Well, not exactly “on demand” – perhaps more like “on request.”

Maybe it is “on demand.”

The idea is that instead of my sending people my popup cards when I think they would like a card, they will now receive them only upon request.

Now I can, and likely will, tell certain people, “If you would like a popup card, please think about it and email me. You can let me know what pictures and/or theme you would like.”

If I don’t hear from them, that’s fine. No card needed.

If they email, “I would love a popup card with pictures of angels,” they will receive it.

If they email, “I would love a popup card –- any card you send is great,” they might receive one of my re-mastered cards. That is, a card I had once begun and never quite finished.

What is the upshot for me? What does this all mean?

I think it means I have turned another corner. The labor-of-love that goes into my popup cards has to be really meaningful, I recently decided. When I now make a popup, I will be able to visualize the recipient smiling broadly as he or she opens the card. I will no longer have the image of a recipient stashing the card under a pile of papers or tossing it into the garbage.

It took me quite awhile to arrive at this place. Perhaps it was the realization that there are kids who actually do not enjoy receiving my cards. Yes, that was a blow. Fortunately, I did recover.

My cards, and therefore, my energies, will now be more focused. Hey, look at how much more time I will have to devote to other projects.

What card would you like? You may email me at robertebsen@hotmail.com.