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Karen Spring has developed a novel approach to show people you care. She writes customized poems which are tailored for each individual and mounted on plaques to give as keepsakes.
"It's something that allows me to be a little creative and it's fun to do," said Spring, 32, of Deptford. "It's not even so much about money."
Spring is a
freelance writer who has been writing poetry since she was a
child. Since much of her work is for technical software
companies and the health care industry, poetry provides a
lighthearted outlet for her writing.
To date, she
has sold about 30 plaques since she began creating them a year
ago. She composes poems for all types of occasions including new
babies, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Plaques cost $40,
and with just a small, general history about the recipient, she
is able to tailor a poem to suit any person.
Recently, she has taken her craft a step further and works closely with realtors who give poetry plaques to clients when they purchase or sell a home.
"She does phenomenal work. Every time I have a buyer or seller, as long as it's a residential home, I have her make one up," said Wanda McIlvaine, president of Budd Realty in Woodbury.
McIlvaine explained that she takes a digital photograph of the home, which she e-mails to Spring along with information about the client and their situation, whether it be an older couple downsizing to a new home or a new couple just starting out in their first home. Armed with this information, Spring writes a people-specific poem.
"The poetry relates to a little of their lives while living in the home," said McIIvaine.
A married mother of twin toddler boys, Spring works out of her home and gets most of her work done in the evening. When not working, she sometimes spends her nights in other places.
Like graveyards.
Spring moonlights as a researcher for South Jersey Paranormal Research Group. The group investigates sites reported to be haunted and tests for ghosts using recording devices, digital cameras and movie cameras. The group is often called to the homes of residents who feel haunted by visitors from the other world. Spring helps prepare reports for clients on the group's findings.
She is sympathetic to the group's mission.
"There have been a couple times in my life when I've been going through problems and felt like my grandfather was right behind me. It was like I could wheel around and he'd be standing there," said Spring. "I went to a psychic who told me there was a man with me that comes and goes when I need him, and I knew it was him. It was in agreement with what I had felt all along. I find it very comforting."
Spring says her husband Eric, a mortgage consultant, is skeptical of the paranormal.
"He told me it's my thing and doesn't like me to tell him too much about it," said Spring. "He said, 'If you want to spend the night in a graveyard, that's your thing. I'll be here in my nice, warm bed.' "