Sunday, December 20, 2009

I know - how come two posts in one night??

Yes, it's strange to write two blog posts one after the other, but this one is about the gift of friendship and the gift of giving - you to me, and me to you.

This last year has been a journey for me - one that was not planned, but one that has proven to be an adventure in taking chances, having faith, and opening myself up to receive the hand of friendship from across oceans and miles. You are a big part of this eventful year, and I want you all to know how much your 'being there' has encouraged and blessed me week after week.
{{{thank you}}}

Last week a parcel arrived from Kate in Massachusetts. We'd been chatting about pumpkins (of all things!) and as her son is an avid gardener and had never grown a grey/blue pumpkin before (one of Australia's favourite) I told her I'd send him some seeds. Well, bless her heart, she sent me some packages of the yummiest maple sugar!!

To my knowledge you cannot buy maple sugar in Australia, so this is a REALLY big treat, and I am only using it sparingly on my porridge...it is absolutely delicious! She also sent me some summer reading, ribbons and organic cranberries too. Thanks so much Kate!

Deb in New Zealand, a sweet-hearted gal whom I just love to pieces, sent me this heart-filled tree ornament...

...and these gorgeous beaded milk jug toppers! I love things like this and she said as soon as she saw them she thought of me. :-)

Today was day 20 of the Advent Swap and I wanted to show you some of the things I've received in my daily present box from Jeanette...the coffee sachets have all been drunk, and the rose candles are displaying themselves in my bathroom so I can't show you them, but I am so amazed at how well she *knows* the things I love! Haven't I been spoiled?!

~~~~~
Now, what have I given you?
~Shabby Roses~

Look at how Lin has displayed her Shabby Roses blocks! How creative is she?! Lin doesn't have a blog so she sent me the photo, and I wanted you to see another possibility for displaying your own Shabby Roses blocks.
Lin, I feel so humbled by your beautiful use of my designs!

And Betty has been stitching up a storm with these bookmarks from my free Shabby Roses Bookmark design!
What gorgeous Christmas gifts they make, Betty!

The free download for my bookmark design and alphabet can be found HERE.
~~~~
Before I finally sign off for the night I thought I'd show you a photo of the tablecloth after the first Oxy Clean treatment. It's definitely faded from THIS don't you think?

Goodnight dear friends. I'll leave you with the Christmas tree all alight - Mr Elefantz switches the lights on every night after sunset and plonks himself down next to it. I think he's looking forward to Christmas too.

Hugs
Jenny
xxx

7 comments:

Maria said...

Thank you Jenny for sharing your life with us through your interesting posts.

A big thank you for your designs which were beautiful to see in this post.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful safe Xmas and all the best for 2010.

Maria from Dongara.WA

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Thank you Jenny for sharing your designs. I've had a lovely time stitching them. I wish you and your family a joyful Christmas and look forward to visiting your blog in the new year.

paulette said...

Thank you Jenny for a lovely posting!! And thank YOU for the lovely Shabby Roses...I can't wait to make them!!
So glad you found the OxiClean...Now what you need to do is to soak it- what I do is add some water to a bowl or pail -just enough water to cover your tablecloth- add lots of OxiClean-more than what they say- stir it up and put your tablecloth in the solution (I would even sprinkle a little on the stain and rub it just a bit) then leave it until the stain is gone. I had a new yellow rain coat and put a permanent felt marker in my pocket (teachers should know better!) Next day I had a 10 inch stain- I soaked it in OxyClean for 4 days and the stain came out. I also had a light green scarf (which I had spent a lot of money on...loved it) with dried blood on it (used it to hold a child's cut closed until I got him to the first aid room). I put it in a ziplock bag and forgot about it...a week later I took it home and dumped it into a bucket of OxyClean and in just over a day it was good as new..My daughter soaks her runners in Oxyclean and they come out white like new...So I think what I am trying to say is...I hope soaking it helps your tablecloth. Good luck!
Paulette

KaHolly said...

Hi, Jenny, Just love how Lin displayed her Shabby Roses blocks. Thanks for sharing them with us throughout the year. And the bookmark design! Happy Holidays. -karen

Kim D. said...

What lovely gifts you received. Thanks also for sharing your lovely creative patterns with us. Have a joyous and blessed Merry Christmas.

Teresa said...

Hi Jenny, I just love what Lin did with your Shabby Roses BOM. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern with everyone this year. All the best to you and your family and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas xx

Deb said...

hello dear friend,
This year has been a wonderful year for all. I know how much I treasure our friendship which has gone from strength to strength-thank you.
I can't get over how wonderful Lin's quilt looks the way she has designed it, amazing isn't it.
Love the Christmas tree, looking good
hugs Deb