=A View Through the Window=

one of a circle of hearts ... nature is where the art is: Delila Jemaiel

The phenomenon that has the potential to quickly become known as the event of the season, has gotten off to a roaring start this year. Having more than doubled in size from last year, OneWorld-OneHeart has artists all over the world visiting each other to say hello. With more joining in every hour, seriously I'm having trouble keeping track.

The brain child of Lisa Oceandreamer [Heart of the Nest] was a little idea that caught on big. What if a few bloggers each gave away a little gift, just to entice and thank each other for visiting? Word was sent out by invitation and a master list was created of participants. And it grew and it grew. Like the Grinches heart, it got too big to be contained. Watching this idea bouncing about from blog to blog one can't help smiling at what has happened. A huge circle of new acquaintances are being made.

With so many incredible artists and their blogs out there to visit, one can easily become overwhelmed by gorgeous ... I personally haven't made it through the list of blogs to visit yet. Not even close! But I have already noted some incredible work out there. So I thought I would begin to share with you, ones I can not imagine having missed.

I'll start half way around the world from where I sit typing.

One of the most delightful blogs (and even more so is the blogs owner) is a little studio called, Sepia Art. Run by Delila Jemaiel, Sepia-Art Studio is a beautiful hidden gem of a nest in Finland. This blog features the works of an artist with a wonderfully unique vision. When you visit, you are immediately swept into her realm of faerytales and soft music, transparent colors and sheer magic. Her writing is precious and has the eloquence of a great piece of art.

Delila is as charming as the beautiful pieces of paper art she creates. Visit her in her tiny studio where she dreams of the woods and be taken into another time, somewhere between now and then. Where tea is an art and you can see the past peeking through the windows.

If you haven't yet stopped by Sepia-Art Studio, don't miss this one. Say hello.

Alas be prepared ... make tea.
You may find it difficult to leave.

=^..^= love, zU
.:: list of OWOH particapants to visit ::.

a heARTfelt offering ... no strings attached... except maybe Heartstrings.

You have discovered one of the magical pieces of the
. . . :: OneWorld-OneHeart event giveaway :: . . .

Oh dear ::^..^::
The faeries are running so behind with the stitching ...
Tiny little pieces, still undone. The sun setting far too soon.

But inside the studio awaits a surprise ... soon to be complete.
To be unveiled to all of you arriving at the doorstep to see.

Please, while you wait have some tea.
Cookie? Take two. I insist. The tiny star shaped ones were made just for you. They are wishes ... for luck. Sprinkled with real stardust & blessed by the moon.

The smallest of the enchanted ones are working on something special ::for YOU:: and would be so disapointed should you not return to peek ... Perhaps with one more sleep? Or two?

.::I HOPE YOU WILL RETURN TO SEE THE MAGIC::.

This is part of the OneWorld-OneHeart event giveaway ...
Our lovely event coordinator is:
. . :: Ms.Lisa Oceandreamer :: . .
The rules of the game are Ooh so simple. You need only to comment on this post if you would like to take part in the drawing. You need not have a blog to enter this drawing ... but must leave another way for me to contact you. (if you haven't a blog, please leave your email address).
Your name will be placed with the others into a vintage teacup, with one name to be drawn out by a hug of VERY excited baby bears on Thursday, February 14th at 8pm PST... The winners name will be posted that evening before midnight.

I will HaPpiLy mail toot sweet by sparrow post to anywhere you are ... worldwide.
Everyone is welcome to play! ... I hope you will.

and just for you:

.:: a complete list of the participating blogs to visit ::.

=^..^= love, zU

.:: MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW ::.

"no man is a failure who has friends"

Have you ever thought about it? The idea of what a single person contributes to the lives of others, and to the world in general, without even knowing.

Bernie wanted to help the animals.
We wanted to help Bernie. We wanted to help the animals.

Help Bernie help the animals became the cry.

Everyone pulled out all the stops to help one person, do the seemingly impossible:

Build a sorely needed shelter for animals in her care. To save lives. She needed to win a challenge, the prize being a grant of fifty-thousand dollars. All for A Place to Bark and Meow.

