Gone But Not Forgotten.....

It has now been a little over one month since I announced that I was taking what was supposed to be a short blogging break. I wondered when I opened my poor neglected little piece of cyberspace what I would find. Much to my surprise, the wonderful gift of friendship awaited me. In my absence little offerings of love have poured my way in the form of emails, encouraging comments and prayers, little gifts arriving in the mail, and even sweet awards and a tag. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for all who venture past my little cottage and stop by for a friendly visit. Many thanks to all who enter here. Thank you that even though I was gone, I was not forgotten!

In my absence, Quill Cottage was thrice blessed with the Brillante Weblog award. Carol of Charli and Me, Zetor of Mog's Blog and More, and Carrie of Oak Rise Cottage were the generous givers of this award. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.

I was tagged by Schotzy of Wings of Eagles. The tag instructions were to share five things I love. Hmmm, no other rules, just five things you love. Five is an awfully limiting list. I'll skip the obvious like the Lord, family, friends, etc. and go to personal preferences. In no particular order, here are five things I love:

1.) I love to flea market on rainy Monday's. I always find my best bargains then.
2.) I love sunrise, the quite hush of evening being ushered out and the promise that comes with the dawn of each new day.
3.) I love books, reading and learning new things, traveling through the written word into the lives of characters and the places they inhabit, the weight and feel of a book in my hand, the quite rustle of turning the pages, and the descriptive language that each page holds.
4.) I love the joy of discovery through a child's eyes. I love caring for my little grandson and seeing the world afresh and anew through his exploration and delight in the simplest of things.
5.) I love my Father's world, all nature, rocks and trees, skies and seas, all things His hands have wrought.

If you want to play along consider yourself tagged. I'd love to read your list so let me know if you post on this.

I also received a goodly share of love in the mail. First there was a package from Cindy of Cindy is Crafty. This little package came along with a bonus blog award. I was so deeply touched by Cindy's kindness and for her thinking of me "just cause". Cindy sent me a wonderful little vintage hardbound volume of table graces for all occasions. I LOVE this little book. The prayers contained within its pages are not just meal blessings but words of thanks and praise, requests for God's blessings, special prayers for children, and prayers that are appropriate for holiday's and special occasions. The hope of the author of this little volume is, "...that this book may become a reminder of our dependence upon God's grace, love, and mercy which are ours in abundance."

This precious blog friend knew I needed a pick me up and I thank her for so richly blessing me "just cause". My dear friend Cindy, I am sending one of these beautiful graces back to you:

Dear Father, with the dawning of each morning,
through this friendship rare,
May Cindy's each day receive adorning,
through your blessings and your care.
Amen.

While on break I did a little etsy shopping over at Laura's Decor to Adore. I saw a must have necklace she had made with vintage charms and I ordered it. When the order came I was quite surprised by the size of the box, a bit large for a little necklace. Well, I should have suspected that my wonderfully generous friend would have tucked in some extra goodies! I was stunned when I opened the box and found not only my purchase inside but and item that I wanted to seek out for my kitchen! How did she know? Who told her? Not me.

My necklace was packaged in a sweet little muslin bag which was tied off at the top with a bit a raffia and a little silver bird charm, so cute! She even included two extra vintage rose charms that I turned into matching earrings!I lifted it out to find some wonderful embroidered pillow cases and a delicate cut work linen!A sprinkle of yummy candy. Sorry no picture, we ate it!

And...this stunner piece, a hand painted plate with fruit on it!I literally said to my daughter the day before this arrived that I wanted to find two such plates to hang on either side of a vintage framed lithograph of fruit that I hung in my kitchen! Laura, I am bowled over by your thoughtfulness and I will cherish all your wonderful gifts, thank you so very much.

Last, but certainly not least, one day last week I went to my mailbox and there was a package inside from a precious blog reader, Vicki Page. The handmade card Vicki sent with the words contained within blessed my heart more than she will ever know. The first thing I noticed about the box when I opened it was the scent, heavenly! Just look at all this goodness:
The sweetest satin bon~bon sachets! Don't they look darling displayed here?She included some crafting goodies!Just look at these feathered friends for the Quill! These little doves are perfect for displaying on my writing desk which has a matching motif! I have a special affinity for doves and I will always treasure these.For some quite time of relaxation and reflection Vicki included some herbal teas and a devotional!If I am correct, I think Vicki used her seamstress skills and made this awesome batik fabric handbag!This bag is beachy perfect and full of summer fun! Look at the fantastic stitching, colorful fibers, and glass beading. I have to say that one element of this lovingly crafted creation that stuck out to me were the glass fruit beads that line the top row of this side of the bag. These beads will always remind me of a blog friend that exemplifies the fruits of the Spirit in extending her friendship and taking time out from her busy life, in spite of her own health struggles to uplift and encourage me at a time when I really needed it. Vicki, you have blessed me beyond measure, may it be returned to you tenfold dear friend!

How many Marie Antoinette fans do we have out there in blogland? Then you must go over and visit Viv La Reine! a new blog that is a gallery of Antoinette inspired art! Some of you may already be familiar with this blogger, Kimberly Ryan of It's All About Romance Kimberly Ryan Art. Are you a creator of all things Marie? Pop over and see the art of fellow bloggers showcased there. Perhaps we will see your designs featured next!

Lastly, how would you like to win this original beach inspired painting? I know I would! My friend Helen of Brushstrokes, Etc.is having a give away for this oil painting! This original 5" x 5" oil painting on canvas is titled "Cockleshells" and is valued at $100.00! Go here to get details and to enter to win! I own one of her paintings and let me tell you the detail is fantastic and I would love to have this one to go with the one I already own! Hurry on over as this give away sign up ends on September 1st!

This gets me caught up and ready to begin blogging again! I'll be back at the first of next week on a more regular and consistent basis. Thank you all for hanging in there with me while I refueled!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy