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CZ Design

Reason #1,285

January 30, 2009

Reason #1,285

"Where do you keep all those letters I sent you?"

The other night, Dan decided to try and track down some vintage shots of himself, circa any decade other than the present one, to use on his Facebook profile. I told him to check in my little black suitcase, tucked way in the back of our closet, underneath scores of clothes that don't fit, and boxes and boxes of photo negatives. He never found the shots he was hoping to find, but he did sit for a while with that old, ratty suitcase, and the evidence of our courtship phase: letters, and lots of 'em.

When we first met back in 1988, he lived in Minnesota and I lived in Texas. Much of our courtship took place courtesy of the U.S. Postal System. Being a tad sentimental, I saved everything he ever sent me. From a box of crayons, to a miniature Gumby doll, to a handful of tiny plastic babiesโ€”everything he ever sent while trying to woo me is in that suitcase. (And really, nothing says, "I love you," like a handful of tiny plastic babies.)

I actually haven't pulled that suitcase out in a few years, and as I'm sitting in our bed, watching yet another episode of Friday Night Lights on Hulu (my most favorite new website ever!), he kept interrupting me with things like, "Oh man, I don't even remember sending this!" or, "I put together some really excellent paper and stamp combinations."

He finally drew my cougar-like attention away from Big Tim Riggins by tossing an anniversary card he'd made (one of many in a fine, 17-year tradition of home made cards) up onto the bed for me to look at.

"Remember this?"

And to tell you the truth, I didn't remember it. And I got to relive it all over again.

I present, my 4th anniversary card, as created by Dan Zielske.

DzcardA 

DzcardB 

DzcardC

DzcardD 

DzcardE 

DzcardF 

DzcardG 

DzcardH

It reminded me, yet again, that stuff might happen in my life, like losing a job, or getting chubby, or having a skin cancer scare, but it still doesn't take away from the fact that at the end of the day, I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

I know there are times when my head isn't always level, and I'm not always gazing through the lens of love. But 9.75 times out of ten? This guy's a keeper and I'm thinking that every little thing'll work out just fine.

Dez77

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Comments

  1. kp says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:11 am

    Now we know who the real scrapper in the family is! Thanks for sharing your treasures, love the grade school photo.

    Reply
  2. Zarah says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:17 am

    Oh my gosh… That’s too cute for words!! Crafty and a romantic – yeah. I see why you keep him around! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  3. Tanya says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:17 am

    Oh man! Those cards are super cool and well thought out! Totally awesome!

    Reply
  4. Krys says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:19 am

    I know you already know he’s a keeper, Cathy, but you truly are a lucky girl! To have evidence of his love and your courtship in the form of letters and homemade cards? Wow! I know every minute of every day that Jack loves me but oh, how a love letter would warm my heart…

    Reply
  5. Linda says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:24 am

    I’ll say he’s a keeper — that card rocks! Make him his favorite dinner tonight.

    Reply
  6. Shanon Gibson says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:43 am

    You are lucky! That card is cute and it made me smile. Thanks for sharing and totally making the rest of jealous because our husbands don’t even buy cards let alone make them!

    Reply
  7. Lisa says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:46 am

    Oh DAN!!! Dan, Dan, Dan.

    Were you two meant for each other or what?!?

    Reply
  8. Lee says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:55 am

    A keeper indeed. Out of kindness, I can’t show my husband this post – maybe when I’m ticked at his not-a-romantic-bone-in-his-body-moment behaviour. I won’t have to wait long! Cougar-like? Hysterical. All Canadian boys are hot, didn’t your mother tell you?

    Reply
  9. Jennifer M. says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:57 am

    That was very sweet. And Dan has some mad skills in the card making area. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  10. Deb says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:09 am

    You are one lucky girl! I just ran across this blog and thought you might enjoy it – as it’s all about a healing approach to living and losing weight (I know I’m going to check it regularly). Incidentally, this day’s post has a REALLY cool musical video, too… http://www.backinskinnyjeans.com/2009/01/stephism-on-support.html

    Reply
  11. Valerie says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:10 am

    Was all that one card? Was it made into a little mini book?? Whatever, I’m SO IMPRESSED.

