We all receive tons of information in the mail the we neither need nor want.  I'd like to strike the gong in favor of writers coming up with their own words of greeting, condolences, inspiration, as well as admonitions.

In recent packets of advertising I find that one clever writer, Erika Swanson Geiss provides a book for sale ($12) that provides "Thoughful Ways to Say, 'I'm thinking of You,'  'Congratulations,' 'I Care,' 'Thank You,' and More."  Far be it from me to suggest that a writer not sell a book on anything for which she/he can find a publisher, but  I would hope that, as writers, we can come up with fitting words for friends and relatives that are not "canned crutches."

Related to this:  I will travel this afternoon to Prescott to attend the monthly Prescott Writers meeting where the speaker will tell how she makes a living selling greeting card text and slogans for advertisers she contacts.  I'll report fully on this later. I enjoy receiving cleverly worded cards–some that bring me a welcome laugh–but I still love the personal notes from friends and relatives more than cards that cost anywhere from $2 up.  A stamp, as least for now, costs 44 cents, and the ink to pen a few of the writer's own words costs next to nothing and touches me more deeply.  –9/23/09–Willma