Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas In My Heart.....

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.  Charles Dickens


Merry, Merry, Greetings My Friends!
I hope this post finds you still imbued with the Christmas spirit, and your heart still filled with the melody of the season.

I confess I have fallen hopelessly behind in blogging, with no rational hope of catching up.  I have tried to visit you all, although sometimes without time for a comment....But I have wrapped your Christmas wishes about me like a shawl and they have warmed my spirit and my heart.

 I have struggled a bit this year finding that joy and spirit that in other years so eagerly and readily overtook me....It has been a strange year in many regards. "Strange," at times, in an awkward and unwelcome way, and at others, in an amazing and heart-warming way. And at this holiday time, more than ever, I was touched with kindnesses that truly filled my heart.

One of these many kindnesses arrived a few short days before Christmas....when I was running woefully short of "merry." A HUGE box was delivered to my doorstep from someone I've only relatively recently met, but I could swear one of my multiple personalities and her just might be twins from different mothers....dear, sweet, Shirlee from Farmhouse Ponderings.  Inside was my very own Christmas:


Can you believe it? And what amazing gifts were inside those wonderfully wrapped packages.....

Some of Shirlee's handmade beeswax ornaments - scented with spiced berry and dusted with a fragrant spice mixture....each one different:


These darling little prim candles on clothes pegs:

Little saltbox tart warmers (smelling of yummy cranberry) in the sweetest little ditty bag:

A Swan Creek candle (Spiced Oatmeal Cookies scent...YUMM):

A sweet little prim flicker candle with pan and "fixins'":

An adorable little painted sled:


And, yup, there's more.....

I LOVE this "Silver Bells" pillow (that has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, and when I was living in Spain and couldn't come home for Christmas, my little brother tape recorded it and sent it to me....):


Gifts that would melt any Grinch's heart....but there was still one more, very special gift.....handmade by Shirlee....don't know how or why, but it was the one I opened last:

 

A wonderful, wonderful, "Gone Sledding" pinkeep that Shirlee stitched...and finished with her sweet little chenille trim finish....LOVE it!! :o)))

It truly took me the better part of an hour to open each gift, wipe up the drool, coddle it, and then repeat, and repeat, and repeat.  At the end of the time, I sat there, surrounded by pretty papers, amazing gifts, with my favorite Christmas songs playing on shuffle, and a thought that kept circling my brain....Why? WHY had she done this?  After all, I didn't really even know her THAT well or that long....But then, I thought of Shirlee's huge heart, and I thought of all the other incredible gifts I had just recently received from the holiday hearts of Lil Raggedy Angie, Robin from The Primitive Hutch, Karen from My Colonial Home, Tricia from Hillcrest Home Prims, Pam from basketsnprims, Mary from Prairie Homeplace, and the ever-gifting Mrs. Parker from Parker's Paradise, to name a few (and that's NOT even mentioning any of the very many and amazingly wonderful and generous giveaway gifts I've been blessed to win); and like Ebeneezer, who awoke to find Christmas in his heart, or perhaps the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes that day, I knew why. And it covered all my cold parts in a warm blanket of Christmas.
Thank you, my dearest Shirlee.....I love each and every gift - it's as though a true and well-known friend chose each and every one.  There's more than a little bit of angel in you.
   
***********
Too mushy?
Ok....I'll move right along here....

Being the behind kind of gal I am these days, I'm also once again behind in paying my propers....(for those of you not schooled in that parlance, that means saying "thank you....")

A few weeks ago, Tonya (better known as "The Farmer's Wyfe") from Pumpkin Pie Painter had a contest of sorts for anyone who could guess the book that she chose for her Farmer to read when they were dating.
Well, I didn't guess correctly, but I was actually a winner in her "consolation" drawing and the eve before Christmas eve, a wonderful package was delivered to my door.....

Containing...

...this amazing birdhouse gourd ornament made by Tonya:
 (Wish my photo were better - it's truly beautiful....the leaves are dimensional, the painting detail is gorgeous and there's wonderful glittery highlights....)

And....this sweet little musical ornament: 

And this GORGEOUS scarf!!!

You would not believe how soft it is...and, it happens to match my coat perfectly:

How cool is that???
Thank you SO MUCH Tonya! Each and every one of your gifts is truly special to me and each has filled my heart with joy. (Let me tell you, you have some AMAZING consolation gifts....yes...I'm more than consoled!!) 
If you have time, visit Tonya at Pumpkin Pie Painter .  She not only has an incredible talent for crafting and painting, but for the written word as well. She just recently posted an amazing story regarding the gift of a doll....and if it doesn't melt your heart, you're channeling the Grinch even more than I was....

************
So....that's been this Crow's Christmas.....
We had a very quiet and understated holiday and it was good in its way.
For those who have asked (and to whom I have not been very responsive), thank you for your inquiries about my son. He is doing well and getting about. Unfortunately, the surgery apparently didn't correct the issue, as his knee is continuing to dislocate. His therapist has been trying to contact the surgeon, but with the holidays, these attempts have been futile. We have a follow-up appointment on January 4th and will know more then.
As for me, I'm brushing up on the theories of jurisprudence, equitable maxims, alternative dispute resolution, the protocols of APP citations, and other fun things.

Wishing you magic and joy and the hope of a new year.....




33 comments:

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

Great goodies for a great crow! Love em all ! Now get off blogger and get to studying ...Im missing ya but you I know are so buried in coursework ...just know Im thinkin of you and praying for ya !love ya gf BIG OL LIL RAGGEDY HUGS :0)

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

wow you got an absolute wonderful package..love love love all the goodies you received..aren't blogging buddies the bestest? I love getting surprises in the mail..I hope they figure our your sons knee soon..cause I am sure he is in pain..I wish you a happy new year.;)

Unknown said...

You are so blessed with many wonderful friends. Love everything you got. I got two gifts this year but it was wonderful in it's way. I hope your son's knee gets fixed soon. It sounds painful. Have a wonderful week studying.

Siobhán said...

What wonderful gifts! Everything is just gorgeous. It's so nice, when you're just not 'feeling' Christmas, to be gifted with kindness that helps you to experience the joy that you once felt.

I'm sorry to hear that your son's surgery wasn't successful--I hope the appointment gives you more answers and that he isn't in a lot of pain.

Hillcresthome Prims said...

I just love all your goodies. Can you tell how many of us ladies love you!!
OH my I am praying for your son's knee. I had a knee that dislocated all the time because at one time in my life I was a toe,tap and jazz dancer, NOT anymore. I had knee surgery about 10 yrs. ago, so I understand to well what your son is feeling.
Bless him for us!

I am so happy to see your post but I know that you are studying hard, keep it up!!!!!
Have a blessed week my friend!
Blessings and Hugs,
Tricia XO

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

I was so thrilled to see your post! I've missed you here in blog-land. I can just imagine how busy you are preparing for your classes. I think when we are in the middle of challenging changes, it's hard to get all of our holiday joy going. Once you get in the swing of the new job, the energy to enjoy your personal life will come back. I hope that your son can get that knee fixed up--how painful and frustrating it must be. All of your gifts are wonderful! You are much loved by us all!!
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Courtney

The Rusty Thimble said...

Good Morning you Cranky Ole Crow LOL

Great post packed with wonderful goods Robin. what sweet gifts!!

Sorry to hear about your sons surgery not fixing the problem. Hope they can figure that out!!

Good luck on all that legal stuff you are brushing up on, my mind would be a mess to learn all that

BIG HUGS
Happy New Year
Brenda

Traci~Moon Gypsy said...

Your Christmas in Nod looked like it was filled with wonderful delights! Great gifts from all.

Oh, I was hoping that you son;s knee was all corrected and healed by now. I'll keep praying. And as for the subjects of law...yea, well, I'll leave that all up to you ;>)
Hugs,
Traci

Anonymous said...

there is no one I can think of who deserves these gifts more than you, you are a wonderful cranky crow, lol.
I'm so sorry the surgery wasn't completely a fix, hopefully they will correct it, poor boy.
Those term of which you are studying sound like greek to me, I'm so glad that you are a bit happier now,

HomeSpunPrims said...

So good to see your post Robin. I'm so very sorry to hear the surgery didn't work for your son. Continued prayers being sent up for all of you.
What womderful blog friends to send you so many gifts from their hearts.
Take care and big hugs, Lori

outjunking said...

Glad to hear news about your son, sorry he's not yet mended. Looks like old Santa came to Nod and you had a Merry Christmas.
Lisa

frontporchprims said...

Robin, how nice it is to find a kindred spirit. What wondeful presents. They came at the perfect time. Some years it's harder to collect that sprit of Christmas. We all understand how busy one can be with life. Wrap yourself up with that gargeous scarf and remember all the people who care for you and who are rooting for you. Happy New Year. -Steph-

prims by olde lady morgan said...

WOOSZERS!!!! that was a fun Christmas package from Shirlee, she is a sweetheart! as well as come other wonderful goodies too! Blogging friends are the best! I hope all works out for your son, a knee on the move does not sound like fun in anyway! happy new year, boy that sounds wierd to me...just not ready I guess...OLM

annie said...

I'm so happy for you! I love all your things, no wonder you had such a party!

My Primitive Creations by Tonya said...

What a Beautiful post!! There's always an angel who rescues the day & helps bring a smile to our faces..I think your Angel did a great job of bringing the Christmas Spirit to your heart and home with all of her Surprise packages. Just at the right monent too!
Don't you love it when something sparks an old memory like your Sleigh Bell Pillow did?

I love all your goodies..so prim and pretty..

Sorry to hear about your sons knee surgery not doing the job..I feel for him its no fun to be in pain & know you might have to have more surgery. Uggg...Tell him we're all praying for him!

I hope the studying is going well and you're feeling like you are ready for the new challange in your life..

Have a great week!

Hugs & Blessings
Tonya

Penny said...

Wow, what amazing gifts! It must have been so much fun opening each one. Lovely gifts from Tonya as well!
I hope that your son can get some answers at his follow up appointment. It can be so frustrating trying to get medical issues straightened out.

