In awe of generosity

Nothing lifts the spirits quite like pressies. And gloriously wonderful pressies? All the better.

I got to work on Monday, and a lovely little box from Australia was waiting for me. When I opened it, I saw this:

Gorgeous cardstock and ribbon and art -- all just the wrapping for a handmade gift from Nora.

It's worth restating that I only know Nora from this here webberblog. And that a gift from her on the occasion of "Just Because" is truly something spectacular.

So, I stared at this stunning wrapping, and I was torn. Should I open it and then try to re-assemble it to take pictures for the blog? Or should I wait until I could take photos to open it? If I waited, it could be days before the conditions were right to take a picture. If I didn't, I would surely spoil the beauty of the presentation for posting here.

I tried to peek inside to see if I could spy the inner goods and make a decision that way. No luck. I couldn't see a thing. Hmm.

And I realized another way the blog impacts my life: There are situations like this where I can't open the presents from the lovely people I know because of the blog, because of the blog! Crap.

I put the whole thing away, despite my burning curiosity. And, wouldn't you know, yesterday was totally grey and not suitable for taking photos.

So, I tell you what. When the sun came out this morning, this gift was the first thing I thought of.

Behold the amazing handmade stitch markers:

Aren't they beautiful?

And there are so many of them!

I can't believe Nora sat there patiently bending wire and stringing beads and making these beautiful creations, and now they're mine! It really made my day. And I can't wait to use them! (Believe me, they'll be out on display as lovely things to look at in the meantime.)

Thank you so much, Nora! Your kindness and thoughtfulness are a beautiful part of the world wide web. People like you and Kristy are inspirations.

Being kind and generous out of the blue is so cool. It's totally the new black.