Treasured Friendships and Birthday Pressies

Hello Everyone,   10 days ago,  unfortunately I had my computer hacked into and all my old saved message and contact address book deleted  and a dreadful message sent out to all my family and friends saying I was mugged in the UK and that I needed money.  Of course this was a dreadful untrue scam..  I am very thankful for All My Family and Friends from Around the World that have been both a "Treasure and Comfort" to me. My new computer is now back from Staples and all checked out good.  No virus and No internal computer damage.  So I was very pleased to hear this. It is now "Time" to Move On and get back to posting about My Art,  Family and Friends.

The day after the spammer hit my computer "My Dear Sweet Husband" brought me home some very lovely Spring Flowers to "Cheer" me up.  My Sweetie, is my Very Best Friend and Soul Mate and I Love Him with all My Heart. Thank you My Dear for Always being there for ME. 

My first artistic passion is hand embroidery.  I recently joined a "Vintage Book Group" and this Oldie embroidery book called, The Embroiderer's Garden, by Thomasina Beck was brought to my attention last week. I order it from the Book Depository in the UK.  It arrived yesterday and to say the least I am more than thrilled with it.  My other passion is gardening and I especially love British Cottage Gardens and this lovely books reinterpret and recreates the beauty of these gardens in embroidery. Below is a photo of an embroidery garden from inside this wonderful book.   

 At the end of February was my 60th Birthday.  I was dreading it but of course My Dear Wonderful and Wise husband reminded me I should celebrate being this old.  LOL  He always brings Joy and Happiness into my Life Everyday.  He took me on a lovely trip to Lansing so I could visit all my favorite shops and we had a lovely meal at my favorite Red Lobster Restaurant.  I received many lovely phone calls, email messages and cards from Family and Friends from around the world.  I am truly blessed.  Thank you all for making this day so fantastic for me.

I have always admired the A-Z Embroidery Book published by the Country Bumpkin in Australia.  The above photo of these books are the additions to my collection.

The above photo  shows a lovely Rose Apron and Oven Mittens set made by my Dear Friend Heather in SK Canada. Heather has a lovely bright and cheerful blog called, "A Cherished Life", Please have a visit I am sure you will enjoy it. Of course anyone who know me know the "Rose" is my favorite flower and pink my favorite color.    Thank you so very much  Heather.  I love them. 

My Dear friend Inge from The Netherlands made me the wee lovely Cupcake Pincushion and Beaded Flowers. The Lovely fabrics pack is wonderful as is the neat Tin.  Thanks so very much Inge.  I love them all.

My Dear Friend and SIS (by choice) Lyn from Australia sent me the lovely Wedgewood Candy Dish and  RubyVase. Yup, they made it all the way from Australia in one piece.  They are lovely SIS thanks so much.I also received a very lovely phone call from My SIS too. She woke up at 0200 to chat with me a bit.  It was a wonderful way to start my day.

My good friend Ulla from Germany created this very lovely knitted scarf for me  It is so very soft to touch and delicate.  I love it too.. I met Ulla and her lovely family while I was living in Germany working as a nurse at the American Military Base.  They were my neighbor in the small village of Ettinghausen. They welcomed me with open arms and I will never forget their kindness. They came to visit us a few years ago and we all had such a wonderful time together.   

 Another Dear Friend of mine is Jo from Australia.  They live on a Dairy Farm and we have know each other for many years.  Jo sent along some Lovely Fabrics and Lace along with some very lovely note cards.  I love Cherry Blossom because they are our first blooming tree in the Spring with their soft pinkish blooms.  Beautiful, indeed.  Thanks you very much JO.

I also received a lovely gift from Ruthie who lives in Isarel.  She made me this wee Pincushion with J crossed stitch on it with a wee white rose.  I have a small collection of thimbles and now I have one from Isarel to add to it.  The hat pin is also very pretty.  Thank You Very Much Ruthie.

I feel like a "True Friend" encourages us, comforts us, supports us like a big easy chair, offering us a safe refuge from the world.  A true friend stands at our side during the best and worst of times.  Hold a Dear True Friend with both hands.  True and Faithful friends are indeed a Treausre, Touching Our Hearts and Strengthening our Spirit with their Words, their Touch, and Sometimes by just their Silent Presence.  

Thanks YOU ALL My Dear Friends for your Kindness to Me especially during the last couple of weeks.   

Also I wanted to remind everyone that the Winter Wonderland Online Exhibition ( please click on the words Winter Wonderland to see exhibition)  is still up for viewing until the March 31st.  My fiber art  piece is called "Barvaria Winter Wonderland" Please have a look.  And please vote for your favorite art piece before leaving.  Thanks

Hugs