Saturday, November 13, 2010

Operation Write Home Veteran's Day Blog Hop

Welcome to our Operation Write Home Veteran's Day "Valentine" blog hop!  You should have arrived here from the fabulous Rick St. Dennis blog, if not, you can start at the beginning here.

Our blog hop is a Valentine hop because the deadline to send Valentine cards to our shippers is January 7, 2011, and we all know how quickly times passes!  Here's a link to the main OWH blog where you can find different card deadlines, shippers addresses and lots of other valuable information.

First I have some photos I'd like to share that I found at the OWH Flickr gallery.


Our cards that are donated to Operation Write Home are a blessing to our troops and their families.  I thought you'd like to see a glimpse of where your cards go.



I also have a great story for you today that was sent to me in an e mail from my friend Amanda.  
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Snack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that snack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a snack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten snacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.

'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars..

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base.

I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich.  God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.

As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country.. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to ' the United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'


I have a couple of cards to share with you too!  
For my first Valentine card I used Mary Margaret by Michelle Perkett Studio, she's colored with Copic markers R22, R24, R27, T1, T2, T3, E49, E59, E33, E00, E000, YR00.   I used Spellbinders Oval and Scalloped Oval dies as well as a mini tag die, the tiny hearts she's holding are a Quickutz die.  I applied Stampin' Up! Crystal Effects to the hearts to give them some shine.   The layout is a sketch from Mojo Monday week 146, the papers are Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Neenah Linen Red, Papertry Ink Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Basic Grey.  The dotted grey cardstock has gone through the Cuttlebug in the Swiss Dots embossing folder.  The sentiment is from a Verve Visual clear stamp set.


My second Valentine card uses a digital image from Bug A Boo stamps, isn't "she" cute?!
I colored the pup with Copic markers E41, E42, E43, E44, R22, R24, R27, W00, B0000 cut it out with Spellbinders circle and labels 9 dies.  The top half of the card is embossed with dog paw prints from a Fiskars embossing plate and I used two left over hearts from a Quickutz die on either side.  The card stocks used are Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Neenah Linen Red, Stampin' Up! Creamy Carmel and Thepapermill.com Nut Brown.  "Be My Valentine" is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set. 

One more thing!  I have blog candy for you too!!


This is a medium flat rate Priority Mail box filled with goodies.  The bottom is packed with 8 1/2 x 11 card stock in a variety of colors, there are stickers, rub ons, chip board accents, acrylic and rubber stamps, etc. 

To win my blog candy please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.  I will draw a winner and make the announcement here Tuesday morning, November 16th!

Your next stop in our hop is the very talented Cindy at Cindy's Card Co., enjoy! 

Challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers - Dry Embossing
Karber - Animal use a digital image
Craft Your Passion - 2 Of Something - 2 Hearts

175 comments:

Unknown said...

Jan, what a beautiful story. I always have tears running down my face when I read things like that. I love it! TFS Your cards are great, both of them. Awesome blog candy. Have a great weekend.

Melanie Holzwarth said...

Your cards are wonderful and your story has tears in my eyes. My 7 year old son has learned to say and sign Thank You when he sees a soldier in uniform. I can attest to the look that comes across their faces when even something that simple is done for them. It really is the little things that matter.

Melanie
Scrappily Ever After Blog

Lone Pine Designs said...

Thanks so much for sharing the story and your beautiful cards!

RobinH said...

thanks Jan for sharing your story, photos and cards
thanks too for all you do for the OWH team

Diane said...

wonderful post! Thanks for sharing of your time and talents!
Diane

Teepee said...

Jan- the story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing it. I, too, do cards for OWH, and was glad to see the pictures you posted. Your cards are beautiful, and so is your heart. Thank you.

sagreen125 said...

thanks, always need the reminders

Jennifer Rzasa said...

Lovely cards and a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing :)

ourchangeofart@gmail.com

ThePurplePlace said...

F A N T A S T I C !!!!

Way to go Jan! I love your cards and loved seeing the pictures of those who receive the OWH cards!

