Generosity That Takes My Breath Away...

I can't tell you how exciting it was to read the return addresses on those boxes I found in the studio upon my return from Wisconsin. I promised to reveal more contents, so here goes.

I received more acorns!!! Thank you to Christine from iCandy blog for the beautiful Kansas acorns and added surprises! This package had small bags inside that just revealed more little gifts. Christine included a Halloween-themed gift bag with the acorns, a handstamped tag from Kansas, and a sweet and clever repurposed matchbox which contained a gold angel charm. She even stamped and scrolled my name on the outside of a little brown paper bag. I couldn't help but smile as I unwrapped all her thoughtful gifts.

Thank you so much, Christine, for your generous gifts. Be sure to stop over and visit her blog, and if you leave a comment, please tell her I sent you over!

My next package was also very cool. I WON the fat quarter giveaway over at Bunny Hill Designs from Anne!! (You can read the post here.) The fabric is Martinique from Three Sisters for Moda.

What a gorgeous stack of fabulous fabrics! I haven't counted, but there are a lot of fat quarters in this collection! I can't wait to untie them and see how many different ways I can use them. Of course, they might make one awesome quilt, too!

Anne this is the most generous of gifts from your trip to market this year. I can't tell you how much I love these fabrics! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, last, but certainly not least, is the most heartwarming boxful of house shoes that I received from Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog. She and her daughter, Lindsey, write lovely posts. I always smile when I visit, and I love the fact that a mother and daughter team share their creative space (online or off).

She read about the Books a Million Tuesday night knitting/crochet group Appalachian Project charity cause, and decided to participate. She sent me TEN pairs of house shoes to contribute to the cause.

I took them with me last night and passed them on to the very grateful organizer of this particular project. She was thrilled to receive them and agreed that they will be appreciated and well-loved by their lucky recipients. Thank you, Twyla, for the generous gift of your time and talent to a worthy cause. (I really wish my photo could adaquately portray just how great these crocheted house shoes are. They really are warm and wonderful...in an array of sizes!)

Can you even believe how very fortunate I am? I have these gracious and generous blog friends who share my passion for giving, gifting, and creating. Sometimes, it just takes my breath away.

Something New In The Boutique and Kessie's Birthday...

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your little girl's favorite American Girl (or similar size) doll*, you can stop over in my Brynwood Boutique to see all the details. I started this project in Wisconsin and sewed the sweet little pom pon on the beret last night. I'd love to know what you think!

* this set will also fit a 2-5 lb. premature baby
I just noticed that in twelve days I will have written 200 posts. My, how time flies! I'm going to put some thought into a Two Hundredth Post Giveaway. I'll see if I can come up with something special to tempt you!

Happy Twelvth Birthday, Kessie! (She keeps telling Handsome she wants a little brother. I think we'll give her a few special treats and a new toy today instead.)

Greetings From The Land Of Glee...

I opened all those packages on Sunday and will share their contents with you over the next few days. One of the most wonderful things that we bloggers share is the relationships we develop with other bloggers and those who read our words.

Mary Wadsworth and I have corresponded and are becoming good friends. She sent a package while I was away containing some of her fabulous artwork. I am now the proud owner of one of the Trees of Glee! Mary also sent a little gift for Kes (which I will take care of for her).

My words and photographic skills (or lack thereof) cannot adaquately convey the beauty, whimsy and talent of my friend. Mary explained to me that, from reading my posts about creating knitted and quilted blankets for the Project Linus children, she was inspired to write the words associated with the special oak tree she made for me. The words on the acorn-adorned tag read: "When seeds of hope are filled with Glee, Grow they will like a mighty oak tree."

I'm so honored to now own not one, but two of her pieces of work. The "kite" she created for Kes is also beautiful. It has a sweet dog bone in the center and even says "Lady Kes" on it.

I showed it to Kes after I opened the package and told her that it would hang in a place of honor in my studio. Kes wanted to see if it could really fly. I had to do some explaining there. It went like this: "Kessie, honey. It's art. It flies without taking flight. It flies because it's beautiful. It flies in your imagination." She snorted, "Sure, Mom." and left the studio. She did wag her tail on the way out, though, which is a good thing.

So, be sure to stop by Mary's blog Mary Wadsworth's Blooming Ideas and tell her you saw her work here. Don't forget to check out her Etsy Shop, Blooming Ideas, too! You just may need to own a piece from the Land of Glee yourself! Thank you, Mary. I love everything. Your talent is truly humbling!