Was that particular challenge won? No. Only the top four received the grants. Bernie's rescue came in fifth place. Was this a failure? Nuh-uh. Not in my eyes, but you be the judge:

People rallied. The message was simple.

We need to move a mountain. Fast.

A connecting chain was created around the globe nearly instantly and gained momentum causing a ripple effect.

Old friends gathered.
New friends were made.
And the impossible happened.

People donated what they could. The Zoline Foundation doubled some of the dollars. Money was sent from all over the world. Ten dollars here, five there, fifty, one hundred ... and it adds up, you know?

Nearly $80,000 to be exact.
That shelter will be built.
And all because of .::one person::. refusing to believe it couldn't be done. Someone believing we could make it happen.

Perhaps YOU were that person. And then the next person believed ... and then the next. Hundreds of believers.

Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?
-- Clarence (the guardian angel in Capra's, It's a Wonderful Life, 1946)

What if, that ::someone:: hadn't been there? One less believer.
What if, each of the lives Bernie saves, left an awful hole because ::someone:: wasn't there to help them? How many other lives would be affected? Can we even count?

I for one am so very glad that Bernie is around. I honestly try not to imagine all she goes through everyday. The things we don't see, I thank her for. She shelters more than puppers. I am one of those that cannot deal with the reality of animal cruelty. Not up close & personal for any period of time. I do what I can but need the Bernie's out there when I have to look away. And truthfully, no one can do it all alone. Not even an angel. So she needs our support ten fold.

A world without Bernie in it?
What a horrible thought.

Wag your tail if you agree.

=^..^= love, zU

looking at the glass half full

Bernie.
No matter how badly things are going, Bernie is always looking for and finding something to be happy about.

She spends her days (and nights) caring for those that cannot change their circumstances without her. She does it all for love.

The velvet touch of a puppies tongue is all that she needs.

One soft sloppy puppy kiss of thanks and if given a bonus, a wagging tail. Payment in full.

Bernie's animals need our help. They want more than anything to give her everything she deserves. And all Bernie wants is to give them all that they deserve. Beginning with a second chance. A place where they are forgiven the fate of being born into an already too crowded world.

Bernie needs the glass to be all the way full this time.
Sloppy puppy kisses and purring kitten hugs help but they aren't enough. We need to help a dream come true.

Bernie's A Place to Bark and Meow needs a physical shelter built. And the reality is that requires a lot of money. More than Bernie can come up with alone ... It's save a life or build a shelter. Building a shelter will save more. Hard choice?

If you haven't heard about the magic (goodness, where have you been?) let me tell you breifly. Six Degrees dot org has paired with Parade creating, America's Giving Challenge. Badges to collect donations for charity were created and the word sent out: The TOP FOUR BADGES, those bringing in the largest number of unique people to donate by 3pm east coast time, the 31st of JANUARY will receive FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for their cause! Yep! Your $10 becomes $50,000. Can't beat that deal, can you?

(If you haven't yet sent your $10 ... go click the DONATE on the badge at right). We'll wait for you.
(While we wait, watch this darling little flick by Claudine!)

Already sent your $10 ... FABULOUS!
Thank You and a million puppy slurps to you!
Kitten purrs & nose kisses.

Ummmm ... guess what? That deal where your $10 becomes $50,000?
It gets WAY better! How would you like to see $10 turn into $120,000?
Sound too good to be true?
Read on ....

The Zoline Foundation wanted into the fun and has offered to meet each of the donations given...Every one of your $10 DOUBLED dollar for dollar up to $25,000 ... ON TOP OF THE OTHER CHALLENGE!
The offer was: If you can get twenty-five thousand, we will make it fifty! Just do it by June of this year. HA!

Did you look at the numbers on Bernie's badge? Yeppers!
YOU'VE ALREADY DONE IT for Bernie's Puppers!

The first $25,000 donated by YOU has become ...

FIFTY. THOUSAND. DOLLARS.

Well, that took The Zoline Foundation right off their chairs.

Good folk and they saw ... People care! So what did they do? Three days ago they made a second offer.

If Bernie can get the donations to $35,000 ... (Ten thousand more in less than a week)

...THEY WILL MEET IT DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR on top of the first twenty-five!