I wish I could HOP to all the blogs, but it's far too long for this fibro gal...I'm doing the best I can!!

Hugs,
Lis

Michelle M said...

Thank you for sharing your story, I have to dry my eyes before moving on. Beautiful cards, thank you!

Cyn said...

Love your story you posted. I LOVE seeing the pics of the heros opening our cards..what a warm and wonderful feeling :)

Lisa said...

Lovely story and adorable cards! Thanks for sharing both :)

MollynJake said...

Just like the others who commented, I tear up at stories like that - sheesh, I tear up at the thank you notes they get at OWH... :) Love your cards - if I can figure out how, I'm going to subscribe to your blog. ~joan in Calif.

Boni Boutelle-Jones said...

Ok thanks for the tear jerker first thing this morning!! You bought lunch for my son too! LOVE LOVE LOVE the cards and can't wait to see more. I'm a follower!

Kathy Clark said...

Love the dog card!!

Yvonne said...

Your cards are so beautiful and your story had me in tears! We can never do enough for all of our Heroes.
THANK YOU!

Jean B in PA said...

I love your puppy card. The red and browns look great together!

Operation Write Home said...

Jan the story had me all softened up...then your cards are so sweet they made my eyes leak :) THANK YOU for all you do for our heroes!!!

Unknown said...

Your cards are so making me want to run out the store and buy a bunch of Copic markers! And a puppy!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

thank you so much for sharing! I love your cards too!

Julie said...

Aw, Jan, what a great post! And your cards are beautiful! I especially love that "my heart is with you" sentiment - absolutely perfect for OWH.

Janet said...

Love your cards and the puppy is adorable!

Jan aka StampQn said...

Thanks for your support of OWH and sharing your story.

K. Joy said...

Hi, Jan! Thanks for sharing the story! I love that one. And thanks for the pictures! It's great to see the cards in the soldier's hands! Great cards! I especially LOVE the dog one!! Oh, she's so adorable! Great design, too!! Thanks for sharing!! :)

Raelynn said...

Very pretty cards. I think I need to get that Bugaboo dog--he is too cute!

Velda said...

Love the story and your cards. Thanks for sharing.

Bev E said...

What a great story & your cards are wonderful!

Joanne said...

thanks for the story - it made me tear up too, and just shows you how such a simple act can affect so many people ...

love the cards - both the images and the colors choices .. and lastly thanks for all you do for OWH

Adele said...

I've read that story before. I knew how it was going to end. So why did it make me cry all over again???? Thanks for posting such beautiful cards. Worth wiping my eyes to see them!

Alaine said...

I love your card, but more importantly your story is wonderful! Thank you.

CK Photo said...

That is a touching and wonderful story. Your cards are wonderful. Thank you for all you do for our soldiers.

Doris T. said...

LOVE that story, thanks for sharing it. What beautiful cards you make :)

Cleota said...

Fabulous. Fabulous cards! Thanks for sharing the photos of the troops going through the cards! Great inspiration. And also for the candy!

Clean & Simple Crafts! said...

Beautiful cards! You do such a great job with your Copics. I'm still trying to figure mine out. Thanks for sharing.

Jane O'Leary said...

Wow great cards and even greater story. Thanks for sharing both, my hubby and I both have tears running down our cheeks.

Holly said...

Oooo I love both of your cards! Especially the doggie! Completely adorable!
~1CraftyDame

Christine said...

Thank you for sharing your story and cards!

Yvette said...

What an inspiring story....where's my kleenex? You're cards are beautiful, I just love the puppy.

Yvette said...

What an inspiring story....where's my kleenex? You're cards are beautiful, I just love the puppy.

Sandy said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! And the cards are absolutley precious!
Sandy
Friend of Scrapping the Magic

Catherine said...

Thanks for sharing thos great photos! So nice to see our heroes smiling!
Your cards are fab! Love your coloring!

jennifer mitten said...

Okay, now I have tears blurring my vision - what a lovely story - great cards, too!!

paige said...

So now I'm trying to type this with eyes filled with tears! Beautiful story and fun cards!

