Yesterday was a cold grey winter's day... some might even call it dreary with its overcast skies and saturated soil. None the less, I was happily sitting on my old cushion on the floor enjoying a cup of coffee, and dreaming of what wonderful winter vegetables I might plant in the coming weeks.
It didn't matter so much that my head was sore and my bones were tired from all the yard work during the week, or that it was too wet to sit outside in my favourite spot because personally I love winter days... there is something divinely peaceful about them. Maybe it's their muted skies, maybe it's the chill in the air, or the sound of the wind pushing through wet tree leaves like lazy early morning waves on the beach... whatever it is, I've always loved it.
Anyway, my daughters told me they were going for a walk through the woods to check the letter box. The path that leads there is wild and interesting: its uneven ground winds through old iron bark trees that form a canopy over native grasses, wattles and among the leaf litter there are many little sticks and rocks waiting to be discovered - I especially like finding pieces of rose quartz and petrified wood. The truth of the matter is, checking the letter box is about the adventure on the way and not about expecting to find anything in it except for the occasional overdue library notices, or a slip letting us know it's time to do a trip to the Post Office.
So you can imagine my surprise when they returned with a box shaped parcel! The minute I saw the handwriting I knew it was from my dear friend... we've been friends for so long I'd recognize her handwriting anywhere! Of course, even if I hadn't recognized the writing the smell of incense that wafted into the room before I'd even opened the parcel would have been a giveaway. I opened the rather heavy box with curiosity and glee, it wasn't my birthday or anything like that and I had no idea what could be inside!
First I found a card with a hilarious photo of a cat on the front and a lovely hand written note inside, then coffee, lollies, biscuits, chocolate, incense, sunflower seeds for planting, wax melts. a crocheted lace wall hanging, gorgeously scented wax melts, a fluffy squirrel wearing charming beaded bracelet, cushion covers, a book by one of my childhood favourites - Paul Zindel - 'Pardon me, You're stepping on my eyeball!', a CD, and finally a pile of vintage gardening magazines tied neatly with a brown string!
It was so exciting to receive an unexpected box of sunshine on a cloudy day, it was almost as if my friend had walked into the room in person. It is always nice to receive word from a friend in the post, but what's even better is having a friend who knows you very well and likes you just the way you are!
So in honour of friendship, this Winter I'd like to encourage everyone to write a letter, send a message, phone or visit a friend or dear relative and remind them of how special they are to you in the way that only you can, because even though my friend is very special, I truly believe anyone can add a little sunshine to a friend's cloudy day.
Anyway, my daughters told me they were going for a walk through the woods to check the letter box. The path that leads there is wild and interesting: its uneven ground winds through old iron bark trees that form a canopy over native grasses, wattles and among the leaf litter there are many little sticks and rocks waiting to be discovered - I especially like finding pieces of rose quartz and petrified wood. The truth of the matter is, checking the letter box is about the adventure on the way and not about expecting to find anything in it except for the occasional overdue library notices, or a slip letting us know it's time to do a trip to the Post Office.
So you can imagine my surprise when they returned with a box shaped parcel! The minute I saw the handwriting I knew it was from my dear friend... we've been friends for so long I'd recognize her handwriting anywhere! Of course, even if I hadn't recognized the writing the smell of incense that wafted into the room before I'd even opened the parcel would have been a giveaway. I opened the rather heavy box with curiosity and glee, it wasn't my birthday or anything like that and I had no idea what could be inside!
First I found a card with a hilarious photo of a cat on the front and a lovely hand written note inside, then coffee, lollies, biscuits, chocolate, incense, sunflower seeds for planting, wax melts. a crocheted lace wall hanging, gorgeously scented wax melts, a fluffy squirrel wearing charming beaded bracelet, cushion covers, a book by one of my childhood favourites - Paul Zindel - 'Pardon me, You're stepping on my eyeball!', a CD, and finally a pile of vintage gardening magazines tied neatly with a brown string!
It was so exciting to receive an unexpected box of sunshine on a cloudy day, it was almost as if my friend had walked into the room in person. It is always nice to receive word from a friend in the post, but what's even better is having a friend who knows you very well and likes you just the way you are!
So in honour of friendship, this Winter I'd like to encourage everyone to write a letter, send a message, phone or visit a friend or dear relative and remind them of how special they are to you in the way that only you can, because even though my friend is very special, I truly believe anyone can add a little sunshine to a friend's cloudy day.
| And now, with my new fluffy squirrel friend by my side, I'm off to write a letter to my Grandma... |  |
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