    Cathy, PLEASE tell me he still has all the letters you wrote to him! It’s killin me thinking he could’ve thrown them away.

    Me and my husband have started dating in 1986 ( I was 15). I was at college from 88-90 and we still have all those letters. I love them.

    He’s not terribly sentimental so if left to him he might not have kept them all these years. Some men are like that – hopefully not Dan though!

    Reply
  12. Therese says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:14 am

    What a guy! How many make homemade cards and with such detail? Yes, a keeper.

    Reply
  13. Missus Wookie says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:39 am

    What a keeper! Love the torn edges – he’s a scrapper at heart ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  14. Christyne says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:42 am

    Yep! Definitely a keeper.

    Reply
  15. melanie says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:57 am

    Awesome. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  16. cathycathy says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:57 am

    Valerie, he has all the letters! : )

    I’d kill him if he didn’t!

    Reply
  17. Sara says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:58 am

    That is a kick-ass card. ๐Ÿ™‚ My husband and I have all of our pre-computer and dating correspondence, too. It is fun to look back through those letters and remember what was happening at the time. We still write letters when he’s away (he’s military) and nothing makes me happier than getting a love note.

    Reply
  18. Jeanne Pellerin says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:04 am

    I’m feeling a little jealous this morning thanks to you, Dan Zielske.

    Reply
  19. katie scott says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:10 am

    Dan may have made the first mini book ever!

    Reply
  20. Megan W says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:18 am

    That is the most precious card I have ever seen!

    Reply
  21. Charlene says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Your husband’s card is so sweet, funny and beautiful. Things like that make you realize how lucky you are in spite of the massive speed bumps in the road of life. After some serious “hiccups” in the past year I try to look for and appreciate the moments that happen everyday that tell me how lucky I am. Not necessarily “scrapable” moments – unfortunately. But what a lovely “Lucky” mini book that would make.

    Reply
  22. ronni H says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:32 am

    Cathy, you’re both are very lucky to have each other. He’s right, you have a love that others will talk of, and it will last throughout the ages.
    And BTW, you’re kids look just like he did! Wow!

    Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:33 am

    What a great card! And it is true, jobs come and go, weight fluctuates, but the Love of someone special is what matters most! Thanks for the “ahhh” moment today!

    Reply
  24. Dana says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:33 am

    Such a great post! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  25. mary says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Way to go, Cathy. I am always amazed that I picked out my partner for life when I was so young and naive, and I ended up with a keeper too!

    Reply
  26. Vicky says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Cathy,
    No wonder you fell in love with Dan. How could you not? That was a well thought out card. You truly are lucky girl! Now I think I’ll go dig out all the cards and letters my husband sent me. Thanks for making me smile today.

    Reply
  27. Candace H says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:39 am

    Wow, you are lucky indeed! Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
  28. Beverly says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:41 am

    Awwww. He should get some for that. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  29. Carrie says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:04 am

    OMGosh so creative & cute! What a keeper!

    Reply
  30. Lisa says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:07 am

    Awesome card!

    Re: the twitter post and url…thanks, now I’m “sucked” into Being Human as well! It was like driving by an accident and not being able to look away – I couldn’t resist.

    Reply
  31. Cynthia says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:08 am

    He’s a crafty man, that Dan Zielske! Very impressed – my DH buys a card on his way home, if he thinks of it, and usually that might be a week or so after the date. Lucky you, Cathy. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  32. Dawn says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:32 am

    You’re a lucky woman – this is an amazing combination of craft, wit/humor and adoration. =)

    ps – thought of you when I saw this: http://designaglowblog.com/index.php/post/233/wanted:_fabulous_designer

    Reply
  33. Sandy says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Awww…so sweet. My hubby has many skills but communicating via cards is not one of them. I will never forget the first birthday card he gave me where he signed his first AND last name…ha ha…like I had a mess of “Tom’s” sending me birthday wishes! You’re a lucky girl!