Ann said...

I've read this story before. Thanks for reminding us to do something kind.

Anonymous said...

Your cards are beautiful !!! I'm not artistic but hope to be able to learn to do passable coloring by looking at beautiful work like yours. Thanks for sharing.

Patty
sportsfan80 at aol dot com

Karen Howard said...

Wow, what a touching story! A HUGE thanks for all you do for OWH. Your cards are very beautiful! Hugs, Karen

Anonymous said...

I love the puppy card!

Sharon1312@charter.net

Melissa said...

WOW! Great card! Great story! Great pictures of the soldiers receiving their cards. Nothing short of inspiring and heart touching. I just became a follower of your blog.

Melissa
www.disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com

Sammie K. said...

What an awesome story. My brother-in-law was coming home for a visit from Iraq to see his newborn daughter for the first time. On the plane the man next to him started a conversation with him and found out why he was going home. The man said thank you and gave my BIL a 10 dollar bill to "buy him dinner" as thanks. My BIL STILL talks about that man to this day. :) Love the cards....your Copic coloring is awesome!

Sammie K. said...

What a beautiful story. My brother was stationed in Iraq, two tours. On his first tour his first child was born and he was able to come home for a little while to see her. On the plane the man next to him started a conversation and they talked the whole flight. As they were leaving the plane, the man shook my brother's hand, thanked him and handed him $10, to "buy him dinner". My brother still talks about him to this day. It is amazing how the little things mean so much, especially to a soldier. Thanks for sharing!!

Lost in Paper said...

thanks for sharing the story... i love your cards... thank you for your support of OWH..

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous. I have got to buy some Crystal Effects!

Laura said...

Jan,What a story.It brought tears to my eyes.How one person can make a difference in ones life.It's so beautiful.And I know your beutiful cards put a big smile on someones face.

roberta said...

Jan, I was so touched by the story! And your cards are wonderfull, too.

~ Kathy said...

Love your cards! The Bugaboo dog is so cute. And it seems that no matter how many times I read that story, I get a catch in my throat every time. Thanks for sharing!

stefeni said...

What a great story. And thanks so much for sharing those photos. It's really nice to see our handmade cards in action.

spunkycrayon at yahoo dot com

JPScraps said...

Beautiful cards and beautiful story. Thank You!!

Samantha said...

Very touching and beautiful story. You brought a tear to my eyes! Your cards are amazing as well. I like the look of the Crystal Effects on the first card. I will try that for sure!

Shirley G said...

Oh my, I just cried my eyes out reading your beautiful story. That in itself is an inspiration to keep making cards for our Heroes. Not to mention your beautiful card.
Thank you so much

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the story! It was beautiful! Your cards are very clean and crisp! I like that!

Julie Y said...

Wow - great story, great cards, great candy - you hit the trifecta! bosco_79 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Your story gave me goosebumbs and tears at the same time !
Thanks for sharing it and your wonderful cards!!

Mindy

gberry14 said...

Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos of the troops picking out cards! Such a wonderful cause. Love your card and caring heart!-Leesa Berry

LesleyfromWI said...

You are an amazing lady and I have tears in my eyes as I am writting this! I just told your story to my son and he was also touched! Thank you for sharing your story. Oh, I almost forgot, love your cards!!

txbluiz said...

What a great story!! It is so important to never pass up an opportunity to thank our soliders!!

Great cards!!

Patricia H. said...

You've used some darling images on your cards, and your coloring skillz are fantastic! Your story made me sniffle.

And wow - what a generous blog candy package you've prepared!

Unknown said...

Such a heartfelt story. She is a wonderful lady and I hope there are more like her out there. I'm sure those soldier's will always remember her generosity, and know that there are those out there praying for them.

P.S. Love the cards you made!

Seongsook Duncan said...

Thanks very much for sharing the story. It is really touching. Your cards are beautiful and inspiring as always. Thank you!

Giselle said...

Oh my what a great story I almost cried ;] great cards

Melissa R. said...

Thank you so much for sharing that story. It's amazing how one random act of kindness can spur on more acts of kindness.

