Gifts From The Heart

Thank you for the birthday wishes as I celebrated my special day yesterday. Your greetings touched my heart. To think that a bit over a year ago I didn't even know who you were and now I have such a wonderful group of friends. Friends near and far.

My birthday was a gentle, quiet day by choice. Because of my dear mother's poor health I chose to stay close to home so my celebration could include her. My sweetheart cooked a wonderful breakfast for me and we enjoyed the time together before the day began to move a bit faster. Shortly after noon we drove a few blocks to my dear mother's home. The home of my youth. A perfect place to have a birthday celebration. Soon after we arrived at her home my sweetheart went to a favorite Chinese restaurant in our town for take-out lunch. He chose carefully and thoughtfully. The menu was perfect. The food was delicious. Then it was time for me to open the wonderful gifts my dear mother and my sweetheart had given me. We had such a sweet time together as my dear mother reminisced about the day I was born, nearly a month early. And she brought tears to my eyes when she recalled how much my life has meant to her and my father. I have been very blessed!

I couldn't wait to share the sweet gifts my family gave me. My sweetheart surprised me with my favorite perfume. It is one of just a few that I can wear. It's gentle floral fragrance always brings comments. Included in the special card he gave me were two tickets for the Gaither Praise Gathering concert that will be in the Seattle area later this month. The concert and a weekend away were the part of my gift from him that I knew about. The perfume was a surprise. Well, not totally. He loves to buy it for me. Keeps me smelling good!My dear mother always seems to be prepared for birthdays and holidays far in advance of the date. She loves to gather and give things that will be treasured by the recipient. And she's right on every time with me. Recently she and I were together when I saw something I absolutely loved. She wanted to get it for my birthday but it was too big to hide. No way to sneek it to my car. She knew she wouldn't be back there again so I got it early. I've had a couple of weeks to enjoy looking at it in my home but I've waited to share it with you until my birthday. So it would be official!
This darling little yellow table hasn't found its permanent place in my home. I keep moving it around until I find just the right place. In the meantime I love trying it in different settings. I love the detail.In a darling little gift bag she gave me some smaller things she had been saving for me. She wanted to add more but her health situation has prevented her from shopping. I was delighted with everything she gave me. She knows how much I love vintage linens. I was thrilled when I unwrapped these sweet embroidered towels.Little boxes always intrigue me! When they are from my dear mother I know a special treasure waits inside. I love vintage jewelry and she seems to find such beautiful pieces for me. I think I gasped when I opened this one!A sweet little bird was in my gift bag, too. She brings a smile to my face. And she is right at home with my other birds that decorate my home during the spring and summer months. When I saw her I knew exactly where she belonged.There was one more thing in my gift bag but I chose not to take a picture of it. A cute little butter spreader - silver - needs a bit of polishing before it makes its debut! My dear mother was not strong enough to polish it up for me so I'll do that and share it soon.

My out-of-state family gave me birthday gifts before they had to leave last week. I opened them while they were here. My aunt gave me these white pieces that go with my white dishes. The sugar bowl is an extra so I plan to use it for jams and jellies or whatever my heart desires.While my out-of-state family and I were shopping in a nearby antiques and collectibles shop I helped my dear aunt choose some salt and pepper shakers for another dear aunt's collection. I thought I had helped her chose a cute little kitty set that would grace the shelves of my other dear aunt's collection. Was I ever surprised when I opened my gift to find that my sweet aunt had intended it for me all along. Because she knows how much I like kitties. And she knew I thought it was so cute! The darling little kitty is the salt shaker. The cushion holds the pepper. My cousin bought me a special cup for my tea. I love everything about it. The cup. . .The in-cup infuser. . . And the lid.Add to these wonderful gifts all the emails, cards and phone calls I received and you understand why it was a special birthday. Each year it seems my birthday means more to me than before. I appreciate the family and the friends God has given me. So, this year - as always - I am blessed. Blessed by God's grace and His love. And by each of you, my friends. I've already started on another year of blessings. Can't wait to see what He has in store for this one!