That's right. The offer is at $70,000!!!
All we need is to get to thirty-five thousand on the donation badge by noon PST January 31st. Plus don't forget, the top four badges will get $50,000 on top of this!

As Bernie says: It's Win-Win!

Expect to find good in the world and you will find it.
Things just get better and better.

If you haven't donated $10 .... PLEASE PLEASE if you can, send ten dollars. It's super easy and you will be walked through a safe and secure process. You will be allowed to use PayPal if you wish.

EVERY UNIQUE PERSON SENDING $10 COUNTS.

A PLACE TO BARK needs to stay in the TOP FOUR BADGES to win. And believe-you-me another Fifty-Thousand for the Rescue is everything!

And ... If you can send even more EVERY DOLLAR now COUNTS to be matched!
If you can only send $5 ... do it!

If you can send twelve, fifteen or twenty ::HOORAY:: because THE CLOCK IS TICKING! With LESS THAN 48 HOURS TO GO ... We need to hit $35,000 for Bernie and the puppers! We are SOoooo close! Lookie at the numbers!

We need to get those number totals up!

I know Bernie believes in you. And I know she always looks at the bright side. Bernie believes there are people that care. The glass is always at least half full in her eyes.

Show Bernie you believe in her. That the precious lives she is devoted to are worth saving.

It's time to make that glass overflow.
Lets show her a river.

=^..^= i believe!

Oh you just know what's about to happen ...

Gotsta be the cutest photo series on the net ...
And you know you want to watch.

Will Biscuit win? Will he get a rose?

Grab the kids to root for Biscuit ...
Er, if your puppers is in the room, might want to advert his/her eyes less s/he learn any new ideas techniques.

CLICK the link below and buzz on over to Carrie's at Violets are Blue. See what happens!
. . . :: Biscuit takes the cake :: . . .

=^..^= :giggle:
love, zU

the sharing of hearts

Here, at the enchanted cottage & the even more so enchanted studio ... anything is a good reason to celebrate. Parties just, well ... happen. A Valentine being given is nothing small. It is a huge event in the world of enchanted creatures. So, all week long the cottage has been buzzing with the preparations. Cookies have been rolled out on counter tops and sugar sprinkles have glittered every surface. Scraps of paper have cascaded to the floor like snowflakes as tiny scissors have snipped paper into chains of hearts ... And more cocoa has been consumed than one would think possible. All along laugher has filled every corner. Everyone from penguins to teddybears have gathered together to share in the good fortune of another.
For this is the real prize.

Yes, the word spread quickly that someone, a human child ... Would be receiving a Valentine! And among the many that gathered together here to celebrate, one guest was chosen to announce ... that child's name.

As Friday's eve grew closer with starlight seeping in through the windows & with everyone gathered together ... A glittering party ensued. Heart-shaped cookies for all were nibbled, teacups were filled with gingered punch, and everyone awaited the eight o'clock hour with glee.

The gathered crowd grew into hushed voices upon the teacups arrival (carried with much pomp and circumstance into the great room and set on a linen cloth), a momentary silence ended suddenly as everyone began to cheer. From the back of the crowd some movement began as the larger bears stepped back to allow a tiny bear and her companion to reach the table in the center of the room. Encouraged by each as she passed by, needing to be prodded a smidgen here and there to go forth, all watched a tiny brown bear in a long white gown walk shyly forward.

Once at the table she looked up and, William the Wise nodded his approval. Standing at her side, Sir Loved-a-Lot reached down to the tiny waif-like bear and with an effortless swoop gathered the itty bit of mohair in white lawn & lace up into his arms. Placing her onto a chair it was immediately apparent to all ... That she could not see the table top let alone reach the teacup! A few giggles but nothing more and immediate action was taken with a scurry. The nearest bookshelves were emptied to create an enormous stack on top the chair in which a tiny bear could stand to bring her face to face with an enchanted teacup.

