milestone

beautiful handmade from Suzanne (a big jar of local honey too!)

Paula, Lisa and Jenny were so generous

Ron always remembers (lucky Paula!)

On Sunday, January 19, I celebrated my 50th Birthday!

It was back to NYC to buy myself a special gift from Tiffany's

(with the generous help of my family)

then downtown to Purl Soho for the precious little scissors.

I've heard well wishes from so many dear friends 

and packages of beautiful gifts flooded my doorstep.

Thank you Dave for the watch I wear every day!

Thank you to all, not just for the gifts but for remembering

and being so patient with me when I 'disappear' now and then…

my life is full of love and I am so grateful.

all my love

xo, j

beautiful surprises

There was a beautiful blue package waiting for me when I returned from my trip.

  Thank you so much Coco for the wonderful handmade drawstring bags!

One is for my knitting and the other for my embroidery.

The bracelet is exquisite...so very lovely...I'll wear it during next week's meetings.

And the little bird magnet and tea are perfect.

You are far too generous, my dear friend.

A little package of birds is flying your way right now!

The pears were on my desk this morning.

Jenny picked them from her tree and put them in this sweet heart shaped bowl.

What a pretty way to start my day at work.

Now it's time to unpack so I can pack again, Monday I'm off to Chicago!

It's a work trip so the most I'll see of the city is the view from the airplane.

Tomorrow, more vacation photos.

xo, j

From Coco...

I came home for lunch and found a package leaning against my door.

It was an unexpected gift from the dear and very talented Coco!

So many beautiful gifts!

Including the much loved house slippers.

Don't those red toes just make you smile!

And that little bird drawing!

I am so grateful for all the amazing people I've met

and dear friends made through blogging.

Thank you all 

And thank you Coco, for warming my heart

(and my toes!)

xo, j

Poetry from Russia

Early this morning there was a loud knock on my door.

The mailman was delivering a package sent to me by the very talented Olga.

We participated in a color swap set up by the lovely V.

I carried the package with me as I ran a few errands 

before finally settling on the roots of the oak outside my apartment to open it.

What small and beautiful treasures were inside!

Fine little notes written in the most delicate hand were attached to each item.

The smallest leaf, the pinkest little cup and the treasured moss in a vial...

not to mention the candies, fabric, ribbon, paper and matchbox!

Thank you so much Olga, you spoiled me!

Today is my 25th anniversary at my job.

I chose to take the day off as I have been unhappy there lately.

The timing couldn't have been better.

You made me feel very special today, dear friend.