    Reply
  34. leigh ann says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:46 am

    gosh he’s a pretty funny dude–it all makes sense now–You guys are perfect for each other!–what a keeper–next time your wrists are bothering you he should sub in on your blog….I for one am really bummed about simple–It was my favorite mag and will be missed!!!!

    Reply
  35. Rhona says

    January 30, 2009 at 9:56 am

    I don’t blame you for keeping him – in fact, hold on tight!! What a star, there aren’t many like him around ;o)

    Reply
  36. Victoria says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Awww . . . What happened to the mug shot? I really like that pic of Dan.

    Reply
  37. pam says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Funny stuff!!!!! He’s a keeper.

    Reply
  38. Sherri P eh says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:26 am

    you are one lucky girl cathy zielske! and i think dan probably thinks he’s a lucky guy too! the fact that you both know it makes it perfect!!

    Reply
  39. chris jenkins says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:26 am

    how freakin’ creative is that? very cool and unique – not the same ol’ same ol’ like from hallmark – very heartfelt and sweet. you got a keeper for sure!

    Reply
  40. Barb says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Two things…
    1. The card is totally sweet. Wow!
    2. His handwriting looks a lot like YOURS! lol

    Reply
  41. sue Treiber says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:29 am

    That is a great card!

    Reply
  42. Tricia Wilson says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:55 am

    After reading that card I think I love Dan! What a guy you have! You both are so lucky to have each other.

    Reply
  43. Colleen says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Oh that made me cry! That’s true love… something so rare these days. Glad you found each other. We need more Cathy & Dans in the world. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  44. Denise L. says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:10 am

    How great is that?!? I love it!

    Reply
  45. Kim C. says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:17 am

    How totally sweet! What a blessing you have each other. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  46. Kristina says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Dan is the Man!!! It is great that you “found” this again….someday your kids will find these things and know how much their parents loved each other!

    have a great weekend.

    Reply
  47. Carol says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:20 am

    Cathy, it is no wonder the two of you have such creative, talented kids! You are both really something special!!!!

    Reply
  48. Helen High says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:23 am

    There is truly nothing more fantastic than a memory. It’s so important to keep things because they can take you to places you thought you would always remember.
    My husband and I will be married five years this summer. We were married five years to the day we met. . .I still have the slip of paper he gave me with his phone number.

    Love is really in the little things. . .

    Reply
  49. KathyL says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Oh I loved reading this. That is one creative and awesome guy you have there. Looks to me like you both are very lucky ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  50. Nicky H says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:38 am

    I”m swooning! That’s so awesome!

    Reply
  51. Megan says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:59 am

    “several months” and you were displaying fireworks?

    attagirl.

    Cutest card ever. Reminds me of the cards my dad used to make for my mom. She never “got” them. They are divorced. Good for you for “getting it.” And getting it.

    Reply
  52. Kelli says

    January 30, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    That is the bestest, sweetest card I have ever seen!

    Reply
  53. BethBG says

    January 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    I’d say you’re both pretty lucky. And Dan is a scrapper whether he admits it or not ๐Ÿ˜€ XX’s

    Reply
  54. AnnieB says

    January 30, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    aaah, too sweet

    Reply
  55. Rachel C says

    January 30, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    How sweet is that? What a great story….My husband is not a good card guy. He once gave me an anniversary card that said on the front, “To the happy couple on your anniversary.” I’m thinking it was a grab and go purchase. Needless to say not the happiest of anniversaries. Good times!

    Reply
  56. liz a. says

    January 30, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    wow! that is so cool…..i can’t even imagine my husband doing something like that….bless his pointed head! haahah! i am so glad to hear of husbands that treat their wives nicely, i am glad for you! yay!

