Sunday, December 30, 2012

Making Christmases Merry ~ One Christmas At A Time....


Some of you who have been with me a while, may recall a post I did shortly after Christmas last year.  (If not, and you're curious and/or bored, you can find it here.)

I struggled a bit last year to find my Christmas "joy" which, in other years, came so readily and un-beckoned.  Then, a very special package arrived that made my heart, like the Grinch's, grow three times in size.

That package came from my sweet friend Shirlee, a/k/a "The Easily Influenced Stitcher."  And while I could never have dreamed Shirlee could "outdo" last year's amazing "Christmas in a box," she did.

And, like last year, it took me back and made me truly ponder the wonder of a Christmas-filled heart.
After the bustle of Christmas Eve festivities were over, I sat alone with the Christmas music playing and the lights twinkling, and reveled in the blessings of a friend's amazing kindness.

  
Simple, unassuming packages...but oh the treasures within....
Five (yes, FIVE!! pinch, pinch!) gorgeous stitcheries....I would have reveled in the gift of one, but five had me hearing angels singing.

All are Country Rustic Primitives designs (one of my most favorite designers!!) and each is beautifully hand-stitched and creatively finished by the oh-so-talented (but oh-so-humble) Shirlee:

  (Winter 1839)

(Merry Christmas 1843)
(I LOVE reindeer!)

 (Noel 1867)
 
(Joy 1837) 
(Did I mention I LOVE reindeer??!)

  (Sleigh Bells)

 All are patterns I hoped some day to do (how did she know???)....but it would have taken me a month of Christmases or more.  To have them stitched for you by a friend is a gift like no other.  Shirlee's heart is surely filled with the spirit of the season and she has a way of filling others' hearts with the magic of the season as well.  She is single-handedly making Christmases merry, one Christmas at a time.
Thank you my sweet (and overly generous) friend!!

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Since it is doubtful I'll get another post in before then (all that daily merriment posting almost posted me out), I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, happy, new year! May it be overflowing with joys and blessings, large and small......
 

22 comments:

Hillcresthome Prims said...

Beautiful gifts and she is very talented!
Happy New Year,
Tricia

Anonymous said...

beautiful gifts, you are truly blessed with loving friends, my mum always said one must be a friend to have a friend, your goodness reflects in the way people love you, happy new year to you!

annie said...

So happy for you, a kindred friend like Shirlee is the most favorite gift of all. Blessings and hugs to you for a very Happy New Nod Year!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year! Beautiful stitcheries:)
~Lori

Kim said...

Those are gorgeous. You are a lucky crow for sure to be blessed with a generous friend like Shirlee.
Happy New Year! 2013 is gonna be your year.

bettyj said...

Isn't it wonderful that when we need it most a friend comes through? Her work is beautiful! I am sure she got just as much of a blessing sending it as you did receiving it. She is a sweetie. I hope you have a blessed new year robin and things in Nod just make you smile.

Ann said...

What a pleasant surprise! I too love Country Rustic Patterns. Happy New Year. ~Ann

prims by olde lady morgan said...

Oh Simply love! and covet my friend, the talent of cross stitch eludes me...sigh.... The workmenship that goes into them is wonderful! Most wonderful gifts indeed! enjoy! OLM

Trace4J said...

Beautiful Christmas stitches of love
Woolie hugs to you friend
Trace

Constance said...

Hi,
All of the presents are just beautiful. I know you will enjoy them. Have a wonderful New year

Sallie

oldgreymare said...

Such a blessing to be so loved...
Wishing you a healthy and peaceful New Year.
<3

Prims By The Water said...

Shirlee is so amazing and you received some awesome gifts. Wishing you, Mr Crow, Little Crow and Snow Dog a Happy 2013! Janice

marly said...

I would be crowing! How wonderful of her and she certainly does do a beautiful job on finishing. Happy New Year to you and yours!

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Robin, so so special, how sweet of Shirlee, very touching of a friend to send such lovely stitchery to be treasured.......love to hear stories that touch the heart......They are all so beautiful.......Happy New Year, I'm blessed to call you friend, Francine.

Raymond Homestead said...

What nice gifts! Happy New Year Robin!

~Sara said...

How wonderful!! I was lucky enough to have received ONE of her pin keeps in a swap we did. Mine is wonderful, how nice to have all of those different ones. So much work! Praying you will find much peace in 2013. Blessings~Sara

Jeanne said...

Absolutely beautiful...what wonderful treasures from a wonderful friend. Blessings for a happy new year.

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

What beautiful gifties! I thought I heard some far off crowing that day! I especially love the Joy one with the leaping reindeer--she is certainly very talented as well as generous. I hope your mother is doing well and that Little Crow's knee is healing CORRECTLY this time... New Year's blessings GF---Jan

Anna Hanley said...

Hello and Happy New year to you!!!
Anna

Barb said...

Hi Robin,
Wishing you the very best in 2013!
Enjoy,
Barb

Beckyjean said...

Beautiful gifts!!

Happy New Year!!

Hugs~Becky

frontporchprims said...

I love the sleigh bells pillow. Actually, all the tucks are so pretty. What a fun package to open by the twinkling lights. She is a special friend........I am happy for you.
-Steph-