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April 2, 2008

Just Because...

A few days ago I commented on Thimbleanna's blog about the lovely gifts she'd recently got "just because". I said, isn't wonderful our community where we reach out across the globe to make these friendships and give of ourselves "just because" we feel a need to, "just because" we see something that we just know this person on this blog would just love. LOL, I recently suggested a swap with Jessi at Alabama Fiber Dreams when I read of her love for salt and vinegar chips/crisps. I offered to send her some Irish ones and then we decided to add in some yarn and other crafty goodness. I sent her husband some yummy Irish tea and some bread mixes... This is what she sent me, how spoiled am I!! Her own beautiful handspun yarn and stitch markers, some lovely Sophies Toes sock yarn, beautiful knitting needles (how did she know that I'd love to get bunches of these decorative needles just for the beauty of putting them in a jar in my studio!!), a knitting journal, some cheetos hee hee, sweets for the kids, an amazing huge quilt kit, and a scrap quilting book! Jessi, I owe you big, I don't feel we made a fair trade, I got so much more than I sent out!!
Great Trade with Jessi

And if I wasn't already lucky enough with this swap, this week I have been surprised by two packages I received "just because"!!

A few weeks ago I was reading Gail Pan's blog and admired her sampler that has just been published in the latest Australian Homespun magazine. I commented on her blog about how I loved it and had to figure out how to get the magazine over to me here in Ireland. Dawn Hay read my comment and followed the link to my blog and generously offered to send me the magazine as a congratulations for getting that pesky Irish version of a full driving license. How wonderful are quilters?? I received her package today, and there was a lot more than a magazine in it! She sent some squares for Aine's quilt, some 3 Sisters Simplicity charms, 3 gorgeous Australian design fat quarters, some gorgeous multicolor DMC floss, a cute vintage sewing machine button, some beads and cute notepads for the girls, and some Debbie Mumm panels! Above and beyond again. How lucky am I!!
Wonderful Package from Dawn

Then arrived a package today that I didn't even realize was making its way to me from England. Anne Bebbington made these amazing and sweet heart stitcheries for the girls (they have them hanging in their room now!) and this gorgeous heart quilt for me, for my birthday, and for everything else that has been happening this year, "just because". What a surprise these beautiful handmade gifts were. They brought tears to my eyes. 
Wonderful Surprise from Anne

I am grateful beyond words to all of you. And very spoiled.

When I come back from spending time with my parents, I want to send back some goodness into the world. I'm sensing some sort of a giveaway....stay tuned in a few weeks!!

On another note, I did send out a few little packages today, my Pay it Forward gift is in the mail, as is my bag swap packet, a very small gift for Dawn ( I need to get you more!!), and a few goodies for Barbara.

I am pretty much packed for the trip, just need to get my cross stitch organized in my carryon bag and then my toiletries in the morning. The house is presentable, and the 12 generous mommas all have Dave's work and mobile numbers, and he has a cheat sheet full of numbers and info about where the kids will be on any given day. I hope everything works out okay!! I know I've said it before, but I feel very lucky to have such support in real life and in our blogging community.

Thank you.

24 comments:

Bubblesknits said...

I'm so glad that it got there before you left! I was keeping my fingers crossed. :-) You deserve to be spoiled. Safe traveling!

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, good luck! I'll be thinking about you on your trip. Wonderful pressies you've received too -- I really like that little heart quilt! XOXO.

Kristie said...

Lucky You!!! That just goes to show what a wonderful person that everyone knows you are! Have a safe trip!!!
Kristie

Hedgehog said...

Lucky you! Love the gifts from Anne. Have a safe trip!

janet clare said...

lucky girl! What goes around comes around though, so I am sure you deserve every bit of it.

May Britt said...

You are lucky. And you deserve it too. I agree....bloggerfriends are the best friends. I am also expecting some some packages in my post now. Repro fabrics some nice ladies offered to send me :)

May Kristin said...

Fun mail is always fun! LOL. Enjoy!

Barbara said...

