Category: Stray Gifts

Worn with Thanks

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Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.

Thomas Goodwin

Something thought-provoking: I saw an illustration on social media which said, “Instead of focusing so much on a To Do List, I’m starting a To Be List.” The other day, John was sitting at my desk looking at the sticky notes of reminders I had neatly placed on the right side and my calendar of events on the left. He seemed a bit numb when he explained he was looking at my brain. If I don’t write things down, I may forget! I am a doer. I enjoy making lists and find great satisfaction when I cross off completed tasks (using a red pen) from a well-thought-out list. I feel accomplished. Having things to do is inevitable as it’s a part of life. Did it matter more at the end of the day, though, that I was busy or that I had been kind? Or calm? Or thankful? No matter the daily dues, did I wear today’s blessings well?

Something unexpected: Our church’s interim pastor and wife were away a few weeks ago for their anniversary. Instead of seeking someone from elsewhere to fill the pulpit, John was asked to preach. He hasn’t preached since 2019. If you’ve followed along here (and you know us personally), you know he has been ill for quite a few years. It has only been close to two years now that he has been upright, able to drive, walk without a cane, and feel progress in his journey to better health. He was concerned that he could stand for the length of his message. He did well and received positive feedback. He has a desire to teach again someday and this was a great confidence booster!

Something enjoyable: In our younger days when John was in the Navy (in Washington), we used to have friends over all the time for dinner and games. Sometimes our friends would stay past midnight! When we lived in Kansas, we had friends we’d play games with until three in the morning. John taught a young families Sunday School class then and they would be at our house often for a fellowship meal. The kids would play in the yard while we adults visited and enjoyed getting together. (These nights were much shorter!) We loved those days and have missed having them be a part of our lives. Since joining our new church here in New Mexico, we have desired to invite others for dinner. It has been years since we have been in a place in our life where that was possible. There are a few people who we connected with quickly and time before and after church isn’t enough for deeper communication. Last week, we had a new friend over for dinner and enjoyed it very much. It seems people don’t do that too much these days anymore. Our next guests have been invited and we have a day planned. (Yes, it’s written on my aforementioned calendar.) It is refreshing to feel connected to that part of us again. We enjoy so much the memories of good fellowship and we look forward to making new ones with our new circle of friends.

A Series of Miracles

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The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.

Hans Christian Andersen

I am thankful for those of you who share your stray gifts with me and allow me to share them on my blog! Here is the latest addition to the growing record of graces.

Top row (left to right): 1) My aunt and uncle have the opportunity to work for their local Parks and Recreation Department. They will be working in a day-use area checking people in. “It has a beach, picnic tables with grills, volleyball and horseshoes”, my aunt shared. The view of the trees and water can be seen from their camper! Such a peaceful view! They have worked at camps before and love doing it. 2) Last week, we noticed our air conditioner unit wasn’t working when the house kept feeling warmer throughout the day. We opened our bedroom windows that night and there was such a nice breeze! Sleeping bliss! 3) My friend Jonna found these wildflowers for her sister whose health had taken a turn for the worse a few weeks ago. Jonna picked them in a field nearby to bring to the hospital room. Beauty can be found even during difficult days. I’m glad she shared that with me. I mentioned Jonna in a previous blog post (The Blesser Himself) when her mom passed away. Her sister has since passed away as well. Please pray for Jonna and her family as the funeral is tomorrow (Wednesday, May 1) and in the days ahead.

Middle Row: 1) Earlier in the year, Jonathan and I divided a large day lily into three separate plants and they are doing well! Also thriving (the plant on the far left) is a yellow bell. It was just a stick with roots when we took it out of the ground and potted it, but we know it comes back every year and had hoped for the best. We pulled it up because it was too close to our wisteria and partly because we wanted to bring it from El Paso to where we live now in NM. 2) While visiting my dad’s house in El Paso, I noticed the roses blooming! 3) The cardinal photo was sent to me by a friend in PA. Stunning!

