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Post by bothmykidsrbrats on Dec 28, 2018 2:40:27 GMT
@leowife, Thank you for all you do with our swap, and I'm so sorry for what you are dealing with. I shouldn't be surprised our little bit of holiday magic managed to go to shit, but I am. Do that many US peas really expect the 10-20 international peas that sign up, to send to all of the 120+ in the US? I've always budgeted for 15 international stamps when I'm planning my cards. This year I had to add 3 Forever stamps to a couple because we had more sign up than usual, and I was excited to do so! Our international peas already miss out on a lot of things in the states, that they hear about here; so it makes me happy to get to include them all in our swap. I am always thrilled to receive an international card, but never expect any.
I would love to help our international peas participate more cost effectively.
Happy Holidays everyone!
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Deleted
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Apr 19, 2024 13:50:47 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2018 4:43:55 GMT
@leowife, Thank you for all you do with our swap, and I'm so sorry for what you are dealing with. I shouldn't be surprised our little bit of holiday magic managed to go to shit, but I am. Do that many US peas really expect the 10-20 international peas that sign up, to send to all of the 120+ in the US? I've always budgeted for 15 international stamps when I'm planning my cards. This year I had to add 3 Forever stamps to a couple because we had more sign up than usual, and I was excited to do so! Our international peas already miss out on a lot of things in the states, that they hear about here; so it makes me happy to get to include them all in our swap. I am always thrilled to receive an international card, but never expect any. I would love to help our international peas participate more cost effectively. Happy Holidays everyone! I think about 20 sign up.... I would totally accept a package of cards to send from state side. I'm adding that to my list of notes to add to the swap guidelines for the sign ups in 2019. Peas are some damn brilliant or evil ladies
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Post by roberta on Dec 28, 2018 4:52:38 GMT
This is the first year I have participated. I enjoyed it so much that I will sign up again next year! I haven’t counted how many cards I received - it doesn’t matter to me. I mailed to everyone on the list because I wanted to and I could. It was fun to receive a Christmas card every day. Thanks to all that participated! This is me also. I received a bunch and love every one. Also I am seriously impressed with how creative the peas are. @leowife, thank you again for organizing this and there is no way you deserve any negativity of any kind!!
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Post by jameynz on Dec 28, 2018 5:31:19 GMT
I didn't do the card swap this year - have done so for the last 3 years.....I didn't send to everyone on the list, just picked random names off the list. I did feel a twinge of guilt for not sending to everyone, however it was not in my budget - posting from New Zealand at $3.00 a card is just not doable.
I want to say thank you to Leowife for organising, and what a fab idea, sending one parcel, with extra money in for post is a cool idea, although not as exciting as opening a card from another country.....
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Post by Lexica on Dec 28, 2018 5:31:48 GMT
I almost didn't participate this year as I had another big project I had to get done before Christmas. I couldn't let it go this year. I consider this swap a gift to myself all month long. I came up with a simple card design that I could send to everyone on the list and get done in time. I even got them sent out early. I have received 82 cards to date (home made ones, store bought ones and some post cards too) from I don't know where as I don't check the envelopes. I might have gotten international ones, I might not have. I don't participate to keep score, I participate to put a small little gift in someone else's mail box. I'm really sorry to see that this absolutely wonderful holiday tradition has degraded to a mean spirited competition. I will be participating again and can't wait for all the little presents in my mail box next year. Also, I don't know if anyone knows, but could the international Peas send their cards to a Pea in the states for us to mail using US postage.....I'm sure there is some rule against it, but I would think it would be cheaper to send a package of unstamped cards to the US with mone for in states postage than it would be to send the cards individually. Just a thought. ETA: thank you @leowife for making this swap possible and I am so sorry you are having to put up with this nonsense. deshacrafts, your idea is brilliant! This would allow people overseas to participate without breaking the bank! I can’t believe it costs $3 each to mail a card! I am so excited to participate next year! Especially since I will be moving to a city where I won’t know a single person. Cards from the peas would make it feel super homey! Or “homely” as the British say. Can you tell I’ve been watching a lot of Netflix?