    Reply
  57. tchrtiff says

    January 30, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Oh man! You almost made me cry! You, indeed, are lucky.

    Reply
  58. Deb Jones says

    January 30, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    How neat that card is. You are blessed. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  59. Christine Campbell says

    January 30, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    I think I’ve said it before but it needs to be said again after that post,
    He is SO your lobster!!

    Reply
  60. Katrina Grabowski says

    January 30, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    I just want to know about those spectacular moves that made him know you were the one. I need to use those on my sweetie. Thanks for putting life back into perspective.

    Reply
  61. Carla says

    January 30, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Cathy – not only am I impressed that Dan made you a card for your anniversary, but all those years ago your guy had an eye for unique color combinations and his tearing techniques are killer! Definitely a keeper ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  62. Heather says

    January 30, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    You go Dan Zielske! What a cute card . . .and that you’ve got 16 more handmade beauties. That’s awesome.

    It’s funny what you find looking for stuff for facebook, isn’t it? I found the 2 bound journals my husband and i exchanged when we weren’t together (we’d write in them until the next time we saw each other, then would switch them) when I was looking for pictures from my earlier life.

    Reply
  63. Diane says

    January 30, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    So darn cool! Love it!

    Reply
  64. liz kartchner says

    January 30, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Stop. it. now. those are treasures!! serious treasures!!

    haha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  65. Sherry says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    What a sweet post!

    Reply
  66. Michelle Davies says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    What a great card! So glad you kept it. Looks like he’s (almost) as creative as you!

    Reply
  67. Tonja Trump says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    That is sooo sweet and awesome!! Imagine what he can do with some real supplies!! I vote to let him create some layouts one day!

    Reply
  68. Debrajean says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    How thoughtful and creative! Yes, you two are made for each other. The photos and the writing, how sweet and funny. I am one of the many who will greatly miss Simple Scrapbooks. It really was a favorite of mine. I really enjoy reading your blog and I greatly enjoyed taking your Design Your Life class! You are awesome. Thanks for sharing the bits & pieces of your life with us. And always cherish the daily treasures in your life.

    Reply
  69. jody says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    So Dan obviously taught you a thing or two about paper tearing!!!

    Our family has a tradition of making birthday cards which I love so much. My dear husband suprised me this past birthday with a card that had a photo of me at 17 dressed up as wonder woman (it was the 80’s, we did wild and crazy things back then LOL) with “at 46, your still my wonder woman” on the front. Aaahhhhh… (and just so you know, it’s been a VERY long time since I could rock out the wonder woman suit. Ha!)

    Reply
  70. Jennifer W. says

    January 30, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    oh, CZ. I hope one day to find a man who loves me that…one of my most fervent wishes.

    Reply
  71. Nancy C. from Wilmington, NC says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Oh Cathy, this was wonderful! I loved it along with every one of the previous posters. I think it is truly ironic that you married the paper crafter, but now that’s where you’ve earned your fame and fortune. If you have a box of those, he’s been sending you subliminal messages for years…You must make beautiful things with paper. You must make beautiful things with paper. You must make beautiful things with paper.

    Reply
  72. Denise R says

    January 30, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Cathy, you are too funny…Big Tim Riggins! Why aren’t you my next door neighbor?
    Seriously, what a great husband! And such a good match in the humor department!

    Reply
  73. Tamara says

    January 30, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    What a guy! And Cole looks JUST like him! Blessed is what you are and here’s to more blessings coming your way!

    Reply
  74. Shannon Lowe says

    January 30, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    You go together like peanut Butter and jelly! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  75. sherry says

    January 31, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Wow! I agree that Dan is a keeper. Thanks for reminding me that I have a keeper, too. I don’t see homemade cards — in fact, when he remembers to buy the card, he usually forgets he bought it and then doesn’t give it to me. But everyday he expresses his love with those little things he does. I need to go write about how much I appreciate that.

