Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Faraway Friend in New Zealand. . . . . . . . . .


When the doorbell rang on Friday, the last thing I was expecting was
 delivery of a package from beautiful New Zealand!
 I knew one was on its way, flying across the planet, bringing a surprise from 
lovely blog friend Shane in Auckland, but I didn't expect its arrival 
quite that soon.
Shane obviously knows what I enjoy. We met via our blogs some years back and 
since then have kept in touch. Sadly, I didn't know Shane the one time I was in
 Auckland, late in 2011. Only there for one day but wish we could have met.

I was heading out of Auckland to the 'Roaring Forties' in
 the South Pacific Ocean - with my dear friend Paula.
 We were on the small but luxurious expedition ship 
Orion, visiting the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand
 and Australia. . . . . a truly amazing journey, and only
 500 tourists total permitted annually to protect these
 pristine islands and their incredible wildlife.


Shane's parcel was wrapped lovingly in vintage dress pattern paper and a page 
from a French book.
 Her colorful card depicted the market ladies in St. Remy, France.
Shane travels to France as often as possible as she, like me, has family living 
there, including her precious granddaughters.
Here's the link to her blog Roses Lace and Brocante - do go visit her and see the 
beautiful things she creates with old lace, fabric, papers etc.




Shane made a gorgeous Paris journal for me to take on my trip next week. 
In between the beautifully decorated pages there are plenty of blank ones for 
my personal notes. Perhaps later I'll print some of my Paris photos
 in sepia/vintage tones to add to the book.




Other goodies came too!  Shane sent a very lovely linen kitchen towel,
 daisy print napkins - both with a touch of red to match my kitchen. . . . . . . and
 this fabulous illustrated tin of Venchi Italian chocolates - note all the healthy 
dark ones.



The angel cards are special - I always try to find beautiful cards with angels and
 Shane made me happy with these.
 They are from the talented artist/designer Anna Griffin whose products I admire.
 Funnily - and perhaps even Shane doesn't know this - Anna graduated from
 North Carolina State University School of Design, just a few minutes drive from
 here where I live in Raleigh!

Thanks so very much Shane for all the truly beautiful things in my parcel - you 
certainly made me happy and grateful for our wonderful friendship.
As you know, I really hope to return to New Zealand some day so we can meet in person.


10 comments:

  1. This was such an extraordinary gift from your friend...oh, I wish you had met up, so many close calls. I know her gifts were just perfect for you, Mary.

    Bon voyage! And in answer to your comment---yes, we will be in Asheville for a bit, next week I believe. Hope to visit with you and Bob next spring or summer! :)

    Love and all the best from Alan and me!

    Jane xxxx

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  2. Hello dear Mary

    It was a pleasure to create this journal for you!
    I'm so pleased my parcel arrived in your hands before you leave for overseas.
    It's always touch and go for long distance post, when I'm told airmail will take 6-10 working days, I know things can turn pear shaped at times!

    I'm thrilled to hear you will be taking my little journal with you to La France - that is very special for me!
    As I was making it I didn't imagine for a moment it would be travelling with you!
    It will be lovely to see what you add to it!

    Bon voyage dear Mary
    much love

    Shane xox

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  3. How perfect! Shane is such a lovely person. Years ago I did a swap with her and there were some delightful things in her package. So nice to have worldwide friends.

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  4. What a lovely gift you received from Shane, the lace filled journal is beautiful. Shane and I became blogging friends last year when I joined ' Grow Your Blog Party ' and Shane was the winner of my give away. Such nice caring lady I too would love to meet in person. Enjoy your pretty journal for your next visit to France. Where will you be, maybe if it's not too far from where I live, on the border of the Periigord region, we could meet up and talk about the region of Devon you visited where lived for 17. yrs.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Barbara - yes Shane is a delight, just wish NZ was closer!!

      We will be in Paris and Normandy with a group of friends, then all on a river cruise down through Provence to Arles. On then to my brother's home near Carcassonne for a few days, and from there to Barcelona. Not near you I'm afraid so can't meet up this trip sadly - hopefully another time when we come over alone and have less of a structured itinerary!

      Enjoy the autumn weather - we're hoping for a warm, dry spell whilst over there.
      Mary -

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  5. Such a lovely and thoughtful gift! Perfect.

    xo
    Claudia

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  6. What beautiful and thoughtful gifts your friend sent you. She is very talented.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  7. Shane sends such beautiful gifts doesn't she. I was the recipient of one of her giveaways and she added so many sweet things to the parcel that were a delight to open. Enjoy this lovely gift.

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  8. Oh I love visiting Shane on her blog. She is so special. What a lovely, lovely gift. I wish I could sit with her and learn how to make those beautiful journals.

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