And then as the old gold timepiece struck eight ... One tiny paw ... went into that china cup ... and pulled from within a single scrap of paper in the shape of a heart. The tiny bear in white opened the folded heart and stared at what was before her. Not a sound could be heard in the room as everyone waited for the name to be read. But in the hush the tiny girl bear turned towards the elder bear, standing next to her and beckoned him to lean forward. A small whisper, a gentle nod, another whisper and Sir Loved-a-Lot took the paper heart from her tiny paw and smiled at the crowd.

Walking over to where William the eldest stood, Sir Loved-a-Lot leaned in and whispered something to him. Another nod and he turned back to the tiny bear in the big white dress. He noted she stood with head lowered and looked sad. As if she had done something to be ashamed of. Immediately he understood the instruction which had just been given to him by the wise old bear, William. The elder bear, Sir Loved-a-Lot smiled and stepped over to the child-bear. He leaned into her ear and whispered three words and while he did, he handed her back the paper heart.

The tiny bear looked down at the heart. She could not read the name written on it. Her eyes welled up as she did not know what to do. But all at once with a twinkle in her eye and huge smile she turned and carefully getting down from the chair went over to the clockcase where she removed the watch crystal that magnified the numbers so they were more easily read. Carrying it back to the chair she was again helped to the top of the books. And standing on her tippy toes, atop the Complete Works of Beekeeping ... The tiny bear held the paper heart as high as she could with the crystal magnifying glass over it so everyone could see the writing for themselves.

The room rang out like a song being sung in a round as the winners name traveled across the crowd.

.:: jenny ::. .:: jenny ::. .:: jenny ::. .:: JENNY ::. .:: Jenny ::.

Oh but you are wondering like was I ...
What was whispered into that tiny ear?

"What did William say to you?" I asked Sir Loved-a-Lot. "What did you say to the tiny little bear to make her smile so large? To give her the idea of letting the others read for her?"

"It was just confidence. Faith." he remarked. "I said to her, what William said to me" replied Sir Loved-a-Lot. "When I told William that she could not yet read and therefore could not announce the winners name without help ... I asked his advice as to if I should read it for her. He told me that I already knew what to do. That I knew the answer." The old bear nodded as if to himself and then with a deep breath continued. "So I reminded her of the same. That we all have the answers inside of us. If we believe enough to try."

Smiling he read my mind (as bears most often do) ... "The three words?" he asked? "Believe in Yourself."

Now you might think the story ends here. You would be mistaken. Remember at the beginning of the tale I said that things are enchanted around here. Well, oft very wonderful things take place right before our very eyes in this world and we only need to look closely to see them. If we do not pay attention we miss the magic in every day. But if you have bears around, magic is seldom if ever taken for granted. It is seen for what it is. One always has their eyes open, waiting.

You see ... After the name was drawn the bears and friends thought to fill the teacup -- the one that had held the names on paper hearts ... To fill the cup to the brim with tea. Wanting to take it as an offering to the faeries at the bottom of the garden, they wished everyone to be part of the wonderment of the night. To share with all.

Carefully the cup was carried as not to spill a drop, down the winding path to the gardens edge. In the dark a flickering of light & shadow could be seen before them and soon it grew into a shimmering light that wrapped them all in it's soft glow. The faeries had come to accept the kindness. And if tea offered to faeries is accepted, if they drink it until gone ... It is reputed that magical things will be revealed from the tea leaves that settle in that cup.

I ask ... Do you believe in magic?

As the faeries approached the cup waiting their turn to drink they danced in a circle (it is said that in spring a ring of flowers* will sprout exactly in this place ... Where each tiny foot touched the earth.) If one looked closely, each fae could be seen hovering to take a sip as they flittered from the circle to the edge of the china rim ... and it was noted that as the tea was disappearing ... the inside of the cup that was once white, was now turning to a soft blush of pink.

As the last sip was taken, the faeries disappeared into a sudden burst of colors that exploded into a thousand tiny lights that went in a thousand directions. All that was left behind them was the sound of tiny bells bouncing through the trees. When the gathered looked back at where the teacup sat ... It glowed with a soft pink hue. Inside against the pink a name was found to have appeared in tea leaves.

When the the bears and friends saw what was written they understood about the magic of which they were told. The magic of kindness. For there was none other way the fae could have known.

