* The kindness of friends, and a journal page

Sometimes life brings with it delicious surprises.  Take this blog for instance.  When I first began, I was doing it strictly for my own amusement.  That has changed.  Now I find myself doing it to connect with like minded people and to share a little of my life with you, who have become part of my life.  I do it to be inspired by others, and see what wonderful things you are creating.  You are, my dears, truly amazing!

Today is a good example.  There have been many such days since my surgery.  It's called a "good mail day".  So many of you have sent delightful mail, cards, letters, comments, emails and phone calls.  Yes, I must say, much of it has caught me off guard.  I want to let you know, I am grateful.  I want to say a special thank you.  In many ways, it hasn't been easy to go through this knee replacement basically alone, in a foreign country. Certainly not something I had anticipated as my knees gave me no sign of what was to come when I moved here.   Your thoughts and actions have lifted me up in so many ways.  You make my heart sing.  I am enclosing photos of the fantastic mail I received today.

hand made collage postcard.  Absolutely exquisite.  Jane, you are so lovely!

An incredible photograph, taken in Bali.  My dear friend Diane just attended an opening of her friends photographs.  This one is entitled 'Late Bloomer'. 

The next two photographs are

part of the same card.  I'm really getting into this Halloween theme.  Thanks so much Tiffiny.

And Patty!  Thank you so much for thinking of me.  It was so lovely to hear from you.  Your card is beautiful.

Dear Diane .. thank you!  What would I do without you.  I feel like I could walk right up the side of this doodle and fall into all that love.  

Allyson was here to assist me with a few things today which was so helpful.  I'm stocked up on groceries again and she even cooked me a couple of meals for later.  Today, the flower lady who comes to my door had tuberoses.   Naturally, I couldn't resist.  The house tonight is filled with their magical aroma.  I did wander up to my studio this afternoon and create a double page spread in my journal which I will share with you.  The content actually surprised me.  It is what it is.

Well, my lovelies, that's it for today.  Thanks so much for taking time to stop in and have a peek.  xxoo Donna

One's home is like a delicious piece of pie you order in a restaurant on a country road one cozy evening - the best piece of pie you have ever eaten in your life - and can never find again.  After you leave home, you may find yourself feeling homesick, even if you have a new home that has nicer wallpaper and a more efficient dishwasher than the home in which you grew up.  ~Lemony Snicket