Thursday, April 17, 2014

With Thanks ♥

I've been a lousy blogger.
Really I have been.

I don't participate like I should - but I just haven't had the time.

I know that when something happens in my life - or when I complete a project - or when I see or hear something particularly funny I can't wait to get on here and share with all of you - but I've been terrible with visiting - and replying to all of the wonderful heartfelt comments I receive - daily.
When I do visit, I seldom have time to leave comments.................

And I've struggled the last month - ( well the last 6 months to be honest ) really struggled with bowing out gracefully from Bloglandia - but sitting down each night and writing up a post has been my saving grace - I'm not good with diaries - but writing up posts?  I rarely miss doing that !!!
Seriously - it's my own personal form of cheap therapy - and since these renovations have eaten up all my money - I have no choice but to continue my therapy this way :)

I'm very late giving thanks for some wonderful gifts I've received - is it better to be late than never?
Hope so - because these are treasured gifts - that lifted my spirits like I can't tell you ♥♥♥

Judy from Cranberry Morning makes home made soaps - such as this

FROSTED APPLE SPICE


LILAC


I received 2 as a house warming gift - and can't tell you beautiful they are - the natural fragrances are just heavenly !!!

Don't they look good enough to eat?
You can purchase you're own at her Etsy shop ( I know I'll be ordering some in the future as gifts - these are really special and very affordable ! )  Cranberry Morning Etsy Shop
I LOVE them !
They're sitting in a gravy bowl because I can't find my soap dishes lol - but I'm kind of liking them in
there - so they may stay even when I find the proper ones !


Thanks so much Judy - you're simply the best ♥


I know a lot of you follow BUTTERFLY & BUNGALOW and for those of you that don't - DO IT !!!
She is my home renovator inspiration - and does beautiful work

Look at this kitchen !!!


Sheer perfection


I received this in the mail a little while ago - it's so beautiful I almost can't stand it lol


Most of you know my affinity for all things Paris so this just melts my heart.................
I could drape myself in this fabric - just gorgeous !
When I saw it on her blog - I asked her to please send it to me - even though it has special meaning for her and her husband - I STILL asked her to send it to me LOL
She went one step better - and made one for me !!!


It's so feminine with such details as the ribbons on the end of the banner


AND IT'S MINE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thanks so much Susan - you're simply incredible ♥

A lot of you only know my next " benefactor " through comments - she doesn't blog ( but she really should - Danni from SILO HILL FARM and I have been pushing her to do so - no luck yet...........
BUT she did a few posts for Danni a while back which you can read Here and Here and Here

Someone who lugs home a wrought iron balcony - and turns it into a beautiful one of a kind potting bench should be blogging, don't you think?


or when they create a kitchen window like this???


A package arrived from Cheryl that contained these !


The most darling glass magnets - and yes - she made them all !!!

This particular one made me teary eyed - this world renowned cafe is where a girlfriend and I sat for an entire rainy afternoon - while she made a heart breaking decision..............
We laughed - we argued - we cried - we argued - we laughed -
And we drank hot chocolate....................
I can remember saying - " we're in Paris - why are we arguing?"
" better than arguing in Montreal " she replied.
It takes a special friendship to be able to argue and make up and sit arm in arm in a little cafe in St Germain de Pres, I'll tell ya................





I adore these !
They're on the hood of my stove where I see them everyday

Thanks Cheryl - you're simply amazing ♥

This week a tube arrived from Texas - from a very dear friend Tina - from What We Keep

She's the one that sent me this ( and which is in my new kitchen - never to be used lol ) isn't it the prettiest tea towel?


She has a heart the size of her home State...............
After reading my post on how much I'd love to have a Mora Clock she quickly outlined a pattern from hers and sent it to me !!!

