An embarrassment of riches

Just a few days ago I mentioned that I'd treated myself to a few goodies from my Etsy wishlist and that I was all a-tingle in anticipation of their imminent arrival.

Well, on Saturday they arrived.... Far more quickly than I'd expected and both packages on the same day! How wonderful. I love parcel post. And it didn't stop with just these two.

Not only were these gifts to myself everything I'd imagined and hoped for, but there were some extra treats in the form of an unexpected enclosure, and a few more beautiful prezzies - sent by my lovely friend in Toronto - that arrived on the same day. That's twice in one month that I have been blessed by the thoughtful kindness of my friends! How lucky am I? And believe me, the postal treats are the least of it. Knowing these people enriches my life, and being able to count them as friends is something I never take for granted.

Anyway, Saturday's post brought me the following lovelies...



This book is gorgeous! Beautiful, soulful, and inspiring in so many ways.

Christine's work is just a visual feast. The images and reflections that she captures in her art and in the pages of this book (which is a work of art itself and an obvious labour of love) are warm and heartfelt, personal yet universal. They resonate with me on so many levels. I read it from cover to cover yesterday, greedily devouring the whole thing in one sitting, and now I am starting again and working through it more slowly in order to savour every page, every picture, every word.

To treat yourself to a taste of her art and what's to be found inside the book, have a look here.

I also was surprised and delighted to find this little gem of a collage enclosed...


I know that she knows nothing specific about me but it could not be more perfect! The colours, a butterfly, a little dance dress and black lace drama, and reference to procrastination and wanderlust - probably two of my most defining impulses.... Beautiful and perfect! Thank you!

And then there were the gifts from Canada - an amber-coloured necklace and a black, butterfly lacquered stone... Again, beautiful and perfect!



These gifts come from a heart so generous and loving and that instinctively knows just how and when to reach out and make a person feel special. A heart that knows mine very well - including all the dark corners - and loves me still. She enclosed a little note to say that she was sending these things for no reason other than that they'd reminded her of me, and that they came with love.

What can I say except, thank you my dear friend?! They are beautiful and I will take pleasure in them every day.

And speaking of warm and open hearts.... This woman I don't know at all really, except through the glimpses I've been granted on her blog and in her photography. But I think you can tell a lot about a person from how she sees the people and the world around her. And if her photographs and musings are anything to go by, then that's enough to tell me that she is gentle and brave and beautiful.

And I love this picture.


It reminded me at first sight of one of the single most perfect moments of my life to-date - a dawn walk on a beach in Mozambique, with my youngest brother, before we went out for a swim with wild dolphins.... It captures all the connection, all the peace, all the joy, that I felt at that moment. And that I almost always feel when I have my toes in "sea bubbles".

An ordinary sparkling moment.

I am fortunate to have many of these moments in my life to look back on and I like to be visually reminded of them because it reminds me to notice and to strive for more of them in my every day. I don't have many pictures from that time so thank you, Denise, for capturing it so perfectly in yours!