the homefront blog

We feature a different cardmaker each Friday…This week, meet Linda! Please feel free to leave a comment on this thread for her! You can also visit her blog, Secret Garden Stamper.

About Linda:
Hi,my name is Linda, I’m married to Mike, my wonderful husband of 13 years. We have no children, but do have 2 cats: Iverson and Cooper. They like to hang out with me in my hobby room. I’m a native of Washington State, but we moved to SE CT in 2001 due to a military transfer. Mike is very supportive of my craft addictions, and does not mind if I spend hours at a time, in my room “creating!” I first discovered rubber stamping in 1996. I made cards, participated in round robin altered books….and scrapbooking. I stopped rubberstamping for a few years to learn stained glass… seems I only have energy for one hobby at a time! About 2 years ago, I returned to rubberstamping…I really did miss it.

How long making them for our heroes?
I started making cards for our heroes last Spring. I was not aware cardsforheroes existed before this. I “adopted” an Air Force battalion through AnySoldier.com last year. I was actually making boxes of cards and included them with monthly care packages. On the AnySoldier website, someone in a forum had mentioned making cards for cardsforheroes.org…and I thought that would be such a great idea. Plus making cards to send to the troops helps me to justify all the money I seem to spend on cardmaking supplies!!

What’s your favorite kind of card to make?
I don’t really have a favorite kind of card to make. I like to experiment and challenge myself with different techniques, etc.. But I do like cards that are more of a whimsical theme. Additionally I enjoy making Halloween and Valentine cards.

Do you have a special technique you love to use?
No, I do not have a special technique I use in making cards. I love visiting other cardmakers’ websites and blogs to get new ideas. The talent and creativity out there just amazes me!!

Are there colors, style, or product that draw you?
I’ve recently been reintroduced to STAMPIN Up! and have been buying a lot of stamp sets, card stock and other supplies. I like how the colors all coordinate, as well as the stamps in a set. As far as colors being my favorite…I am attracted to greens/browns and pinks! Oh and I LOVE Glitter!!! But try to control myself when making cards for heroes due to safety concern for our heroes.

What motivates you to make cards for heroes?
My husband Mike is in the Navy (submarines). Being a military wife, I know how important it is to get mail from my husband when he is deployed. I can only imagine the joy a spouse or family member must experience when they go to the mail box, and see a handmade card sent from their loved one who is deployed overseas. I have a stamp that I use on the back of my cards with my first name and email address. I’ve gotten emails from a few wives thanking me for making a beautiful card that had been sent to them for a birthday or anniversary, And how it made them cry with joy. That makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?

From an email; source unknown.
Your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your ‘buddies’ that aren’t with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go complain because the restaurant got your lunch order wrong.
He doesn’t get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks - but his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn’t have time to brush his teeth today.

You’re angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He’s told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love’s perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He looks at pictures of his new child, and wonders if they’ll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and laugh along.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You choose which media to watch, and only see what they show you.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents….you don’t go.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your soft bed with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He is woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.

To all who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces:

Your service to our nation does not go unnoticed,
nor your sacrifices unappreciated.
We cannot reach each one of you
to shake a hand,
or speak our thanks,
but we do so one at a time
as we are able.
We share our talents with heroes
in the cards we all send,
but more than cards are in these boxes:
the love of a grateful nation
is tucked inside each and every package.

Some inspirational video links:
Remember Me
A Father Deployed
Veterans Tribute
A PSA by Boeing
Letters from War

Feel free to share your thoughts and links in Feedbacks.

Cards for Heroes is nonpartisan — and is made up of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — but we can all agree that this election is important. Please be sure to do your civic duty and cast your ballot tomorrow! Consider giving an elderly neighbor a ride to the polls, letting your employees take a longer lunchbreak to go vote, or calling some friends to remind them to go to the polls. Don’t forget to take proper ID with you!

Here is a link to an article about the history of absentee voting for deployed military.

This PBS program, coming up next week, will be about the war in Afghanistan—and the Korengal Valley, a dangerous and remote area where we’ve had a “card surge” going to recently, hoping to bring some holiday cheer to these men.

You can see trailers and find airtimes in your area by clicking here. Note that this will likely be a challenging program to watch, not likely recommended for young or highly sensitive viewers. (We at CFH have not seen the program, only the trailers.)