Surprises and Prizes

Thank you so much for the lovely and encouraging comments some of you left on my last post.  I truly appreciate your kindness. I hope to show you the finished cocoon and hat I am crocheting for my new Grand who is due to arrive in three weeks, in my next post. 

Up at the crack of dawn one morning I tried to capture the sunrise in photos, but did not get my camera out soon enough to show you the deepest reds I saw.  It was an amazing surprise to see the vibrant colors bloom in the sky behind the trees outside my window...and then we had a string of rainy days :)

My little Grand Joy is now an expert crawler and getting to be an impressive walker.  I was surprised when she made her way over to the toy chest, opened it up and started to fling out some treasures the other day.

Then, last Friday was a surprising delight from beginning to end.  My friends, Taci, Teresa, Betsy and I met for a bloggers' lunch for several hours at an Italian restaurant that is right across from the inviting Littlelamb and Ewe store that holds lots of fiber treasures and tools and a very kind and helpful mother and daughter  team of proprietors. 

On the way home I had fun snapping some photos of autumn.  The rain that pelted down in the valley around me last week landed as a fresh coat of snow wrapping Mt. Hood; and in colorful contrast to Mt. Hood's startling white, more and more leaves on the trees in the valley are turning from green to red, orange and gold.

When I finally made it home in the evening, I found a wonderful, surprise from Judy  from CJ Stitching and Blooms blog who is celebrating her 7th year of blogging.  I have been enjoying visiting her blog and getting to know her, and I won some of the prizes in her celebration give away!  She sent a wonderful handwritten letter on paper she purchased on P.E.I.  and a postcard showing some of the delights of Michigan.  She sent me lavender from her own garden!!!  And as if this was not grand enough, she also sent me a beautiful heart and star that she crocheted and embellished with my favorite color, purple, beads.  I am so blessed, Judy.  Thank you!

What surprises and prizes have come into you life lately?

Gracie xx

The Gifts From Lauren's Closet

Sometimes gifts arrive at just the right time.  Just when I need an affirmation of joy and goodness and generosity in a world where there is terror and suffering nearby.  It is humbling to receive such a gift, especially when it so clearly reflects a great investment of time, artistry, and expense.

Yesterday lives were lost and wounded in a nearby mall on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, when a man randomly shot into the crowd of shoppers.  A commentator noted this morning that while the act reflected the worst in one man, the actions of many around him reflected the best in many as they reached out to help others.

Shari, the blanket you crocheted for your giveaway from your blog, Lauren's Closet, is beautiful in every way.  The soft cotton formed in a lovely pattern has already warmed me and been admired not only by me but by friends and members of my family.  The praying angel ornament is beautiful as well, and it reminds me to appreciate "joy to the world the Lord is come," and pray that, "every heart prepare Him room...."

Thank you so very much, Shari, for your most generous gifts to me.  I treasure them.
WOW :) **WONDER*OF*WONDERS**  I am a winner indeed!!!

xx from Gracie