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.