Coffee and mail

So what is this post about? Looks like lots of question marks to me.

First, I want to say that I don't normally show mail that people send me. I don't know why, I guess I always thought it was bad manners. But I have seen so many of my blogland friends posting things they have received from other blogland friends, that I felt it was time for me to rethink my philosophy.


So today I'm changing my practice and showing what the mail person brought yesterday.


Because yesterday was Tuesday T, I celebrated Kimmie's challenge, even though I was a day late in posting. So to honor the challenge, I made some French Vanilla latte, rather than my French Roast coffee with half and half. I think I got a bit too much French vanilla syrup and no half and half, preferring milk for the froth, which was already gone by the time I got the photo taken. I cannot tell a lie: I was the cause of the foam being gone. I'm such a kid when it comes to hot foam with cinnamon sprinkled on top. Since yesterday's theme was Urban Art, I thought my grunge mug went well with that look. All that's missing are the bubble letters spray painted on the side!!

You can see, the mailman really sent me a HAUL today. I felt like a kid in a candy (eye candy) store and it isn't even my birthday.


On the top of the pile was a large envelope from Patty at Magpie's Nest. In the recycled package that she sewed shut (SO CLEVER), was the "Swimsuit Edition" from Trader Joe's. Since I don't have a Trader Joe's anywhere close to me, this was a wonderful gift that will make a great read. Also, something I know I'm going to love is the "Sew Green Zine." It will come in handy for April, when I spend the entire month going green.

Mixed in with the zine was a ton of art fodder, which I can't wait to put to use. Click this, or any photo, for a better look.



Next was a hematite and seed bead bracelet with a vintage button clasp from Trianna of Triannas Treasures. The package came from Canada. Looks like she got mail, too. Check out her blog to see what I mean.


I never got a really good photo of the bracelet. It is simply too beautiful to miss so much of the detail I could not capture, so please go here to see how she photographed it.


My next package came from Marlynn. I just got Marlynn's gift to her for winning my OWOH first place, and from the drawing I had a few weeks ago. Now here was something wonderful back from her. In case you can't read the top, it reads "for a mold." As soon as I read that, my heart skipped a beat. I knew exactly what it was. I could barely contain myself as I opened further.


Yep, it was one of the Fleur de Lis that I had coveted on her blog. And NO, our Michaels didn't have any, or I would have gotten the package. I am going to make a mold for my polymer clay soon, maybe even today.


Next was a big package all wrapped in black tissue from Autumn Clark. Last October, she had a giveaway every day on her blog leading up to Halloween. I didn't even know I was entering, so you can see how surprised I was.


Here is what she sent. Dana, my art friend, will be so jealous. Halloween is one of her favorite holidays.


My final package came from Astrid at Astrid's Artistic Efforts. The tag tells the story


and the arch is what I won. Isn't it gorgeous? It's far more beautiful in person, too. Astrid's package came all the way from Scotland, too.


And finally, this was not part of yesterday's mail, but it was too much of a coincidence that I couldn't pass up showing this gem. I know the photo is a bit out of focus, but I was starting to get cold in my drafty craft room when I took this photo.

To show what a small, small world this is, I was simply blown away when I visited Christen yesterday during T for Tuesday, Kimmie's wonderful art collaboration. Christen also has another blog called "The Store on the Corner." It was at that blog that I won this wonderful vintage fabric pin cushion. Isn't it awesome? Now how much more of a coincidence can you get, especially since it was Christen's turn to pick the theme?

So, my question for today (no, I don't really have one everyday) is, what do you think about showing gifts others have sent to you?

And since Kimmie was the one who directed me to these various Tea blogs yesterday (I still have a few to visit), I have to give her the special honor of blog of the day. I know many of you, my faithful readers, love Kimmie's blog, but those of you who have never been, are in for an eye popping treat.