July 2, 2010

July 4th: The More Things Change The More They Stay the Same



It's the Independence Day Blog Tour!!! Click on the "title" above, and you will be magically transported to our website: Starsandstamps.org!


So it's a big 4-day holiday weekend for many of us! I love this new stamp wheel so I did a "Happy Birthday, USA" card instead of a more personal one. The Copic cabana is open again and today it's out on the deck in this gorgeous "finally not too hot" weather to color Sandy's "eagle" digistamps for Any Hero cards. Can't wait to see all the creativity on the "tour" this weekend!

"The more things change, the more they stay the same" .. it's kind of trite, I know, but as I was making some OWH cards yesterday it occurred to me that before the age of cellphones, computers, etc. the only thing our troops overseas had to keep in touch with loved ones was the mail -- letters and cards from home that sometimes took weeks to reach them, and handwritten notes back scribbled on whatever they could find.



This picture of my Dad and his mother, "Mam," was taken in 1943 during a leave from his duty station in Panama on the Pacific side of the canal. During WWII he was a quartermaster ensuring that much needed supplies were at the ready for ships refueling and restocking in the Pacific theater. Fortunately the supply lines stayed open. These soldiers never saw combat but the conditions --unrelenting heat and humidity, bugs and mosquitos, nasty water, very basic accommodations -- were similar to what so many of our heros face today. And our heros today still have one big thing in common with all those men and women who preceded them: wherever they are, and especially those stationed in remote outposts, they still depend on the mail for that "piece of home" they can hold onto and cherish. And loved ones at home still wait anxiously by the mailbox for a card or letter for the same reason. What has changed is that we are fortunate today to have the privilege and the capabilities to make that link to home easier for soldiers and sailors stationed around the world by sending them thousands of cards -- labors of love from our homes that become links of love to their families and friends at home. Have a safe and happy 4th and remember the heros!

30 comments:

  1. Great card and thank you for sharing your family story. Happy 4th of July!!

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  2. What a great card! I will have to case this one! Happy 4th of July!!

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  3. This card is just gorgeous. The clear embossing and the dimensional stars, and that wheel stamp....it's all so perfect together!!

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  4. Love the gigantic ribbon, and the story was lovely.

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  5. What a lovely card and even lovelier sentiment.

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  6. What a great card. I love the sparkle. Thanks for sharing the story.

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  7. Ohhh, I really like your patriotic birthday card! That wheel and those stars are perfect together!

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  8. Great card. Love the stars and fireworks.

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  9. This card goes perfectly with all the fireworks my neighbors are shooting off. I like the stamp wheel, ribbon and all of it.

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  10. Cute card - great use of this wheel and star punch ... will have to case. Thanx for sharing the card and love your story! Happy Independence Day

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  11. Beautiful card. All your elements fit together perfectly. Happy 4th!

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  12. Your card is wonderful...I LOVE how you embossed the Fireworks!

    You have wonderful talent and make fabulous cards! Thanks for sharing!!

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  13. Great use of the wheel and stars and thank you for sharing your father and grandmother with us.

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  14. Oh goodness...I have to have that stamp wheel! That card is awesome!! Thanks for sharing.

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  15. I love the stamp wheel. I very much enjoyed hearing about your Dad's service, as well as seeing the photos of your Mom and Dad. Happy 4th!

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  16. Gorgeous card! I love your post.

    Have a safe & happy July 4th week end!

    Please stop by my blog and sign up to win my blog candy.

    Cheryl
    http://shestamps.blogspot.com/

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  17. Great card! And thanks for sharing your dad's story.

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  18. Your card is fantastic - and I love your story and photos of your family! Thanks so much for sharing that :) :)
    Happy 4th!

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  19. Wonderful card and story! Happy 4th

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  20. Beautiful card and a very touching story!

    Happy 4th of July!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com

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  21. what a great card, love it!!!
    Trish

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  22. Wow! Thanks for sharing that neat card and the story / photos. Loved it. . . happy and safe 4th to you!

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  23. Loved your card.... and your wonderful story and photos. Was a nice visit ... stop by to see me too #17.

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  24. Awesome card!! I love, love, love it! Happy 4th of July!

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  25. Awesome card with the embossing and those stars!!! I love your story. TFS!

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  26. I really like your card, it's perfectly patriotic. it's so fun! <3 Thanks for sharing.

    Thanks for telling us your family story. Its a nice reminder of what the holiday is about.

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  27. beautiful card!! I've been admiring it all weekend on the S&S site!

    Happy summer,
    Susan

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