Friday, November 11, 2011

I Need a New Hat!

Dear OWH Friends,

I started volunteering for Operation Write Home two years ago, and it has been a wonderful experience. I’ve enjoyed collecting cards from all over the east coast and beyond to sort and pack to send to our Heroes. I’ve enjoyed making cards too! When I agreed to take on this task, I promised Sandy a year. I gave two.
It is now time for me to pass on my “shipper” hat to someone new. Caro Hopkins lives in Mint Hill, North Carolina, not far from me, and I think I’ve got her ready to take over! She started making cards for OWH in the fall of 2009 when I introduced her to the organization at our local scrapbook store. When I started shipper duties, Caro always volunteered to help. I know she’ll do a great job.
I’m looking forward to finding new ways to volunteer. I knew when I retired from teaching, I’d want to give back to the community. I’ll be taking over some different responsibilities for Operation Write Home, and of course I’ll be making cards. I need to get back in the classroom too! I’ll be volunteering two days a week at local schools, and for that, I’ll need to brush up on my algebra and geometry skills. I’d like to volunteer for Hospice too. They were so good to my family as we said goodbye to my parents. So many options!!

This is a very sad time for me. I feel like I've made so many friends that I've never even met face to face. I've watched many of you grow as card makers. I've seen you apply lessons learned on the Stars & Stamps Blog to your cards. Lots of you have made me laugh. A few of you have made me say, "What were they thinking?"  I've invited several of you to be my new neighbors so I could craft with you. I have grown so much as a card maker because of all of you. Thank you!

Well, I need to get busy! The Valentine deadline is looming, and you know how much I love hearts! NOT!

Dixie


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36 comments:

  1. Operation Write HomeNovember 12, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    I'm NOT saying I'll miss you. Coz you know I'll be bugging you all the time!!!

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  2. LynnNovember 12, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    I just want to say Thank You for all that you have done for this organization (so far) and for our Heroes. I know your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. I pray blessings into your new journey.

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  3. Seongsook DuncanNovember 12, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Dixie,

    Thanks very much for your great voluntary service for OWH not only as a shipper but also as a friendly advisor.

    I wish you all the best.

    Hugs...

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  4. CoraNovember 12, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    A new hat can be a beautiful thing! And come on the cruise? You can meditate about what you will do in your future.

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  5. Nancy MNovember 12, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    OK...now that you say it that way. Seriously, thank you SO very much for ALL of your service to OWH, heroes and cardmakers alike!! I am especially grateful for all your comments on my receipt emails to let me know my cards were just fine--I was worried and I am working to try to 'step it up.'

    I wish you all the very best in the future and look forward to still having you around. Don't miss OWHtv, as that seems to always be a good time and, bonus, we can tease you about hearts!! ;-)
    God bless you and yours! Nancy

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  6. NicoleNovember 12, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Dixie, You will be dearly missed. Thank you so much for everything you have done for OWH - and for everything you did for my brother, Ryan, when he was deployed. You were definitely one of his angels, and I will never forget you because of that. May God Bless you. Happy Stampin'!

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  7. AnonymousNovember 12, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Dixie, You did a fabulous job while as OWH. You made us all feel like we knew you personally. You will be greatly missed. I wish you the best in your "retirement". I find that there is really no such word, but that's OK we need to stay busy to stay healthy. We will welcome Caro with open arms and probably drive her crazy as I'm sure we did to you. Thank you for all you've done with OWH. I'm proud to be a cardmaker for an organization that has people as wonderful as you working with them. I look forward to seeing more of your card in blogland. ENJOY!! (start making those hearts HaHa)

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  8. Jean B in PANovember 12, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Dixie, Thanks so much for being our East Coast Shipper these last two years. Any comments I received from you were always encouraging and that helped me to work hard to do even better.

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  9. Lori BNovember 12, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Dixie, thank you for everything! I hope you will still post your cards to OWH so we can see them. I always intended to stop by when I was in Charlotte and help you, but you know how that goes. The children are lucky to have you volunteering in their classroom. Keep in touch and enjoy yourself, Lori

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  10. Kris WhittakerNovember 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Dixie, thank you for your service to OWH! Best wishes on your journey to find a new hat and I look forward to seeing the cards you make.

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  11. adele holcombNovember 12, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Dixie, the job of shipper has to be extremely time consuming and you have been generous to give it two years! Thank you for all your efforts -- without you and the other shippers, there would be no OWH no matter how many cards we crafters made! I know wherever you choose to volunteer, you will make an impact. And I hope you will continue to show your great cards on your blog!

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  12. KathrynNovember 12, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Thanks for selflessly giving your time and talent over the past two years! The other projects you want to take on sound like they will be rich, fulfilling experiences as well! Best wishes in your new endeavors, and thanks again! :)

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  13. DebraNovember 12, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Dixie, Thank you for all you have done for OWH. Even though we have never met, I feel as if I am losing a friend (you have been my shipper since I joined OWH). Good luck with algebra and geometry, I have enough trouble counting my cards, and getting the same number twice! Thanks again for everything.

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  14. WendyNovember 12, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    I am so excited for you and every hat you decide to wear in the future. You have served OWH outstandinly and I believe Caro will wear your hat well.

