Envelop of Cheer

To write is human
to receive a letter: Divine.

Susan Lendroth, American children's author, including Maneki Neko, the Tale of the Beckoning Cat

The mailbox usually contains either bills or commercial solicitations, so there was a little patter of surprised excitement to find a little handwritten addressed envelope in my slot this evening. How that little envelop brightened my day with its sunny greeting inside! While the price of postage dissuades many from sending cards, receiving today's handmade card emphasized that a stamp is a small price to pay for an envelop full of good cheer. Thank you!

Friends Add Colour

You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.

A.A. Milne, English author of Winnie-the-Pooh (1882-1956)

I am very fortunate to have friends who made a long journey from their corner of the "Forest" across country to visit me in my little corner. With open arms and big smiles they found me as I disembarked from my Friday evening train. Long chats, reminiscing, and good food filled our hours together over the weekend.

The weather provided one rainy day for a meander around the museum and a gorgeous day for a tramp amidst the fall foliage. Perfect! Friends very definitely add colour to life.

Creative Inspiration

Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.

Robert Bresson, French film director (1901-1999)

Ideas flowed as the three sisters and I made our annual outing to the stitchery/craft show. Whether the beautiful quilts or the handsome giant nutcrackers or the nifty new gizmos, the creativity on exhibit was truly inspirational. I came home with more wonderful fabric for as yet undefined projects to add to the stash. Stay tuned. ;-)

The Feline Elixir

A meow massages the heart.

Stuart McMillan

There's nothing like the warmth of a purring cat spread across your lap to make being sick feel OK. Cat has been providing a healthy dose of TLC lately. She doesn't need a bevy of tests and specialist visits to determine the best medicant. She prescribes calm, warmth, and rest. Works for me!

Flying Firsts

You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideas and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You were not meant for crawling, so don't.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, Persian Sufi mystic (1207-1273)

On Thursday, the Museum celebrated its first anniversary with a spectacular gala featuring the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma. The atrium radiated glamour and cheer. The staff joined in to celebrate an intense and satisfying year full of amazing firsts. We are truly flying.


And I received news that little Catherine opened her birthday present. Here are the finished quilted blocks. I am told that they not only amuse her for play but also provide a soft landing for spills as she learns to walk.

I am in awe watching her make 'firsts' and at a rapid pace. She has an amazing future ahead of her. I wish her a flying spirit.

A Little Spark

A little spark of kindness can put a colossal burst of sunshine into someone's day.

Unknown

It's a busy time around the office as we celebrate our first birthday. My role is behind the scenes organizing multiple management meetings, with which I can get just a little tense worrying about the details. The last meeting of the day was underway and I needed to take in some sweets to accompany the coffee. Trying to be unnoticeable and not interrupt the conversation, I slid the tray onto the table. The gentleman in the centre jumped up thanking me, shaking my hand and kissing my cheeks. I had been kissed by Yo-Yo Ma! We spoke for probably a whole minute and I couldn't tell you what was said except that I was honoured to meet him and that he was thrilled to be at the Museum. He put a colossal burst of sunshine into my day. A colleague reports that he's that wonderfully friendly and real with everyone, so I suspect that he spreads a lot of joy wherever he goes -- through his music and his kindness.

And, no, I have yet to wash my face. :-)

Child's Play

We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.

Author unknown

The newest quilting project is a gift for an upcoming first birthday: soft building blocks. I am having much fun with all the bright, cheery fabric, some selected for the pleasure of their soft plush feel. My inner child is enjoying playing with them as much as I hope little Catherine will.

And of course I have a little helper who also wants to play!