I can now create my own ( stay tuned - that's one that I intend to start soon ! )


Thanks so much Tina - you're simply wonderful ♥

And lastly - If you don't know Maureen from It's all Connected - now would be the time to introduce yourself !  She's a fellow Canuck who's led an extremely interesting and entertaining life - not to mention she'll have you in stitches ( ok sometimes tears ) with her Chicks !!!
Her posts are like reading miniature books - always engrossing - so it was quite fitting that she sent me a book - and not just any book - but a book written by her daughter !!!
What an incredible read - her daughter adopted a family of 4 special needs children

Maureen writes :

The Promise is a truthful, raw and inspiring memoir of the struggles of one family to heal their four adopted children and create an atmosphere where everyone can thrive and grow together as a true family.  Written by the mother of the children (and incidentally my daughter) and the Child and Youth Counselor, who helped them develop strategies for success, it has proved so valuable to adoptive parents that it is endorsed by many adoptive agencies and the authors are enlisted to speak at Adoption Council functions. You can buy the book HERE


Thanks Maureen - you're simply fantastic ♥

And now I'm filled with a huge amount of dread - terrified I've missed something - somebody - please let me know if I have - I promise it won't take me another 5 months to say thanks............
Even though it's taken this long - it couldn't be more heartfelt, truly.

I think a giveaway of my own is in order right about now - stay tuned - I've ordered something special for one of you.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - Happy Easter if you celebrate it - Happy relaxing if you don't ♥



Sharing With !
Common Ground                                            The Charm of Home                      French Country Cottage
Shabby Art Boutique                                      My Turn for Us                              My Romantic Home
The Shabby Nest                                           Be Different - Act Normal              Pieced Pastimes
I should be mopping the floor                         Uncommon Design
Between Naps on the Porch

31 comments:

  1. You are not allowed to leave blogland. EVER. I haven't been commenting on your blog because my computer wouldn't let me. So I bought a new one. Happy Easter!

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  2. How wonderfully sweet to receive gifts from your blog readers. I think it's wonderful that you have that affect on people! It's because you're awesome, you know. :)

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  3. You know Suzan I also have a problem keeping up... there are so many facets to painting furniture other than "painting furniture". Combined with our business, blogging, facebook, creating & photographing & our personal lives, well you know!!!
    At the end of the day you do the best you can... well that's all we can do!!
    Have a wonderful weekend & set aside a little bit of time for just YOU!! Vicki

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  4. Oh, Suzan! Don't you LOVE what wonderful friends you make in blogland? How very special that you received all these wonderful gifts and memory makers from people that love you! You know why, don't you? It is because you GIVE so much of yourself. Your blog is always a bit of sunshine in my day and people want to repay you for the smiles and love you give all of us.

    IF you have time -pop by my blog for my giveaway. It is NOT your colors but sign up anyway- and that's it!!!!! lol xo Diana

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  5. I cannot wait to see your clock! It's going to be so cool, I just know it. Enjoyed seeing all your sweet treats. Yep, we love ya!

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  6. I can't wait to see your clock too! I"ve been an awful blogger lately myself. xo

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  7. Dearest SuzieQ - I'm with Paula (above). Except my computer wasn't broken. But you aren't the only one getting therapy from your posts :-)
    Love ya

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  8. we (us who read you faithfully) all know what you have been going through, and we all will stick with you no matter what,you have made me cry, but mostly you have me laugh and laugh, every time i think about john and his boxers i smile...your blog is just great and thank yous are nice but not a necessary thing for us to continue with you xx happy easter xx


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  9. Oh my gosh. Everyone knows how you love Paris. I can't believe the theme created by your gifts! I love the bunting on your shelf with the Eiffel tower. I love everything!

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  10. Hi, I am a Sue too. It is hard to keep up, my worst is commenting and I sometimes go back and forth thinking I may quit so it is heartening to read others go through this too. Love all you gifts and I know how nice it is to give and receive gifts in the mail from other bloggers. Blog friends are very special.

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  11. Such lovely and thoughtful gifts and so perfect for you! I know you don't have lots of time for visiting everyone lately, but I'm sure we all agree that as long as you keep posting, we don't mind! I just love reading your posts and you often deliver a much needed laugh with your he said, she said stories! Have a blessed Easter weekend!

