Because You Just Never Know...

Many days I write my blog posts and never know the lives I touch with my words.  Each day, my goal is to write a thoughtful post about the "joyful and creative" aspects of my life. Then there are days where I share some of the less joyful or less creative stories I have to tell.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that this past year has had some sad days, too. Those dark days when I lost Fezzik so unexpectedly, and then this fall when Kes (and my former Golden, Kirby) joined him at the Rainbow Bridge during our travels. Our dogs lives are so very short to begin with, but it still comes with sadness when their times come and they must leave us.

I don't recall this for you to make you relive those sad days with me. Rather, to explain the stories that prompted one of my blog friends to send me a package recently. I received a package in the mail Tuesday and I hate to say that I didn't recognize the return address. Marie in Ohio. Hmmmm. Did I order something and forget where I purchased it? I didn't think so.

Handsome, Tag and I walked back to the house whereupon I immediately went back to the studio to open the box so it would reveal its contents. Imagine my surprise to find so many wonderful surprises inside!

An adorable squirrel holding acorn salt and pepper shakers. Marie knows how I adore acorns and thought of me when she found this. Then, she also added two little sewing (quilting) kits. The sweetest snowman is the center of a small accent quilt from The Wooden Bear Designs, and all the supplies in another kit to create a little zippered Out & About carry-all. Aren't they wonderful?

Marie also added two pieces of nautical-themed fabric that I know will work perfectly with a recent lighthouse fabric purchase.

I opened her handwritten card first, but wanted to save its sentiment for last.  Marie told me that she reads my blog all the time - although she doesn't have one of her own yet - and that she saw the acorn s/p set and got them just for me. (Imagine that!) She also traveled this summer, but spends time in Winter Haven, FL, too. I'm hoping that I will get to see her on her next trip south so that I can thank her in person. (Marie...please send me an email through my blog so that we can see if there's time to get together while you're here!)

By the time I'd finished her card, I admit I was a little weepy. She wrote the most beautiful words to me and I want her to know that she - and all of you - bless me every day with your thoughts and comments, and sometimes with your gifts. Thank you, my new friend, for all the special gifts you sent to me. They will be used and cherished for a long time to come.

I also received another gorgeous artist trading card from Sherry @ Createology. She is so talented and artistic. I'm tickled to have another card from her to add to my collection. I owe you, my friend! I'll get your cards out this week I promise.

So, if you're wondering if anyone reads what you write on your blog, or whether or not you touch anyone with your thoughts, I'm proof that we all do. I'll continue to share those thoughts on my joyful and creative life with you, and try to keep the "reality" posts to a minimum. When I'm writing to you, I'll continue to write as though I'm sitting down to tea with my girlfriends (and boy friends, too). After all, you just never know whose life you might touch...and occasionally, they'll touch you right back.

Again, I am humbled beyond words at the generosity of my long-distance friends. Thank you.