The Chronicles of Marna

For those (like me) engaged in the Sisyphean task of organizing household baggage, I urge you to rush to Staples and check out Martha Stewart’s new line of home office products. I stumbled on them accidentally while looking for book plates to attach to file boxes. The aisles of impersonal and uninspiring office supplies offered nothing, so I decided to check the scrapbooking department of the local craft store. Before departing, I made a final sweep through the electronics department and that’s where I saw Martha Stewart’s new products, set up in an ad hoc display next to computer accessories.

I was smitten with the functional and beautiful system of organization Martha Stewart created.  The labels, tags, bands, binders, accordion files, sticky notes, and dry erase decals are exquisite and more attractive than the usual school supply stuff. The products are innovative and enchanting; for example, chalkboard labels you can write on!

Avery is a partner in the venture and you can see the entire line at their website.

Yes, I found exactly what I wanted. Now my project boxes are labeled in a lovely, Martha Stewart-esque way.

 

Marna Krajeski is the author of HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE: THE MOVING LIFE OF A MILITARY WIFE and HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE HANDLERS: 56 STORIES FROM THE HEARTS AND LIVES OF MILITARY WIVES. She also blogs at www.GreatGetTogethers.com.

Do you know what a Gold Star Pin looks like? Do you even know what it is?

In the article headlined “Fewer of Us Can Relate to Military Life — and Death,” (Weds, Jan 4), USA Today quoted a military widow who said no one asks her about the pin she wears. Having never seen a Gold Star Pin, I don’t think I would recognize it, or think to convey my sympathy to the wearer.

 Photo Credit: Edward Johnson, FMWRC PAO

The Gold Star Lapel Pin (left) was established by Congress in 1965 to identify widows, parents, and next-of-kin of Service Members killed in combat.  The Next-of-Kin (right) pin signifies a service-related death or suicide during active duty other than combat. For example, a death during training.

Next time I see someone wearing a Gold Star or Next-of-Kin pin, I’ll know what it means, and I’ll be sure to say “I’m very sorry for your loss,” and ask how they’re doing. This simple acknowledgment will convey my gratitude.

More information: http://www.army.mil/media/198223

Marna Ashburn Krajeski is the author of HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE: The Moving Life of a Military Wife and HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE HANDLERS: 56 Stories From the Hearts and Lives of Military Wives. She blogs at HouseholdBaggage.com and  GreatGetTogethers.com.