    Hugs, Vicky

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  12. You explained it perfectly, putting together a post is kind of like therapy. I'm not sure how but I feel the same way. Your posts are sort of like therapy too. I always take away something when I come to your blog. And it cost me nothing :-)
    Don't feel guilty Suzan! You've had an overflowing plate lately. I'm sure everyone understands you are busy. Those ladies sent you some pretty awesome gifts! I love how you watermarked cherylshouldbeblogging! Yes, she should. Happy Easter friend!

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  13. What beautiful gifts Suzan!! Happy easter to you and your family!

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  14. Suzan,
    What beautiful gifts. I agree with Paula you are not allowed to leave Blogland. I would miss you too much. Happy Easter my friend.
    Kris

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  15. you are such a sweet heart, such beautiful creations, I hope you always use your blog for therapy, we benefit from it, we truly do, lol Have the best Easter!!

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  16. What lovely gifts Suzan! Can't wait to see your clock. I know it will be fabulous. Happy Easter!!!

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  17. I hope you are granted all the strength you need to keep blogging. For your sake and ours.
    Love, Cheryl @ shouldbeblogging.

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  18. Dear friend,
    I love all your posts. You always make me laugh and sometimes cry. You have a BIG heart! And I appreciate you saying Hi over at The River.

    Great gifts indeed.
    You are so special. Keep up the great work.
    Carla

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  19. Nope. You can't dump us and leave bloglandia, Suzan. We'll never ever allow you to do that. Where in the world would we go for a good belly laugh and incredible inspiration????? Huh????? Nope. You're stuck with us for good, dearie. You can't live a day without our therapeutic advice and support, you know..... lol

    Have a blessed Easters, sweet pea!

    xxo laurie

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  20. I'm here again to wish you a Happy Easter. :)

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  21. What beautiful gifts...for a beautiful lady! Blog friends know just what we love, don't they? These are all things you will enjoy in your new home! Have a blessed day my friend! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  22. Beautiful, people in Bloglandia are lovely peeps. We also get one times the reading/commenting side can be too much when real life is too busy :)

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  23. I'm blushing at your kind words about my blog and so very glad to have been able to send you your autographed copy of The Promise! We may have become girlfriends over the internet but we are true friends non the less. That means we don't always have time to spend together but we keep each other in our thoughts and know we always have the other to share our laughs and tears. You are very generous with the laughs you share!

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  24. What? You have scented soap, a banner and a clock? Your renovation must be complete then! Those are amazing friends who remembered that we still need beauty in the middle of the dusty renovation phase. By the way, your house is now this close to be Frenchier than mine ;) Happy late Easter!

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  25. I know the feeling, Suzan. I hope you don't leave though. You always have such wonderful posts that make me smile.

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  26. You've received some beautiful gifts, ones that will mean the world to you for a long time. I don't think anyone minds that you haven't visited, everyone knows the hectic life you've been living while you renovate!! I'm amazed you have time to write your blog, and I'm sure you'll be back to normal when your home is in order.
    I hope you had a relaxing, long Easter weekend. We enjoyed our time with the kids and grandkids.
    Debbie :)

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  27. Wow, what sweet and lovely presents. You are one lucky lady :) Blogging is time consuming sometimes, but the people we meet and the unlikely friendships we make on all parts of the globe, make it worthwhile....xxx

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  28. How AWESOME to get such a gorgeous gift... I totally love your blog..your home... Thanks for taking the time to share...

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  29. Hi Suzan!!!!

    Long time no visit!!!

    Well, I do an a perfectly adorable excuse....I HAVE THE CUTEST PUPPY!!!!

    He's 8.5wks old and I named him after my dad's cousin in LA, Cal....Scotty.

    What nice friends you have!!! I know you're a very loving person with a big heart and no wonder we all love you!!! Especially being and living in Montreal, well, that makes you my good friend right off the bat!!!

    I really love the Paris, french themed gifts!!! how nice!!! Hopefully we'll get to see what you're working on in you house. I can't wait until your finished, it's going to be great!!!

    Have a great weekend!!!

    Pam
    xox

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  30. Thanks for sharing. I love Cranberry Mornings soap!
    Sherry

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  31. well, you know i am loving that paris banner now.

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo