1. In 1840, the British issued the first postage stamps. 2. Prior to this innovation, the recipient usually was responsible for the postage.

3. Thus, mail service was used mainly by the wealthy.

4. However, the new “penny post” made mail delivery affordable for most people.

5. Soon, people throughout Britain were sending each other greeting cards.

6. Greeting cards became popular in the United States also.

7. People bought Christmas cards and valentines from individual designers.

8. Joyce Hall, who earned a living with his picture postcards, founded a card company.

9. Over the years, Hall’s company has grown into a successful business.

10. Today, in addition to Hall’s company, many other card companies sell greeting cards.

11. Seemingly, there is a card for every occasion.

12. As I look through the card racks, I am usually drawn to the humor section.

13. When I read the cover of a humorous card, I enjoy guessing what the funny verse inside the card will say.

14. At Christmas last year, my parents gave me a computer.

15. Along with the computer came software that enables me to create greeting cards.

16. I sent the first birthday card I created to my pen pal in the Philippines.

17. Across the card’s cover, I wrote happy birthday.

18. I replaced the I in birthday with a picture of a candle.

19. Then I placed a cake under the words so that they all looked like decorations on it.

20. Inside the card was a funny verse amid small pictures of wrapped gifts.