Treasures from my blogging friends

September 24, 2015

One of the most unexpected benefits of blogging has been the friendships I've made here. When I began blogging, I assumed I'd be sitting here by myself writing to  . . . I don't know, some unknown audience who would remain anonymous. If anybody would even be reading.

Now, a little less than two years later, I reflect on all the wonderful, interesting, kind, and encouraging women I've met here. And, as I look about my house, I see tangible reminders of many of them.

Whether I received a gift or a giveaway win, or whether I've bought something from a blogger's etsy store or participated in a teacup or magazine exchange, I've collected some wonderful mementos from my far-flung friends.

Just as I treasure my grandmother's handmade items, family heirlooms, and gifts from friends throughout my house, so I treasure the lovely things I have that remind me of my internet friends, very real to me even though I've only met two in real life (so far).

Here are just a few . . . 

The beautiful Limoges teacup in the foreground came from a Martha's Favorites giveaway. In the back row, center bottom, is a teacup from a teacup exchange from Kitty's Kozy Kitchen. I still can't believe these were just given to me, just because . . . 


Also from Kitty, hand-crocheted. Love this.

And here's another pumpkin; I have three of these beauties from Celestina's (Southern Day Dreams) etsy shop. She has beautiful items in her shop, and is so talented.

These adorable sheep were made by Kathy (Spot on Cedar Pond); I got them from her etsy shop. I love that the wool comes from her own sheep. The bookmark was made by Marcia Pilar; I received several beautiful ones from her as a blog giveaway gift.

Someday I'm going to try this -- lovely ribbon embroidery by Rainey at Flower Lady's Musings etsy shop.

A trip to Colorado Springs to Bernideen's now-closed shop yielded this beautiful pillow and several other delights, including a teacup slipped into my package by Bernideen, unbeknownst to me.

From Stephanie's (The Enchanting Rose) etsy shop, Rose Petal Blessings. It's sitting atop my grandfather's caned (by him) rocker, and makes me smile whenever I see it.

A delightful find from Michele's eBay store (Finch Rest Emporium). She slipped in the little doily just because. Bloggers are so generous like that! In with my baubles are three bracelets won in a giveaway hosted by glamorous Tamera at Tamera Beardsley.

Wonderful handmade bee balm made by M.K. at Red Robin Farm. I also have a wind chime from her, made with shells collected from the North Carolina shore.

Shane from Roses, Lace, and Brocante sent me magazines from New Zealand as part of a magazine swap Lorrie hosted. She tucked in a lovely lace doily which is displayed on my night stand.

A beautiful pedestal dish, also from Michele's shop, filled with bookmarks from Celestina, Marcia, and Stephanie.

Wonderful soap from Cranberry Morning's etsy shop, Homemade Soap N Such. This is my last bar; have to order more.

And while these aren't displayed anywhere (eaten up long ago), this picture reminds me of Mariette's Back to Basics delicious cookies she brought for me when I met her and her husband in June. Also reminds me -- I need to get me some of that pretty ribbon with The Beautiful Matters on it. In pink? 

In addition to all these goodies, just a couple days ago, I received a delightful package as part of Stephanie's teacup exchange; but that will have to wait until the official "reveal" she's scheduled for October.

Aren't bloggers the most talented and generous people?

(My apologies if I've missed anybody . . . I'm sure I'll remember something else in the middle of the night.)

15 comments

  1. Yes, I am certain that you smile a lot seeing so much of your friends right there in your home. Bloggers seem to be more generous with one another than we might be with IRL friends. I'm not sure why that is... You certainly have many delightful and beautiful treasures.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Deborah, you are simply one of the sweetest blogging friends EVER! You are full of warmth, kindness,and love....and I am so grateful I have the privilege of knowing you through blogging. Thank you for being YOU and for sharing your precious friendship with so many people {including me}. Blogging friends are truly special and quite remarkable.

    Thank you for the visit to my blog this evening - I am so glad the post about Heather was helpful. I was shocked to learn asbestos was put into items for the kitchen.

