'Tis the season for gifts and gift giving....
I want to share with you a VERY special gift. It is the gift of Claudia. She wrote me one day and introduced herself as a reader of my blog. She asked me for some advice on how to make her new, precious home more "cottagy". She told me that she loved pretty things... china cups and saucers, flowers, pillows, etc. She sweetly told me that she loved my blog and that it "brightened her day". Claudia included her blog link in her email to me and so I visited it and her personal website.
I was blown away with her story. I was touched more than I've been touched in a loooooong time. Tears welled with compassion as I read about her life's journey. I knew that I had just met an amazing soul - a true testament to courage and the love of LIFE.
We've since shared emails and "goodie packages" and Claudia just gave me the most beautiful plate....
She also made for me a special MP3 version of my Dad's favorite song. There really are NO words to express how much Claudia's kindness and generosity has meant to me. If you have the chance, please visit her website and drop her a note on her blog - I know that she would love to meet you. You will be giving her and yourself a REAL gift.. and your heart will thank you for it. And dear Claudia - YOU HAVE BRIGHTENED MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.
What a lovely gesture and what a beautiful plate. I also love the little bird that you have placed near the plate. Isn't it wonderful that you can meet the most unexpected friends in blogland. I'm glad that you and Claudia have found such a close connection. I will surely stop by her blog and take a look. I already feel she is a good friend just reading your words.
Posted by: Alice | November 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Hi Kim
What a wonderful story!
Beautiful gift...
I will visit Claudia
Thanks for sharing with us.
Marcela
Posted by: Marcela | November 30, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Good Morning Kim.
What a touching story...I went over and visited Claudia after reading your post. Here in Boston one of the Red Sox Players does alot of fundraising work for ALS (Curt Schilling) one of his kids is even named after Lou Gehrig.
What a gift for you to have grown to know her....she is one amazing woman !!!
Thanks Kim for introducing us to her...
Kathy :)
Posted by: kathy :) | November 30, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing Claudia's story with us. She is an incredibly brave woman.
What a lovely gift for you. from Claudia.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | November 30, 2007 at 03:13 PM
What a wonderful and heroic lady. I am so glad you have introduced us to her!
Love and hugs,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | November 30, 2007 at 03:17 PM
I just read about Claudia after following your links. What an incredible woman. How wonderful that she came into your life. Thank you for sharing her.
Karla
Posted by: Karla | November 30, 2007 at 03:29 PM
You do, indeed, brighten our days, Kim. Not only with the beauty and joy of your home, but with the sense of peace and goodness - a little bit of heaven - that is present within each post. We all need that light glowing in our hearts.
I read several of Claudia's posts; she sounds like someone who would be an awesome friend, a good soul, a fighting spirit, a loving heart. Blessings to you, Claudia! And gentle hugs to hold you as you face each day.
Posted by: Rose | November 30, 2007 at 03:44 PM
That's how I feel about you Kim!!!
Posted by: bethany | November 30, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Kim Thanks for telling us about your friend Claudia. I already visited her blog. She is an amazing woman. I can't imagine how hard many of her days must be. I feel like I have discovered a whole new universe out here in blogland. I never knew there were so many caring and talented woman! It's wonderful to be getting to know you.
Posted by: rhondi mullins | November 30, 2007 at 04:22 PM
I'm so glad you got "your song" back and glad I get to hear it again. I remember it well, going to Playalinda (back in the old days), turning on the radios in the cars - ooh, good memories...
I must go visit Claudia, she sounds like a wonderful person.
MimiG
Posted by: Mary Gwin | November 30, 2007 at 05:01 PM
What a nice lady Kim.
I will go over and visit her blog.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | November 30, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Looks like dogwood blossoms on that plate I believe--very pretty!
~~flo~~
Posted by: ~~flo~~ | November 30, 2007 at 09:41 PM
What a charming gift from Claudia, and so thoughtful. Look how perfect it is with the green book and that cute yellow bird!
