This week I received two gifts from my online friends.
The first one is a pair of hand knit socks from Stephenie at The Awakened Soul. She had a giveaway on her blog and I won a beautiful pair of purple socks. The weather is getting cooler, so I wear these comfy socks in the morning. Thank you Stephenie.
Today I received another gift. This one came all the way from Australia. I participated in a Christmas swap organized by The Homemaker's Forum and my swap partner Deb sent me these lovely gifts.
The cushion cover features a May Gibbs print. I didn't know about May Gibbs, and Deb sent a link to this very famous Australian illustrator and author's website. Her work is amazing. You just have to visit the website, it plays beautiful bird sounds. Deb also sent a piece of fabric with another May Gibbs print, a hand knit face cloth and a copy of her local newspaper. Thank you Deb.
How lucky am I to receive two hand knit items in one week? I can't knit, so I have never had hand knit socks or face cloths. I love love love all these handmade gifts.
I also received a candle holder from another friend. I already have a different candle holder with the same flower pattern, and I love the shape of this one.
While working in the backyard this morning, I discovered another gift. This one is from one of my bitter gourd vines. I didn't notice this until it grew this big, it was hiding behind leaves and a papaya tree. I squealed with excitement. I hope neighbors didn't think that I was losing my mind. 😄
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| The very first bitter gourd. |
With all these wonderful gifts I received, now it's my turn to pay it forward. When I was making Deb's gift, a friend of mine told me how much they liked it. So I am making another one as a Christmas gift. After Deb receives her gift, I will post a photo.
A colleague told me they are making a raised bed to grow herbs. So I told him that I would give two basil plants. Yesterday I planted two Thai basils in pots, I will take it to work on Monday.
A load of laundry is waiting for me, so it's time to get busy. I'll see you soon and hope you all are having a great weekend.
XX
Nil
What lovely presents-given and received. The best part of life, I think.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. I love both giving and receiving gifts. :)
DeleteSuch lovely gifts to receive, Nil and herbs are always such a lovely gift to give too. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteYes Meg. I have lots of basil plants so it's nice to be able to share.
DeleteHi Nil, Thank you for posting the photo of the socks. They look great on you! It sounds like you are attracting wonderful gifts. You deserve it. The baby gourd looks incredible! Such a vibrant photo...
ReplyDeleteSocks are so comfortable Stephenie. This weekend was cold, so I wore them all day. :)
DeleteWow Nil, I love all those gifts. I grew up hearing May Gibbs stories but I don't think they are as popular amongst the young these days. I loved them. Stephanie's socks look very warm and will be nice for winter I am sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read May Gibbs stories. After seeing her illustrations I'd love to read one. I'm going to see if her books are available at the library.
DeleteWonderful gifts Nil. Those socks really do look snuggly and warm. Must feel good wearing them too knowing Stephanie made them - extra special.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Gumnut Babies especially Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. I'll show our daughter her website and introduce her to the world of May Gibbs.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Kylie
Yes Kylie, knowing that Stephenie made them for me, just for my size makes it so special.
DeleteWhat fun Nil. The gum nut kids have been around for some time - adorable. I had a few May Gibbs things for my children when they were little. Also, how wonderful of you to share.
ReplyDeleteYou gave me a good idea Lady Locust. I'm going to see if I can buy May Gibbs books for my little nephews. I'm sure they haven't read her stories.
DeleteWhat lovely gifts Nil. The socks look gorgeous. X
ReplyDeleteThank you Jules. :)
DeleteThe socks look so warm, the facecloth so practical, and the May Gibbs textiles look so fun! What wonderful gifts. It's nice of you to pay it forward with the basil and the Christmas gift you are making. Like you, I love love love handmade gifts, but the candle holder is unique and special, too. I'm happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Priscilla. I also like the candle holder. I keep it on the kitchen table and sometimes use it without turning the electric light.
DeleteBeautiful socks, love that colour, they'll keep your feet warm for sure. I'm very envious of your homegrown bitter gourd, I bought one at a roadside farm stall on the weekend, but it doesn't look as fresh as yours. The Phillipino girl at the stall told me they eat it raw as part of a salad, so I'm going to try that, then save some of the seeds for next year so I can grow my own.
ReplyDeleteNanette, when the gourd is bit mature seeds turn red. I always plant those red seeds, not the soft whitish ones. I hope you will be able to grow your own gourds.
DeleteHere in our tropical heat, just the thought of wearing nice warmm socks makes me laugh.They are beautiful though. Thanks for the reminder about Msy Gibbs, and the website. She is such a treasure, Pauline.
ReplyDeleteAhh it was so cold this morning I even wanted to wear gloves. :)
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