Feb, 1945 - Somewhere in France

Hello Darling,
I finally have access to my duffel bag and have some of my stationery. I am writing this by candlelight so please excuse any scribbling and missing words.

We have had sleeping bags issued to us. They are really warm and comfortable to sleep in. We are allowed a stul helmet full of coal per day per tent. So you see, we don't waste any fire during the day.

We were told that we might not receive any mail for a month. That is going to be tough going, but guess I can and may have to put up with worse things than that before I see you again. Just keep on writing. When I do get them I'll have a mess of them. I'll write as much and as often as I can. So don't worry if you don't get letters too regularly. I know everything will turn out okay and we will be together again before very long.

The rain is beating down on the tent right now. It has a nice peaceful patter but it promises to be the cause of lots of mud tomorrow. French mud is in a class of its own.

We are eating out of our own mess hall now. Food is getting much better. We had ham, pineapple, rice, salad and tea. Really tasted good. I have a few candy bars left. They will probably disappear fast.

There isn't much more I can tell you except that I love you and always will. You are my inspiration, my life, my everything. I'll love you always and mean to do everything in my power to make you happy. It was a happy and lucky day when I married you. You have been a perfect wife and I have no regrets in marrying you. You have made me divinely happy. So until tomorrow night . . . Devotedly, Harry

----
Happy Valentines Day to all!!!!

Weekend Recap - Babies, Bowling and Business Decisions

Adam and I happily drove to Columbus Friday evening to visit the newest member of the Suchland family. Samuel Griffin Suchland was born to Adams brother Matt and his wife Heidi. They have the distinct honor of having the largest newborn baby, weighing in at 9 pounds, 15 ounces! I'm usually some what squemish about handling tiny newborns but Sam was so thick and study I didn't have too much trouble. Even Adam was game and finally held him. I noted this and suggested out loud that when I have a baby I will hope for a large one so we will be comfortable taking care of the baby. Tiny Miss Heidi quickly (but weakly) put me in my place. I can't imagine why?!

Saturday night we went bowling with Adams large extended family. I got to meet some of the family that I've never talk to before even though we've been married 5 years. It was a nice time even if Adam did beat my score.

And now for business decisions. Lately I've been enjoying a fuller Sara Paper schedule so I've decided it's finally time to quit my part-time job at the Chamber of Commerce. It wasn't an easy decision. I enjoy working outside the home, I enjoyed my co-workers and the actual job. So I leave with some sadness.

On the other hand this means I will be more available for my clients, I will be able to work on the developement of my stationery lines and website which really makes me happy. Hopefully by the beginning of May I will have new and exciting designs to share, set hours to better serve my clients and a website full of pictures from my portfolio.

Best of all I'll have more to time spend with Adam and the dogs.

Friend of Sara Paper - Sweetie Peas

Now I must give a well deserved "shout out" to my good friend Miss Kat Koeller of New Bremen.
I met Kat during the summer while working the Farmers Market circuit in St. Marys. Kat is multi-talented and has helped me in countless ways, most notably she created my badly needed website! She helped me set up this blog (thank you, thank you) and with her urging (well, some might call it nagging) she helped me to set up my etsy shop so I can start selling my stationery online. http://www.sarapaper.etsy.com/

Aside from being my personal web consultant Kat has her own etsy shop, http://www.mysweetiepeas.etsy.com/. She crochets the cutest little shoes and does all sorts of things to yarn that I don't even want to understand. She's probably the only person I will ever know who wants to own her own spinning wheel and sheep. If you need a special gift for a little one (or even an adult) drop her a line. Kat@mysweetiepeas.com.

Many thanks Kat for your hard work, patience, and your ability to drop everything for mexican food or a craft store. Check ya later!

A great night at "Girls Night Out"

Sat. the 23rd was a great day. Beautiful weather and I completed a new line of stationery which was unveiled at a fun "Girls Night Out" at Romers Catering in St. Henry. They put on a great show. Over 30 vendor booths, a yummy dinner, fashion shows, make-overs and finally a top notch comedian. Did I mention free wine?

As per usual my mom accompanied me to the event to help me set up and to run her mouth (in a good way) while meeting and greeting folks. And was there a lot of people! Over 400 guests in attendence. I counted only 5 men in the whole house. The cute DJ (who gathered a lot of attention), the bartender, the wine guy, a guy who got roped into getting a makeover and finally Paul Kelly, the comedian from Chicago.

The evening was extra special because it was a fundraiser for Cara Siefring from Burkettsville. Cara is a 4 year old who suffers from a rare cancer and will be (hopefully) getting a bone marrow replacement in March.

Many area businesses donated money and/or door prizes which were raffled off. At the last minute there was an open spot for a makeover. They had a spur of the moment auction with the proceeds benefiting the Siefring Family. There was a hot bidding war between two tables. For $400ish dollars the prize was won. Then to make the whole thing even sweeter the losing table decided to donate their final bid. The evening was enjoyed by all, and successful with over $6,000 donated to the Siefring family. Say a little prayer for them.

As for my stationary line, it's very kitsh, vintagey and fun. I will soon have an online shop at etsy.com. Be on the lookout!