swap.

I Participated in an amazing thing called a blog swap. It was hosted here by this lovely lovely blogger. My partner is in Texas and I cannot wait for her to open her package! I won't give away her blog till she opens the package...she is an amazing Mama and her blog photography is over the moon beautiful!I made her some earthy earrings..a mason jar cozy wrap for her tea...a quilted table runner...some herbal soaps and other treats. I will post her package in a few days, so you can all see.

Yesterday was a hard day for me...and right smack in the middle of it my red bearded mailman knocked on the door. In his arms was a huge box covered in beautiful stamps and I could of cried.. well I actually did cry. Because after such a hard day I brought the box in, and set it in the entry on the entry dresser. Of course my big girl came running in to see the beautiful package and ooh and ahh over the beautiful stamping all over it.. and so we curled up on the sofa and opened her up!

Inside was sparkly "fairy" (as my big girl called them) bean candles. I have never seen them before.. but they arrived in perfect shape and we love them so! And and some of the most beautiful stamps I have ever seen! My sweet partner made each one by hand. The universe perfectly picked her for me...I love love print making etc. and have been wanting so badly to try my hand at carving. Recently I picked up the knifes and Speedball "this and thats" to do it.. but it has not been on the priority list... and I could never have done anything as beautifully as she did! I already have plans for creating a farm/ garden journal of sorts for the season with stamped veggies across the front!... and stamping them on my business cards for the season.. and well they will certainly be used here, on my farm desk.
I feel so very blessed by the kindness of a complete stranger. And then the very best of all. And as we unfolded it in the living room...it made my eyes well. Fortsville Creek Farm. My home. A special banner that is so very perfect for across the front of our barn, for CSA pickup days and farm events.. and well, maybe the whole summer indeed! It was just the comfort I needed on one of those "hardest of days".

I feel so complete as a farmer. And I love my dear little home and farm so much. Thank you thank you sweet Jenny for making me remember this and for your kindness and cheer in the dark days of this cold New England winter. Please visit her most lovely of blogs at PhishyBee.

 Make a plan to bless someone this week. A total stranger.