This is such an exciting time of year for us at Write Away!!!  There is so much to do to get ready for Fall! New products, new designs, new artwork!!  I love it!  But, every year I ask myself, “Sarah, why did you wait until now to do all this?!” Oh well…maybe I work better under pressure. Yep! I’m busy designing Holiday Cards, which I know sounds strange on August 1st. Whose thinking about HOLIDAY CARDS in the middle of summer? I am!!! I’m all about trying to come up with new, fresh unique cards for 2010. Here is a sneak preview…and, I appologize for the photos…we’re up at the cabin, and I took them on the deck (not a very Christmassy/Holiday-ish background) with my iphone.  Our card options for 2010 will include non-photo cards, our crowd favorite oversized (but no additional postage!!!) photo cards, and NEW 3-photo cards.  What do you think???  Enjoy!!

Well, it’s been a hectic start to our summer vacation here at Write Away World Headquarters!  That’s the understatement of the century.  Meredith was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 4 weeks ago (I can’t believe it’s only been 4 weeks – it seems like 4 years!!).  She had a double mastectomy, and despite the pain, is doing great!  Luckily, the cancer didn’t spread into her Lymph nodes.  Praise God! 

So, she’s got a long road ahead of her, but she’s on the mend, and we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to support ALL women who’ve been affected by breast cancer.  So, Write Away is donating $2 for each set of note cards or notepads designed with our NEW pink garden pretty pattern to breast cancer research through June 30th.  Join us!!

Don’t you need some personalized stationery, luggage tags, placemats, etc?  Thru a partnership with jasmere.com, you can get Write Away’s specialty products all at 58% off — or better… just until tomorrow (2/27/10 at 11am EST. Check it out at http://www.jasmere.com and thanks for your support!

Write Away partners with jasmere.com

One of the most fun aspects of our job at Write Away is communicating with/getting to know our fabulous sales reps around the country.  They are all women.  They are sharp.  They are fun.  And they encourage and support us in many ways.  Here is one of those ways.  Jenny in South Carolina sent us this note recently.  Her purpose?  To encourage us in our Maiden Minnesota event last week!  Very, very cool.  Love it.  Of course it is on beautiful Write Away Stationery.

Holiday Greeting Cards

 We are thrilled to be participating in a really fun Holiday Boutique! 

 Tell your friends and join us!!!

 Saturday, November 14th from 10 am – 6 pm. 

Kathy’s home
45 Garden Park
Golden Valley, MN 55427

It is at the home of Kathy McLeod, former owner of the Baby Collection.  Many of her former vendors from the Baby Collection are participating, and it’s going to be a great Holiday Shopping Opportunity! 

Featuring:
1-2-3 Exclusively (knit hats)
Elin & Clara (belts, hats and scarves)
Fingers & Toes (ceramic hand prints, foot prints and crosses)
Sam & Sydney (children’s clothes)
Stella & Dot Jewelry
Write Away (personalized stationary, placemats and sweaters)
…and many more great items!!

Tonight is a big night!  We are so excited to be a part of a great local event in Minneapolis that features Minnesota Women Owned Businesses.  Proceeds will support Free Arts Minnesota, a local charity.  Check it out! 

There has been a lot of local press surrounding the event.  We were excited to be featured in Minnesota Monthly Magazine this month.  Have a look!

http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2009/Maiden-Minnesota/

Baby William

My sister recently sent me a thank you note after I was there for a whirlwind visit to meet her new baby, my new nephew.  I love that about Courtney.  In the midst of the chaos of adjusting to a new baby, she makes time to write me – her sister – a note!  Even though we have such a close relationship and really could eliminate the formality of note writing, this is still part of our deal.  Any time I give her a gift, she sends a note.  When I receive one from her, I do the same.  She is ALWAYS more timely than I am with her notes.  There is something about putting pen to paper that allows us to communicate things that we don’t always come right out and say.  For instance, her note says, “There is no way to express how loved and supported by you we feel.  Your few days in NYC made us feel so special.  Thank you for all the ways you served us.  The food you brought us, the deeds you did while here, my gosh, the fact that you left your own family for three days….Then of course there are the gifts…Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!”  I am feeling the love!  Are you surprised that this makes me want to hop on a plane and get right back out there?  I’m sure it has nothing to do with my sweet new baby nephew!

Folded Heart Note Cards

Right now is Susan G. from Florida.  Why?!  How does a customer get to be our FAVORITE???  Well, Susan G. was the FIRST person to order from our new website!  Of course since she was the first person ordering, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing!  More like extreme luffing, if we are talking sailing terms.  So, she had much communication with our home office before totally re-doing her order (which she KINDLY did).  She was gracious and forgiving through the whole process.  Then, before that order even shipped, she ordered AGAIN!!!!!!  Then, we just saw her FREE Calling Card order come through, showing her participation in our fabulous give-away for our customers.  AND……just because we like her so much, we’re sending her a set of these adorable heart folded cards.  Why????  Well, because we at Write Away really HEART Susan G.  Thanks!

From the Mom of Notepads

Carol Anne is the founder of Write Away.  She started Write Away in the middle of her children’s playroom in 1999.  Our fabulous From the Mom of Notepads, fantastic Family Line Graphics, and the overall vision of this company come from her superb vision.  During the five years I spent as a Write Away Sales Rep, I was impressed with Carol Anne’s commitment to continuous improvement.  It wasn’t a campaign slogan for her, more of a quiet, steady focus……that produced results.  We are so blessed to have her involvement with Write Away today!  She continues to be the quiet, steady, behind-the-scenes force that keeps us on track.  It’s a team effort around here.