It was unanimously decided on the spot by all attending the celebratory tea, that the name written before them should be awarded the very teacup in which it was found to appear. For they knew every sip of tea taken from this cup ... Every drop from this evening forward would hold enchantments to the bearer. And all that stood reading the leaves agreed, this was exactly as the faeries had wanted.

The Faeries had chosen to write the name of the
.......:: Queen of Hearts ::......

At the bottom of the cup it read:

And as they left the forest at the bottom of the garden, the little bears and the big ones gathered with delicate care, the treasure and wrapped it into moss to be sent with this note:

With gratitude for including us all ... Our heARTs would not be the same without yours!

And just before the moss was folded tight something was added ... To be found later by a Queen. And the bears all smiled in agreement ... That this night was perfect.

=^..^= I'm so glad you came to the party.
I hope you had as much fun as I did!

And if Miss Jenny (aka miss Kansas Rose) would contact me with a snail addy ... your treasure will be in the mail toot sweet!

*Called a Faerie Ring. It returns growing larger each year as the flowers spread outward into a larger ring eventually spreading flowers throughout the garden.

Rule #2 ... Always BEElieve in your own magic.

This is the day ... Tonight a gathering will happen with music and lights flooding both studio & cottage as a very special name will be drawn from one VERY enchanted teacup.

Will it be yours?

=^..^=z

bee my valentine?

Welcome FEBRUARY!

All around blogland ...it's a Valentine extravaganza of happening.
Have you seen? Oh please say you have heard!
If you haven't ... WHERE have you been this past week?

Let me tell you about how something that starts oh so small ...
Can grab hold with seemingly lightening speed and ...
Move the world.

First I must tell you HOW an idea that appears small becomes an idea of grandness ...
You see ... I believe that the same idea will arrive in different ways to many people all at once. First, one must act on the idea or it might be lost to you forever. There are others in which that same idea has been given who may take the idea and make something of it. Maybe something small ... or maybe something big.

Rule #1 ... Always listen to your heart.

Now, no matter how small a tickle ... No matter how huge a tug ... Many that receive the idea never do anything with it. But It only takes that first person to act on it ... And that idea can gain power until something very special happens. As if each person is preparing the path for the next, that one little idea grows with each person that touches it. Because eventually ... What is done with the idea at just the right time, in just the right way ... Well, that is what makes ideas into magic.

Once upon a time a lovely little idea began under a Faerie Moon ... An idea to give away something special. And so each week ... a piece of her heART was offered ... People began to come from far and wide to peek ... to watch. Fingers were crossed & stars were wished upon all in hope of being the one to receive something very special.

At near the same time another heART offering was taking place ... An anniversary happened at Ms. Pam's. It was her first blog birthday and she decided to throw a party! Inviting everyone to come and play ... (and they arrived by the dozens. In groves!), Miss Pam wanted things to be special so SHE was the one to give out gifts! Inviting each guest that visited her blog that day to leave a comment, they would be entered to win a party surprise. A grand time was had by all ... What a party that was!
And a lovely idea got larger.

As the days and weeks passed the trickle of magic continued across blogland touching down here an yon ... & like a musical note, found and nudged it's way into the heart of the perfect host ... Having actually always been there ... It began to speak louder telling her to do what her heart wished most of all. Deep inside her heart it landed and there it was invited to stay & was nurtured. And as you know ...
That is all magic needs to blossom.

It merely needs someone to wish it to be real.

So on one particular day a beautiful young fae named, Miss Sandy, of the land of ART TEA LIFE was thinking of something to do for her friends (as Miss ATL so often does) & at that very moment, was sprinkled by what one can only believe was faerie dust. Off a passing wing it fell, which started the tickle of an idea to grow larger ... And in no time, something GRAND was born! It tickled her thoughts until one day, a promising, most spectacular act of true friendship & sharing ... Happened. Because that idea in her heart was about to turn into ... Magic.

Everyone knows that magic is meant to be shared ...
And soon, in a POOF of cyber faerie dust ...

EVERYONE WAS PASSING THE MAGIC FORWARD.

Did she know how far one act of kindness could travel? Of how many lives would become part of the circle, caught in the waves and ripples of that one little action? It was after all, just an idea that was offered to make one other person happy. Did she realize how many others would smile because of it?

