B.L.E.S.S.E.D...

I don't know what I've done in my life to deserve such beautiful and generous friends. I recently received two surprise packages that filled my heart with joy.

Denise and I have been friends, sharing our lives online for over ten years...and we've never met in person (yet!). She and I have been sending packages and cards back and forth across the miles between Vermont and Florida all this time.

I originally "met" her when I left Wisconsin. I had been a Sales Director with Mary Kay, but decided to leave my business behind when we moved. Denise, a consultant at the time, very generously offered to provide the products to me at cost and that was the beginning of our association.

Since then, we have come to know each other and our families through our cards and emails. She and her husband, Neil recently celebrated the marriage of their son and I was like a shirttail aunt proudly viewing all the photographs!

Denise always sends delicious goodies from Vermont, including maple candies or Lake Champlain chocolates, and she rarely sends a gift that doesn't include something related to acorns for me. This time, I have to say she really outdid herself!

I love every single thing she sent in this box! Leaf-shaped serving dishes with acorns, and four cups and saucers with a pastoral scene amid acorns and oak leaves. I now know that they are called "Memory Lane" from Royal Ironstone...and I want to augment this set. I love them!

They remind me of the Currier & Ives dishes I had in one of my first apartments. They make me smile.

There was a tiny quilting book with a thimble-embellished ribbon bookmark. Inside the covers were many quilt-related quotes...and a tiny sticker that Denise had found inside another book she'd recently purchased.

I'm thinking "The Acorn" is the name of a bookstore in Portsmouth. It's about the size of a postage stamp, but it's so cool! I'm going to have fun mounting this inside a tiny frame to keep it safe.

Denise, your generosity never ceases to take my breath away, and I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to repay your kindness. It's going to be fun trying, though! Thank you, dear friend. Thanks and thanks again.

Sweet Jeanette and I have also been friends nearly since I started blogging. Last week, a package arrived from Valrico, FL with a gift tin inside. I excitedly opened the box to find a gorgeous big pewter acorn atop a super-size paper clip! This is perfect for keeping all my current notes handy on my desk.

I'm not sure if Jeanette created this herself or found it already made, but either way, I'm loving the acorn love from my friend.

If you've never visited Jeanette's blog, click here to stop over and say "hello". I'm always inspired when I visit, and you will be, too.

Thank you again, my friend. I love, love, LOVE your thoughtfulness and generosity! Jeanette, I never realized that we lived so (relatively) close to each other. Perhaps we'll have to plan a day to get together some time this year? I'd really like that!

I know, Shell. S.P.O.I.L.E.D. But I don't think so. I prefer B.L.E.S.S.E.D. with all my fabulous friends.
xoxo

Just Like A White Wing Dove...

I've been invited to be a guest on Sweet Jeanette blog. I hope you'll visit Jeanette today and check out my tutorial to make your own "White Wing Dove" Mug Mat.

I've been seeing all kinds of beautiful mug mats on other blogs lately, so when Jeanette invited me to create something for her blog, I decided to create my own take on these quick and easy gifts. They only take about an hour to make, and are a great use for your scrap fabric and batting. I know I'll be making more to give!

I'm also sharing one of our easy family recipes with her (she does have a cooking blog, after all). My Instant Hot Cocoa Mix would be a perfect accompaniment to a mug mat for a friend or family member. Just the ticket for a last minute gift!

Only 5 days til Christmas! As you hurry about to complete your projects and shopping, please take a moment to remember the Reason for the Season.

Thank you to my beautiful friend, Ellen, for making the lovely Christmas centerpiece in the photo.

Sharin' The Love In Blogland...

These are the components of the project I started yesterday.

Some things may not get used, and I'll save them for another time.
I love working with silk ribbon and beads.
See my favorite fabric underneath?
Another surprise for a special someone.
I'll share a sneak peek tomorrow.
I know. It's so hard to wait, isn't it?

When I went to the mailbox yesterday, I was greeted
by a big red envelope.
Hmmmm. Where is this from? Near Tampa?
Jeanette? Sweet Jeanette!

Did I miss a special occasion?
Is it my Birthday again so soon?
(Remember - I capitalize my big deal birthdays!)
Was this a giveaway?
No.
The note from Jeanette said that she
just wanted to share a few gifts with me.
Sweet Jeanette really lives up to her name!

I immediately tore into the packaging to find all these lovely gifts...
Just. Because.

A beautiful Longaberger bag that I'm looking forward to using...
A slimline pink wallet (I love pink, too!)
Yummy vanilla tea, and a primitive piece of needlework.
She enclosed the prettiest card with a lovely note.

It's official!
This beautiful woman really is SweetJeanette!
I hope you'll visit her blog and share the love.
I stop in for every new post, and once you stop by,
you'll ask for return invitations, I swear!

Thank you, Jeanette, my dear friend.
We're going to have to get together soon!
I'd love to thank you in person for your generosity.