A Toast with Thanks

123 Replies

Brace yourselves for some surprising news.

Gallivanta is about to attempt something very difficult …for her….which is to write a simple, straightforward post. Will she succeed? You can be the judge.

Here we go.

My plan is twofold: to give thanks to a kindred blogger; and to propose a toast in her honour.

I want to acknowledge and thank Pauline, The Contented Crafter,  for a beautiful giveaway. Pauline is a multi-media artist, and a devoted companion to the irrepressibly joyful Siddy, and to the stately and  dignified Orlando.  She is a compatriot of mine and she lives in the south of New Zealand. The giveaway was in celebration of a very important birthday for Pauline and the beginning of her official ‘retirvivement.

The giveaway  package arrived,

just before my sudden departure to Cairns at the end of September, which meant I didn’t get to appreciate it fully until my return home at the beginning of this month. And, my goodness, when I opened the parcel, what a spread there was to appreciate. I was overwhelmed by Pauline’s generosity. There were cards, postcards, a bookmark, all lovingly created by her own contented hands and heart,

Contentment

Contentment

The Faces of Contentment

The Faces of Contentment

and sweetest of all were the Bunnies; a pair of handcrafted Hugging Bunnies, which Pauline had knitted in response to my   Happiness in a Bag post.

Kisses and Hugs and Lots of Love and Happiness

Kisses and Hugs and Lots of Love and Happiness

After my harrowing goodbye to aged loved ones, can you imagine the comfort and delight I found in coming home to the fruits of Pauline’s gentle, joyous crafting?

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most space in your heart

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most space in your heart

Now for a toast.

To Pauline; to her continued contentment, the best possible health, and a long and fruitful retirevivement. I raise my cup of chocolate, in my best Bunnykins mug. Please join me with your favourite beverage/tipple. 🙂   Let us be upstanding.  To Pauline!

A Toast to Pauline; chocolate in a Bunnykins mug :)

A Toast to Pauline; hot chocolate in a Bunnykins mug 🙂

With love from Gallivanta and Jack to Pauline, Orlando and Siddy.

Ps. How did I do?  Only two links. That’s pretty good for me, don’t you think? 😉 But perhaps still not that straightforward. Sigh!

 

© silkannthreades

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123 thoughts on “A Toast with Thanks”

  1. Born To Organize

    Thank you for sharing, Amanda. What fun seeing all of Pauline’s artwork/postcards side by side. I had forgotten about the kissing bunnies. Aren’t they a delight? Sending love and light your way. xo

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  5. mmmarzipan

    What a gorgeous package to receive! So love-filled, so thoughtful! And that everything was handcrafted is just amazing. There are some truly wonderful people out there. And I really need to catch up on my reading, it seems… I hope you are ok… your family too ❤

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      One of the columnists in our newspaper wrote about how dreadful commenters can be on social media. Whilst this is true,( there is some really vile stuff out there), I emailed him and protested that my experience, and that of many others, is that the internet can be a wonderful place. So far I have had two years of positive blogging; people are thoughtful, generous and kind and I believe they are actually in the majority.

      Reply ↓
      1. mmmarzipan

        I totally agree with you! My contact with people via social media/wordpress has seen me through some very challenging times with empathy, inspiration and kindness. I know that some forums can be catty and downright nasty, but I would like to think that if I put good “energy” out there, it will be what returns to me too, for the most part x

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      1. sheridegrom - From the literary and legislative trenches.

        The only bunnies we saw on the farm was when Dad was mowing alfalfa which would later be bailed into hay and stored in the barn for winter feeding of the cattle. Three or four time a season he’d mow over a rabbit hole and unearth a rabbit with several young bunnies. Dad ever so patiently explained to us the rabbits were not meant to be tamed but were meant to live in the wild. He taught us it would be cruel to take the bunnies away from the life they knew only to go into cages to eventually die without their family close by. Rabbits were never a problem as there was always enough for them to eat and water and they didn’t over-populate. The environment was taking care of itself in those days when it had individuals such as my father, a perfect steward of the land.
        I instantly signed onto your friends Etsy store hoping to find some of the crochet bunnies available along with other whimsical items. Her postcards are indeed lovely.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          How lovely to have that fine example of stewardship in your life. Very, very precious. Pauline will appreciate your interest in her bunnies. I have a feeling that the one she gave me was a prototype. 🙂

  7. Robbie

    Wow!!! I just read this post—-WOW..ADORABLE BUNNIES:-).I have some of Pauline’s cards + they are beautiful. She is a talented, gifted artist + a very wise, kind soul. I had no idea she made bunnies that cute!!!!
    You sure are a blessed person to get that beautiful package. Pauline is a treasure:-) shoot she is a present!