Donna
Posted by: The Decorated House | November 30, 2007 at 11:33 PM
What a lovely story! Oh no, I am all teary, but in a good sentimental kind of way! I love the plate, bird and song!
Posted by: Leigh | December 01, 2007 at 12:06 AM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gifts with us . . . the gift of the plate and the gift of Claudia. I visited her blog and cannot begin to tell you the gamut of emotions I experienced as I read her story. And how apropriate that she chose dogwood as her gift to you. It is not only a beautiful flower, but legend has it that the dogwood tree is in it's present form a symbol of Christ's suffering and God's promise to us. Once again . . . thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Liz | December 01, 2007 at 05:04 AM
Kim thanks for sharing Claudia, I just went to visit her blog - wow what an amazing woman she is, such a fighter! Sending sweet blessings to Claudia....
Posted by: Rose @Classic Charm | December 01, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Thank you so much for sharing about Claudia. It touched my heart so deeply. I bookmarked her blog after reading it and plan to see what I can do to help but also know that the prayers of many can make a difference too.
On another note, I love your blog and your home. My home is full of bright red and yellow with black and white accents. I have been wanting to paint my end table and such a bright red and now your pictures have given the vision I had in my head proof that they would look divine that way.
Blessings for the season! I will be back to your lovely, peaceful blog.
Posted by: Vickie | December 01, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Hi Kim,
I too went to visit Claudia, amazing strength she has....I will go back to visit her. Sometimes we stumble upon people in our lives that turn out to be our angels!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | December 01, 2007 at 02:21 PM
That's such a lovely story. The plate is very pretty, too. I am on my way to visit her.
bj
Posted by: bj | December 01, 2007 at 02:31 PM
I think you've got more than that beautiful plate...you have a wonderful friend in Claudia. What a woman!
Posted by: Deborah | December 01, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Thank you for sharing Claudia's story with us. It reminds us to treasure each day and don't take anything for granted. Be grateful for your life. She obviously treasures your friendship immensely, nothing can take that away.
Posted by: Diane | December 01, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Beautiful post today - thanks for sharing and your special friend too!
Posted by: Janeen | December 01, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I too am very touched by Claudia, her strength makes me wonder why I am such a baby when I have a simple cold. The plate she sent is a real beauty and a treasure. You are lucky to have each other.
Posted by: forloveofhome | December 01, 2007 at 08:28 PM
I'm having a giveaway - hope you will enter!
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | December 02, 2007 at 12:15 AM
What a beautiful story--thank you for sharing and sharing Claudia's story with us!
~Angela :-)
Posted by: Angela (Cottage Magpie) | December 02, 2007 at 12:27 AM
Thank you for the story, such a lovely plate. I love the music. I have direct tv and I love the channel with all the 40's music.
I was born in the wrong era.
Tina
www.homesteadblogger.com/sanctuary
Posted by: Tina | December 02, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Kim what a blessing you are to my life and thank you for the link to your precioue friend. Blessings Mary
Posted by: Daisy Bouquet | December 02, 2007 at 10:00 AM
That's a beautiful plate...what a lovely gift! I like the little birdy, too. :)
btw, I'm having a giveaway on my blog...come check it out and enter if you have a moment.
:) D
Posted by: Diana | December 02, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Thanks, Kim, for sharing about this amazing lady. I am touched by her story.
xo
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | December 03, 2007 at 05:30 PM
What a sweet post:-) I love all your pics of your decorations!
Michelle
Posted by: michelle | December 03, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Every now and then we do get touched by an angel, don't we? I loved reading about the friendship between you and Claudia. She is one amazing woman who has much to offer. Hope that you were able to help her get her home all "cottagy." I'm sure that you were!!
(Everything looks so pretty in here...I think I'll stay for a while. ;) )
Posted by: Vee ~ A Haven for Vee | December 04, 2007 at 06:26 PM