November 9, 2011

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.
Photobucket

14 comments:

  1. It is amazing Donna the friends we meet and make here in blog land. I call them Earth Angels and I wonder how boaring my life would be had I never started blogging. I remember a little pin cushion you made and I fell in love with when I first met you and you made one and mailed it to me when I was still in AL and very depressed most of the time. I don't know if you remember how excited I was and sent you my thank you but will remind you once again how you made my day and life was a little better knowing someone did that for me. I am not in AL anymore and am home in IL where my heart was all the time.
    Yes we never know how our thoughts and kindness might affect someone that we have never had the pleasure of meeting in person. I am also one that enjoys reading your posts and hopefully you enjoy reading mine :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. The squirrel is adorable! And what a lovely gift. You're right, you never know who is reading what you write, what we all write here in Blogland, and how it affects people. I hope, like you do, that my blog is uplifting in it's own way, I know I've learned a lot about blogging from you, namely to do it MORE often! :) Whoever came up with blogs, I have a feeling they didn't know (at the beginning) what they were starting!! You are blessed to have such friends, and I am blessed also, having met so many wonderful people, you included, via blogs. Blessings are not to be taken lightly, and I don't. :) Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a sweet and kind gesture! Such treats! Blogging is great...especially the friends met along the way. Happy day to you. ; )
    ~MIchele

    ReplyDelete
  4. Donna, what a very lovely post! That was so nice of Marie to send you all those heartfelt gifts!! You are one lucky woman to have people that care about you and go through your good times and bad times with you! I always enjoy reading your blog and of course, seeing Tag!! You have many blessings!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Donna, you've certainly touched me with your words. I consider meeting you one of the best things to happen to me since I started blogging. Thank you for taking the time each day to share your life with us. It does touch us in ways you can't even know. Twyla

    ReplyDelete
  6. Donna dear I have been told "The world is a mirror" and I believe it. "You get what you give" is another one I follow. You give us so much with your wonderful posts and projects that all reflect a life of simple elegance and generosity. I am so thankful to be one of your many blog friends. Very sweet of Marie to give you such thoughtful gifts. Blessings...
    P.S. Please do not think you owe me...I only want you to smile when you see something thoughtfully sent to you dear.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marie is an angel for sending those things to you. We all need a pat on the back occasionally, but a hug in the form of a package filled with love, is really special.
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a delightful mailbox full of surprises! I'm SEW happy for you...those projects look VERY interesting & fun!

    A funny thing happened at my DD's home on Halloween night. A new to the neighborhood gal stopped by with her 2 little Trick or Treaters & she told DD, "You live HERE??? I recognize your red door & the gorgeous monogrammed pillow & bench from The Gazebo House blog!" LOL I have no idea who the gal was, but she's a follower of mine.
    See, ya' just never know who is reading!

    Hugs,
    Rett

    p.s. ♥♥♥ the butt shot of Tag! ;-p

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice post. It's amazing how sometimes you just make that connection with someone out in blog land. I know it's happened to me. Take care my friend, I look forward to and will continue to read your blog. :^)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Donna,
    Congrats on your lovely gifts. You know, I have been a blogger now for a bit over a year and I'm still in awe of just how generous most other bloggers are. The special friendships made here are wonderful. Have a great weekend!
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the reality posts - it's how we know who you are. What you make is wonderful, and so inspiring, but the reality stuff is what we can relate to on every level.
    You have touched many lives...

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are truly loved and cared about by so many and especially by me. Beautiful and heartfelt gifts girlfriend.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well, let me tell you Donna, I don't remember how I first linked to your blog. I remember that I commented on the first post I read. I also remember that you wrote back making me feel welcome. I felt a connection to you immediately. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
    XX, Carol

    ReplyDelete
  14. What truly special gifts you received, Donna. It is indeed amazing the generosity and kindness and love you can experience through individuals you meet online. After being offline for 12 days, I was quite heartened by the beautiful comments and concern given to me by friends.

    ReplyDelete

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