Monday, December 29, 2008

Making Christmas Last

Christmas was magical here. Family gathered, good food, warm house, twinkling lights and a visit from Santa. We simply spent time together with our friends and family and enjoyed each other.

The magic of Christmas touched me from afar as well. I was touched by the wishes from many of you and special gifts from new friends.

Beth, of Modern Jax sent me a rotating light for my silver 50’s pom tree. She had an extra and sent it to me when she read I didn’t have one. We have enjoyed our tree so much more this year. Thank you, Beth. Your generosity brought us much joy and we will think of you each year when we set up this special tree.

Michele, of Calico Daisy sent me the most beautiful pieces of redwork embroidery simply because I said I liked them. I’m almost done with the project where I’m using them. They (and Michele) deserve a post of their own. This week you’ll see them and learn more about Michele and the collaboration that she offers for all us quilters.

Terri of Purple and Paisley emailed me one day letting me know that my blog was all out of wack…lots of weird spaces and pictures and text not in the right places. I’m a blog novice, so I didn’t have a clue. Isn’t it great when someone cares enough to let you know when things aren’t quite right. She did it so sweetly and offered to help me. With a few emails back and forth I was able to figure things out. (at least I think so). Thanks Terri. What a great gift you gave me.

I waited obediently to open my SSCS gift. It was worth the wait. My secret santa was Catherine, otherwise known as The Quilting Canuck. I had her blog on my reader and was merrily reading her blog not knowing that she was my partner. I received a gorgeous log cabin quilt. The picture simply doesn’t do it justice. The colors are spectacular! She also gave me a needle felting kit. I’ve wanted to learn, and now I can. And then there was chocolate, but not just any old chocolate…special for me from Canada. I’m savoring those little by little. Thanks so much Catherine. I’m glad we’re already connected through our blogs. I so appreciate the time you put into this quilt for me. It will hang in my studio where I can look at it every day.

I was given a Kreativ Blogger award by Lisa of Candlelite Quilter. Thanks Lisa. You give me a gift every time you come by to visit.

Emily from Em’s Scrapbag gave me The Spirit of Christmas Award. I was thrilled. I’m supposed to list five things I love about Christmas. I’m going to let the lyrics from one of my favorite Christmas songs say it for me.

Old City Bar by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

“If you want to arrange it, this world you can change it.
If we could somehow… make this Christmas thing last.
By helping a neighbor, or even a stranger.
To know who needs help, you need only just ask.”

I’m not very good at the whole awards thing, but I would love to honor these ladies with the Spirit of Christmas award. These are the types of acts that will make Christmas last all year long, stay in our hearts and enter the hearts of others.

Beth of Modern Jax
Michele of Calico Daisy
Catherine of the Quilting Canuck
Lisa of Candlelite Quilter
Emily of Em’s Scrapbag
Terri of Purple and Paisley

Let's make this Christmas thing last.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Wonderful gifts from wonderful people and bloggers! Wouldn't it be great if everyone around the world would make the Christmas spirit last year round?

Karen said...

Sounds like you Christmas was lovely. Teri (P and P) is a computer/blog genious, in my opinion. Wish I knew what she does. Happy New Year to you and your family;)

Sherri said...

I love the idea of "making this Christmas thing last" and the lyrics just sum it all up!

Yummers! said...

I'm so glad you had a fantastic Christmas... being together is such a gift. I'm anxious to go back to your blog and click on all of the links on your post.

Off to take photos of my December album as the light is great right now.
Hugs from the frozen tundra,
Joni

QuiltedSimple said...

Love the gifts and so glad you had a Merry family and friend filled Christmas! Happy New Years!
Kris

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy your site. I happened upon it one afternoon and now look forward to seeing what you are creating next. You have inspired me to "freshen up" some of my work. Thank you. Happy New Year to you and yours!

Dawn said...

Such gorgeous gifts from such lovely friends. Your Christmas was/is blessed! Glad to hear that you will make that feeling last......

ellen said...

What wonderful gifts from such wonderful people. The spirit of giving and caring, generosity and love should be our mantra all year long.
It DOES bring me joy that you had such a lovely Christmas. May we all embrace the spirit of the Season in wishing, working and promoting peace and caring in the new year.

Beth said...

Thank you Jacquie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the light.

Oiyi said...

That quilt is stunning!

Browndirtcottage said...

looks like you are FULL....of quilty and friendly goodness!! Hope to you for the very best in the New Year!!

henny said...

Jacquie,
glad to know you have wonderful Christmas and fabulous friends there...Happy New Year to you :)

Tine said...

What wonderful gifts you have recieved! I am so glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas :)
I also wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed New Year!

Levin said...

merry christmas.
your sscs was lovely - it's been a wonderful experience and one i hope to repeat again next year.
hope your new year is happy
l
x

driftwood said...

what a wonderful Christmas made more special by such lovely friends. xx

Quilts by Lisa said...

What a wonderful Christmas! You are very blessed to have so many great women in your life. Happy New Year!

Chookyblue...... said...

so you got a nice surprise form someone you follow...........cool.........nice wall hanging.........I have a few to get up on the wall........enjoy the last bits of Christmas...........

MightyMom said...

Christmas is a wonderful time of year!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I believe your secret Santa made the perfect gift for you. Terri is my computer hero! I saw on Chookyblue's blog what you sent your SS. She must have been absolutely tickled pink!!!

Amy said...

Thank you for the introductions to those thoughtful and creative women. I look forward to exploring their blogs. I've often wondered why it was acceptable to have the Christmas spirit only from Thanksgiving through New Year's. I'm with you on the making it last.

Sabra said...

What a great post. Isn't it wonderful to know people care about you? It would be great if we could all make this seasonal spirit last all year, year after year.

Rebekah said...

you certainly have lots of generous friends! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas!

Unknown said...

How great to have such a community here! I know I love it :) congrats on the awards and your little quilt is beautiful!