One of my favorite pastimes is reading greeting cards. Not exactly on par with, say, reading Tolstoy or building custom rocking chairs, but it still provides me with great enjoyment.

My favorite greeting cards are the Fresh Ink collection by Hallmark. I’ve always been a bit of a Hallmark snob. Mostly I think it has to do with the impact their advertising has had on me – I always feel a little ashamed when I don’t “care enough to send the very best.” I mean, really. What a guilt trip. And one that I continually fall for.

The one exception to this rule for me is a fantastic card made by a local artist. But when I don’t have time to search for those artsy, original cards, I find myself in the Fresh Ink Section at my local Gold Crown store.

I can remember spending hours in front of those square cards laughing until my sides hurt and the tears were streaming down my face. I love them because they tend to have very quirky humor, and those who know me know that quirky humor resonates deeply with me. I cannot go into a Hallmark store and not buy at least 3 Fresh Ink cards, 2 of which I usually keep for my own amusement. Fresh Ink is exactly what I’m looking for in a card: bright, flashy colors coupled with significant snarkiness and sharp wit. Exhibit A: