Gifts from other lands

Before I begin, I want to thank all of you for being so sweet about my virus. It's still around, and I have the most problems when I visit blogs and try to leave a comment. Seems like I'm constantly turning off my computer to "unfreeze" it. And, NO, Darcy and Claire, I am not running Norton. However, Spybot, ZoneAlarm, and Virus Doctor have been of no help with this one. Not sure where I got it, but I'm getting ready to call my computer friend Scott to see if he can help. And yes, a Mac would be my computer of choice, except I didn't pay for this one (and we all know we get what we pay for).

To turn away from the ugliness of this virus, I turn toward something beautiful: friendships made over the internet from lands far and wide. One of the highlights of this week came from my mailbox. On the same day, I received a large package from Anne (Liverpool Lou), all the way from the UK, a postcard from my friend Rachel in Japan (who doesn't have a blog), and an envelope from Cindy of Pink Bird Studio in Canada. I did a little creative editing of my name and all addresses that showed, but you can still see what awesome gifts I have received from around the world.

I was blown away by Anne's generosity, not having "known" me that long. Yep, we met during WOYWW and I have considered her my friend since the first time I visited her blog. Her hand written letter touched my heart. When she read that my friend (Kathy) had purchased the birdcage and bird, Anne cut a bunch of these die cuts for me herself and sent them. Although Kathy lives just over an hour from me, Anne's gift reached me sooner. Anne also sent an envelope filled with flowers, wings, and other die cuts. I was simply thrilled. Look at all these goodies. She also noted that I don't sew "real" things (my words, not hers), so she sent me this awesomely awesome bag. It is fully lined and even has two pockets in it. I will cherish and use it, that's a promise. Since I'm afraid to send Anne an e-mail, I simply had to thank her the only way I felt safe in not infecting her computer. So, thanks Anne, for the lovely gifts and your most generous friendship. I'm sure this is just the beginning of a friendship that will carry on for years to come. I even scheduled this post early in the US, so Anne could see it before she leaves for the weekend.

I also received this lovely postcard from Rachel and the timing couldn't have been better. Her kind words thanking me for a small gift I sent her awhile back really means a lot to me. Thank you, too, Rachel.

And last, but certainly not least are these two lovely ATCs I received from Cindy. Can you see the HAND stitching on the one on the left? Click on the scan and you'll be truly impressed with both machine and hand sewing techniques Cindy used on this one. What a gem. And of course, the one on the right uses a bingo card, Cindy's signature background. Thanks to you, also, Cindy. I am thrilled and so in awe of your hand stitching. Your friendship over the years has meant so much more than you will ever know.

Amy (from HOTlanta, GA in the US) at Mod Podge Rocks! finds the coolest projects, many of which use recycled materials and products from nature. She must spend all her time on the internet searching for these projects. Some of them are very cool, using recycled materials and freebies. She also gives away Mod Podge each week, and all you have to do is leave a comment. So today's blog is Mod Podge Rocks!