Catching up with P's and Q's

Before I revert back to rambling on about the small things of country life and my faltering illustration career, (anyone want to buy a used paintbrush? One careful lady owner?) I'd like to publicly thank some lovely people who have sent me equally lovely things - apologies if this sounds like a great big gloat-fest, but mother taught me that it's kindly good manners to say thank you - and even more so if they are over due.

There were a couple of bad experiences with the mail in 2006. My end of a vintage book exchange vanished into the ether between the USA and here. But amazingly, Vintage Chica persevered and sent me out another, which arrived almost smothering our poor Posty, a small pair of legs disappearing under a large box. This contained my wonderful classic book - 'Little House on the Prairie', by Laura Ingalls Wilder which all good American girls know (and quite a lot over here). I can remember my mum finding 'Little House in the Big Woods' in the public library, and suggesting I read it. At the age of 8 or so, and having a very sheltered TV-less life, I didn't want to read about other children in that far off place, America, (where?) which was simply a distant name to me - insular child that I was. But within the first chapter, I was hooked, and swiftly devoured it and the rest of the series - all borrowed from the libray, so I have no copies of my own. Until now...

Of course, it is illustrated by the amazing Garth Williams. I immediately curled up with it and yet again was transported far away and long ago. The magic of the author's writing still encaptivated me and I have been loving re-reading it again.




To accompany it, some domestic delights - a jar of red currant sauce, a darling little apron, and best of all a vintage rolling pin, (I have a weakness for old rolling pins) which has joined my collection. It will be put into pastry action, as I like to use all my pins; it seems so sad to let them get dusty and unused simply because they are 'collectable'. Thank you Vintage Chica, not only for putting together such a thoughtful box, but for having the generosity to send a second one to replace the 'vanished' one.

The second mishap, post-wise, was my SOSF gift from Ms Robyn. It went missing and we had both given it up for lost. In the meantime, she sent me an enchanting bundle of delicate gifts...



...but at last, the missing parcel turned up, safe and sound. Two months later. It was a handcrafted Goddess doll, one of Ms Robyns finest. Where she had been and what adventures she had been through, she would not say. But here she is, on the wall, as enigmatic as a Goddess should be. Thank you Robyn!

And thank you to Maya and Tara for your everlasting kindness, but most of all for your friendship and support over the last year and beyond.

Edibles and herbal goodness from Tara's garden (no prizes for guessing which idiot made a jug of herbal tea from the 'tub-tea-bags' and drank it...not realising they were for bath soaking purposes...country bumpkin strikes again).

To all my artist, crafting and illustrator friends, whose personal cards and 'bits' always have pride of place, and their own exhibition space -


and to Gail, for this little fellow...

and huge hugs to my dear non-blogging-but-still-precious friend 'nursie', who sent me this treasure trove of trinkets from a Christmas market...incuding tiny toadstools which will keep all year round.



You are all prime examples of what the SOSF is all about - that it is better to give than to receive. To give because the other person will get pleasure from the gift, and not simply to get something back. That is why we think of ourselves as a friendship network, not a 'swop' group. Somehow it's nicer that way.

( I have been rubbish at gifting recently and mean to improve on this in 2007!)