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  10. Aquileana

    Pauline is sweet to give you those beautiful cards…
    “The Faces of Contentment”, yes, indeed, dear Gallivanta.
    Happy almost weekend ahead to you and best wishes, always,
    Aquileana 😀

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  11. Mrs. P

    Oh my, I do agree…Pauline is very talented. Loved the knitted bunnies. I can’t even imagine trying to do that. And what beautiful cards…cheers to Pauline!

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  12. shoreacres

    I smiled to see the conversation about thank-you notes. I was taught to write them out, and not only the obligatory ones for birthday and Christmas gifts. If someone did something especially nice, out of season, a brief note was considered to be “the thing to do.” I fell a bit out of the habit (let us be clear: I completely fell out of the habit) after I met my computer, but that little infatuation with e-cards is over, and I’m back to pen and ink.

    I’m especially fond of the bunnies. Have you seen the film called “A Christmas Story”? The main character, a boy of about ten, is given a pink bunny suit with attached pink bunny slippers by his aunt. It’s truly horrid. He’s made to try it one. His mother swoons, his dad says, “Get that thing off!” I never had bunny slippers, but I did once have a pair of reindeer.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      For a moment, there, I wasn’t sure if I had seen A Christmas Story but when I found a clip on youtube I remembered that I had seen it. Indeed, many times over. It was a favourite with my kids, who never had bunny slippers or reindeer slippers but may have wanted them for all I know. My son definitely pined for a BB gun. Thank you so much for reminding me of this cinematic gem. Instead of a polite thank you note, I will post this clip which is making me laugh and laugh.

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      1. shoreacres

        Isn’t it wonderful? Every Christmas season, I watch the film several times.As a matter of fact, I asked Santa for the DVD one year, and got it. If you want to know what my childhood was like (minus the bunny suit) this film will show you. There are so many similarities to 1950s Iowa it’s unbelievable. Mom and I used to watch it together and just howl. We even had a coal furnace that would get “clinkers” and send smoke through the house.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          I had nothing with which to compare it but it was still hilarious. It’s tremendous fun when films strike a chord like this one did for you and your mother.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Enjoy your visit. I have been wanting to find an excuse to display my mug on the blog; I finally found one. 🙂 🙂 The Bunnykins china was very much a part of my childhood and that of my children, too.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Twisted, as Pauline likes to call you ( 😉 ), so glad you enjoyed the photos. They didn’t turn out as well as I wanted them to, but at least they give an idea of Pauline’s fabulous creativity.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          And the funniest thing happened this evening. I haven’t seen wild rabbits for ages but out in a field by the airport we spotted Mum and 4 babies. Mum was having a hard time keeping track of her offspring. I felt as though my talk of rabbits this morning had conjured them into being. 😀

  19. KerryCan

    I can’t think of anyone I’d rather raise a glass to than Pauline! She made you a lovely gift and she is a lovely, lovely person! Since it’s autumn here, I raise my glass of apple cider to join the toast!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Oh wonderful. I adore apple cider. Most likely I have told you that before. Love the alcoholic kind and the freshly pressed kind. We drank gallons of NY apple cider once upon a time. In Cairns, my sister and I drank delicious Tasmanian apple cider (the alcohol sort). Hubby and I don’t drink usually but we indulge if there’s company. Goodness, all these different drinks. We are having quite a toasting party for Pauline. Bring on the chocolates next, please. 🙂

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          What a very sensible suggestion. I wouldn’t mind trying champurrado either. There will be much champurrado drinking happening in Mexico this weekend.

  20. Mélanie

    long story, short and heartfelt, Lady G: you’re 2 amazing, wonderful, talented and impressive gals… ❤ SVP(s'il vous plaît), do continue to elate your close ones and your readers, ladies! 🙂 respectful regards and sunny thoughts, Mélanie

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you Lady M. I forgot to post a picture of Pauline’s wonderful cat Orlando. Hope you found him on her blog. He is very impressive. Sunny thoughts to you.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you Iris. Pauline is very creative. Perhaps you would enjoy looking at this very special book she made for her daughter. This is creativity I can only dream about!

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  24. womanseyeview

    You inspire such generosity in others and I understand why…enjoyed your almost straight blog because Gallivanta shone through. What lovely handmade goodies and did they arrive wrapped in that rich emerald ribbon too?

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you Carol. It is incredibly difficult to stick to one simple theme…for me anyway. I knew it would be hard but not as hard as I found it to be. Yes, the the parcel was wrapped in that beautiful green ribbon. That was another surprise because Pauline is a ‘blue’ person. Her home decor is full of the most beautiful range of blues.

      Reply ↓
  25. thecontentedcrafter

    Great Scott dear Gallivanta – what a wondrous thing to wake up to! There I was with coffee to hand and email list ready for reading and there you are raising your bunny mug of hot chocolate in my direction! Cheers m’dear! I am so happy you enjoyed your package and like the bunnies! It was fun getting it all together for you. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing my little blog with your friends – I am much honoured! xoxo

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Great Scott! That’s an expression I haven’t heard in a while. Made me scurry away to investigate its origins which appear to be uncertain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Scott. And Great Scott, my sincere apologies to Orlando. In the stress of keeping things simple I forgot to include the beautiful card with his stunning portrait. Will I be forgiven? By the way what does the TIG or TIC on his collar stand for? Is it a secret code? It was a pleasure to share my beautiful package of goodies.

