Blue Skies and A Good Book...

Florida has some of the most amazing skies...especially before, during and after storms. This view is facing south from a road near our home, and those clouds are out over the Gulf. I took the photo in the early afternoon yesterday, after one storm had already passed. By late afternoon, these clouds reached our neighborhood, soaking us again.

When the heavens open up, the best thing to do is to find an inside diversion. Turning on computerized sewing machines in thunder storms isn't always the wisest thing to do, and I'm trying not to do handwork when I'm sitting at home.

This book, "Elm Creek Quilts Companion" by Jennifer Chiaverini was a lovely gift that arrived in the mail yesterday from my friend, Marydon of Blushing Rose. She knows my love for books, fabric, quilting and history. This book tucks all that (and more) between two covers! It's a perfect alternative to creating. I mean, if you aren't creating something, isn't it the next best thing to read about creating something?

Thank you, Marydon. Your gift arrived at the most perfect time. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in a good read, and can't thank you enough for the generous surprise you sent my way. You're one of the very first friends I made in Blogland, and I'm so blessed that we found each other in all this wide world. Blessings always, my dear friend.

Vintage Lace and Another Lovely...

Recently, my dear friend, Marydon asked me to create a little pillow to fit inside a vintage, lace pillow cover she owns. I told her I'd be thrilled to make one for her.

When she sent it to me, she had tucked a little "thank you" into the package. A sweet, china teacup and saucer!

I love chickadees! This one is nestled among holly leaves and berries and is so pretty! What a nice gesture, but so unnecessary as I was happy to create the cover for my friend without compensation.

I pulled some beautiful, champagne-colored silk and then stuffed the pillow form with organic wool. I purposely made the pillow with enough room to avoid putting pressure on the precious lace.

I carefully slipped the lace cover onto the form and buttoned it closed. Then, I snapped a photograph with the teacup and saucer to share with you before I sent the pillow back to Marydon. I hope she likes it, but I also promised her a pink cushion if she'd rather have her favorite color under the lace.

Thank you, Marydon for letting me hold that gorgeous lace in my hands! I think I'll sit down with a cuppa tea in my new set now to celebrate this finished project for a friend.

An Irish Prayer From My Little Leprecaun...

Although it's not officially one of Tag's post days, I can't imagine anything better than photos of my own little Leprecaun with his favorite playmates. Taggart loves kids!

Especially little girls!

I offer a St. Patrick's Day prayer courtesy of my friend,
Marydon at Blushing Rose Boutique:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Blog Anniversary Post (click here) for a chance to win my giveaway. Perhaps you'll have your own "Luck of the Irish"!

The Happy Couple on their wedding day.

Before I close, Handsome and I would like to send Happy Anniversary (#11) wishes to our younger son and his beautiful wife. May you always find delight in each other. We love you both!

I Must Have Been Good...

Over the past week, the postman has been delivering the most wonderful surprises for me. I received a package with a familiar return address. Upon opening the wrapping from Michelle Palmer, I saw her enclosed gift note that told me the acorn trinkets were gifts from Marydon of The Blushing Rose!

My dear friend, Marydon. How thoughtful and generous of you to think of me at this time of year. Of course, you knew that Michelle's acorn charms would be perfect for me! I can't wait to create something beautiful with them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A couple of weeks ago, I sent a birthday package to Terri Gordon of Designs by Terri Gordon. I never expected anything in return, so you can imagine my glee upon receiving a box in the mail from her. What could it be?

I carefully tore open the box to find the black and white diamond wrapping paper. Inside was this handcrafted piece from her.
She made the cone filled with creamy shred, embellished with an amber crystal at the bottom and wrapped in beautiful paper. Then she attached a key, beads and ribbons...
...and this sweet image embellished with laces and mounted onto a tag. She attached a wire so that I can hang it to display and enjoy. I am awestruck by this lady's talent!

Terri, my friend. You really didn't need to reciprocate for the birthday package, but I'M SO GLAD YOU DID! I love your creation and will treasure it. It's already hanging in the studio!
Last, but certainly not least, one of my very first blogging friends, Christina Jackson of iCandy sent a sweet, tiny box that was a gift in itself! She took a checkers playing piece -
star facing up, and glued it to the top of the box. She also glued a soft ribbon to the box for a little sheen. Then, she tied the top with a primitive stripe fabric strip. I was happy with the box, I tell you, but I thought I'd better check inside - just in case.
Look at the adorable, pearly charms that she tucked inside! I'm going to hang these beribboned, acorn charms above my sewing machine where I can just admire them for a while. I know I'll think of something to create with them, but for now, I'll look at them and smile at the gift my friend sent to me this Christmas.

All of these friends took time from their holiday preparations to think of me, and I'm tremendously grateful for their care and generosity. Really, I must have been good this year. Someone call Santa...please!