Come visit with me as I stitch and craft my way from one Christmas to the next - I like to have Christmas projects close by me all year. I have a particular fondness for Santas and Angels. If you have the time, leave a comment so I know you've visited.

Friday, January 15, 2010

2010 is looking better ...

Today I received out of the blue a lovely surprise in the mail - a box full of treasures from my internet friend Mary from USA. Here are some of the contents:

She sent a lovely Christmas apron (Santa pattern), super-sized to fit me, that is reversible, with a lovely bright and cheery floral design on the other side; a cute Santa cross stitched ornament; a lovely lace angel; some pretty pointsettia fabric; a cute little cross stitched house on vinyl fabric; a crocheted doiley; lots of beading supplies; a box of 'thank you' cards, and some note pads. As an added thoughtful touch she filled the spaces in the box with polyester wadding, which I use to fill diamond puff ornaments and pin cushions. It really brightened my day! Mary and I are long-term members of a great little internet cross stitch group - it's only small, but very friendly and active. It was a good dayfor me when I stumbled across this group soon after I got internet access in 2002.

Actually, this was the second surprise gift I received this week. My friend Trish who came to visit last Monday with her daughter Sara brought me a large bunch of the roses she grows in her front yard. I took this picture tonight.
The roses look even more beautiful tonight (late Friday) than they did last Monday, as they have opened up. The aroma is just gorgeous. I walk past them each time I enter or leave my kitchen, and each time I take a moment to enjoy them, and to think of Trish and Sara.
Yesterday was a sad day for me, the funeral of my friend's mother Vi. I first met Vi about 22 years ago, shortly after I met her daughter Janet, my friend. Vi was 70 years young then. I always enjoyed her company, and in particular, her conversation. She had little formal education (by circumstance, not choice), but had immersed herself in books and films during her life, and through these resources she sought out knowledge of the world, its history, and its people. She didn't have an easy life, particularly in the years when her four children were growing up, and she worked hard to ensure that her children were formally educated and prepared for a life better than hers. The proof that she succeeded in this aim was there at her funeral. I have been to many funeral services in my life, but never one that was so personal, loving, and joyful. The tributes from each of her children and grandchildren were beautiful. Some wrote poems, others prose; some were read by the writer, others read by the funeral celebrant. All were touching, and so very emotive. Vi was a very special lady, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. I am richer for having known her, and I am sure there are many others who feel the same.
RIP, Vi.

1 comment:

Annie Bee said...

Lovely present and such beautiful roses. I have no sense of smell so I am glad that you were able to smell them.