      Reply ↓
      1. thecontentedcrafter

        The expression is older than I thought according to Wikipedia – I am slightly more educated than earlier in the day, thank you for that!

        O’s collar has TIG on it. Tig is short for Tigger or Tiggie, which he is still called from time to time. It will be most difficult for you to imagine now, but in his younger days our Orlando was a mad-flap of a kitten, a devil may care, I can do it, let me at it kind of a fellow. He ran, jumped and flew everywhere. His preferred mode of stopping was to hit into the nearest wall. His sheer enthusiasm reminded me so much of Tigger in Winnie the Pooh that this became his nickname and ‘Orlando’ was just his official name until he matured and became the regal, aloof elder statesman we behold today. When the name tag was being inscribed it was thought ‘Orlando’ was too long and might be illegible so we settled for something that could be read. I felt it didn’t matter much as, if he was lost, he would not come to anybody except me so it was a moot point. The other side of the tag bore my phone number and good luck to anybody getting close enough to read it! He lost that lovely tag about a year ago and it was replaced with a blue heart with his phone number on it and no name.

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        2. thecontentedcrafter

          I certainly hope so – except I don’t want him to lose the joy! Just a little quieter and gentler would be nice …….. but then again, he is so adorable, I’ll take him how he comes 🙂

      1. lensandpensbysally

        You are so CORRECT. I do think that a better descriptor is yet to be born. Revivement is good, but it does sound as though one is being brought back to live. In truth we are simply free to be.

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        2. lensandpensbysally

          I’ve thought about it for a while, but have not visited the idea again until your post. Let’s be alert to the possibilities. Maybe we’ll come up with an apt word that is MUCH BETTER that retirement. Have a lovely weekend.

  29. Ralph

    Hi Gallivanta 😀 You always write great posts my friend. Talking of friends. What a great one Pauline is ! Fantastic parcel ! Hugs xox ❤

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  30. tableofcolors

    What a heartfelt treasure to receive and it seemed to come to you with perfect timing. And don’t worry about the straight forward posts, prose need not always be so incredibly straight forward. 🙂

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Without a doubt, Clanmother. I don’t like to put monetary value on gifts but this one would surely amount to my entire card-buying budget for a year. Very generous. 🙂

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  34. Just Add Attitude

    Excellently, you achieved what you set out to do. Pauline’s giveaway was generous and as you say very comforting. I cannot imagine what it was like to say those harrowing goodbyes in Cairns. The bunnies are so cute. 😉

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I am pleased you think I achieved my goal.:) Being succinct is not one of my strengths. One of my children always chides me like this, “C’mon, c’mon get on with it, say what you mean. Finish the sentence you’re on; stop going round in circles.” 😀 😀 Obviously we have different styles of communication!

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  36. ladysighs

    It is often hard enough to find words to give thanks for the lovely unexpected gifts. But even harder to express your delight for her gifts of contentment and friendship. I am sure it meant a lot after coming home from your trip. I think your toast was just right.
    And I did click on the one link. What a talented friend.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      The parcel contents were a welcome distraction when I arrived home. Nothing like a soft squishy pair of Bunnies to raise a smile. Do you remember being required to write thank you letters when you were young? Perhaps you taught your students the art of writing thank you letters?

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      1. ladysighs

        I remember giving some lessons on letter writing but not sure they were thank you ones.
        So much to teach, so little time!

        Who writes letters today? You just send a computer generated Thank You card. 😦

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          😦 I do try to write letters but I must admit I haven’t written any in a while. Perhaps all my new stationery from Pauline will spur me on.

  37. inmycorner

    Your meandering posts take me down a path filled with nooks and cranny where I can pause and rest or admire the scenery. I am led to a reflecting pond where I can measure what you write against my own image. Or I can simply walk through to get to the mystery left till the end of the path. A lovely walk for my eyes every time.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      How lovely to know this. I always hope people will take their own paths through my posts, and find what, if anything, is appropriate to them. Thank you.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Cute; but I hope I don’t ever lead you to a wicked witch. Or if I do I hope I will leave clues on how to escape. Would you like to see me as Hansel? I will give you a link if you would like to.

        5. Gallivanta Post author

          I think there are some old colour slides as well. My shorts were a light green. I remember that. I didn’t really like them. I didn’t want to be Hansel all that much. I wanted to wear a tutu.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Glad you like the idea of revivement. Does your employer have a retirement policy or an age for retirement? In New Zealand we are entitled to a Government funded pension at age 65 but that doesn’t mean people are forced to stop work at 65. The pension is universal so you get it whether or not you are working.

      Reply ↓

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