I tend to pick up friends wherever I go. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the middle between two brothers. Maybe it’s because I spent over 20 years as a Pastor’s wife. Whatever the reason, people I don’t know seem very comfortable talking to me. Whether it’s in the hallway of a local high school, Costco, or the grocery store, I always leave with a new…well, if not friend, at least acquaintance.

I talked with a lady at the pharmacy last week who was 89. She and her husband are still very active and independent, even though his eyesight is deteriorating. That doesn’t stop him, though, and he playfully joked with her about talking to strangers before he left to check out. Then there was the gentleman whose wife had just passed away. He was buying groceries and needed help finding canned green beans. And last weekend, there were the girls in the hallway after the fundraiser at a local school who were more chatty and open about things than I really wanted to hear, but I listened anyway. I think they were looking for a “mom-figure.”

The whole point is we need to take time to notice others, to see others. We get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget there are other people in this world who have deadlines, heartaches, and trials of their own.

Today I saw this post from Jason Wright.  Jason is a New York Times best-selling author and speaker. He was the featured speaker at our annual Apple Blossom Ladies’ Luncheon several years ago. In January, he was the keynote speaker at the Stampin’ Up! Leadership conference. He made us laugh, and then he hit us with a truth that made us weep. And then he made us laugh again.

His blog post is about a fellow stamper and Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, Rose-Ellen Eastman. It’s so inspiring, and I know you’ll enjoy it! It’s quick, and, well, he’s a best-selling author, so it’s fun to read.

My card today uses the World of Dreams stamp set. It’s very like one we made for card classes in May, but I used two new In Colors, Delightful Dijon and Tip Top Taupe, with Soft Suede. (At least, I think those are the colors. I mailed the card already, so I only have the photo to go by.) The Soft Suede really “yellows up” the Delightful Dijon, I think. Then again, that could very well be Crushed Curry or Hello Honey, which would make sense, since it’s so “yellow.” More like yellow mustard than dijon.

Of course, you probably notice it’s another sympathy card (which is why I mailed it already). This has been a week for sympathy cards, which is probably why I’m more focused on people today. You never know when this might be the last time you see someone – which, of course, is a depressing thought. But it’s also a good reminder always to love and be kind to others, especially those you love.

Thanks for stopping by Stamping with Buffy.  Have a wonderful day!