Three Artistic Friends That Inspire

 "It is lovely when I forget all birthdays, including my own, to find that somebody remembers me,"

~ E. Glasgow

I wanted to share some of the beautiful hand crafted items I was blessed to receive for my birthday.

My blogger pal Jayne sent me these gifts tags.....honestly I have never seen any more beautiful.

They are dripping in rose buds, silk ribbon and rhinestones and were created by

Under The Night Moon on etsy.

Jayne is always sharing her favorite finds on her blog Bunny Chic Boutique and promoting fellow bloggers and etsy shops!

She also sent this adorable felt bird.....

and all these goodies ~ many she created herself ~ all wrapped in my favorite pink chenille.

I don't know how she knew but Jayne I thank you with all my heart!

I cried when I opened it because it was so unexpected.

This amazing hand crafted scarf was hanging on my door knob when we came home.

It turns out my friend Lisa (Christmas Cookie Queen ) who also is an amazing cook can do just about everything else to perfection as well!

(ummm.... she is also a mother of 6 ranging in age from toddler to late 20's)

This scarf was crafted with a beautiful yarn called Ella Rae Latte

It is a combination of alpaca and milk fibers.

As Lisa said, " Who knew milk had fibers!"

I have worn it every time I have walked out my door since.

It has already become somewhat of an adult version of a security blanket because I can feel Lisa's love whenever I wear it.

This is a felted bag and necklace she made for me last year.

She uses only the best of materials.

If you'd like to contact Lisa feel free to email me and I will connect you.

And then there is dear Pat ~ who's beautifully hand dyed silk ribbon rival any I have ever used.
Except for finishing up some I already have in my stash ~ Pat's is the only silk ribbon I will ever use again.
The colors are so rich. I love the multi colors ones ~ perfect for pansy petals!
She has blessed me in a million different ways and I am ever grateful!
(Pat offers directions on dying your own silk ribbon on page 36 of her magazine""Crazy Quilt Gatherings"

And so now at 52 years of age I realize this ~

"Age has extremely little to do with anything that matters.
The difference between one age and another is enormously exaggerated."
~ R. M. 

(pictured below is the beautiful coat my daughter Cheri gave me)

And so another year has gone by. I am so thankful for the cards received and facebook greetings!

And so my gift for you ~ some birthday wisdom to consider.

"May you live to be a hundred years with one extra year to repent.'

~ Irish Toast

"Don't seek to recall yesterday that is past

Nor repine for tomorrow which has yet to come:

Don't build your hopes on the past or future.

Be happy now and don't live on the wind."

~ O. Khayyam

"Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy."

~ Rabbi A. Heschel

"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be...."

~ R. Browning

Recipe for the easiest Happy Birthday Ice Cream Cake Ever

Take a half gallon of ice cream from the freezer.

Cover sides and bottom with a layer of lady finger,ginger snaps, oreos depending on flavor.

Place back in freezer until ready to use ~ then slice.

" Another candle on your cake?

Well, that's no cause to pout,

Be glad that you have strength enough

To blow the darn things out."

~ anonymous