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Post by Memo on Dec 28, 2018 8:38:54 GMT
Hi all - I hope I haven't been banned from the swap for next year. I got horribly sick before Christmas with a bladder infection (fevers, chills) that took me down for over a week. I have 60+ card fronts done and am putting them on cards in the next couple days, switched the design saying to more of a holiday greeting. I'll post a pic of the completed cards when sending out.
Maria
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nicolep
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Post by nicolep on Dec 28, 2018 14:35:22 GMT
I almost didn't participate this year as I had another big project I had to get done before Christmas. I couldn't let it go this year. I consider this swap a gift to myself all month long. I came up with a simple card design that I could send to everyone on the list and get done in time. I even got them sent out early. I have received 82 cards to date (home made ones, store bought ones and some post cards too) from I don't know where as I don't check the envelopes. I might have gotten international ones, I might not have. I don't participate to keep score, I participate to put a small little gift in someone else's mail box. I'm really sorry to see that this absolutely wonderful holiday tradition has degraded to a mean spirited competition. I will be participating again and can't wait for all the little presents in my mail box next year. Also, I don't know if anyone knows, but could the international Peas send their cards to a Pea in the states for us to mail using US postage.....I'm sure there is some rule against it, but I would think it would be cheaper to send a package of unstamped cards to the US with mone for in states postage than it would be to send the cards individually. Just a thought. ETA: thank you @leowife for making this swap possible and I am so sorry you are having to put up with this nonsense. YES! I LOVE this idea! I'd also be willing to mail out cards for any international pea. Please let me know if and how I can help next year, @leowife!
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Post by joteves on Dec 28, 2018 15:14:28 GMT
As an ‘international’ swapper, I don’t send to all, and I’m not at all surprised that others don’t either. It is much more expensive when around 90% of the list is international to you. I managed to send to about half this year, and although I tried to make sure I sent to mostly different people than last time, there will probably be some who missed out again. At the same time, I never expect to receive from everyone, and I’m not keeping track. By chance it seemed to work out this year that I received a similar number as I sent, but I know that’s just a fluke. I love them all, and visitors have loved seeing them too. I am in the same position. I signed up thinking that you didn't have to send to everyone. Because I am an international, it would have cost me a fortune to send to all the US people on the list. So, I tried to send to all the internationals (who I figured would receive fewer cards) and some of the Americans. I don't keep track of who sends to me and I was surprised and thrilled to receive so many cards this year. I loved them all and was planning on making way more cards for next year. However, I don't think I will be participating again as all this score-keeping is sucking the joy out of the process.
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Post by kkrenn on Dec 28, 2018 19:33:25 GMT
Add me to the list for helping out our International peas! I would LOVE to send cards for them.
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Post by gar on Dec 28, 2018 19:46:26 GMT
It’s so lovely to see that so many Peas are happy and willing to help out with the posting of cards within the US. That would make such a difference! Thank you!
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 28, 2018 20:54:54 GMT
I almost didn't participate this year as I had another big project I had to get done before Christmas. I couldn't let it go this year. I consider this swap a gift to myself all month long. I came up with a simple card design that I could send to everyone on the list and get done in time. I even got them sent out early. I have received 82 cards to date (home made ones, store bought ones and some post cards too) from I don't know where as I don't check the envelopes. I might have gotten international ones, I might not have. I don't participate to keep score, I participate to put a small little gift in someone else's mail box. I'm really sorry to see that this absolutely wonderful holiday tradition has degraded to a mean spirited competition. I will be participating again and can't wait for all the little presents in my mail box next year. Also, I don't know if anyone knows, but could the international Peas send their cards to a Pea in the states for us to mail using US postage.....I'm sure there is some rule against it, but I would think it would be cheaper to send a package of unstamped cards to the US with mone for in states postage than it would be to send the cards individually. Just a thought. ETA: thank you @leowife for making this swap possible and I am so sorry you are having to put up with this nonsense. YES! I LOVE this idea! I'd also be willing to mail out cards for any international pea. Please let me know if and how I can help next year, @leowife ! Same for me
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Post by roberta on Dec 28, 2018 22:36:37 GMT
YES! I LOVE this idea! I'd also be willing to mail out cards for any international pea. Please let me know if and how I can help next year, @leowife ! Same for me Me too @leowife
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peasquared
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Post by peasquared on Dec 28, 2018 22:51:25 GMT
Me too!
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FurryP
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To pea or not to pea...
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Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Dec 29, 2018 2:44:47 GMT
It’s so lovely to see that so many Peas are happy and willing to help out with the posting of cards within the US. That would make such a difference! Thank you! Add me to the list for helping out our International peas! I would LOVE to send cards for them. Same for me I loved them all and was planning on making way more cards for next year. However, I don't think I will be participating again as all this score-keeping is sucking the joy out of the process. Don't focus on the negative joteves . There are more good peas than there are bad ones. Don't let the card swap terrorists win. And anyone that cannot figure out on their own that shipping international is OUTRAGEOUS, is just not very bright.
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Post by kikitwo on Dec 29, 2018 3:11:20 GMT
I’d be glad to help in any way I can. Thanks to all the organizers and participants. I’ve loved every card or note I received
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echofinn
Junior Member
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Aug 30, 2017 2:58:08 GMT
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Post by echofinn on Dec 29, 2018 3:32:36 GMT
Yup - much cheaper to mail from the other side of the border!! My Canadian cards got to go on a roadtrip to the USPS to get mailed 😆. I was amazed that there were also about 1/2 dozen people from Canada sending out packages Looking forward to the 2019 swap!
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kauri
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Jun 29, 2014 3:17:08 GMT
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Post by kauri on Dec 29, 2018 3:36:45 GMT
As an 'international' who does mail from the US, I also think deshacrafts idea is brilliant! I mail from the US since it's close enough to be driveable and lets me send to everyone without breaking the bank. I also understand that anyone who sends to me does have to pay a premium, so am happy to receive as many as I do (I haven't counted, but my colouring chart of the States is reasonably filled in). If shipping to Canada is any cheaper than shipping to the US, I'll happily receive packages from other internationals to assist in mailing (I will still be mailing from within the US as it's a fraction of the cost, even with the crappy exchange rate). I look forward to this swap every year - it's the best way to kick off the holiday season!
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Post by chrispeas on Dec 29, 2018 15:13:30 GMT
This was my first year participating. I loved getting cards from each one of you that sent one to me. It makes my heart happy every time I walk past my card display. I loved all your creativity with the handmade ones.
My goal was to send cards to at least half the list because of budget. I chose to start at the bottom of the list.because that’s where I was. Lol.and then sent to everyone that sent to me until I ran out of cards. I also attached your address labels to the backs of your cards so my kids can go through them when I take them down to see where they all came from.
I can’t wait for next year!
P.S. I have noticed that through the years we get less and less cards from family and friends. I’m just not really sure why I waited so long to join in on the fun.
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Post by piebaker on Dec 29, 2018 20:53:26 GMT
I buy my international stamps early and send those cards out first. My family asked what to get for my birthday and I said stamps. One of stuffers I found in my stocking was...holiday stamps.
Each year I promise myself next year's cards will be handmade, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe next year....
I am grateful for all the cards received and grateful that the Pea community swap exists thanks to @leowife and helpers.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 29, 2018 23:10:07 GMT
I buy my international stamps early and send those cards out first. My family asked what to get for my birthday and I said stamps. One of stuffers I found in my stocking was...holiday stamps. Each year I promise myself next year's cards will be handmade, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe next year.... I am grateful for all the cards received and grateful that the Pea community swap exists thanks to @leowife and helpers. I sent dh to Costco with $100. He was supposed to get two things and the rest in stamps. They were out of the other two things so he got my $100 in stamps I’m set for next year since they are forever stamps
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Deleted
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Apr 19, 2024 13:50:47 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2018 1:10:21 GMT
I posted on the other thread:
I like the idea of email cards. Like the idea of being able to download them to digital frame.
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Post by OntarioScrapper on Dec 30, 2018 8:58:51 GMT
Leowife, I am so sorry that you are getting nasty emails. You are much loved with the card swap.
