Do you know how much I love my blogging friends? I can't begin to tell you! I don't know if you've ever read the book "The Five Love Languages" by Dr. Gary Chapman, but my love language is Words of Affirmation and I realized I get a lot of that here on my blog! (You can click on the link to find out what yours is too!)
Di at Woolie Wanderings is the first person I want to thank because she is always so supportive and writes me little emails all the time! I hope someday we can meet in person!! She made the most adorable Kokeshi for my show and was asked by friends to make more. The first one she made was Umeko (Child of the Plum Blossom). I said my daughter Caroline would love her! (Caroline writes a blog called Plum Pudding). Well, look who showed up in the mail yesterday for Caroline!!!!:
I know it's a blurry photo, but the stitching is lovely and the colors are gorgeous! (We're searching for a new camera!). Thank you sooo much Diane! Caroline is just thrilled!!!When I went to her bedroom to photograph Umeko, I saw Caroline's elephant from Kathy at LizzieJane, who keeps her company. Caroline's favorite color is purple if you hadn't noticed!
Kathy just gave me a blog award (I'll post about that later). Yesterday she posted on her blog for her 100th post, the pattern for her knitted cupcakes!! You may remember my photos of the ones I have. That will be my next knitting project. She is an expert sewer and I asked her to make me a "BethanyJane" elephant and she did!... she's PERFECT! Next to her are two adorable Matryoshkas by Ravenhill. (I actually own three now!) If you look closely, you can see the Liberty Fabric she used on them! She's been into Japanese fabrics and books lately, and has more matryoshkas with some beautiful Amy Butler and Moda Shabby Chic fabrics! Here's her shop. I've been getting some new inspiration... stay tuned on that front!
I also ordered some little gifts for some special little girls from Ruby at cakies... I can't get enough of these little cakies hair clips!!!
Right before I went on vacation in June, my girlhood friend Becky sent me the biggest surprise! She had gone to an auction for her singing group and found the gorgeous papercuttings! The one on the left is a book with the thinnest paper cuttings on colored paper of the Chinese New Year symbols. The one on the right is all papercuttings of the same in red. They are truly amazing!!! Thank you so much Becky!!!!
About a month ago also, I found some beautiful letterpress stationary on etsy from Lucky Bee Press. They are gorgeously done! One of my dreams is to find an old letterpress and do this type of printing. I grew up in awe of Gwen Frostic in Benzonia, Michigan where we would vacation in the summers, so letterpress stationary is something I treasure!
Speaking of printing, Mandy at Belle and Boo has been printing more wonderful things and I got some Gocco tags a couple weeks ago from her, with a couple other goodies! She is a sweetheart!
And my last little goody I want to show you is my Keepsie from Laura Fairbrother at Cupcakes for Clara! It's just perfect for my little ipod!!
Wow! That was a lot, wasn't it? I do support handcrafting ... now I need to start doing some myself! What I have been doing a lot of lately is baking and cooking! Here's a little of that...
My famous chocolate chip cookies! I use the Nestle Tollhouse recipe but add 1 teaspoon of baking powder too. And Ghiradelli semisweet chocolate chips are fabulous in them!This is actually a very sad day... my friend Scott moved this morning to Virginia. He is going to teach elementary art down there so they are a very lucky school! We had him over for a last dinner (since his kitchen was all packed up!) and I made homemade pasta noodles with the kids in the afternoon. I made Sarah Foster's recipe for "Summer Spaghetti with Heirloom Tomatoes, Crumbled Feta Cheese, and Fresh Basil" out of her "Casual Cooking" cookbook. I also wrapped melon balls with proscuitto, made fresh baked bread, watermelon, turkey meatballs, endive and arrugula salad with a vinaigrette dressing and parmesan shavings, and this wonderful blueberry pie (which I forgot to take a photo of yesterday!) with vanilla ice cream!:
Kari posted the recipe here at Spring Chick Designs! It was really yummy!!!
So you can cheer me up if you want to... it's never fun to lose a friend.
11 comments:
It looks like a lot of bloggers show love with gifts! My daughter in law does and I get the most thoughtful gifts from her.
I think I am like you and show love through listening and verbal affirmations. I'll go check out the website!
Dear Bethany, how sweet and generous you are acknowledging your fellow bloggers.
I think Di's little Kokeshi doll is so lovely, she did a marvelous job.
What wonderful Matryoshkas, I will have to go and check out Ravenhill.
I am so glad that my little ellie's still make you smile, it means so much to me, thank you.
My love language is a mix of two, Words of Affirmation and Quality time.
Thanks for the recommendation, it looks like a very interesting read.
Have a lovely day my friend!
Kathy
x
A lots of beautiful things !!! And marvelous friends... I would love to eat one of your famous chocolate chip cookies with a little cup of tea :)))
Have a lovely day ! :)
Hi Bethany!! Big smiles coming from Scotland! I am glad that Umeko arrived safely and that Caroline liked her - I feel privileged to be amongst all these great crafters! I love your elephant and the matroyshka dolls! Thank you for the thanks - I was just glad to share a little kokeshi love!
I hope you have a great day!
I face the prospect of my closest and dearest friend moving away at the moment. I am being strong for all intents and purposes in front of her at the moment..because I know it is harder to go than it is to stay...but I want her to stay more than words can say! You have your kids to keep you busy while you get used to being without Scott.
I have to say that one of the things that impressed me about you almost as soon as I 'met' you was the way you do support and encourage others. I see these wonderful things coming into your home as signs that you are appreciated.
Whether they have come to you by gift or by your own purchase you have made someone's day by accepting them into your home. You should be happy about the 'feel good' feelings you spread!
I'm rambling!
Jen
I LOVE that book (and the one for children) it helps me so much in communication with others. Your pics and "props" are so lovely. I've recently found you and am really enjoying getting to know you.
I too am a words person and sometimes the blogging really really helps (some days I have to remind myself that my security lies in Him). Glad to get to know you.
You have been blessed with many friends because you bless others with your friendship. To paraphrase a Proverb, you have to be friendly to have friends, and that is what you are! Thanks so much for the book...I got it today. I look forward to reading it! I can't wait to read your acceptance speech!
I am one to give little gifts or notes... under doorways, in the mail. it makes me happy to make others smile. I am not so well verbally {maybe b/c I talk so fast} lol.
I love how you thank your friends & acknowledge them. You leave such kind comments too on blogs =)
sorry about scott. I am leaving my school & beloved friends there to go to a new school. Tho I am not moving, I am going to miss working with them daily. plus we are spread across the metro area here...it tugs at my heart
congratulations on your award. it is so thoughtful of you to give back what feeds you most, words of encouragement. have you also read his book the five love languages for kids? they are both good reads. i do need to get some items listed on my etsy. you are encouraging me to do that. my love language is quality time.
Wow! I love seeing your collection of goodies! I will check out that book and see what type of communicator I am. You set a great example for Caroline. It sounds like she really appreciates art and handmade art. Kudos to you for exposing the kids to all that.
Your shuffle case is adorable. It beats my old Clinique pouch I have mine in.
ohh my!!! so much goodness!!!!!!!! love it all!!!!! what a delightful array of pretty things!
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