... of Very Small Things (the result of her lovely inspiration and hardworking organisation here) has arrived with me. I won you, Alexa! began Miriam's wonderful and thoughtful letter, and it was a delight to open the envelope and gently slide out this ...
Just for you, it said. And a careful unwrapping of the pretty paper and raffia (I love raffia, Miriam - how did you know?), revealed this beautiful vintage drawstring embroidered bag ...
... and inside a whole host of perfectly chosen and handmade things from Miriam. And it really was just for me. Amongst other lovely treasures, a little book with pockets in (she's been reading my scrapbooking likes accurately!), a needle case made with her very own felt (what glorious shades of burnt orange and peach), a lovely ATC and tags, plus photos of sailing boats (how perfect is this for TrimmingTheSails?), the characterful Dublin Hags With Bags (I want to be one) and some Free Hugs (the best sort!), and a lovely lace-edged book made from a tray cloth which belonged to her Mum. Oh, and beautifully classy bunting in white with a single blue in the middle ...
See that pretty flowered tag top left? It has an Irish Blessing on it:
May you always have these blessings:
a soft breeze when summer comes -
a warm fireside in winter -
the gentle smile of a friend.
Smiling right back at you, Miriam, with a grateful heart :). And wishing the same blessings for all of you who read this today ...
Thank you, your post is beautiful. x
Posted by: Miriam | Thursday, 06 June 2013 at 11:10 PM
What a lovely and thoughtful collection. This has been a lovely swap don't you think? Hope your dad is still on the mend after the hospital "traumas ", thinking of you Jen x
Posted by: Jennie | Thursday, 06 June 2013 at 11:24 PM
What a lovely array of handcrafted goodies for you to ponder over. Enjoy.
Posted by: Kjjc | Thursday, 06 June 2013 at 11:31 PM
Oh, this is so sweet, Alexa. I had the good fortune to receive a piece of Miriam's handiwork when I collected butterflies for a cause and it was so lovely. Her gifts to you were all so thoughtful. What a wonderful package of happy mail - just so perfect in every way. And I can't think of anyone more deserving than you, my dear!
Posted by: Deb @ PaperTurtle | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 12:37 AM
My goodness - Miriam is a wonderful woman with such a creative and generous spirit. I love that she won you!
Posted by: Amy | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 02:03 AM
What a sweet and thoughtful collection!
Posted by: Cheri | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 02:11 AM
that really is a parcel to make you smile I hope you enjoy it Alexa xxx
Posted by: furrypig | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 07:22 AM
What a lovely little package,Alexa.
Posted by: Jacky S | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 07:42 AM
How Lovely!
Posted by: Linda | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 08:12 AM
Aww that's such a sweet parcel to arrive. Is there anything better than receiving happy post? Especially one with so many thoughtful surprises inside :) Px
Posted by: Paul B | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 09:00 AM
What a thoughtful friend you have.
Posted by: Sandra | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 09:13 AM
What a gorgeous collection, how wonderfully thoughtful.
Posted by: Jen Hart | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 09:49 AM
Oh that is lovely - what a wonderful treat :)
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 01:13 PM
What a lovely treat, especially given that today so many people think that a tweet or Face Book Like is remembering or communicating. There is a poem or quote about receiving mail, which goes something like ... "I think myself well loved receiving something in the post." I could not agree more.
Posted by: Mary-Lou | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 03:48 PM
Lucky girl!
Rinda
Posted by: rinda | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 03:53 PM
What a beautiful way to mark such a fabulous collection. And "I won you" ? I must remember that, with gratitude to Miriam..how could there be a nicer way of announcing oneself? Thank you for being part of it Alexa
Posted by: Sian | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 04:38 PM
Oh... what a wonderful gift to arrive at your door. Such thought given by Miriam, and I know it will be treasured and used in wonderful ways.
Posted by: sandie | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 06:24 PM
how lovely - enjoy your treasures Alexa x
Posted by: Louise | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 08:11 PM
Such a beautiful parcel. You lucky lady!
Posted by: Abi | Friday, 07 June 2013 at 11:20 PM
Wow, sounds like you hit the jackpot!! This was such a fun exchange.
Posted by: Barbara Eads | Saturday, 08 June 2013 at 04:56 AM
What a wonderful parcel :-)
Posted by: Becky | Saturday, 08 June 2013 at 07:45 AM
Just beautiful---every bit of it!
Posted by: Karen | Saturday, 08 June 2013 at 12:43 PM
I suspect you will make great use of each of these treasures--and that we will see many of them featured on your blog. I was especially drawn to the needle case and the Dublin hags.
Posted by: Wanda | Sunday, 09 June 2013 at 08:13 PM
Oh, how wonderful. What beautiful treasures. Thank you for sharing them.
Posted by: Lorraine | Monday, 10 June 2013 at 05:58 PM
What a wonderful collection of goodies.
Posted by: Julie Jeavons | Monday, 10 June 2013 at 11:02 PM
What a perfect collection for you Alexa...enjoy looking at it and then using it all!
Alisonn
Posted by: Alison | Tuesday, 11 June 2013 at 03:59 PM
What a lovely gift, so beautifully wrapped and seemingly quite perfect for you.
Posted by: [email protected] at the sea | Wednesday, 12 June 2013 at 05:55 AM
So wonderful. There's nothing like love made tangible and sent through the mail.
Posted by: Relyn | Wednesday, 12 June 2013 at 05:38 PM
That is a very thoughtful package, and beautifully wrapped!
Posted by: Chipper | Saturday, 15 June 2013 at 03:25 AM