Love the cards too! Thanks for specifying which Copic markers!

Joanne Travis said...

Your cards are so beautifully done!! Love your work.
Thanks for sharing the photos of the troops and the card packages, these really made my day!

Heidi said...

Thank you for such a beautiful blog stop! Your cards are fantastic, and loved the story.

Sharon Huffman said...

Ah, all choked up again after reading that story! What a great thing to do. Once when I was at the post office mailing 7 big boxes of necessities to soldiers overseas a lady walked up and asked what I was doing. When I told her, she wrote a check for $20 to the post office to help with the cost of shipping! I love random acts of kindness, especially when directed towards our troops!

Cindy's Card Co said...

Your cards are always so perfect. Thanks for the nice compliment too.

Rhonda Miller said...

That was the best story. Thank you for sharing it. Your cards are lovely. TFS.

Dee in N.H. said...

Beautiful story...thank you. Your cards are wonderful!

Donna said...

Great story and beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing.

Lori said...

You always do such a beautiful job with the copics!

Betty said...

So thankful I hadn't done my 'face' yet... LOVE the phots, LOVE LOVE LOVE the story and the cards are amazing!

Shelly R Wilson said...

I'm here at work in tears, the customers think I'm a little off and that's okay, cause when I tell them why, they are glad to have come in at the moment they did! God bless

Attegirl said...

Thanks for sharing such a great story.... also love your cards, especially the puppy!

Rachel in Iowa said...

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures!

Nancy said...

What a story. Just imagine what the world would be like if everyone acted on their thoughts the way you did!

Sherri S said...

What adorable animal cards--love the puppy valentine :)

sherri at cnssmith.com

Ann said...

Beautiful story, beautiful cards and bountiful candy. thank you soo much!!

Rick said...

I love the non traditional colours of "MY HEART IS WITH YOU" great feel to your work1!!

FibreJunky said...

I'm another one getting all teary-eyed at your story. My father was a Marine during Viet Nam. My mother served in the Navy. My grandfather was a Marine during WW2...and now I'm married to an Air Force Sgt. We have friends serving in the desert. It's people like you who make their jobs so much easier. Thank you.

Sherry H said...

Jan, that story really shows generous and compassionate most people are. Love the photos of soldiers choosing cards! Mary Margaret is one of my favorites; your card is wonderful, as always!

Bonnie said...

Absolutely adore your cards! The story you posted made me cry and reminded me of a story my son related to me. As we was traveling for his first deployment to Iraq they had a layover in Iceland. The soldiers he was with all decided to get a beer and some dinner. When they ordered they were told that their bill was being taken care of by an American who was there. This gentleman told them to order whatever they wanted, that it was all on him. When they tried to thank him, he said, "No, thank you." I am still so grateful to that man as is my son.
bjohn3237 at aol dot com

Ronda S said...

Lovely cards, an inspiring story and the hero photos to go with it. I'm retired AF and feel blessed to have those still carrying on defending us. Making cards seems such a small thing...one that I will do over and over.

Sherrie said...

What a tear jerking story! Thank you for sharing it. Your cards are wonderful.

Linda said...

What a wonderful story, brought tears to my eyes. TFS!

Anonymous said...

thank you for sharing your story and making such a difference in the lives of people around you

love the colors in your cards!
Holly

silverilexatgmaildotcom

Sheila Smyre said...

Oh my gosh, you really need to post a kleenex alert at the beginning of your stories. That was awesome. Also love your cards, esp the puppy one. Thank you for supporting OWH.

Elin K. said...

Thank you for the story. It made my day, as did your cards. :)

SuzAnn said...

You certainly did hit a trifecter! Amazing story, photos, and cards.

Reta McDavid said...

What a touching story and great photos! And your cards are so pretty!!

Kelly Latevola said...

Oh Jan that story is so touching, I'm welling up here. Thank you for sharing it and those wonderful cards. They are so cute :)

Tricia T said...

What wonderful cards Jan! And thanks for sharing the story. I've heard it before, but it does my heart good each time.!!

