This past Sunday, Halloween, was my birthday. It was a great day, despite a few folks feeling under the weather. I received many thoughtful gifts and wonderful donations of cash to help keep me sewing! I thought one gift, in particular, would make a great blog entry.
My husband knows me very well. Sometimes, I think he knows me better than I do! He definitely listens to me. He must make mental notes about every little muttering on things I’d like to do or learn, because this birthday he bought me the perfect gift.
He was searching online for just the right gift. He found a card seller he knew I would love, Cartolina. Actually, he got me two cards, because he couldn’t decide which one I’d like more. He also gave me a third card since we sometimes like to buy cards to have handy for giving away. One had little birds on it, and the other is an 18th century lady holding a “Happy Happy Birthday” banner. The extra card has gossiping Victorian ladies on it. He also bought me The Exile by Diana Gabaldon (a graphic novel based off her Outlander series).
He was torn about what else to get me. He wanted something really special. Something I hadn’t mentioned so it would be a surprise, but covered a subject I was currently involved with or wanting to do soon. He came across 18th Century Embroidery Techniques by Gail Marsh. He crossed his fingers and bought it. Little did he know!
I was so shocked when I unwrapped the gift, I’m sure my jaw hit the floor. I remembered seeing it mentioned somewhere online before, but I had not even thought to add it to any of my lists of books to purchase or look into. Although I have a lot of garments to make, and will probably have to leave special things like embroidery for later, it’s definitely something I want to try when I have a chance. I know I’ve mentioned a few times in passing that I would love to attempt a few spots of embroidery to learn enough to do larger embroidery, or commented how lovely certain embroidery decorations are on garments when I have shown him photos.
I must admit, the thought that went into the gift, the care it showed in choosing it, and how much he obviously pays attention to what I’m babbling about or mentioning… I actually cried a bit. It meant so much to me, and I look forward to someday giving embroidery a try when I have the time. I know I now have an amazing book for inspiration and help when the time comes.
Thank you so much, Christopher. I’m so very lucky to have you in my life! Thank you for listening to my sewing babbling, and being so supportive.
Awww…..such a sweet entry about your sweet hubby’s cards and gifts. I’m glad your birthday was a good one, if rather low-key.
How sweet! I love it! Happy belated birthday.
Mary: It was lovely! Wish you had felt better 🙁 *hugs* Hope you’re starting to feel a bit better now? For the past couple of nights, I’ve felt like I might be about to come down with a cold, but no fever yet. Probably why I haven’t started working on my pocket hoops yet — can’t focus enough at the moment, and although the early part of the day is cooler now, the afternoons/evenings are too warm in this place (especially if the sun is out, ick). Thanks again!
Stephanie: It was so sweet, and such a surprise! I really need to start working on my pocket hoops, but there’s a side of me that wants to haul out some of my ooooold embroidery stuff that was given to me when I was a kid and see if I can try a few simple things. Heheheh! Thanks so much! 🙂
Happy birthday! I’m so jealous of your embroidery book!! Haha! 🙂 It looks awesome. Now I want one. As for Diana Gabaldon, I’ve been so out of touch with her series–I didn’t realize she’d published a new one. I loved the whole OUTLANDER series! glad to meet a fellow fan.
I really need to try to stop and see you guys next time I’m up in the metroplex and have some spare time. Work generally keeps me busy up there, but occasionally I actually get some r&r.
Take care!
Amy
I’m glad you liked the gift. I wanted to get something you wouldn’t expect, since you’re so good at guessing gifts that I sometimes wonder if you can see through wrapping paper!
The few surprises I’ve pulled off over the years have made it more than worth it for me, and I hope you get back to embroidery.
Amy: Thanks so much! 🙂 I can’t wait to sit down and read the embroidery book. I’ve been looking at a few embroidery videos and websites, trying to refresh my memory with the few things I used to know (I was awful with it, but then I was a kid and was more interested in going out to play at the time), and especially trying to learn the many things I didn’t know.
As far as The Exile, it’s not a new novel — it’s in comic book format (hardback) re-telling Outlander from Jamie’s (I think, I need to double-check) point of view. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, either.
Next time you’re up this way, let us know and maybe we can meet up for coffee or tea or something 🙂
Christopher: It totally took me off guard, and will be VERY handy. I can’t wait to go through and see what all is in there. I’m sure there will be a lot of great information in it. Thanks so much, sweetie 🙂
Hi Cynthia!
If you would, send me an email (so I can contact you directly) and I’ll let you know next time I’m there. I’m not even sure where you all are located around DFW… 🙂 It’d be so fun to meet for coffee or whatever. I know y’all go for La Madeleine quite a bit — we don’t have La Madeleine in Temple :::sob!::: so maybe we could meet there sometime.
Anyway, my email is amckinney (at) colortyme.com.
Amy
Email sent, Amy! Best wishes! 🙂
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