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  15. CARONovember 13, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Thanks, Wendy (who will be helping Dixie "play" in her new retirement, I know...). I am so looking forward to getting to know a lot of you through OWH. Dixie has been as great a teacher to me for OWH duties as she was in the classroom. Now I will be the one looking for time to hang out with her in a non-OWH capacity instead of vice versa!

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  16. StefanieNovember 13, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Thank you so much for all your hard work. I'm glad you'll still be sticking around though! Thank you for being such a great shipper! I'll miss your feedback emails.

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  17. TeresaNovember 14, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Thank you for all you've done! Enjoy!

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  18. Jen MNovember 14, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Dixie, thanks for all you've done! Don't be a stranger. :)

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  19. Cindy ONovember 14, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Thank you Dixie! Shippers make it possible for us cardmakers to serve our heroes. Wishing you all the best for your new hat(s).

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  20. Sherry HickeyNovember 14, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Dixie, from the first cards I sent to OWH in June '10 you have encouraged me and become a friend. Thanks for ALL your hard work as a shipper. Glad you'll be able to focus more on your fantastic cardmaking skills and other activities. See you in the Chat room at OWH-TV! Go East Coasters!!

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  21. Paula S.November 14, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Thank you Dixie for everything you've done as the East Coast shipper for OWH.Best of luck with all your endeavors and I'll look forward to seeing your cards in the OWH challenges now that you'll have more time to craft. :)

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  22. AnnNovember 14, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Thank you Dixie for working so hard as the East coast shipper. I am looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful cards. Good luck and have fun in any "new" hats you'll be wearing!

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  23. RhstocksNovember 14, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Thank you for all of your hard work over the past two years!! We are grateful for your encouragement and kind words. Please let us know if you plan on visiting NYC now that you have time as we would love to treat you to lunch or dinner.
    Robin and Stephanie

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  24. PeepsNovember 14, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Thanks so much for your 2 years of service. Good luck in your new adventures!

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  25. RufusNovember 14, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Dixie, thank you so much for the 2 years that you've given to OWH as a shipper. I can only imagine just how much work that job really is. You did it brilliantly. Have fun while figuring out where you want to apply your talents next. I won't say good-bye, since I know that you'll still be involved with OWH. Just wanted you to know that all you've done has been much appreciated!
    R/

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  26. Alexandra LundgrenNovember 15, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    THANK YOU for all of the hard work and for the time as a shipper for OWH. I don't know how you managed to do it all, and am excited for you to start the next chapter. Enjoy it, ALL!

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  27. AnonymousNovember 15, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Have a wonderful retirement, Dixie. And like most "retirees" it sounds like you will be busier than ever!
    You will be missed - thanks so much for everything!

    Susan L.
    Evansville, IN

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  28. MizDeniseNovember 15, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Thanks Dixie! You've been a great shipper and encourager! Thanks for helping me connect with a local cardmaker - my crafting world expanded exponentially! Best wishes for the next steps - isn't it an exciting time?!

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  29. Linda GradyNovember 15, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Thanks, Dixie, for your part in making sure our military receive the cards we made to send to their families. It was a big challenge and you've done your share. Now it's time for you to play with us - who knows, you might begin to like using hearts on cards - LOL
    Take care and enjoy yourself.

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  30. UnknownNovember 15, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Dixie...you have been a wonderful asset to OWH and I know you will continue to do so in the future. Thank you for everything you have done in the past and for what you will continue to do in the future. You are a real gem and OWH has truly been blessed to have you. Caro...welcome aboard and I just know you will be a true gem to OWH just like Dixie...new hats are always interesting and fun!!

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  31. ThePurplePlaceNovember 20, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Hi Dixie,
    My special thanks again for being such a wonderful part of OWH. I can't begin to imagine how much work must go into being a shipper and I greatly admire all the time you have devoted to this task.

    I'm always amazed at how much you accomplish -- Bless you heart! It's been my pleasure to have known you and to see you around blogland too. I'm glad to know you'll still be a part of OWH and wish you much happiness in any role you take on.

    Thank you again!! I hope you enjoy some time off and have a fabulous vacation!

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  32. Pam C of PANovember 25, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Dixie,
    Thank you so much for your generousity over the years - both your time and your talent! Blessings to you as you begin your newest adventures, and other volunteer work...it means so much to have folks like you in local communities!! Can't wait to see what sort of inpiration you have for the rest of us...
    God bless and thanks again!!

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  33. LilyHoyDecember 2, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Dixie,
    Many, many thanks for all the hours that you have donated to OWH and for the little "battles" on OWH TV. I have loved the in fun comments between you and Sandy. From the latest entries of your blog, I see you aren't resting on your laurels but doing new things to support OWH. Take care,

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  34. UnknownDecember 3, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Dixie, I only started with OWH this summer, so we didn't get a chance to get to know each other that well, but your comments and encouragement really kept me going. Thanks for all the hard work you've given and enjoy your next volunteer position!

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  35. pennydDecember 3, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Dixie, heartfelt thanks for all you have done and will do for our servicewomen and men. I can only imagine the amount of dedication involved to get those cards to their intended destinations and giving 2 years says a lot about you and what you believe in. Thank you for the kind comments on my cards and for giving me confidence to continue.

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  36. MerrieDecember 3, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Thank you for being. <3

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