Bottom Row: 1) The photo of the steeple was sent by the same friend in PA. This view is right across from her office. I love steeples! 2) One of the companies I order craft supplies from always sends a card like this with a cute crafty saying with every order. This one made me laugh because I like to make cards and send them out. I sent the photo to a few others who are a part of my ‘encouragement/card sending’ group. 3) Another craft company I order from sent me a gift! It is their 10th anniversary and to loyal customers, they sent a stamp set with our names. There are three stamps included. One says, “crafted with love by”, another is my first and last name (how neat!), and the last is a pretty flower.

Our everyday, ordinary things are pretty special, aren’t they? A series of miracles…I like that.

Where Peace Dwells

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Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.

Elisabeth Elliot

Something encouraging this week: I was glad to have come across the introductory quote and to have read the reminder that restlessness and impatience serve no purpose. That type of mindset drains energy, sleep, peace, and joy. Peace is not found in outward sources. It doesn’t come from other people, social media, food, or distraction, but from a trusting and quiet heart. Psalm 36:7, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”

Something surprising: Every week, we try to arrive early for Sunday School to have time to fellowship with others and catch up on the week. Some converse quite actively and there are a few elderly women who are a bit introverted and quiet. Yesterday, I noticed one had a bottle of Tea Tree oil she was sharing with another lady. “Oh, you are into essential oils, too?”, I asked. We talked about natural remedies and the complications modern medicine can sometimes have on a body. Her face lit up as she shared her point of view. I was shocked. I hardly ever hear her speak. She sits quietly during the lessons, smiles and nods during various conversations, but that’s about it. We shared what oils John uses to help relieve migraines, and what oils we use to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It was a fun conversation and I was so happy to see Alejandra open up. We talked about castor oil, too. My dad tells some interesting stories from childhood about having to take castor oil. It seems to have been a “cure-all” back in the day. There are a few women in our church in their 80s and I know there are many experiences they have to share if you only ask. John, Jonathan, and I talked about the conversation on the way home in amazement and wondered what else would spark a great conversation with her again.

Something making a difference: Last week, I wrote about John having a new VA doctor who wanted to change a few medicines. The new prescriptions have arrived. After only a few days of taking them, his blood sugar level has decreased by half. Wow!! His last fasting bloodwork showed that he was near needing insulin if something didn’t change. Thank you, Lord, for the progress and for a doctor who is finally actively working to help.

Something that made me cry: I had made extra Easter cards and sent a few to friends who send out cards regularly. I always hope the cards I make will be a blessing. Sometimes, I hear back from a recipient of a handmade card – that it arrived when they needed encouragement the most that particular week. I do not find that to be a coincidence! Recently, I received a text from a friend to whom I had sent five Easter cards. She shared with me who she sent the cards to and why. Two were for caregivers who are helping her care for her 100-year-old mom (one of them being her sister). One card went to a relative who is a faithful encourager. Another was sent to a long-time friend who is having chemo and radiation for esophageal cancer. The last card was sent to another long-time friend of hers who was soon to have open heart surgery. “Your ministry in cards went to many places”, she wrote. I was deeply moved by her sharing that with me!! To God be the glory.

Keep Your Heart and Mind

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Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

I research many subjects on the internet concerning healthy eating and lifestyle, curly hair helps, cardmaking tutorials, and more! I see quite often, “Five things you are doing wrong eating on the keto diet”, “Ten ways you are damaging your curly hair”, and “Never say this in a handwritten card”. I see, “You’re doing it all wrong” videos on YouTube all the time – sometimes it is as simple as cooking an egg wrong! No wonder many people are riddled with anxiety! Hearts and minds are confused because there are so many varying opinions about everything and everyone is an expert. Too many voices have filled my head nearly paralyzing me in being able to decide anything. Finding peace in what I eat, how I live, how I style my hair (or whether I let my white hair growth continue without intervention), and what tools I use to create handmade cards has been a journey. The older I get, the less I care what everyone else is doing or what is trending and the more I want peace within. I pray for understanding, wisdom, and a settled heart and mind because I tend to wander from one way to another. “In every thing…let your requests be made known to God”. In everything? Yes, every thing.

Here is the latest in my growing collection of stray gifts: (comments under the collage)

Top Row (left to right): My first flowers in our home in New Mexico were beautiful and had a lovely, soft scent. I don’t need fancy flower vases- a green mason jar will do! My dad is managing my daylilies in El Paso because we haven’t brought them over yet. These were all in one flower pot earlier this year and Jonathan and I split them into three. They were much smaller then but were crowded. Since we divided the lilies, they have been able to stretch out and seem to like the new space so far. The last photo is of my yellow Lady Banks rose bush that is blooming! These are tiny roses and are so cute! Thank you, Dad, for taking photos of them for me!

Bottom Row (left to right): Since I started collecting stray gifts, I have had friends and family who have caught the excitement of looking for God’s gifts in the day. I am sent photos through text messages often. A friend in the Dallas, Texas area sent me the first photo taken at the arboretum. The tulips are stunning! The middle photo is from a friend in Pennsylvania. This farm is over one hundred years old and her grandmother (who is one hundred years old!) still lives there. I love views like these and this particular friend sends me farm photos often. The last photo was taken by me last week. That day, we were out shopping and John was able to find a new pair of shoes. Because he has scars from three ankle surgeries, he has had trouble finding footwear that doesn’t rub against the tender places. Trying on shoes is an ordeal, but he had the energy and the want-to that day. I’m glad we stuck to the task and found a pair after going to three stores. While we were out, we stopped by the local botanical garden. It’s not very big and there weren’t many plants blooming yet, but it is a nice area to walk around. The Bradford Pear Trees were blossoming quite nicely, though. We hope to return in a few weeks as more plants should be blooming. The rain we had recently should help those along!

Other Gifts: A friend in Georgia sent me a photo of daffodils in her front yard. The same friend remembered my wedding anniversary and sent John and me a pretty card! It meant a lot. A friend in NM is a quilter and had lost a “setting triangle” for a Christmas tree skirt she is making. She had scooted her work table over a bit and found it on the floor. It saved her a lot of time looking for that piece in piles of fabric.

Thank you to all who keep the stray gifts movement going! I just love when you share with me what was in your path along the way.

A Music Bath

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Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons, and you will find that it is to the soul what the water bath is to the body.

O.W. Holmes

I started taking piano lessons when I was twelve years old and by the time I was fifteen, I was the church pianist. Up until then, my mom was the piano player for our mission church, but once I was able to play a few hymns, she changed over to play the organ. Our song leader was very patient and allowed me to pick the songs for the service each week and I practiced, practiced, and practiced every day to get ready for Sunday. Most of my early years were spent on training to be a church pianist. I did take one year of classical piano, but after learning my instructor wanted me to train for recitals, I no longer was interested. I understand that teachers want to show off what they have taught, but I was so nervous, that I completely forgot pages of music during a recital that I had practiced and memorized for months. Being a church pianist is much easier as I am just assisting in the music and am not the main person of focus like the song leader.

I didn’t enjoy the early years too much during piano lessons. My parents were strict on practice time. When they figured out I would move the dial on the timer to lessen my practice time, they monitored my time for me! Ha. Looking back now, I am thankful for their intervention and glad that they caused me to persevere.

Playing the piano has been a source of happiness and stress relief over the years. John and I bought my very own piano over twenty years ago and having it in the home has been such a source of joy for us. For the last several years, I haven’t played the piano very often for various reasons. There were surgeries for John and other trials back-to-back and the music seemed so far away. After our move to a different home, I sat down at the piano after it was moved in just to see how it felt. John and Jonathan joined me in the living room and cheered me on as I played one hymn after another. My fingers are a little rusty as are my eyes in reading music and playing at the same time, but I still know how to play. Stray gift! It was like a music bath with notes washing over us in a healing way. Before long, Jonathan started singing along and soon after, we dragged out our songbooks from our family singing days. Our voices are a little rusty, too! We had so much fun, though, reconnecting with our music.

In the packing and moving, we found CDs and cassette tapes we used to listen to during our deputation days. Hearing the music from some of our favorite groups (and remembering the words to the songs!) was enjoyable as well. It was another way for music to be a source of restoration after the last few trying years.

Connecting with piano playing is something I don’t want to be so far away from again. Maybe I will play the piano in church again someday and I would like that. For now, I am content to play simply because it brings much gratification and refreshment to me and my family.

Simplify, Simplify

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Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb nail… Simplify, simplify.

Henry David Thoreau

There’s something to simplifying life. For over a decade, we dragged around boxes of memorabilia from childhood, high school, and college. We had to have a garage, shed, or extra bedroom just to store them! Through the years, we’ve been able to evaluate what is meaningful and what needs to be let go. What freedom! We are still in the process of simplifying. We have a neighbor who has yard sales often and comes by the house every now and then to see if we have anything we don’t want anymore. He pays us a little money for it and it’s a happy little arrangement. The less we have to manage and store, the better we feel.

The things in life which make us the more content are really the simple things, the stray gifts. An impromptu trip to the local rose garden, photos from a friend of baby robins in a nest, or a mini apple pie brought home by Jonathan one day all are things that fill the day with goodness. Here are just a few gifts from the last several months!

Top Row (left to right): 1) Our roses came out strong this year in April- better than last year! 2) The roses in the center are from the local rose garden. We took an impromptu tour of the garden on the way back from a doctor’s appointment. 3) The flowers on the right were brought to me for my birthday back in May!

Middle Row: 1) The scent of honeysuckle in the yard is heavenly! 2) Jonathan has been volunteering at a local museum while waiting to hear about jobs he has applied for. He stopped one day at Whataburger to get something to eat and thought to bring us each an apple pie. So thoughtful! 3) The last photo is of a card folder that holds four cards and envelopes. I’ve made six in the last few months for others who like to gift cards like I do! My card-making business is doing well with one order after another this year!

Bottom Row: 1) We love having birds in our yard! 2) The middle photo was sent to me by a friend in Pennsylvania. How sweet is this photo? That color blue is so pretty. 3) A friend in New Mexico took this photo during a garden tour. Someone had a meadow in their front yard. I love the “wildness” of this landscape.

I still enjoy finding stray gifts in my path and it’s neat to see others sharing theirs with me!

A Piece of Clock-Work

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The course of the seasons is a piece of clock-work, with a cuckoo to call when it is springtime.

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–1799)

Cool, restless winds have been blowing for the last few weeks with a nice day in between here and there. In spite of this, blooms are popping open day by day in our backyard- a welcome site to see. A friend of mine who lives in New Mexico told me that there was a little snow on her car this morning, yet she has a hyacinth blooming and a golden currant budding. I told her they were raising their heads in defiance. In my imagination, I saw our own flowers “shaking their fists” at the cool air reminding winter weather that, according to the calendar, it is now springtime. Like clockwork, the plants are waking up and our vines are stretching toward the sun. We have more buds on our Lady Banks rose vines than ever before. Last year, there were hardly any! My day lily is returning as well and may need to be repotted this year. To our surprise, our Virginia Creeper is returning with loads of new leaves. We have tried that particular plant in two other areas which it didn’t like. The third time is the charm, we suppose because, in the newer location, it is thriving! Starting in April, our water restrictions begin again, so I know the winds will die down soon, the nice weather will stay for a few weeks, and then the heat will return. It’s such a fun time of year because we find new stray gifts every day in our yard.

Here are the latest stray gifts with descriptions down below.

Top Left: Wisteria branches twisting around each other – how interesting!
Top Middle: Sunset glow on last year’s purple passionflower pods
Top Right: White Lady Banks Roses blooming
Middle Left: Yellow Lady Banks Roses making an appearance as well
Center: Jonathan spotted this web a few days ago. He crunched up a few dried leaves and sprinkled them into the web to see what the spider would do. She didn’t like that at all and immediately proceeded to tidy her space. Jonathan watched her take each leaf piece and push it out of the web. He was highly entertained by that! The winds have beaten up her web the last few days and torn it a bit, yet each morning Jonathan finds the web to be clean and repaired.
Middle Right: The return of our day lily – a plant I bought for $3.00 on clearance a few years ago!
Bottom Left: Random wildflower seeds were planted here, so we are not sure what flowers we will have in this space – a fun surprise!
Bottom Right: This is a scrapbook that a long-time friend of ours from Washington State made us. In it, are photos of Jonathan and our family that I did not even know she had! She wrote special memories by the photos and wrote notes on each page. What a gift of love! The book arrived around the time we were packing for our trip to see West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX where Jonathan has been accepted into their Master of Arts Program in History. Tears rolled down our faces as we looked through the precious photos she had collected. A stray gift, for sure, and a priceless treasure!

(Photo Credit for this blog entry’s image belongs to my friend Kara who lives in Pennsylvania.)

In the Midst of Our Circumstances

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  1. In the midst of our circumstances, we have an upholder who cannot be burdened.

Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

2. In the midst of our circumstances, we have an understanding that cannot be bewildered.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

3. In the midst of our circumstances, we have a union which cannot be broken.

Romans 8:38, 39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I saw these notes written in the margin of my Bible while we watched a church service online today. How relevant these verses are in the midst of our uncertain circumstances right now! My blood pressure is going down steadily, I had blood work done last week, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled for this week. John will be requesting another round of shots in his back for relief. Jonathan is looking at various links online for work and has applied for quite a few jobs in the last few months. Thank you to friends and family who check up on me and who are praying for our family.

Newest Stray Gifts:

Top Row (left to right): •This rose bush just hasn’t done much this year and all of a sudden, a beautiful bloom arrives towards the end of the season. A picture really does not show the magnificence and detail of this rose. •This purple Morning Glory looks like a silk flower. So pretty! •And last on this row is the hardy mum. With all the pressures and stress of the last year, I hate to admit that most of my mums and all of my allysums have withered away in the summer heat. I just didn’t have the mindset to keep everything up this year. I have two mum plants that have survived my neglect and I’m thankful for them.

Bottom Row (left to right): •I used to decorate with cows and sunflowers way back when and I have a few friends who remember that. A long-time friend of mine sent me a sunflower tablecloth for fall. How thoughtful! •This year has been full of card orders! These four cards were made for a friend who wants to start mailing a card each month to her grandchildren. I had fun making these cute cards with the kids in mind! •I saw this truck in the parking lot during one of my dad’s doctor’s appointments. My dad doesn’t talk about the Vietnam War much, but he has mentioned the neglect and disdain of fellow Americans towards the soldiers as they returned home. I am always moved by those who display a “Welcome Home” message specifically for Vietnam War veterans.

Stable for the Situation

Stable for the Situation

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My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 62:5-7

It has been a while since I shared a life update. We have had many ups and downs in the last few months – days of hope and days of “what’s next, Lord?”. John is in physical therapy for his back and is still under the care of a good pain management doctor. He is receiving care from the VA neurologist for his migraines. He is trying a new treatment using an Alpha-Stim device which is supposed to help with overall chronic pain relief. In the short time that he has been using it, he has had more days of feeling “ok”. He is able to stay awake longer and perform small tasks such as walking to the mailbox and back, helping wash dishes, or working on paperwork for full disability compensation. He has trouble sitting for long periods of time. Some days he feels stronger, and some days, not so much. Things I take for granted every day, he has to fight for constantly. He feels more hopeful, though, since he started this new treatment.

I haven’t been feeling all that well in the last few months. It has been quite a long time since I have seen a doctor for any kind of health update. I have been feeling strongly that I needed to see a doctor for a general check-up and with a gentle nudge from a friend who recently had a health scare, I scheduled an appointment with a local family doctor’s office. I have several friends who are struggling with health issues and frankly, it’s scary. I have always been in good health up until recently. My doctor visit naturally started with a blood pressure check – and the doctor and I didn’t get past much else. My blood pressure was (and still is at present) dangerously high and I was immediately told to take medication while I was there. I was given several doses during my visit. While I have other issues needing attention, my blood pressure is the first to get under control. I now have to take medication for that and something to help me relax at night. The blood pressure number has us all very concerned.

