January 1, 2010

New Year, New Ideas & A Love Note...

It's officially 2010. I know this because Handsome, Kes and I heard the fireworks in our neighborhood at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Kes was especially interested in the noise and wondered what was going on. She wasn't afraid...just curious. After midnight hugs and kisses, Handsome and I ended our celebration and bid the revelers a good night.
I spent our rainy New Year's Day in the studio. Handsome spent the day watching football. I finished giveaway gifts that will be on their way to Marydon at Blushing Rose today, along with a surprise project for my sister, Diana, which I'll mail off to her in Minnesota.
These photos are ideas I'm working on for this year. The oak leaves in this photo were screened onto fabric which I turned into project totes for my Books A Million knitting/crochet friends on Tuesday night. I gave one to each of the gals earlier this week. They were the same muslin fabric with a drawstring design that I had used for Christmas gift bags, but I used my new oak leaf design as the image - and one of my signature acorn charms - on the front instead of an embroidered design.

They were just small gifts from the heart, but when I gave one to each of the gals, you might have thought I'd given them spun gold. They were all so appreciative! Don't you find that people who engage in handwork, in whatever form, always seem to like even the smallest gifts because they were hand made? I think so.

Over dinner last night, Handsome said he had one more anniversary gift for me, and then he handed me this book.

Inside the book were copies of email correspondences between him and the photographer who supplied all the images for the book, Bruce Dale. I started to cry, but in order for you to understand my reaction, I need to take you back twenty eight years.

The first love note Handsome gave me twenty eight years ago was attached to this picture:
Handsome told me in that note that the photograph was taken by Bruce Dale, "a photographer for National Geographic whose work can consistently water one's eyes". Handsome, being a professional photographer, loved the expression captured in this photo and in his love note to me, he told me that he hoped that someday we would have the same rapport as Bruce and his subject, Terry. Her image, which Handsome clipped from a National Geographic magazine (and then backed with his love note) has been framed and on one table top or another in every home we've lived in all these years.

Terry was published in the book, Mountain People in 1973. Handsome had met Bruce Dale in the 1960's at a professional function, and had seen the work that would eventually become this book. Long out of print, but with Mr. Dale's help, Handsome was able to locate a copy as a gift for me. In their correspondence, Mr. Dale also offered to autograph my copy.

Perhaps now, you understand my reaction to this gift. It was like getting that original love note - times ten - again this year. I'm looking forward to the possibility of actually meeting Mr. Dale (who lives in Virginia) on our return trip to Williamsburg next fall. I'll hand carry the book and explain to him just how important his picture of Terry has been to us. I think he's going to like knowing what an effect his work has had on our life together.
JoySignatureBROWNSM

13 comments:

  1. Oh, my! What a beautiful love story! You are one lucky woman!

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  2. Oh' Donna... That is such a touching story, so romantic and so sweet. It's so nice to see someone appreciate such a tender gift. It seems you have a gem and you've made a beautiful life together.

    Hugs...Tracy :)

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  3. What a sweet story, Mr Dale will be touched when you meet him. The art of photography, as any art can be, life changing. I wonder what the love note said...but that is personal.
    The oak leaves are really special, I hope you show the finished project...and the tiny acorns charms are darling. Have a wonderful weekend!
    Love
    Marcie

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  4. How cool is that story! Wow! I just love stories like that! Awesome!
    And yes, I do believe that creative people always love handmade gifts the best of all. ;)
    blissfully,
    shell

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  5. Your post always keep me so involved until the end. Love the gifts you made for your group and yes people that are involved with making thngs always appreciate their gift that are homemade more than others.
    What a neat gift and surprise you received from Handsome. He really did good! So romantic and thoughtful. You deserve my dear
    Happy New
    Year
    Maggie

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  6. How romantic, your hubby is a sweetheart:)
    I love the oak leaf design and the three leaves above that.
    Both would make gorgeous pillows!

    Hope your weather clears up:)

    Hugs
    Mary
    http://marywadsworthbloomingideas.blogspot.com

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  7. Donna,
    You had me at love note!!! What a wonderful gift. I don't need to tell you what a special guy you have. Happy New Year to both of you.
    Jane

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  8. I agree, I appreciate handmade gifts so much. I think your drawstring bag is a true treasure. It is so perfect for holding small knitting projects. Thank you so much. What a wonderful story you shared. Have a great day! Twyla

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  9. Donna,
    What a blessed life you are living and HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY!! That is to be commended these days! I can tell by your picture that you are madly in love with handsome!! May that love continue until the end of time!
    Hugs~

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  10. You two have such a compelling love story. That man of yours is a true romantic. A keeper!
    Brenda

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  11. Your handsome needs to go on tour, with you of course and speak on 'keeping romance in a marriage'.
    What a heartwarming story, Donna. BTW, I love that pic in the upper left of your sidebar. You two look like little cooing love birds. I love the devotion the two of you have for each other. It really is a good role model for all of us. And good news in todays society. Thank you so much for sharing your story that is a breath of fresh air.

    Linda
    Robin's Egg Blues

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  12. What an awesome story.I am so glad I found your blog. Shirley

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna