun to carry small cards in your purse to thank those who cross our path - something like "thanks for sharing your wonderful smile" - "thanks for being so thoughtful" - just a thought

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  43. Sent it in the mail today!! I would love to see his reaction to the cards pouring in!! Let us know what he says, ok?

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  44. I love this story about Damian. So often everyday kindnesses go unnoticed or unheard... we're too busy with our own lives to really listen. I'm sending my card tomorrow... from Lake Elmo, Minnesota. An outline of an apple done in gold foil with a foiled red heart leaf. In silver foil, "The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as a golden apple in a silver bowl." Thanks for sharing this story and allowing us to be a part of an amazing few days for Damian!

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  45. Wonderful post Miss Lydia and a story that touches the heart. I shared a house shaped card with a bird on it with Damian. It's awaiting the postal person's pickup on their next stop at my box on the highway. Looks like Damian will be showered with cards. What a terrific idea.

    Terrific video you shared as well. I don't know why but I had no idea that the flowers were intended to go inside the butterfly wings. Guess I thought the blank spots were just supposed to look like torn lace with a vintage look? Hm...maybe because I haven't gotten that set yet? Grin. A friend told me about the flowers today and lo and behold your video popped up sharing the "right" way to do it. Do you suppose that's the stamping gods telling me I need this set to play with? Hee, hee.
    Thanks for spreading the blessing. Hugs and love - Jean

    P.S. Super to know that other people like to chat in the grocery lines. Standing there silent in a queue always seems so wooden and unfriendly to me. Of course there are those who just look at me like I'm a crazy lady if I make a comment or ask a question. Guess I might be. Crazy ladies in line unite! Right?

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  46. Lydia...You share so much and this story is very special. I have a quick card ready for the morning mail. We need more Damian's!!

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  47. I have a "sun-shiny" card ready to go out in tomorrow's mail to Damian. As a Whole Foods stockholder, it's good to know my money is invested in good people! Happy to send out some happy mail! Arlene D in Rome, NY

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  48. Yay! Count me in. Card going out in the morning!

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  49. My card for Damian is ready to go out in the morning. I hope he receives so much "good Karma" that he needs a wagon to haul it home. As a fellow Texan we are praying for all of you down south in the flooded areas. Seems we either have feast or famine in our great state but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

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  50. What a great story. My card will be in Friday's mail.

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  51. Oh, what a wonderful idea this is and what a fun surprise Damian will get when those cards start showing up at work! I made my card and will be popping in the mailbox at the post office tomorrow! LOVE this fun idea and way to pass on the joy!

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  52. I love hearing about compassionate people, and it is usually someone who themselves have had a great loss. God's love at work in the world, and how refreshing to know it is alive and well. I sent Damian a card and enclosed a dollar so that he could have a soda on me. Thanks for sharing the heartwarming story. Wish our daily newscasts were filled with this kind of news instead of the bad.

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  53. Lydia...thanks so much for all you share, and this story rocks. My card is in the mail to Damian...we need more Damian's in this world!

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  54. I am sending my card today -- but I'm doing it for Damian, not a stamp set. If you draw my name, please "pay it forward" and donate the stamp set to a charity. Thanks for a wonderful story! Wendy

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  55. I have completed my card for Damien. I would like to send you one too. After all, it is YOUR thoughtfulness that allows us to reach out to him. What a touching story. You can send me your address if you choose. I used the Tim Holtz funky birds stamp set for the first time on his card and I must say I LOVE IT! May God bless you and Damien and all the wonderful folks like him/you. And may he also bless the ones who are not as wonderful so that they might become wonderful. : )
    tonilea

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  56. I will definitely send a card. My son lives in Austin on W. William Cannon, so probably has shopped there. So cool!

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  57. Card in the mail today to Damian. Thanks for sharing your encounter with this thoughtful young man.

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  58. Lydia, your butterfly card for Damian is lovely ... and so is your idea to invite others to send him cards to thank him for his kind ways! I just mailed a card to Damian. What fun he will have opening all these "cardstock hugs"!

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  59. Done! May we all meet a Damian when we need it the most! And to think, it all began with a hankering for kale in a thunderstorm! Thanks for the post!

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  60. Love this story so much! I had to send a card, of course (and I posted a peek to IG and tagged you). What a great use of our hobby! So kind of you.

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  61. My card went postal this morning! I knew I needed to send one as soon as I read your FB post. He's never gonna know what hit him, lol!

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  62. I popped my card in the mail today and hope that Damian enjoys his cards as much as your readers enjoyed this story!! Love that you thought to do this and really loved your quick video with the AHA moment!

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  63. I sent a card this afternoon. Damian is going to be overwhelmed, isn't he? He sounds like a wonderful man.

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  64. What a great story! I wish there were more people as kind and caring as Damian. I'm sending him a card and my hope is that the mailbox at Whole Foods is over flowing with cards.

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  65. Woo Hoo! Damian is going to be getting flooded with cards! Mine went in the mail yesterday.

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  66. What a wonderful story. I mailed my card yesterday. I hope Damian is inundated with cards and karma!

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  67. I loved your story! Awesome people are awesome. And you are awesome for asking us to acknowledge how awesome he is. I sent him a card today; you can see a picture of it on my blog. I hope you will continue to be flood free, and I hope that you, your friends and loved ones stay safe.

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  68. Like a few others, my original comment is missing...

    My card is on its way as well! If you'd like to see it, I posted a picture on my blog. So many comments above mine said everything so perfectly, so I'll just say, "DITTO!". Bless you for spearheading this; wish I could see his face. Glad you are safe; I hope the weather improves soon!

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  69. Done! No need for prizes. It was my pleasure!

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  70. Laundry can always wait! Mailed a card to that sweet guy!

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  71. TFS Great story. Had fun making this card and it's in the mail.

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  72. Just now found your blog and love your tips on lining up the images!! :) Sorry I missed out on getting a card to this man!! I'm your newest follower! Thanks for sharing!

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  73. I sent a card yesterday. He will be showered with love!

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  74. I'm sorry I missed the deadline. I love recognizing selfless acts of kindness. I hope he is uplifted by the outpouring of love returned upon him.

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  75. Ok seriously, you crAcked me up with video.. thanks for sharing the tip. I am going to send a card to Damian even though it is way late. Maybe he will still be there.

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