2.24.2015

a giving spirit...

i was always a giver growing up... i can remember putting all of my change in an envelope and marking it "poor kids" after watching a program that touched my young, impressionable heart... when i learned to crochet in 2nd grade, i chained an entire skein of yarn and gave it as a gift to one of my mom's closest friends... as i got a little older, i never forgot birthdays, anniversaries, or thank you's...
 
and then life got busy, scattered, sometimes messy... my calendar went by the wayside... and to be honest, i'm a bit disappointed in myself... i have good intentions, but my follow through often falls short...
 
there's one person who continually shows me a giving spirit... our marina... what an example she is at only 9 years old...
 
that girl loves to give like crazy...
she's always thinking of who may need a little pick me up...
 
she makes cards... or little books for friends...
 
she wrapped a pretty bow around a hershey bar for one of her teachers a few weeks ago {because she overheard her mention that she could really use some chocolate}...
we made tissue paper flowers over the weekend and she gifted her bus driver with a small bouquet and a tiny tub of cotton candy... {and was thrilled as she came running through the door, to say how much miss stacy loved her surprise}... you could see her beaming at how her gift made someone else's day...
she made me a present for my birthday and it's been sitting, wrapped up in her closet for days... and insisted that john take her shopping last night so she could buy me something with her own money...
 
she has such a giving heart... it is her gift... and i love to see that quality shine in her... it makes me proud...
it's also made me realize that i need to get my act together in this department... whether it be a card... a small surprise for someone... happy mail being sent or time spent... i need to start doing better... i really miss my old self...
 
what are your favorite ways to give to others?
 
xo
angie

2.06.2015

something that brightened my day...

instagram has been a wonderful experience for me...
 
it's so easy to make connections, to see and share glimpses of daily life on ig... i can't even believe the community of online friends that i've made through this social media app...
 
i met helen from the uk when i hosted my first giveaway... she won a pocketful of posies garland...
 
in the fall she sent a bundle of beautiful felted acorns my way... they were perfect!
 
in january, we decided to do a swap for valentine's day... i was excited about it... i sent her a handful of hearts garland and she sent me felted hearts that she had made...
 
her package arrived on my doorstep and totally brightened my day... she addressed the envelope adorably... and tucked inside were felted hearts for me... treats for maizie and marina... and a special package for mr. milo {soft toys shaped like sardines, stuffed with catnip... he hasn't slowed down long enough for me to take his pic with one!}
ahh... the polka dots!
and the little hearts within the hearts...
her felt work is amazing...
i need to find a larger milk glass bowl to tuck them in...
 
knowing the amount of time and thoughtfulness that she put into that package filled me with joy...
 
helen, if you're reading... i absolutely love it all, friend... thank you for sharing your talents with me!
 
xo
angie