Well, it just goes to show you what can happen.
After all ... They say that you manifest your thoughts into reality.
Commit and providence will respond.

Is this not proof?

For in her hands, this one precious thought of kindness became larger with each moment her heart held it and finally could be contained no more. That once tiny idea inside one special heart that wanted only to share ... grew gigantic.

And it could not be stopped. Once, Miss Sandy took a deep breath & tossed that pebble, sending that gesture into the world by the way of a heARTfelt offering with no strings attached ... (except maybe heARTstrings) It was bigger than us all.

That gesture was when Miss Sandy ATL asked those that visited her blog if they would be her Valentine. The offering was that each would be entered to win a piece of her heART should they wish ... (a nothing short of amazing original handmade ATC was offered as the prize.) All one need to do was toss their name in the proverbial hat.

Then she stood back and waited.

Within hours multitudes were at her doorstep dancing with excitement. But it did not end there ... You see, Miss Sandy had added something different to the idea gifted to her. And the result is what we see today. She challenged others to giveaway their heARTs for Valentines as well, and it was that tiny pebble of a difference that caused the ripple outward around the blogs worldwide touching heARTs in waves of bigger and bigger rings from that moment forth.

She connected us all together. Like Magic.

It quickly became apparent to all that watched, that the big prize really was what was happening across the miles ... Introducing new friends, bumping lives into other lives, causing smiles to burst forward into huge grins, and best of all ... It wasn't stopping! It was gaining momentum!

And here we are!

It's a story of how one life can touch so many others ...
Even if they didn't know it would happen, didn't know that others would be affected ... Once something like this starts, it continues onward. Oh, it perhaps changes it's path here and there, but once it starts ... A thing like this has it's own destiny. You always must remember that every act has a reaction. And that reaction has the potential to be Infinite. It has the affinity to continue gathering as it moves, more of it's sameness. Good or bad. No life that touches or has been touched can ever be, UNtouched. Those lives have been changed. Whether or not they ever know it happened.

Doesn't it make you marvel?

The whole idea mesmerizes me. Absolutely spellbound.

I am one of those many reached by the rippling magic of that first cast heARTist heART ... and am ::DeLiGhTeD:: that I was! And now I wish to offer here a piece of My heART for this Valentines grand event, so I am asking you ...

.:: Won't you Bee My Valentine? ::.

..:: a palm-sized heart pincushion w/flower pins & a pet bumble bee ::..

-- designed for you with love ... by me .:: zUzU ::.

Made of vintage rayon fabric & trims, with vintage flowers made into pins, and one cheerful chenille bumblebee ...
Measuring 3-inches at it's widest point, it is a functional pincushion stuffed w/cotton, washed pacific sand, & wishes ... signed/dated ... & tagged with studio logo.

The rules of the game are Ohhh so simple.
You need only to comment on this post if you would like to take part in the drawing.

Your name will be placed with the others into a vintage teacup, with one name to be drawn out by a hug of VERY excited baby bears on Friday, February 9th at 8pm PST... The winners name will be posted later that evening before midnight.

I will HaPpiLy mail this heART offering toot sweet by sparrow post to anywhere you are ... worldwide.
Everyone is welcome to play! ... I hope you will.

=^..^= kisses, zU

** Don't miss visiting the other heARTists participating in the from the heART giveaway this Valentine's holiday! ... Do HURRY! (some drawings are already ending on Friday, February 2nd ... others are longer ... but BEE sure to get there fast and place your name in the drawings!) Here are a few blogs to start you off!

(ANYONE taking part in the Circle of HeARTs giveaway let me know & I'll include a link to your blog here!)

And if you aren't already participating ... There is plenty of time before Valentine's Day!
By all means ... JOIN US!
Then let me know so I may add you to ...