Okay I am one of those Canadian Peas. I just can't send to everyone. I handmake all my cards and frankly I just don't have the funds to send to everyone. The rule has always been send whatever you can otherwise I would not sign up (I did skip one year because I knew I just couldn't do it) I just pick randomly from the list and make sure I send some to the USA, home in Canada and over seas. Also this year us Canadians did have a mail strike right before Christmas. I sent my cards anyway and hoped they got to their destinations on time. And honestly I don't mind getting cards after Christmas either. The reason why I have signed up for this swap over the years was because hardly anyone mails cards anymore. I used to love getting cards in the mail at Christmas time. And now it's FB greetings or email greetings mostly. My sisters and I still give each other cards every year (I'm the only one who handmakes them but I still love getting their cards!).
Last year's swap was a bit extra special. My husband had been let go of his job and still hadn't found one by Christmas. I sent cards of what I could and then I got BURIED in cards. My fellow Peas were so thoughtful and kind! The kids were excited that so many cards came and it helped relieve some of the stress we as a family were experiencing. So with tears in my eyes, I want to say that I will still be in this swap and gladly receive cards and not expect everyone to do so. And this is where I see the tension is from. I'm sure there are Peas that I have never sent a card to. I am not that organized. And I don't think anyone should be expected to be put through the stress of trying to figure out who they haven't sent a card to. This is suppose to be FUN. A way to send some cheer and receive some during the Holidays.
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Post by anniefb on Dec 30, 2018 19:16:39 GMT
Thanks so much to all the Peas who are willing to help out internationals with sending cards locally. The Peas are the best!
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peasquared
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Jul 6, 2014 23:59:59 GMT
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Post by peasquared on Dec 31, 2018 0:02:07 GMT
I guess I look at it all this way. I send about 100 cards to my family and friends but only get about 35 back. I'm thrilled to get those 35 and I won't be scratching names off my list if I don't get any back. They are people I want to send a happy note to. I send cards as much for myself as for the receiver. I look at the peas swap the same way. If I didn't get even one card back, I'd still have that feel-good feeling. (I hope that makes some sense)
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Post by hop2 on Dec 31, 2018 0:51:03 GMT
Hi all - I hope I haven't been banned from the swap for next year. I got horribly sick before Christmas with a bladder infection (fevers, chills) that took me down for over a week. I have 60+ card fronts done and am putting them on cards in the next couple days, switched the design saying to more of a holiday greeting. I'll post a pic of the completed cards when sending out. Maria i know my opinion doesn’t count since I don’t join. But IMHO that’s a great idea! You never know when a bright card just lifts someone’s spirit
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Post by bdawnb on Jan 1, 2019 5:03:52 GMT
I got a few more cards in the mail today. I really needed those smiles too - waiting on some medical test results is wearing on me. As I said before, this was my first year to participate and I have enjoyed it’s much! I had no idea how many Or IF ANY cards I would receive. But I didn’t care because I just wanted to send out some cheer. I will admit when I saw how many international addresses were on the list it was a little daunting because I wanted to send to everyone (and you get one and you get one....). There was no way I would expect those having to send the majority of their cards internationally to do that with very many. That would be so expensive!
I loved each card, message and thought that went into the cards I received and I can’t wait until next year’s swap!
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Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 1, 2019 23:35:18 GMT
On one hand, I do agree that it's not cool for people to sign up and not send anything at all. But really, how does one truly track that? Do you ask every single Pea if they received a card from so-and-so? I have participated in many, many swaps over the years, sometimes even more than 20 in a month, whether hosting or participating. What I have learned is, as sad as it may seem, you really need to just expect that you won't get the same in return.
Now, this is different for swap groups that set stipulations on the colors you can use (no neon or pastel, for instance), the minimum you need to spend on your partner, etc ... but in a swap of this type, I go in with the mindset that I will do my best to send out what I can -- and not expect equal back in return.