Blessings!

Tricia

Patty Gorka said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us, how touching! Also, thanks for sharing the photos of the troops with their cards; it's so nice to know how they appreciate them.

I love both of the cards you posted today, they are great! I didn't recognize the Bugaboo image until I read it in your description and as it turns out I have that image!

Your blog candy looks sooooo yummy!!!

Heather Grow said...

Thank you for sharing that great story and your beautiful cards. God bless.

Judy Jackson said...

What a wonderful heart felt story! so glad you made a difference in those ten soldiers lives that day!

lowen said...

thanks for sharing your wonderful story

Unknown said...

The little dog is adorable. Very nice work you do!

LaDonna Loehrke said...

Such a cute pup card!Thanks for sharing!
I have read that story a few times and it always brings tears.

Lisa said...

That story is awesome....and your cards are gorgeous!!!

andyjay said...

OMG what a touching story. I am wiping away my tears. You make the most beautiful cards! TFS and thanks for a chance at that awesome candy! Blessings to you...

Ronda Archangelo said...

Reading your story brought tears to my eyes and gives me motivation to keep making Valentines. Thank you!!

grandmalee said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story...no matter how often I hear it, it still brings tears to my eyes! My daughter & her unit were a recipient of kindness similar to what you spoke of when they were returning from Iraq. The thing that amazes me is that this is a common occurence in Texas when soldiers are flown in. They shower the planes with water swords, and tons of people stand in line for hours just to shake the hands and thank our returning soldiers. With all of the bad in this world, I love that things like this still happen in this day and age!

BTW, I love your cards! You know that I'm partial to Mary Margaret, and you definately did another stunning job with her! I also love what you did with Jodi's pup! Your coloring is always outstanding, and you put such love into every detail! Thanks again for all that you do for OWH!!!

Paula S. said...

Your cards are beautiful as always Jan. Thank you so very much for sharing that story. It's a wonderful reminder of how much our military does for us and that we should be ever grateful.

MizDenise said...

What great cards! I especially like knowing what sketch you used, as I am still a newbie and learning a lot. I'd love to win your blog candy!

Sharon said...

Your cards are gorgeous and I have to say...as a Marine Corps. mom I literally cried reading that story! I wish everyone was that kind to our troops! Thanks to OWH!

Lori H. said...

Thanks Jan! I'm all weepy now..... Beautiful story, and really gets down to the heart of why we do what we do for OWH!

<3 LOVE <3 your cards, too!! Such great ideas :D Thank you for sharing!

Christine said...

Great greats cards as always - love the red and grey color combo... definitely need CASE that idea - TFS

Glenda and Sarah said...

Your coloring is beautiful, and so graphic. I've read the story before, but I love seeing it again. It seems the ones who make random acts of kindness are blessed as much or more than the ones who are on the receiving end. I'm blessed to make cards for OWH. Your blog candy is so generous.

Anita said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes. TFS! Your cards are stunning.

Anonymous said...

I've read that story before, but it still brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing it again. I love your cards. They are always so beautifully colored with Copics and have just the right combination of patterned papers and embellishments. I don't know how you do it, but you are always leaving comments on blogs too! Thank you for everything you do! robinski6 at yahoodotcom

dawna said...

Navy wife of 20 years here... I love to hear stories of people supporting our troops.

Amazing give away!

Courtney Johnston said...

I love your cards! The puppy is so adorable! Thanks so much for sharing!


Court122@gmail.com

Dixie Cochran said...

Jan, your cards are fantabulous! Thanks for sharing the cards, the pics and the story! Thanks too for your dedication to OWH! You rock!

Cheryl said...

I've heard that story before but still love it. LOVE the card and the chance for all that Blog Candy.

Trisha said...

Great cards, and a WONDERFUL story! TFS!! I'm very new to OWH thanks for spreading the word. (Great candy, too!)

Brenda said...

Hi Jan,

Thank you for sharing the stories and the photos today! I also love yoru cards! As always your coluring is so perfect and crisp, really inspirational!

