A second unexpected gift

Today's mail brought another wonderful surprise: a necklace from my friend Marilee - Marilee J. Layman. The scan doesn't do it justice (but I scan better than I photograph close-ups), the colors are much richer in real life.

The necklace is absolutely perfect: the color suits me so well, the length is exactly right and the design is wonderful. I love the cab, it took me a while to realize that it is made from polymer clay. There is such a depth to it and the shine is amazing. Thank you very, very much, Marilee.

I don't know what I have done to deserve two such wonderful gifts in such a short time but I am certainly enjoying them.

An unexpected gift

Today's mail brought a package, completely unexpected. I recognized the name but didn't expect what was inside - the most exquisite beaded doll I have ever seen made for me by a friend who is an amazine bead artist.
I haven't taken pictures yet but, luckily, Grace did.
Of course, there were tears at first at the unexpected kindness. I have been so blessed over the last year and a half, so many new people have come into my life, all good people, kind people, most of whom I probably would never have met or gotten close to if it hadn't been for Henry's death. I am so grateful to them all, grateful for the emails, the letters, cards, the visits, the flowers, the prayers, the opportunity to just talk and talk until I was all talked out, the advice, the unexpected gifts. I know I can ever repay them but I hope they all know how much they mean to me and how much I appreciate all they have done for me.
Grace, thank you! Your doll is beautiful, I love the colors, the design, the little ruffle on the back and especially the hair! It reminds me a bit of dreadlocks and makes me wish I hadn't just gotten a haircut :-)