Surprises are so wonderful

I know we all get so tired of hearing all the horrible things that happen when we read the paper or listen to the news....wouldn't it be nice if stories about all the good things that happen got as much press? 

When we returned from the mountains this week, a package was waiting for me.  I was told it was coming, but had no idea what it was. I received this lovely gift from Debbie St. Germain.  It's a punch needle stuffed pillow that hangs that she made out of my Shirley, Goodness and Mercy pattern.  This is Shirley out of this piece.  Debbie had no idea who Shirley represented I don't think, but she's very special to me.  Needless to say, I cried when I opened this special little gift.

Inspiration for Shirley, Goodness and Mercy came from a book I had read years ago, but it is more than that.....my sister, my sister-in-law and myself quilted just about every Saturday at my house.  So, when I made Shirley, Goodness and Mercy I decided it was based on the three of us.  Shirley, was my sister because surley she would make us laugh at something she'd make. (She was not a primitive type of gal at all!)  Goodness was my sister-in-law because she really was the good one.....and me, well I was the mercy because I was always doing something that could be considered "not exactly right" or more accurately "a little off!"

I lost my sister 3 1/2 years ago to cancer so when I got my present it was very special indeed. 

Yes, there are so many, many good things that happen in our world that we hardly ever hear about.  Thanks Debbie so much for your kindness.  I will cherish my "Shirley" always.