Krisa said...

thank you - not only for your cards and supporting OWH, but your kindness and sharing it. My dad was in the service for 25 years, and it was things like this that made it easier for him to be away from home.

Rufus said...

What a wonderful story. Thanks so much for supporting OWH and our Heroes! Your cards will be a big hit.
R/

Cropaddict said...

What cute cards. I love that puppy. What awesome blog candy.

BobbisTreasure said...

Thanks for supporting OWH! Fun blog!
BobbisTreasure@aol.com

Lynn said...

Thanks for sharing that story. I passed it on before I even finished reading your entry and seeing your wonderful cards. Love the Mary Margaret! I'll have to CASE this for sure!

Shelly Schmidt said...

Incredible story- how heartwarming! Thanks for the pictures of the soldiers as well. Love your cards- your coloring is just...WOW!

lori j said...

i read that story and thought wow would be nice if someone did that for my son- he is being deployed in january.i applaud you for doing that:) the cards are very cute! love the blog candy too

Kim T. said...

Thank you. Your story touched my heart. Your copic coloring is amazing to say the least!

Cathy said...

I love your colors. I have to go make a card now...

Carrie said...

that story was beautiful, brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing that and for sending the cards to the troops.

Playing with Paper said...

That was a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it. I love your cards!! That little puppy is awful cute. :)

Shelley Menhennet said...

Thank you for sharing that story and your lovely cards!
Shelley
scrapshopinaboxabagandabasket.blogspot.com

Janis said...

Well, I WAS headed over to my craft table to start working on cards this fine morning, when I ran across your blog (these blog hops just suck me in!). That story just touched my heart. Thank you for that this morning

CJ said...

Very touching story. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. It is so hard to see the young troops go off to war. Thanks for all you do

KarenS said...

Beautiful cards as always, Jan. Thanks for sharing and promoting OWH!

Brenda said...

I've read this story before and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. My husband and I are both Veterans with many other veterans in our families -- the kindnesses shown to our men and women, I known, are really appreciated by them. TFS such lovely cards and an even more lovely story.

A Touch of SOL said...

Very touching and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing. Love your artwork. Thank you for the chance to win some yummy blog candy.
Marisol Gutierrez
atouchof_sol at yahoo dot com

Lillian Child said...

I just discovered your blog (and am now a follower) and love your creativity! And your story just had me in tears - thanks so much for sharing it with us and it's so nice to meet a new crafter who is as passionate as I am about OWH (my husband is a decorated Vietnam veteran) and papercrafting. So nice to meet you! And please feel free to drop by my blog at http://lillianchild.blogspot.com/ sometime and say hi!

loyaz said...

Jan, I love your cards and I especially love the stories and pictures that you shared. You do such good works.
neDianeL
loyaz1 at wbhsi dot net
http://loyaz1.blogspot.com/

helloholley said...

oh Jan, I loved reading the story of the lunches....how sweet!!!
Your cards are lovely and your coloring is perfect as always!!! ;)

Ana said...

Jan: You have inspired me to "begin" making cards for our soldiers too! I'm not originally from the U.S., but have learned this year more than ever to appreciate the courage these soldiers demonstrate by placing their lives in the line of fire to protect us, and preserve our freedom. Your story is truly something and pass on to encourage the rest of us. I love how everyone else followed your lead, and how you blessed the soldiers at the end of the flight "Again"!!
God Bless You today in many unexpected ways!

Ana Malick ')

Unknown said...

Great story, and very cute card!!!

Unknown said...

Okay, I cried... I'm still crying! I'm going to forward that in email to everyone on my distro list. There is a very special place in heaven for someone with a heart like that.

What an example to follow!

Blessings!
~§hawnie® Bartron
http://cardsbyshawnie.blogspot.com/

Nancy Keller said...

Thanks Jan! I always enjoy stopping by here. I love your valentines. . . I am working on cards for the cookie challenge today! I love the inspiration of the little girl holding the hearts. . . I feel a scraplift coming on. :) Big hugs to you. Thanks for sharing the story!

juleslynn24@comcast.net said...

