Friday, July 19, 2013

Precious gifts........................


If you've ever met a blogger friend in person you've known the joy of the hug, the friendly greeting full of excitement............and often the fun of exchanging gifts.  Over years, or even just months of blogging, we get to know each other's likes and dislikes, peculiarities and interests...............and often what we enjoy tasting, collecting, reading, decorating with, and sharing.


Portland, Oregon..................a city of roses and so much more. Hurry there if you haven't been, you won't be sorry. Visible on my July 8 visit, just 50 miles east-southeast of Portland, mesmerizing Mt. Hood, 11,249 feet, highest point in Oregon, and fourth highest volcanic mountain in the Cascade Range.


Marilyn of Delights of the Heart and I were certainly warm up on the hillside where, from the lovely gardens of the Pittock Mansion, we had this awesome view across the city toward Mt. Hood. Portland was having a heatwave....the mountain looked cool!



Getting back to gift giving...................my very special gifts received from Marilyn, owner of Marmalady's - "tea products that make the heart sing" - are delightful and brought out the English in me! Always acceptable pretty English china, and a very unusual assortment of 'tea bags/balls' stashed in the useful woven straw pouch.


This vintage cup and saucer from the 1920's is by the artist Clarice Cliff for Royal Staffordshire. Read more about this interesting woman HERE.
As it's small I am keeping it alongside my set of Wedgwood 'Edme' demitasse cups. I just love it and will use it often.



Also in my gift bag was a lovely slice of wrapped handmade soap  - this came from Marilyn's recent visit to a lavender farm in Sequim, Washington. It smells divine, the blend of lavender and calendula will ensure healthy skin.

Thank you Marilyn for the gifts, the time spent at your beautiful home and garden, and sharing the sights, sounds and tastes of Portland. Meeting up with blogging friends..........definitely one of my FAVORITE THINGS.


Linking this post to Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for Saturday's A FAVORITE THING. Stop over and join in - there may be some really cool posts for a hot Summer's day.


14 comments:

  1. Mary, the only thing that rivals those beautiful shots of Portland is the English china. What sweet and wonderful gifts from Marilyn! It really is a joy to meet blogging friends when we travel!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  2. What a special time for friends. Someday, I hope we get to meet up in person. Great photo of you two! ~ Sarah

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  3. Meeting blogger friends has been 100% pleasure in my experience. I'm glad you found it so as well!

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  4. I have also enjoyed the pleasure of meeting other bloggers. What outstanding views of Mount Hood! Marilyn gifted you with lovely gifts.

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  5. How wonderful! Yes, we do get to meet so many great new friends through this medium. It's so special when we can finally meet in person. Glad you to finally did.

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  6. It truly is a special pleasure meeting our blogger friends from all over the world when the opportunity arises. I'm glad you and Marilyn had such a lovely visit!

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  7. I look like you had a very nice visit. Sometimes I do yearn to see mountains out my back door instead of cornfields. Beautiful pictures.

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  8. What lovely gifts you received. How special it must be to meet another blogger. I live in SW Washington, just a short distance from Portland, and I've enjoyed the beautiful views of Mt. Hood many times. Thanks for sharing your visit!

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  9. I love the pattern on that tea cup. Such gorgeous pictures of Mount Hood.

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  10. What a lovely chance to meet a fellow blogger! The gifts she gave you are beautiful. I'm so happy you two met up!

    Thanks so much for joining in this week, my friend.

    xo
    Claudia

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  11. Oooh. Most people would not actually use a Clarice Cliff piece these days. Look after that cup and saucer carefully. Your friend has great taste.

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  12. I loved finding just the right gifts for you. In return your treasures were a delight, but I am savoring and stretching out to extend the JOY. I am so happy you were able to come to my part of the world and see the views I enjoy.

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  13. I am so wanting to visit Portland and I love the china. So wonderful to have found you through A Favorite Thing. xo Laura

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  14. I have had the privilege of meeting a few internet friends and it has been quite a treat! I'm so glad that you had a wonderful visit!

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