I know the goodness just keeps coming. Thank you sweet, dependable, strong postman. This episode is the tale of two countries, France and England. Three absolutely wonderful, creative, kind and beautiful women all dear blog and flickr friends of mine and of each other. I dream one day of sitting on my porch on a warm summer day with these friends, sipping cool drinks, creating with our hands and experiencing the joy that such relationships can bring. You might even want to join in the party. I could go on but after all this is about the STONES, or is it? The lovely ladies I am referring to are Joanie (ninimakes), Sonia (cozyhomemaking) and Nanou(les fabulations de nanou). I think this will be the year Nanou starts her own blog. No pressure :)
First the very thoughtful parcel from Joanie including a precious heart stone in a little sweater. She picked it up on a walk in her new hometown.
Edgar is showing you just how much he loves that hand quilted card.
Next comes a wonderful parcel filled with special handmade gifts and nature finds that only Nanou and her children could put together. Nanou lives in Nice, France.
Byron really loved this linen treasure bag.
He must smell something from his ancestry. He is a a Charteaux cat and thus his family used to live with the monks in the mountains of France.
Two beautiful stones , the shiny one is labradorite, and so much more. It is hard to see in the picture but the ribbon necklace is covered in beautiful snails. And this little guy stole my heart.
Last but of course not least is Sonia, almost a neighbour of Nanou. Sonia lives in Montpellier, in the south of France. She and her adorable family hunt for treasures when ever they get the chance. Stones , shells and fossils are some of what they seek. You will see from this parcel, as in all the ones above just how much love and care goes into the wrapping.
Okay Byron knows this parcel also came from France.
Or maybe he is just trying to identify the fossils for me.
Can you make out the teeny tiny perfect stitches on the cuff artfully depicting a spider, a web and fern (the snail). On the back is liberty of london fabric (the strawberry thief) and to join these miniposts together the unique vintage green button was a gift from Joanie to Sonia. This is the most beautiful cuff I have ever seen.
You girls really know how to send joy by mail.
Little reminder it is your last day to leave a comment for a chance to win the first giveaway of 2010. I will announce the winner tomorrow.
so, so beautiful! i love that cuff. i think you must have the happiest letterbox in the world :)
Posted by: melissa | January 31, 2010 at 03:36 PM
What lovely parcels to receive from France and England. Your new cuff looks wonderful on your arm!
Such treasures for sure!
Posted by: Joanne | January 31, 2010 at 03:57 PM
It is wonderful how you are chronicling these gifts; weaving a beautiful web.
Yes, that is a gorgeous, rich cuff!
Posted by: annri | January 31, 2010 at 05:09 PM
Nanou, Joanie & I are so proud to be your friend, Margie, and we're so happy to have brought you a little joy, comfort & love these past week. Thank you for including this in the Stone Diaries, but mine was simply a Christmas gift. I'm always honored to be here, though :) So glad the cuff fits & that you like it ! oxoxox many hugs !
Posted by: Sonia | January 31, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Love the show the cats are putting on. Don't you love how the packages are just as beautiful wrapped as unwrapped?
Posted by: Lovely World | January 31, 2010 at 05:46 PM
How very fortunate you are to have so many wonderful friends from all over indulge your love of stones. I too have loved stones. Mostly my family just told me that I had rocks in my head....but what the heck...they're lovely and possess a special spirit that is enduring. I'm teaching the grandkids how to love themjust as much as I do , much to their parents chagrin. Ya gotta love it.
Posted by: Cyth | January 31, 2010 at 07:59 PM
What lovely presents. I love it when someone goes to the trouble of wrapping little gifts individually. I also love it when cats take the trouble to arrange themselves in such an artistic manner! Even when showing their tummies!
Posted by: Lynne Kovan | February 01, 2010 at 01:14 AM
Oooooooooh Margie ! How kind of you to have included my little things in your such honorific Stone Diaries (I didn't expected that, as it was a Christmas enveloppe) ... and close to our wonderful Joanie and Sonia !
I'm happy all arrived safely and proud it could bring a smile to you. And to Byron ! He would maybe like to have his own "Byron diaries". I guess a Chartreux Cat has so much to tell ... I can't help imagining his ancestors (dressed with woolen hats and scarves ... and snowshoes !) walking with monks in single file on the tops of the mountains :D
I'm in love with the little sweater Nini made for her heartstone. How thoughtful of her ! It seems so cosy and practical to travel and warm during a cold Canadian winter. Edgar looks to agree with me !
I'm filled with admiration for Sonia's treasures too and particulary for her very beautiful and well-thought out cuff. It fits you perfectly !
All of you, Margie, Nini and Sonia (and many others in this great community) have magic in your hands !
Lots of thanks for suggesting "starting a blog". How kind coming from you ! I should first find that magic potion of time management ... or learn more about the snails attitude (as you explained some times ago) !
I think I should print the part of this post where you talk about your dream of being altogether on your porch :) :) :) I would read it each night in my bed just before switching off the light and I would make very sweet and wonderful dreams !
Thanks for this special post and wish you all a fantastic week ! Much love to you, Margie, and to all the family, human and other ...
Posted by: Nanou | February 01, 2010 at 01:57 AM
All these packages are so lovely! I especially like the red and white themed one. I'm really enjoying all the stone diaries posts. They are inspiring me to take up my old habit again of sending packages. I like the idea of just sending simple little gifts like a variety of teas and a selection of shells. One doesn't need money to send a thoughtful little package. Really inspiring. Thank you. x
Posted by: Jill Wignall | February 01, 2010 at 08:28 AM
Oh Margie I've been "away" for a few days and missed this. How honored I am to included here with these talented and generous ladies. My package was just a little comfort gift and I'm happy it brought a smile.
Nanou and Sonia make such sweet packages that I think even the postman has an extra skip in his step just knowing he gets to deliver them.
Just let me know when that porch party is and I'll be there with craft in hand, a song in my heart and a smile on my face :)
Posted by: joanie | February 03, 2010 at 01:06 AM