    Reply
  76. o-girl says

    January 31, 2009 at 12:10 am

    *SIGH*

    You are a blessed woman, Cathy. Dan is what so many women wish their man was like. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  77. Brooke says

    January 31, 2009 at 4:32 am

    I’m emailing this link and the one for the 52 cards Dan did at Christmas to my hubby for some lessons!!

    Reply
  78. asksmommy says

    January 31, 2009 at 6:10 am

    Speechless — not a familiar feeling to me, but just the same, that is what I am!!! How cute, romantic, awsome and totally “puts him in the for keeps box for eternety”!!!! Love that you shared this (except it puts my mans attemts at romance to shame LOL). Have a great day, will you!?!!

    -asksmommy

    Reply
  79. kat-in-texas says

    January 31, 2009 at 8:53 am

    Oh, that’s true love!!!

    p.s. You’re cracking me up on FB!!!

    Reply
  80. Julie Mitchell from Canada says

    January 31, 2009 at 9:17 am

    Be still be beating heart. Can’t blame you for holding on to those. Precious.

    Reply
  81. vateresa says

    January 31, 2009 at 9:26 am

    Truly sweet.

    Reply
  82. kaly says

    January 31, 2009 at 11:46 am

    That was a truly awesome card! My husband always insists that if he were “allowed” to come on one of our crops, he would scrapbook circles around us! Dan is proof that men can do it just as well as women! Way to go, Dan! Yes, lucky you, Cathy.

    Reply
  83. Jennifer Larson says

    January 31, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Awesome. Romantic and funny. And if that picture is Dan, then Cole is going to look just like him.

    Reply
  84. Diane says

    January 31, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Ohhh, I was going to say “I’m swooning!” but Nicky beat me to it! Oh well, I’m swooning! There.

    Love the ’70’s shirt Dan!

    =) Diane

    Reply
  85. Kirsty says

    January 31, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    That is SO sweet!

    Reply
  86. Sue B>.. says

    January 31, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Ok all this talk of love and you haven’t even mentioned if you are watching the Rock of Love Bus show? Spill it!!

    Reply
  87. Ann says

    January 31, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    How cool to have saved all those cards and letters. I’m lucky if my hubby gets me a card let alone make one.

    TOT (totally off topic) you have to check out this article in the Herald (the old Everett Herald). I saw this and thought about you and your confession of a roller skating competitor. http://heraldnet.com/article/20090125/LIVING/701259978

    Enjoy!

    Reply
  88. Kim says

    February 1, 2009 at 8:50 am

    The man gets you… plain and simple – he gets you and from the look of this card (circa 1995 – love that!) it looks like he’s always “gotten” you. Very sweet!

    Reply
  89. Becs says

    February 1, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    You are truly blessed! I have a box full of letters from my courtship with my husband (we lived in different cities 2 hours apart for the first 3 years of our relationship) but all of that stopped as soon as we got married…if I’m really lucky I’ll get a store-bought anniversary card, but nothing of this standard! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  90. Deirdre says

    February 1, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    1. Dan was scrappin’ homemade cards before scrappin’ was cool. A minialbum no less:-)

    2. How does Cole feel knowing what he’ll look like in a few years?

    3. Read this joke and thought of you:

    A font walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a drink. The bartender says ‘no, we don’t serve your type!’

    Reply
  91. Jackie says

    February 2, 2009 at 7:06 am

    How cute… and that last photo.. at first I thought it was Cole! Wow!

    Reply
  92. Corie in Indy says

    February 3, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    What an awesome card. :o) I love the “blending in with the furniture” line and photo! Too funny! (And too true!)

    Reply
  93. SuZeQ says

    February 8, 2009 at 9:36 am

    So cool that Dan made this. Treasure it forever. Question … he mentions “moves near Grapevine Lake” — just wondering, where is Grapevine Lake? Please send me an email with the answer. Thank you!

    Reply
  94. Laura Lee says

    February 15, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Wow…Look at Dan look like Cole…Wow!!
    Cool card, ya’ll are lucky to have each other! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply

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