Jonathan has been helping me with my dad and with John. At times, doctor or therapy appointments are on the same day for the two men and Jonathan goes with John while I go with my dad to his appointment. Jonathan is updating his Resumé and Curriculum Vitae for employment applications. While not needed for all job applications, they may be useful depending on what he will apply for.

In spite of all that, we are “stable for the situation”. We are processing changes which need to be made. We are working to limit stressors and make wiser health choices.

It has been a while, too, since I’ve shared a few stray gifts! I still look for them and absolutely love when friends text me various gifts of their own they see through the day!

Top left: Our passion flowers have been blooming quite nicely this year! Such a gorgeous flower. Top right: The roses were blooming last week, but have since all faded away. It might be the last time they bloom for the year. This coral color is stunning! Right middle: With as much rock and sand as we have, there is still plant life that does well. The Morning Glory vines need next to no help and they cover bare rock walls nicely. They do tend to grow everywhere, so we have to weed them away from the roses and honeysuckle as needed. Bottom right: As always, the pink oleander is a pretty site. Bottom middle: Jonathan has been making breakfast more often which is a huge help! Bottom left: The last of the butterflies, I believe, for the season. We have enjoyed seeing more bees and butterflies in our yard this year.

The Struggle Is Real

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Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

Isaiah 26:3-4

Have you ever heard the expression, “The struggle is real.”? We have been feeling it lately with the many ups and downs concerning John’s health. Discouragement knocks on the door as we seek balance in all things. John had an appointment with his rheumatologist this week who prescribed a pain medication that may help with the fibromyalgia. I don’t know what it feels like to be in constant pain, not knowing the right answer as to what will bring a sense of well-being. There may not be one single answer. Watching him struggle with illness and even depression as the days go by is difficult. This week, he is scheduled to receive shots in his back to relieve pressure in his lower back and legs. Migraine medicine is hit and miss as he tries different treatments. It has helped to understand what is happening in doing research on Gulf War Syndrome. While he never served in the Gulf War, his ship which supplied ammunition, oil, and explosives was in the Gulf around those times. Many of the veterans who were on the same vessel as he was are experiencing the same disabilities. Focusing solely on health has brought some peace because he isn’t trying to go back to Radiology school or do too many things at once. We are taking one doctor’s appointment at a time and praying for wisdom.

I saw a church sign a few weeks ago that said, “The struggle is real…but so is God”. Sometimes a statement comes in a still small voice. Other times it pierces through the heart like an arrow. What a timely reminder! Thank you, Lord. I needed that.

While seeking answers, we are still looking for stray gifts in life – bits of God’s presence throughout the day. We have had several really good rainy days here – and in the desert, they are a few and far between. We lost power for just a little bit, too, one night. It was fun to light candles and just sit and talk without watching television.

Top Row (left) Passionflower! We planted this vine last year and never saw one flower. We had caterpillars on the vine, which, at the time, we thought was exciting because we knew butterflies were coming. The butterflies were exciting to see, yes, but the caterpillars ate every bloom. This year, we watched carefully so that the flowers would blossom. We have a whole vine of them now blooming in different stages. (middle) A McAlister’s Deli recently opened near us. We used to hunt for this restaurant during our deputation days because we knew we could find a good sandwich or soup and of course, sweet tea. (right) Mums are still one of my favorite outdoor plants as they need little maintenance.

Bottom Row (left) I saw this art piece displayed in a doctor’s office while with my dad a few weeks ago. It is made from colored glass tile and is stunning. This piece is a depiction of a popular bit of scenery here in El Paso. If interested, you can read about the star on the mountain’s significance here. (right) Our daylilies are back in full force right now – especially after the rain. I may need to repot them next year!

Thank you to those who share your own stray gifts with me through text messages! I love the ripple effect this has had! I am thinking about sharing some of them here on the blog as I think others would love to see them as well.