Far Away Friends

This photo that showed up on Facebook really struck a chord with me.  One of the great things about the Internet is that it connects you with people all over the world.  It's a great way to stay in touch with friends that move away.  It also lets us make friends with people that we never actually meet.

I know it seems strange to say, "My friend in England or Australia or Missouri" and then have to explain that we haven't met in person, but we share the things that matter to us and care about each others lives. Sometimes people roll their eyes and laugh about my imaginary friends.  It doesn't bother me a bit.  I know that they are true to my definition of a friend and that's good enough for me!

To get a parcel in the mail from one of these friends is exciting indeed!

The first parcel came from someone I have met in person.  She lives in California and comes to Canada to visit her daughter.  When she was up here, she and her daughter would often stop by my home decor shop and I looked forward to seeing her.  When I closed the shop up for good, we exchanged email addresses and added each other to Facebook.  We talk about our kids and grandkids and share pictures of the things we are doing to our houses.  I posted a thing that was going around where you offer to share a surprise with the first five people who respond.  Sometime over the next year you send each other a little gift or postcard, just something nice to show you are thinking of your Facebook friends.

So, Janet my friend from California, sent me this darling dragonfly windchime and a note saying she hoped I thought of her whenever it rang.  ~

I do think of her and it makes me smile every time I hear it.

A second parcel arrived and it was from Minnesota.  Now, I'm not saying nothing much exciting happens out here in the country, but a parcel in the mail is considered a red letter day! ~

I knew I'd won a giveaway on her blog Bliss Ranch.

Michaela and Clara Jane didn't know about the win so they were extra excited to see what was inside! ~

Be very afraid white kitty on the card.  Be very afraid of my barbarian cats! ~

It's a burlap coffee sack and I know just what I'm going to do with it! ~

It fits perfectly over the ugly cushion of my vintage wicker chair and I didn't have to cut it in case I decide to use it somewhere else later.  A few stitches to tack it in place and I'm good to go.

What do you think of this look on the porch? ~

I'm liking it and it makes me think of my friend in Minnesota every time I see it.

I think of how we talk about our chickens.  Mine don't ride bikes but I'm happy her girls are so clever. ~ 

And, I think about how she makes cool things like this dresser for a teenage son. ~

Stop by and visit Bliss.  You'll like her.  I promise!  To see how she turned an everyday, ugly dresser into a rockin' one click here.

Thanks to both these lovely ladies.  Thanks for being my friend and thank you for the surprises in the mail!