Blissful Lingering Days of Summer... and Gifts From the Heart...

This darling little Native American handcarved burnished cedar bear is a gift to me from my niece Liz... in Native American belief, the bear is a symbol of strength...isn't that the cutest little bear face you ever saw?... thanks Liz!... I love him!...and I know he will help me keep getting my strength back!...

As the days of summer are waning I am savoring every moment of the sunshine and blue skies... my flowerbeds are in a state of change themselves... summer blooms are beginning to fade as Autumn's Chrysanthemums are covered in rusty~orange buds, just waiting to burst open in a glorious Fall display...subtle changes are everywhere... like many of you, Autumn is my very favorite time of year...so many beautiful things to look forward to... and so many wonderful friends to be thankful for... today I received several packages delivered to me... the first one was from my dear friend Celeste of Celestina Marie Designs... I have posted often, most recently in my Barn Chicks Party post, about "my" barn... (it's not really mine, but I pretend it is! We walk past it each morning on our Nature walk)... Talented Celeste took an image of my photo of "my" barn and created the most stunning heart~shaped treasure box for me...all hand~painted with gorgeous leaves and vines and apples in front... I am overwhelmed!... Celeste created this just for ME!... knowing how much I love this old barn, and how much I also love her creations!...Karen, who hosted our Barn Chicks Party, is having another Barn Chicks meeting post coming up on September 3rd, all about Barns and Apples... I can't wait to show off my exquisite treasure box in that post as well!...

Celeste also sent me a pretty card by my favorite Nature artist, Marjolein Bastin, a wonderful little book entitled "Words to Warm a Woman's Heart", this darling little birdie demitasse set...

a beautiful silk bouquet, with a little tag that even has "my" barn on it...thank you so much Celeste... I am truly speechless...

I also received a package from another dear friend, Tracie at My Petite Maison... Tracie sent me the most wonderful book called "The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook"... Tracie and I both love yummy fresh vegetables and healthy food and I can't wait to try some of the recipes... the book is also full of wonderful photographs, gardening tips, wine pairings and tomato lore... one of the little presents said "For Julie and Jack" and inside was this fabulous cd called "Music for Two Hearts" that is from a winery she used to work at... I can't wait to play it!...

And knowing I am French, and loving EVERYTHING French, dear Tracie sent me this beautiful little Virgin Mary from France...oh Tracie, this is so very dear to me and I shall cherish it always... Tracie is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met, like Celeste, and they are always thinking of others...Merci to you too sweet Zeke!... and big doggie kisses!...

Fairly recently I met another new friend, Sheila from Blessed and Distressed...I found Sheila's blog through Kelly's blog at Farmstead Lifestyle when I bought my gorgeous vintage white cowgirl boots... Sheila gives classes at some of the workshops at the Farm... I ordered one of her beautiful "Faith" stamped metal art pieces that she was doing an upcoming class on... when it arrived, I was so excited, it is gorgeous!... Sheila sent me some wonderful little gifts as well... vintage seed packets, vintage Bingo card, vintage lace, and beautiful beaded earrings she created... thank you so much Sheila!... you are so kind...and I love everything...

All of these gifts came to me straight from the heart of these caring ladies and I love you all!... I am doing much better after my surgery and getting back to my old self...Merci! for all of my get~well wishes and gifts!... xoxo