What lovely mail - the blogging community really is wonderful, isn't it? :D

I hope your trip is dull as dishwater (the best way to fly!) and that your Mom's treatments go as smoothly as possible.

chookyblue said...

wow such wonderful goodies.........you are very lucky.......

Angela said...

Oh wow you lucky thing, look at all those wonderful heartfelt gifts. I'm just a little jealous at the moment, crunchy cheetos are just my favourite snack from the states, it's probably a good job you can't get them here though as I'm sure it'd eat so many I'd turn orange!

laeroport said...

What goodies!
Let us know that you got there safe, okay?

Holly said...

You hit the mother load of "just because" prezzies and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person. Have a good trip.

Kate said...

Wow, what a lovely load of treats. I knew about Anne's (she asked me for your address) but the other things are super, too. You know what I envy, of course - the cheetos! No, just kidding, I like everything...

Karol-Ann said...

How kind and generous of everyone to send such lovely packages. You really do deserve it. Have a safe trip and I'm sure your DH will be fine.

Anna said...

How wonderful that you recieved such lovely support and gifts! May that goodwill carry you through your trip to see your mom.

You and your family have my prayers, Shug. Give your mom a big hello from all of us in the blogging community!!

caffinna said...

OMG! OMG! OMG! Okay, let me calm down a bit, or atleast try to calm down. Last October we moved about 8 miles away from the Post Office, and with the cost of gasoline we don't check the mail everyday these days, we can't aford to. So yesturday, since I was going threw town on my to and from church anyway, I stopped and checked the mail. OMG! I got my "Pay It Forward" pressie from you! The timing couldn't have been more perfect with today (monday 4-7) being my birthday, it was like opening a surprise present! Thanks ever so much for the chocolate truffle bar, the quilt pattern, the fq of fabric, the knitted scrubbie, and the handmade soap!

I lost your email so decided to post my gratitude here. Again, thank you ever so much.

Jan Miraglio

Tracy said...

Such sweet gifts and treasures...I always say, blogger are the loveliest, most generous souls! Happy Belate Birthday--hope it was a grand day ((HUGS))

nicky said...

You sure have kept the postman busy! What lovely gifts you got!
Nicky

Sarah said...

It was great finally meeting you this evening, Cathi, after hearing about you through Kristin and reading your blog posts in the past. Look forward to your visit this summer. By the way, if your mom needs help during treatment, please feel free to have her to call me. I've been arranging for meal dropoff, housecleaning for families in need over the years and find it satisfying. Kristin has my number or feel free to email me privately.

Sarah said...

Thanks for droppin' by and sayin' hello, Cathi. I do hope you have a safe journey home to Ireland.

I know for many, it is uncomfortable to receive help. Believe me--it's not easy to face a live-threatening journey alone only with your loved ones. Your loved ones need as much support as the person suffering too. Talk to Kristin and she will tell you how much relief it was to have friends stopping by with meals and running errands for her. Your mom needs to put all her energies into healing and winning the challenge she has to endure. Another mom and I did a complete housecleaning for Kristin before her first treatment. It may seem extreme but believe me it is very cleansing. Getting her mind ready for another life journey ahead is critical for her success. Cathi, I'll be happy to pay her a visit anytime she feels comfortable for it.

By the way, when I clicked on your name of the comment you made today, it took me to your profile which has the old blogs and not this one. Just thought you'd like to know in case you didn't want it to loop around in the cyber space.

Blessings,
Sarah
www.radicalunschooler.blogspot.com
ravelry: knit1felttoo

colleen said...

Safe journeys... I am thinking of you. Been out of pocket since daughters baby arrived...but slowly getting back in the swing of things.

Julie said...

I am so glad you were able to be there for your parents, good for you! And fun quilt goodies and pressies for home! fun...

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, it's so nice to see you're having a wonderful time with your family. I love the two books you got. And now I'm confused about your quilting class -- haven't you already been hand quilting your Dear Jane quilt? I would think with that under your belt, YOU'd be teaching the teacher!

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