Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Gifts from a Special Friend

I just love going to the post office in our small town.  It seems like I always run into someone I know and it’s a great place to catch up on what’s happening in the community…and I don’t mean gossip.  *wink*

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Yesterday was no exception because this was waiting for me…

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My birthday gift from Julie in Australia! 

I was expecting  a parcel from Julie because she told me when she had posted it but nonetheless, it’s still a joy to find that little white card in the mail box stating that you have a parcel waiting to be picked up inside.

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Mr. Painted Quilt was driving as we had run a few errands prior to making the post office our last stop before returning home.  Upon our return, I took my time putting the groceries away and did a few other things just to prolong the anticipation before opening the parcel.  I just wanted the good feelings to last and last.

Not until all my “chores” were done did I decide to take the plunge.

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Inside was this beautifully wrapped package tied with a big red bow!

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I first opened the card which expressed Julie’s sincere birthday wishes.  Can you see the koala on the front?  If you notice, I was still taking my time to savor every moment before opening the package.

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This is the first gift that I found.  A simply awesome candle mat called “Under the Cherry Tree” done in wool…my absolute FAVORITE!  The sheep and the stitches are so tiny and the detail is simply amazing.  It must have taken hours upon hours to stitch this gem.  It now sits in our living room on one of the side tables and that will be it’s permanent place for all to see.

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Next was this pincushion from Rosalie Quinlan’s new book…because Julie knows that you can never have too many pincushions!

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Then I found this tiny scissor fob attachment x-stitched with the tiniest stitches.  The ‘K’ is for Kaaren and the ‘J’ for Julie to commemorate our friendship. 

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And here’s a peek at the other side.  It is now hanging on our Christmas tree…front, center and at eye level!  Gorgeous, huh?

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Then I found this Schnibbles pattern called ‘Tuffets’.  These are already on my ‘to do’ list for 2010.

And last but certainly not least…

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A pair of “chook” scissors to add to my addiction…I mean collection and a gorgeous scissor sheath.  They took my breath away!

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I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world for having met Julie through a swap that she hosted.  I think our husbands breath a sigh of relief that we live so far away from one another because there’s no telling what kind of trouble we’d get into if we were any closer.

Thank you, Julie…and from the bottom of my  

Your gifts and friendship mean the world to me.

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And I just have to end this post with a picture of our Westie, Mac.  He just came back from the doggie beauty shop about an hour ago and I decided that I’d better snap a picture quickly because…being a typical male…he won’t look this clean, neat and tidy in a couple of hours from now.

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 Not too bad for an eleven year old, huh?  No, not me…Mac!  *wink*

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

22 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

Mac is quite the handsome boy. Lovely birthday gifts. Happy Belated Birthday!

Sue said...

Happy Birthday Kaaren, even if my wishes for you are late. You gifts are lovely and Mac is soooooo cute.
What a great day you had.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Happy Birthday from me also..even if it is a little late! The gifts are gorgeous and so thoughtful. Mac is adorable. He is absolutely adorable! Can you tell I am a dog person? ~Blessings, Karen

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

All of your gift from Julie are incredible Kaaren! How sweet! I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Darlene said...

Oh no! I missed your birthday!?!?!?!?! Happy Birthday, my friend, Kaaren!

Wonderful gifts from Julie. I love Mac - he's a cutie!

Julia said...

Lovely birthday gifts. Happy Belated Birthday!
All the gifts Julie sent you are lovely...what a delight to open such beautiful gifts from the heart..
Julia ♥

Allie said...

Ah yes, savoring the anticipation - I do that too! What beautiful gifts Julie sent you, my goodness, well worth the wait!
Mac is ADORABLE, btw!

Julie said...

hi kaaren,
it truly was my pleasure!
how about that handsome little man huh? there's another reason it's probably a good thing we have big seas between us........ i could see myself wrapping that little boy up and bringing him home. being winter now, i guess he'll stay cleaner for a lot longer than he would in summer?
big hugs,
julie xox

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Love the picture of Mac--give him a hug from me!!
Love your birthday gifts--gifts are fun no matter the reason or season!!
Hugs, Di

Pat said...

I hope you had a very happy birthday. So sorry I missed it. I would have sang Happy Birthday to you!! Maybe it is a good thing I didn't know...I can't even carry a tune in a bucket!

Karen said...

I see you have added to your sheep collection. Very cute. You certainly received a nice parcel of goodies from your friend so far away. She has paid close attention to what you like.

Do you have to go to the post office to pick up your mail?

WoolenSails said...

What wonderful goodies and Mac looks like he is all ready for the holidays.

Debbie

Deb said...

Kaaren, what beautiful gifts from Julie. She is such a sweet soul isn't she and so generous. Love her to bits too.
Happy Belatd Birthday

hugs Deb

Janet said...

Julie knows you well, all those gorgeous gifts are so you. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I loved seeing the photo of Mac, he's very handsome in the photo.

onlymehere said...

Beautiful gifts! I especially love the scissors and holder. She must know you well to know of your addiction, ugh, collection I mean! Happy birthday!

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh Kaaren these gifts are just amazing... and I seem to have missed your birthday completely...so Happy Belated Birthday!!!! :o) Wish you all the best..HUGS!!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Kaaren,
What a lovely gift you received.
Happy Birthday.
Hugs,
Anna

RG said...

Absolutely gorgeous Kaaren and we both know Jules is a real sweetie and a lovely true friend.
Gorgeous work-woman ship as always!!
Enjoy..I know you will!!

Now where Have I been??
Happy happy birthday to you!!!
Hope it was really wonderful :D
(((Birthday hugs!!!!))) Squish!!

...and mac is gorgeous!!
Is he still clean now? Lol

Teresa said...

Happy Birthday Kaaren.. I love the gorgeous presents you received from Julie.., She is one clever chooky.. Mac is too cute for words and looks very debonair ha ha xx

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

Happy Birthday to you Kaaren! I hope you had a wonderful day, certainly Julie's parcel is quite amazing,so very thoughtful indeed. Enjoy your goodies!

Carrie P. said...

I missed your birthday! Happy Birthday! Oh boy those are some great gifts you got from Julie.
Oh Mac is so sweet. I just want to kiss that black nose of his. What a face.

Anonymous said...

You have been spoiled, you got all the things you love to collect. Mac is so cute and clean