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Debra Says, ‘Let’s Talk’

Get the conversation started by admiring
beautiful images of nature.

graphic artist Emma Darvick, created a
design, the Darvicks found a Michigan
photograph shows a group of
fabricator for the actual manufacturing
ducks gathered near the edge
process. After an initial printing of 1,000
of an ice-covered shore. Some
boxed sets of the cards, the Darvicks
have turned their heads toward the land;
hosted an “assembly party” to put the
others look out at the water. One brave
packages together.
soul has ventured into the water, swim-
“It’s a charming package, with no
ming toward an unseen desti-
shrink wrap, just a clear seal with
nation.
a sticker,” Darvick said. “I wanted
To some, the photo is simply
it to be an experience where the
a striking depiction of a natural
box opens like a gift.”
scene. To JN advice columnist,
The cards, which sell for
journalist, author, blogger and
$24.95 per 25-card set, are avail-
entrepreneur Debra Darvick,
able in Arizona and Vermont
it presents an opportunity
as well as on the website
for conversation, something
PictureAConversation.com.
she considers a dying art and
The cards will soon be available
Martin and
is hoping to revive through
in retail locations throughout
Debra Darvick
her new endeavor, “Picture a
Southeast Michigan. She plans
Conversation.”
to sell them at local craft and boutique
Darvick came up with the idea as
shows as the holidays approach.
an outgrowth of the greeting card line
The Darvicks have used the cards to
“His Lens/My Pen,” a creative collabora-
spark conversations with their children
tion between Darvick and her husband,
and between themselves, learning new
Martin, an avid nature photographer.
things about each other even after 36
Each card includes a photograph taken
years of marriage.
by Martin and an inspirational message
“I find it very fascinating,” Martin said.
written by Darvick. The messages relate
“You end up talking for 20 or 30 minutes
to universal issues such as relationships,
about something that would never have
taking chances and facing new (or old)
come up without the cards.”
challenges.
Rabbi Boruch Cohen, spiritual leader
With the goal of inspiring people
of the Birmingham Jewish Connection,
to “text less and talk more,” Darvick
has used the conversation cards during
expanded the greeting card concept and
discussion groups attended by married
developed a set of 25 cards, each with a
couples.
photo and conversation prompts relating
“I think the cards are marvelous,” he
to the image. For example, the caption
said. “They have led to some insightful
accompanying the photo of the ducks
discussions, brought people to a place of
reads, “The choice is yours: Turn your
reflection they may not otherwise have
head. Watch from the shore or swim
gone. There are so many ways to use
into your destiny.” On the back are three
them.”
conversation prompts that encourage
Professional relationship coach and
participants to discuss experiences from
mother of four Stacy Bishop Niskar has
their own lives involving one or more of
enjoyed using the cards with her hus-
the three approaches.
band, Joey, and their four children.
“My passion is to recapture something
“In a world of technology, where we
that is being lost and diminishing our
all have our noses in our phones, it’s
experiences as people,” Darvick said.
wonderful to look into each other’s eyes
“We’re losing something in our human-
and share from our hearts in a meaning-
ity when we’re only texting or talking via
ful and authentic way,” said Niskar, who
computer. We’re still human; we need to
plans to start using the cards with her cli-
talk, to look into someone’s eyes.”
ents as well. “It was a nice way to connect
The idea began a few years ago. Initial
and get to know each other better.”
presentations met with positive feedback.
After her daughter, New York-based
Read Dear Debra’s advice column on page 42.

Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer

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NOAH ARONSON

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40 August 18 • 2016