= The Circle of heARTs =

Nature Trail (nature girl)
Ocean Dreamer (lisa)
Bluhm Studios (heather)
Be Dream Play (eb)
Follow Your Bliss (jillybean!!)
Art Dog's Life (kim)
Teresa's Art & Life
Speckled Egg (heather)
Kansas Rose (jenny)
Creative Chaos (karin)
CariKraft (cari)
Baumcat (cat)
Linda Harre
Rodrigvitz Style
Miz Smoochie Lips
JamJar (joy)
Pea's Corner (pea)
Zorana
Turquoise Cro
Dianne Rambling on ... (hee::hee cute name!)
Hidden Haven Homestead (peggy) *St. Patty's Day drawing
Little Melfie's World (melissa)
Art & Soul "Thoughts become things ... Think good ones!" (pam)
Faerieluna (Rella) *weekly
Seeing Red (Christiane)
Just-Bee-Cause (janet)
Sioux's Zest
Maude & Mozart (laura)
Izabella's Blue (izabella)
Inspired by Color (tina)
Paper Madness (donna)
The Decorated House
Constant Partial Attention (julie)
Garden Girl (maggie)
sepia art studio (delila)
My Country Cottage Garden (anita)
Boxwood Cottage (carol)
A Happy Miscellany (mrs. staggs of merryville)
Britt-Arnhild's House in the Woods
Life is a Collage (natalie)
Free Spirited Art (tracy/seaside enchantment)
The Pink Kitchen (leigh ann)
Tejae's Art (tejae)
Living as Rosa (rosa)
Creative Rants (nerissa)
Altered Antiquity (kathy)

teaparty in a box

A sweet friend has sent to me ... A teaparty! Just add hot water, a crackling fire, and relax letting it all seep in.

I have been (for quite a bit now) very sick with ::sigh:: another? bout of cold & flu that seems only to get worse each day. For someone that never gets sick, this has been a bad beginning to the season. This icky cold/flu bug ... It appears to be residing permanently. Ugh. The perfect thing for this? Friendship. The nearest thing to a cure when one is ill.

A box arrived with guardian wings ...
And patently waited for me to find it.

Inside were fluffy little pouffy white & pink pillows to protect (the bears & I had fun gathering them all up to save) ...

First was the squeal of delight at finding four little wooden blocks to play with ...

And then the gasp of realization that they spelled something ...

Then discovered were three wee packages surrounding by something of cloth. The tiny wrapped treasures were carefully brought out and placed next to the blocks ...

And under the tissue, safe in the middle of all ... was a gift wrapped in linen, tied with pink gingham.

It was set next to the rest, for a guessing game to begin ...

To stare at for a while ... too pretty to open just then.

Once the bow was untied the secret was revealed. What was hidden inside it's embroidered linen teatowel shroud was ... A stunningly perfect vintage blueridge teacup. ::SIGH:: Painted with a single pink wild rose (perhaps to remind me of a roses protective & healing powers) it was as if a little bit of summer had stumbled backward into my livingroom ... A rose in the storm of winter.

Inside the cup was yet another treat wrapped of delicate china blue ...
(even a lemon was there for my tea ::wink:: how delightful each of the details were ... and this box contained layer upon layer of magical surprises!) ...

Next the tiny packages were poked ... then shaken ... and finally sniffed. Ummm. Yummers! What on earth could be inside? ... Ah Ha! Pull the little ribbons that hung out the sides ...to find out their secret inside! Scrumptious TEA! One smelled of Chocolates & Strawberries! Another delicately of Roses ...

And when I got to the last tiny blue package it was to the teakettle already happily singing out ... Calling me to hurry.

The entire parcel was breath taking.
Tear evoking ... A catch-your-heart ... Gift that showed much thought about what this person wished to gather together & send. Every detail was better than the one discovered only a moment before. That this very someone gathered each item, thought about this little teaparty a lot, meant a lot to me. So much in fact that as I sipped my tea ... I could feel that very someone across the miles sipping her tea and felt the warmth of the friendship as close as if she were right there smiling back at me in the flickering firelight ... Tucking a quilt about my shoulders & poking at the fire to warm the room to a roar.
Add rain on the windowpanes, a good storybook read aloud, your bestest toy dolly to share it with, and such a moment as this ... is perfect.

And that was what helped make me forget I was sick. At least for a little while.
How did I get so lucky to meet the path of, this person anyway?

