Surprises in my mailbox

What a treat it was this past week to receive several unexpected gifts in the mail from new friends.  I'm so blessed to have met so many wonderful women through this blog.  This first little "happy" is from my sweet friend Becky Shander.  I love the tag, the scrabble tile charm and this adorable heart pin cushion that had been previously posted on her blog.  Do you know what I love best though? ....having a little something from Becky in the studio with me to inspire me and create with me.  Thank you, Becky xoxo

Another sweet, sweet friend, Cindy Adkins, also surprised me this week with two little packages in the mail. If you know Cindy then you know she is extremely generous and giving. She is also the Queen Bee of paper arts that rarely sleeps and cranks out one amazing piece after another. Well, Cindy decided to send a little something for the new studio.  These gorgeous tags arrived this week with sweet sentiments about using the new studio to have fun and create.  Of course, one had to have a rooster and something rusty! Thank you, Cindy. xoxo

These sweet gifts have me thinking today about blogging and the friendships that form between the women here.Most of us will never meet in person. Is it possible to form a friendship through blog posts, comments and email? Absolutely! Before computers, telephones and telegrams, there was only letter writing - a lost art form. Neighbors, friends and family could only stay in touch with a handwritten note. The best part about this time period is that people made an effort to express themselves and to write well. The effort you put into your letter or postcard was a reflection of how you felt about this person. For me, blogging is very much like a high tech form of letter writing and you are each my pen pals.

A well written letter is one that flows and is so full of the writer's personality that you feel like they are sitting right there next to you. It is their voice you hear in your head while you read.  For me, that is what reading your blog posts and comments feels like.  Like reading a great letter from a close friend.  And, guess what?  Opening my computer to find emails and comments waiting is like opening the mailbox and finding an envelope with my name on it. It gives me a little thrill.  Just like these sweet gifts and notes in the mail did this week. I may never have the pleasure of meeting each and every one of you in person. Blogging and emailing may be the only way we ever communicate, but I dare anyone to discount the friendships we share.  I love the time that you spend here and that I spend visiting you...thank you for your friendship. xoxo