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Isn't that Shirlee the sweetest gal you ever met???
Such wonderful goodies!
Glad you still enjoyed your Christmas ~ even though you were behind. Such wonderful blessings!
Hope your son gets his knee fixed up and soon will be out of pain.
Hope you have a spectacular New Year my Friend!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Mary said...

Shirlee's gifts are wonderful. I'm glad her kindness helped you to have a good Christmas. It's hard when your loved ones are not feeling well. I'll continue to keep your son in my prayers. Hugs~Mary

Unknown said...

Wonderful post, Robin! I was lucky enough to obtain some Christmas Spirit before the big day but I'm sure those gifts would have filled the void if I hadn't found it! Lucky Cranky Crow, that you are!!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Anonymous said...

Beautiful goodies you have there. Looks like you had some nice surprises for the holiday. I love Christmas, but this year it seems it came and went way too fast. Not enough time to enjoy it with rushing around. I guess I didn't have time to get in the mood this year. Enjoy your goodies, very prim stuff to display.
Tamera
Country at heart

Meadowbrook Cabin Primitives said...

Hi Robin,

You have been blessed with lots of wonderful prim gifts and goodies ! You really must have been nice this year !

Love the gone sledding stitchery and the sliver bells pillow and everything really !

May your son's knee heal ! Sounds very painful. Maybe your son and I should find new surgeons.. I have to have another hernia surgery for another hernia right below where the other one was located.

Happy New Year !

Hugs,
Linda

Lois--Huckleberry Lady said...

Wow Robin....you got some pretty nice things there!!!! Sorry to hear your son's knee isn't healing and causing more trouble. It's very frustrating!!!!
Have a Happy New Year.

Lois

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

Arggggggggg! I don't even know most of those words! I would be pulling my hair out!
Your Christmas looks so beautiful. You, like me, have been very blessed. Friends are the honey in my tea!
Happy, happy new year, Robin.
I know you will be prepared for this new challenge! Make us proud Professor Bentley!!!
Love you,
Linda

michelle said...

What great goodies!You so deserve all the blessings!Big hugs michelle

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Oh dear hope your son is doing better soon. My goodness you received some wonderful treasures thanks so much for sharing all the pics....love the silver bells!

Pam B said...

Robin, I can't imagine you being any less than "merry"...every single contact I have with you is always such a huge pleasure. You are blessed with so many friends who -- like me -- love to bask in your warmth. You're a truly good person that I am proud to call my friend.

I'll be praying that your son's knee will improve; what a tough time he's had this year.

Big hugs,
Pam

deb said...

oh my what wonderful prim goodness you have there...love it all BUT especially LOVE the silver bells pillow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What delightful and thoughtful goodies you received. Bloggers are some of the nicest people on earth ~ yet they are often Angels just when we need them!!

I hope your son's knee problem can be worked out on your follow-up appointment.

I wanted to stop by and take a moment to wish you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year!! hugs!!

Linda said...

Such wonderful goodies to a wonderful gal!!Your son remains in our prayers...knee surgeries can be tricky...my younger son had his just before his 16th birthday after a bad wrestling accident.
Happy New Year!!!

RURAL said...

Robin, your comments are always so thoughtful and relative. I do apologize for being so behind in my posting, and my commenting. But know that I save your blog as one of my special "reads" when I see a new post.

Have a wonderful Christmas season, I write that because I am just too late again.....LOL.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

With the way you form your words into a sentence, I felt like I was sitting right next to you opening those glorious packages. Robin, you have such a knack for story telling...even with a few judicial words tossed in. You really are dearly loved by so many women in blogland. These gifts are all made with such love and attention to detail. I am LOVING that pinkeep, too. Super sweet!

Please give Mr. J. my best - and wish him well. I do hope that he gets to feeling better soon. No fun being cooped up with injuries. Maybe he can catch up on some good movies. ??

Off to figure out how to reassemble my space at the antique store. It looks rather sparse and naked with the holiday adornments gone.

Love you,
Becky

Margie said...

Reading your post brought tears to my eyes as I could feel the grinchiness fade out of me (similar to how you must have felt),as you described each sweet little gift, even though as I read this the holiday now seems long past. I never could really get in the spirit this year and I adore Christmas. Thanks for sharing your heart and letting us experience your joy. That's an added beauty of these blogs...we can immediately feel plugged in to the human race, plugged in to life even if we feel rather isolated. What a blessing Shirlee was to you. Isn't it amazing how the kindness of just one person can touch so many people. What an inspiring little tale you have told. Thank you.

Oh my, that was a little long and mushy. I should sign off now before I ask if we can be bff's for life or something else thats equally sophomoric.I am better at sarcasm...I am actually good at that, but I guess I can be mushy every now and again. Glad to finally get to catch with you my dear friend.

Grace to you,
Margie

Tonya said...

Sorry I am sooo behind in coming here!! Looks like you got a heap load of fun things!! The scarf did really go so well with your coat...that's great!! So sorry about your son's knee. That must be so frustrating!! Hope they can correct it soon!!! Have a happy weekend!!!