What was the song I sang as a Brownie (girl scout)? "Make new friends, but keep the old ... One is Silver and the other Gold."

Yep Yep Yep. Friends are fabulous.

=^..^=zU
:::: Miss.Poppy ...
smother momma with thank yous for me. Okay? ::::

PS. The chocolate valentine tea? It's smell is from heaven.
Must be close if not THE BEST TEA EVER CREATED ...

These are the sweetest little tags I have ever seen ... (the pictures do NOT do them justice -- they have teensy dots of sparkle added in just the perfect places!)

The guests wore wings

I never did get a chance to finish my tale of ...
..... the party of 14 October, did I?

Well, let me just mention the guest list and how on earth they got everyone together and kept it from me. Okay, tried to keep it from me. And I think I shall be afraid to see my next phone bill for sure!

The party was a hard secret to keep. For I am a snoop. I had began to suspect something was being planned, but when the right arm of the Faerie Queen herself blew in on a wish ... I knew.

Early to arrive was Miss Sandy who scooted in with pumpkin latte in hand, arms laden with bursting packages & a look on her face that read relief to have landed. She was running a bit late (time seems to hide from her) saying truly she had meant only to stop for a moment when a flea market was spotted on her route to my cottage. Unable to contain herself as she found tables of antique lace & tiny glass doll buttons --all so perfect to bring for the tiny wings that the tiniest faeries would soon be needing for winter, she quickly misplaced a bit of time. Once having arrived Miss Sandy busied herself with the unpacking of ribbons, snips & bits of lace which were being tied into the trees near the glade below the garden. She wished for the little ones to find her gifts when they first opened their eyes that morning.

I knew she was there trying to distract me from what the rest were up to. And it almost worked. But not really ... I knew.

And so my weekend began with a flutter of wonder and only grew bigger & better every moment from then onward.

The guest list was long ...

Sir Loved-a-Lot came, and Patsyette. Secondhand Rose with her many dogs, & soon behind was Old Dear carrying her travel bags & Comfort was helping pickup what fell. William of course brought Ponyboy clutching Forgottenit --who was smiling.

Perfekt arrived exactly on time, and Prunella Picklewhitt (who brought her puppy dog Bluff) had along with her a new baby sister Prudence, desperately trying to keep up. I saw that Charity was escorted by Religion, who brought Hope & Faith in his pockets.

Margaret May squealed with delight as the skies brought Lavendar's Blue & Miss Dew with a kitten in each arm ... In a shower of glitter from newly spruced gossamer delighting all the youngsters below that caught it on their fur with joyful somersaults, yelps & the waving of paws.

Aunt Arbutus came with the twins who had the micelings, Tidbit & Crumb in tow ... Tagging along with them was tiny Alan Berkley delightfully leaving behind the scent of almond oil. Edward duckling arrived wearing his red wellies with a sigh of "just in case" and always near was Bebe, his best bunny friend carrying on about this and that (although only the Jumeau dolls could understand him) we had a time with translation -- except for when offered more carrot cubcakes we all knew what Oui! Oui! meant & quickly filled his plate to heaping ...

Katydidit arrived late & immediately proceeded to chase Karma while her brother, Matthias Obegood, ran after & tumbled with Chaos ... and Perchance danced with Napoleon.

The guest list goes on into the night as did the party. And to my great delight, like Miss Dew Drop, most all came wearing their wings. Just for me.

It was simply grand.

And ... There you have it. I know I must have missed half of the guest list, but I'm sure they will understand. For at least now, you have been introduced to some of the cast of characters that surround me. They are forever in my life and stories. I'm sure they will speakup individually in their own time, each tell you their stories & of how they found me. They are such fun, I hope you will enjoy meeting them.

They certainly know how to live in the moment that's for sure!

Oh my! Such a thought I just had ... It is almost time for the feast of Thanksgiving harvest. Then the Festival of Winter Lights ... and ... Oh! Time is running by quickly. I must prepare.
More parties to be planned!

Alas, first baby ChiChi must be fed. I am being informed loudly.

Have a wonderful weekend! What will you be doing?
Me? I am going out into the garden to play hide & seek with the faeries.

=^..^= love, zU