OMG - I am in love with dog stamp from Bug a Boo! Too cute; the cards are great!

DebbieG said...

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for the chance to win the great blog candy.
debbieanng@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards and inspiration! I am adding you to my Favorites! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your blog! Beautiful inspiration!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story. At our church last Sunday, the minister asked for all veterans to come forward. We have around 100 in attendance at the 8am service and there were 29 veterans that we honored. Most were from the Korean conflict as my husband was, but it sure brought a few tears to our eyes.

Ginny

Holly / InkPaperStamps said...

Your cards are lovely, Jan, and thank you for the story and above all else, the photos. What a treat your stop is!

Collette said...

What a beautiful story, Jan ... brought tears to my eyes ... Lovely cards, too ... Thanks again!

Daria Z. said...

Your cards are wonderful...I love them both!! Thanks for sharing that beautiful story...it brought tears to my eyes and I had chills running down my spine.

Dolores said...

Hi Jan... your blog is always so inspirational. The photos and that touching story were heart
warming. Thanks for sharing this and your gorgeous cards.

mtscrapgal said...

Your cards are so cute. Great colors. Thanks for the candy chance.

pennyd said...

Your story was incredible! I too was a sailor on airplanes far from home, but without the incredible generosity of your friend.

Your cards are beautiful!

Nancy F. said...

Jan, thank you for posting the photos, they are really inspiring to me. Your cards are really fantastic and they were so enjoyable for me to make something similar. Thanks also for all the work you do for OWH.

Dawnll said...

Thank you for sharing the story most of all.
As a mother of a soldier deployed I appreciate that others realize what our military people and their families do to keep and protect all of us.
Thank you for sharing your cards and bringing attention to OWH
Blessings
Thank you for joining us this week at
Craft Your Passion Challenges
Hope you join us each week.

cards and letters said...

I'm wiping the tears of my cheeks. Thank you for a moving story and sweet cards.

Unknown said...

love your cards and story. I have read the story before and it always brings tears to my eyes.

Ashley said...

Your cards are beautiful and the story put a smile on my face...its nice to know that people care :)

BobbisTreasure said...

Little gestures can mean the world to someone - isn't that why we make cards? Great blog!
BobbisTreasure@aol.com

Sharon in Arizona said...

Hi Jan, Thought I'd stop by and see what you've been up to. Love our story, puts tears in my eyes. Love your cards - very beautiful as usual. Yummy blog candy so thought I'd throw my name in the pot. Hugs to you, Sharon :o)

~ Kendra ~ said...

Love your story. Beautiful cards!

Kendra

j_k_sand@yahoo.com

OH Babs said...

What a touching story and thank you for sharing with us. I love your cards.

Cre8tiveVet said...

I had to grab some tissue in order to keep the tears from falling onto my lap top. I love that story! Even after a long week at work, complaining about the small stuff seems crazy when I don't have to worry about waking up tomorrow safe and free. Thank you for sharing! I love the dog w/ envelope image.

Patrice H said...

You know in this day and age there is still a level of kindness and respect for our fellow man that warms my heart. All it takes is one person random act of kindness and others follow along. That's what our soldiers do for us everyday.
Your cards were beautiful.

try god 20 @ verizon dot net

Paper Sewn Visions said...

A very beautiful story. Your cards too are beautiful. I thank all of you for the things you do for our soldiers. At this moment I have my nephew in the Marines. My two brothers are Veterns. Thank your for the chance to win some blog candy.

gbinion said...

like so many before me, tears were streaming down my eyes as i read this! thank you for the wonderful story!... oh, and the cards are adorable!!!

Jo said...

Great cards and great story. This reminds us of why we do what we do.

Lisa said...

Great cards!

Mrs. Jones from the Circus said...

Oh my! Your cards are pretty. And your candy looks yummy!! (Hopping along by request of Seongsook Duncan).

Anonymous said...

i wish you had warned me to get my box of kleenex, what touching story! and your cards are adorable, someone will really enjoy sending and receiving these!
thanks for a chance to win the blog candy!
linda patti tpatti@windstream.net