I'm thankful that Leowife (I'm a leowife also, btw) hosted this swap. Quite honestly, hosting can be a real pain in the butt! So, THANK YOU for doing that, Leowife! I am thankful for the people who sent me a card. I am thankful for the Peas who wanted to send but couldn't for whatever reason.
I think, to offer a different pov for those who are upset, maybe just look at the return on your "investment". If you sent 100 and got back 30, is that good enough for you? Some people gamble and understand that they are likely going to lose -- but they have fun gambling anyway. I, for one, enjoy sending cards and look forward to next year's swap!
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 2, 2019 16:10:53 GMT
I posted on the other thread: I like the idea of email cards. Like the idea of being able to download them to digital frame. I don't even know how I ended up in this thread as I've never participated. Part of me would love to but I think my family would worry I'd lost my mind if we started getting cards from "strangers on the internet" Someday maybe. Anyhow, I think email cards is a wonderful idea! I'd totally participate in this! Also, I wanted to mention that sending a package of cards to the US for mailing sounds like a great idea. I would suggest making the return address less obvious though since I'm sure it's at least frowned upon (if not mail fraud). Maybe even go so far as to email the address list and have them addressed stateside just in case the original package was inspected.
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Post by Miss Lerins Momma on Jan 2, 2019 21:32:31 GMT
So I counted my cards today. I had 73 total. Maybe 10 from friends and relatives, the rest from Peas. Thank you to everyone who sent me one! I have been looking for deals on cards for next year! Or maybe I’ll actually get 5 minutes to make some (fingers crossed!!). We love them all!!! Thank you for putting this together, we all look forward to it every year!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 3, 2019 21:22:20 GMT
Thank you @leowife for organizing the exchange I've organized several swaps and it's a lot of work. You did a fantastic job and I'm sorry you had to deal with some disgruntled swappers.
I want to thank everyone for all the beautiful cards I've been receiving I got a few more today they are all so lovely!
I want to apologize I sent out 60 cards these week I suck. I had made close to 50 cards didn't sent those because they say Merry Christmas and unless you're Ukrainian (I think it's the 7th) I felt silly sending them. I was able to find some store bought ones that didn't scream Christmas.
I have been a bit overwhelmed the past few months. The transition for Spencer and his group home has not gone as smoothly as I had hoped. We've already had to start the process to find a new aide for him. I think I've been to Calgary at least 15 times for doctors appointments and other meetings for him. He also had 2 UTI. Thankfully he loves the group home and although we have had to change staff already it hasn't affected his excitement at living in Calgary.
In December my FIL suffered a series of mini strokes and they also discover he has prostate cancer. He wasn't managing his diabetes well and was trying to care for his wife who was unwell and was showing signs of dementia unbeknownst to anyone. Both were hospitalized and she got diagnosed with lymphoma and unless she starts chemo right away will not live more then a few months. They are waiting for placements in senior living more then likely separate homes as her dementia has advanced quickly and will have to have an indwelling catheter for life.
I truly would have loved to get cards sent to everyone but financially couldn't manage it but still wanted to participate. I had done the exchange 2 years ago and went all in sending ro everyone. I remembered how lovely it was to get that bit of pea happiness in the mail and I had wanted to return some to them this year.
In hindsight I should have skipped this year but I guess I thought this transition would be less stressful and I certainly wasn't anticipating so many appointments and the staffing issues. Throw in the issues with my husband's dad and his wife and my exhaustion in still dealing with the hell that was our year I was setting myself up for failure.
I'm hoping with a new year and a year where not everything is prefaced by Spencer being in the hospital that our lives will become more normal, less exhausting and I can participate in the boards more. I've missed interacting on posts and I'm so behind in responding to posts on my granddaughter's photos I shared earlier this fall.
The peas have been simply wonderful to me and Spencer this past year and a half and I truly feel like without you all I would have lost my insanity. I am teary eyed as I write this because I've never seen such a outpouring of care and kindness.
I feel absolutely awful for my extreme tardiness but please know I truly do appreciate the cards and wonderful holiday greetings and that my intent was never to not send cards. Please know although my cards are late the well wishes I sent were heartfelt!! I hope that I can participate next year. The upside is I have at 50 handmade cards already made.
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