Old Business Cards -

So, yesterday's post, in consideration of Fall's arrival and my seasonal drawer/closet purge, there were lists labeled - GOING, SHOULD BE GOING - NOT YET, and GONE AND REGRETTING - lists of items fitting into neat categories - items currently headed out and those long gone or way too old to keep.

That post actually began "brain percolating" in my office closet. Although that was where the post began its birthing, I never made it back to the initial premise until now.

One of the treasures I came upon in my urge for order, among letterhead and envelopes printed with out-of-date logos, staples, paper clips, blank binders - you get the picture - there was an almost full box of - tadah - business cards emblazoned with information telling the world all about me......but I'm retired now. Wouldn't you expect those business cards to immediately hit the recyle bin?

Those little cards told everyone WHO I was - right? The company that employed me was prominent on the card, a prestigious firm, my department tagline with description words like "talent" and "success", my name - mandatory for a business card - my job title and contact information, address, phone, fax, e-mail, cellphone - wow, all sorts of ways to contact ME - whoopee! Wow, that card made me look important - is that why there was a moment of hesitation before pitching them? Was my identity now gone? Was I truly gone when the cards hit the bin?

Well, you say, of course not! You must now have one of those corny cards that you're asked to produce even more frequently than you ever did your official business card. Red, white and blue, contains your name WITH an initial you probably "never" used but the government thinks is necessary to your true identity, your social security number in plain site - for heaven's sake, even though one is supposed to memorize that number, chew and swallow and refuse to relinquish it on pain of it being your fault that someone stole your identity....whoops....a little carried away with the new red, white and blue card!

So the business, scratch business.....calling card I have and prefer over the red, white and blue one is the new cream colored one with lovely purple, script font featuring my name (no middle initial), address, phone and e-mail. My spouse produced this for me in order to label luggage or whatever with it. Quite uncluttered and efficient - but now I'm wondering what descriptors or labels would I be most pleased to see on that card if I decided to label myself?

For consideration -

Devoted to the practice of Christianity
Loving Mother, Stepmother, Spouse, Sister
Dedicated Episcopalian
Trustworthy Friend
Entertaining Blogger
Talented Artist
Thoughtful, inquisitive, passionate member of the mostly human race

What about you? We all know the value of those "in the job market" business cards, but what might your secondary card put forth to the world? Any thoughts out there? If you could only use ONE word - you don't have to tell me but consider for yourself, what would that be? And give me a list if you feel like it:)