Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Birthday Fun Part Two ...GIFTS!

Now I know right off the bat that my dear friend Paulette is going to be turning a variety of shades of red as she sees this at the top of my blog post, but I did try to give her plenty of notice before it's posting. Isn't this pin just fabulous?! Paulette, also known as Beedeebabee is the artisan who crafts these beautiful creations. I have to say that one of the highlights of my birthday week was actually speaking, by phone for the very first time, to Paulette. A little more on that in a bit. When I look at the craftsmanship that goes into the intricate sewing of these pins, it amazes me and I am so thankful to now own a Beedeebabee original! Love you girl!
So, while I was taking photos of all the fabulous papers I shared with you last night, my doorbell rang with a parcel from the UK....talk about excitement! While Paulette's gift was a complete surprise, I knew to expect this parcel because, well...it's from Sarah and it was my birthday!
Sarah knows how much I LOVE some of the British craft and stamping magazines, so she lovingly gets them for me along with other goodies and sends them along. I reciprocate with things from the US that she would love to have, but the book that was a part of this parcel was a very lovely surprise! Sue Roddis is one of the UK's artistic stamping 'celebrities' and Sarah has done a number of workshops with her. This is Sue's brand, spankin' new book and of course, IT'S SIGNED! I looooove it! Sarah....you know your are my very bestest friend! Love you!
So...this cupcake totally loses something in the translation....IT'S HUGE and it was YUMMY! This was a treat from my mom after we enjoyed lunch together the day before my birthday. Lemon Creme and French Vanilla...oh my goodness!

Here comes the lovely stuff.......I never thought in a million years that I would meet a person via the internet and connect in a way that would change my life for the good...well dear friends, that has happened twice in the past 9 years. Those of you who experienced this have your own unique story, I'm sure. I shared how Sarah and I met back when I first started my blog...the link isn't quite working, so just go back to my June 2009 archives and look for 'My Favorite Friend From England'. Now...enter Paulette and now....click here for our story.
I remember my very first phone call to England to speak Sarah. After that call, I talked about her to Paul for hours. When I spoke to Paulette on my birthday a few days ago, same thing. When you put a voice to the photos and messages, it changes everything, and in our cases, definitely for the better! Sarah and I have been through LOTS of personal triumphs and tragedies together and would imagine that the same will be true for Paulette and I. Sarah and I have had two occasions to spend spans of time together, she came to the US and stayed with Paul and I and on our last trip to see my mother-in-law, we spent a few days at 'the manor house' with Sarah and her wonderful family. I would assume that it will only be a matter of time before I will meet Paulette face-to-face as well.
Finally....the really cool thing now is that both Sarah and Paulette have become followers of one another's blogs as well, I JUST LOVE THIS BLOG LAND, don't you?!

Thank you for indulging me for a bit...not only about my birthday celebration but also about the personal things that make coming to this computer a joy...I mean 'who'da thunk, huh?!'

8 comments:

Stef H said...

oh i just love paulette's pins tho' i've yet to own one. and i just love paulette. i hope to be able to meet her one day. and sarah is a wonderful friend to you too. i have met face-to-face a few of my blogging buddies and i cannot begin to tell you what a fabulous feeling it is. as a matter of fact, i'm meeting another on this friday. turns out she lives close by - yay!!!

i'm so glad you had such a fabulous birthday and i wish you many, many more!

big hugs,

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Wow, Julie - Happy, happy Birthday! I agree about the blog-friendships - I've met the most wonderful people since I started blogging last spring - and I'm just a "newbie"! Paulette's pin is just beautiful - and Sarah's book! I even got excited about your cupcake (but that may be sugar withdrawal as I've been trying to quit).

Hugs!

Beedeebabee said...

Oh my gosh Julieeeee!!!!...I'm red as a beet after reading all that! Thank you for all those sweet, sweet words! You are such a dear! I'll forgive you for writing all that because I like you so much, but good grief girl, I know I won't have to wear ANY blush tomorrow...my checks will still be red, I'm sure!...I love what you wrote about Sarah also, and her book and magazines look so wonderful! That's a TON of good reading! What a GREAT gift! And Mom's cupcake...my mouth is sooooo watering!!! DE-LI-CIOUS!!!! I'm so happy you had a good birthday Julie, and I really enjoyed our little chat too! Hugs, Paulette ;)

Hearts Turned said...

What a wonderful, joy-filled post! I love birthdays that last more than one day, don't you? You've made such lovely friends, and that felt pin is a knock-out! I love that! Lucky you! And about that cupcake...yum!

Golden said...

Your birthday gifts are wonderful. Having great friends are truly a blessing. Was the winner of your Blog Candy announced? I still have it up on my page. I probably missed it! Anyways, your projects are beautiful.

Mona Pendleton said...

What a sweet post! I love how you are sharing your celebration with your cyberfriends! Your gifts look fabulous! :) TFS

Sue said...

Ohh you put my book on your blog!! Glad you are enjoying it!
Sue

mer mer said...

Hi Julie,

A friendly invite from me to welcome you to visit my handmade creation and art blog~! Thank you~!!