Some of you who have been with me a while, may recall a post I did shortly after Christmas last year. (If not, and you're curious and/or bored, you can find it here.) I struggled a bit last year to find my Christmas "joy" which, in other years, came so readily and un-beckoned. Then, a very special package arrived that made my heart, like the Grinch's, grow three times in size. That package came from my sweet friend Shirlee, a/k/a "The Easily Influenced Stitcher." And while I could never have dreamed Shirlee could "outdo" last year's amazing "Christmas in a box," she did. And, like last year, it took me back and made me truly ponder the wonder of a Christmas-filled heart. After the bustle of Christmas Eve festivities were over, I sat alone with the Christmas music playing and the lights twinkling, and reveled in the blessings of a friend's amazing kindness. Simple, unassuming packages...but oh the treasures within.... Five (yes, FIVE!! pinch, pinch!) gorgeous stitcheries....I would have reveled in the gift of one, but five had me hearing angels singing. All are Country Rustic Primitives designs (one of my most favorite designers!!) and each is beautifully hand-stitched and creatively finished by the oh-so-talented (but oh-so-humble) Shirlee: (Winter 1839) (Merry Christmas 1843) (I LOVE reindeer!) (Noel 1867) (Joy 1837) (Did I mention I LOVE reindeer??!) (Sleigh Bells) All are patterns I hoped some day to do (how did she know???)....but it would have taken me a month of Christmases or more. To have them stitched for you by a friend is a gift like no other. Shirlee's heart is surely filled with the spirit of the season and she has a way of filling others' hearts with the magic of the season as well. She is single-handedly making Christmases merry, one Christmas at a time. Thank you my sweet (and overly generous) friend!! ********************************** Since it is doubtful I'll get another post in before then (all that daily merriment posting almost posted me out), I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, happy, new year! May it be overflowing with joys and blessings, large and small......