30 More Reasons to Draw a Blank - Occasions to Send Your Words in a Card

In my previous article, titled, 23 Reasons to Draw a Blank, I briefly stated my case for using blank cards for various occasions beyond birthdays and Christmas. Coming up with occasions for writing these personal notes was motivated by my internal inquiry about whether or not my hand-painted card line I call Drapa Notes, had any relevance in the shadow of mass produced printed greeting card giants.

In 23 Reasons to Draw a Blank, just as the title suggests, I listed my top 23 occasions to give and use blank cards. Initially I found 73 reasons, but out of respect for my readers' time, I streamlined the list.

Below I've listed the next 30 reasons to add a personal touch to some familiar and perhaps some not previously considered occasions. I'm certain you will find this new list even more expansive and creative than the last.

After Staying at Someone's House

It's a nice gesture after staying with someone as his or her houseguest, whatever the circumstance, to give a gift of gratitude. Along with your gift should be a personal voice in a hand written note.

After Playing Host to a Houseguest

If you've had a visitor stay with you, even if they got on your nerves a tad, it's very thoughtful to wish them well and hope that their stay was pleasant.

Last Day at the Office

You may want to share a special note or two with soon to be former business partners or soon to be former co-workers.

After Someone Has Bought a House

Buying a house to reside in is still exciting, even when it's not the first purchase. Congratulate them with a nice note.

Someone's First Apartment

Think about it. Getting into your first apartment is not like a house exactly, but the feeling is very similar. Exciting.

Someone Starts a New Career

It's scary treading new territory, but wouldn't it be wonderful to have some encouragement? Something they could pull out of a drawer and remind them to have courage in discouraging moments?

After a Favor

Nothing says thank you like a personal note in your own chicken scratch.

Moral Support (showing)

Under the right condition, you might bring someone to tears.

Moral Support (receiving)

After you receive words of encouragement, what do you do? Sit on it? Absorb it? If you enjoy it, why not let someone know? It will bring a bit of joy to the same person who gave some to you.

Weight Loss

If you see that someone has lost weight, don't be scared to let them know you've noticed.

Encouragement

This could cover a plethora of events. Nevertheless, it will most likely be very appreciated.

Cultural Holidays

Here is where the greeting card industry has its limitations. They've tried to branch out a bit but they can't cover everything (or at least they haven't yet).

Just Because

Not a new idea, by any means, but it is still an occasion worth mentioning.

Complaint to a Neighbor

It may be awkward when you need to say something that your neighbor may not want to hear or something hard for you to bring up, like their loud music or television or their elephant feet in lead shoes above your apartment. Say it politely in a card. You might find positive results.

Complaint to a Co-worker

This is not much different than the above occasion. As a matter of fact, it's very similar to the one below as well.

Complaint to a Family Member

Normally I would encourage you to use your words verbally - but this is family we're talking about and I understand that it's not always possible.

Complaint to a Friend

This is along the same lines as the above.

Thanksgiving

Though there are Thanksgiving cards out there, it is not as common to give and receive them. And how impersonal is a Thanksgiving pre-printed, mass produced card?

Congratulations

This occasion is very similar to encouragement, though not synonymous.

After Someone's Speech

Whether it is their first public speaking engagement or another fiery oration, this is a great time to give an acknowledging note.

After Someone is Awarded for Achievement

A note for this sort of occasion goes beyond a simple congratulation. It is very specific. Therefore a note for this achievement should be specific as well.

Someone Has Been Past Up For An Award

A note card here is basically a hug in paper form. Everyone can use a hug every now and then.

Someone is Nominated for an Award

Even a nomination is an exciting event, though people often are afraid to show too much excitement so they don't get their hopes built up sky high. It's okay to let them know that it's all right to be happy. Even a nomination is something.

Someone Going Off to War

Again, very specific, beyond the generic "we'll miss you." The reality is that some of the soldiers won't come back. Give them some inspiration from your heart to hold on to.

Someone Coming Back From War

Through the smiles, the laughs, the tears and the hugs, a written word of appreciation would certainly be welcomed.

Someone Fighting in a War

I think we all know how much this would mean to a soldier away from their family, friends and country.

A Girl Starting Her Menstrual Cycle

Honestly, I wish someone had commemorated my passage into womanhood with a card to encourage me and help me understand its meaning and importance. A card could have been something I could have held on to throughout the rest of my teen years, to help me appreciate it despite the inconvenience when I dreaded it the most.

Prom

This is a different one, because this card will actually be more appreciated, most likely, after prom is long past. But even if it makes your receiver smile a year or two later, your objective will have been met.

Reminder Note

Someone is more likely to keep a card that contains a cleverly written reminder than a sticky note.

In Place of a Letter

At the thought of writing a letter, we may become a bit anxious, staring at all of that gaping white empty space. However, a blank card, with its limited space, may be a better alternative if you don't have a lot to say though you may have something to say.

This list is a bit more expansive than the previous list, but there are just so many opportunities to bring light to others or make someone smile. I don't think we should pass up the chance to make the human experience a little more pleasant. If life really is short, then we should say something nice.