    Love and hugs to you, dear one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What lovely treasures. It really does amaze me how sweet and generous bloggers are - and oh my goodness, the shops and the talent there - what a sweet lovely post by a sweet lovely woman. ♥

    I have been off line all week - and watching my nieces away from home - I have a LOT of back reading to do. There are not enough hours in a day to do it all, is there? Hugs.

    Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dearest Deborah,
    What a lovely post with indeed many treasures that bring a smile and fond memories.
    Don't we all have several pieces from different blogger friends over the years? It creates a bond and we have shared happy and sad moments together. Very special.
    Was thinking about our meeting in early June the other day and can't believe that is almost four months ago...
    You should try Suburban Princess, via her FB Page (I've sent you an invitation to like her) as Avril can for sure create any type of ribbon or whatsoever! Mine is not from her but I only found out about her later.
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  5. What lovely treasures... what beautiful friendships... splendid photos.

    Now that my life is more my own again (no more part-time night job), I am looking forward to spending more time here with my beautiful blogging friends and doing this very thing of sharing treasures with those we 'meet' along the way.

    Wishing you a beautiful day...
    Brenda
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a lovely post and blogging friends are wonderful, caring and giving. You have some really sweet pieces.

    Thanks for the mention and photo of my little heart and link to my blog.

    Have a wonderful weekend dear Deborah ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a nice nod to all the wonderful bloggers out there, Deborah! Yes, I've found some great ones with great talents, too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What special memories and keepsakes you have collected. Yes, the friendships I've made through blogging are just as important to me as any friendship. I've also enjoyed the generousity of blogging friends and have especially loved Stephanie's swaps.

    Thanks for sharing your special things. I'll definitely check out some of these ladies' Etsy shops.

    ReplyDelete
  9. A lovely post with some really enchanting treasure.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Like you Deborah I've met the nicest women from all over the world since I started blogging and have made a number of friends who are special to me. It has enriched my life to share the things we like, a love for tea and just everyday life on our blogs.
    You have received some lovely treasures from giveaways or 'just because' as have I and it makes one appreciate the thoughtfulness of others.
    This is my first time joining Stephanie's swap and it was enthusing right from the start with her warm personality.
    A happy weekend to you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Deborah, the friendships in blogland are so very special and your friendship is such a blessing to so many including me. You have received beautiful treasures from so many wonderful bloggers and also the support you have given to those of us with shops. Thank you for the mention and your kind words.
    Love your beautiful tea cups. Stephanie's teacup exchange is such a joy to participate in and this season was very special once again. Looking forward to seeing all the pretties out there that everyone received. I just received mine this week and it too was a beautiful blessing.
    Have a great weekend and Happy Fall. cm

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a delightful collection of beautiful treasures! The craftiness and generosity of other bloggers are extraordinary. I've been following the tea parties for years and was amazed and grateful for the warm welcome and camaraderie that I found in my little corner of Blogland.

    My teacup from the exchange arrived the other day and I can't wait to share it and see the other participants' tea pretties at the teacup reveal!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I loved seeing all your pretty things from blogging friends, Deborah. I just think my blogging friends are the most kind, gentle, loving souls. Maybe we are all slightly introverted and like to express ourselves through our written words and generous spirits?? I, too, love seeing treasures around my house that remind me of my friends,that are here, and in the blogging world. Happy weekend, sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What precious keepsakes you have of your dear blogging friends, Deborah! I'm sure they make you smile every day. There are so many talented and lovely bloggers out there and they are so generous and sweet - always there to listen and encourage in good times and bad. Even though most of them might remain hidden behind the computer screens, their hearts and souls speak loud and clear of what loving and caring people they are. I wish everyone could experience this wonderful community. It always reassures me that the world is a loving and kind place. Hugs and blessings xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
  15. These things must mean so much to you! And it is lovely that you wrote about them here. I am not very talented with handmade items anymore but my daughter-in-law is and I tell her that I would rather have something she or my granddaughter made than anything they could buy for me in the store.

    Dewena

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting! I'm truly delighted to hear from you.