Personal growth

The beauty of real conversations

“True happiness arises from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions.” ~Joseph Addison

A boxed set of Picture a Conversation(TM) cards by Debra and Martin Darvick 

Debra Darvick, a longtime pal of mine, has created a brilliant card deck that’s sure to revive what she calls “the endangered art” of simple conversation. I’m so enthused — and proud of my friend — that I want to share Picture a Conversation with you. 

A little background: For several years, Debra and her husband, Martin, have been designing and selling greeting cards that combine Martin’s beautiful photography with Debra’s inspirational messages. But that was just the beginning of this talented couple’s creative collaboration. 


The seed for Picture a Conversation was planted when Debra noticed a family of four sitting at a table in a restaurant, all totally focused on their electronic devices. Soon after, Debra set out to develop a tool that would get people talking with one another again. 

Each of the 25 cards included in the Picture a Conversation deck features one of Martin’s nature photos paired with a quote on the front, and three related discussion questions on the back. The cards can be used to break the ice or stimulate meaningful conversation at cocktail parties, business seminars, family gatherings (the holidays are coming!), writing classes, spiritual retreats, school reunions, and a variety of other social functions. 

Ready to put down your iPhone and start a real conversation? Let’s start talking. To learn more and order your own deck, please click here. ~CL




Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.

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