Monday, December 6, 2010

It's so Nice to be Pampered (and I don't mean the diapers!)

Every year on the first Saturday in December, Maureen invites my crazy quilt group to her house to celebrate Christmas.

For me, her gathering is a time-out from the treadmill that has become my annual December Christmas marathon that starts with the gunshot of the Thanksgiving plates being cleared away.

Maureen with Susan's valentine

All the hurriedness drops away when I enter Maureen's door.

She greets me with a bear hug and with pots of tea covered in Christmas cozies...she feeds me a healthy, vegetarian lunch insisting that we rest...that we not bring anything or lift a finger to help...and she laughs and she smiles and hands each one of us a door prize for coming. And I can just tell by the presentation, that she honors each one of us in this group. A "thank you for coming", a "I really appreciate you as my friend", a "big, warm wish for a year of stitching something beautiful"...

And I leave Maureen's house renewed and refreshed to manage the sprint toward Christmas day.

The fact that we exchange ornaments is icing on the cake. All the ornaments are wrapped in plain white tissue and then chosen blindly.

Maureen received my ornament which you could see above. And Maureen made this amazing purse for Helen...

Helen with Maureen's purse

I loved this purse...and it even has a chain which you can see in the last pic.

And Helen, in turn, made this tinsel-bound heart for Bobbi...

Bobbi with Helen's heart

Helen's only been crazy quilting for about a year and boy, is she a quick study...! I love that tinsel edge!

And me. I was the lucky recipient of this singing angel made by Bobbi -- I named her Gloria. Last year, I received a jointed bear made by Bobbi which I adore. She always manages to do something very unique and figural.

Bobbi's angel for Susan

I love her silver hair....her wings...her music...


And her tiny silver needlelace shoes...


And the fact that she remembered to wear her slip. No proper angel forgets to wear her slip...

So many of you have said it. We're lucky to have each other.


We're lucky to gather and to share and to care for each other.

And I'm lucky that Maureen reminds me every year what Christmas is all about.

Thanks to you all...even if you couldn't come to Maureen's. I value our gathering and sharing and caring through your blogs more than you know.

20 comments:

Rachel said...

Wonderful that you can gather together, have fun and encourage each other!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

O Gosh! This post just warms your heart. Reading, you truely know that each of you appreciates and loves each other so much. I can see each of you stitching your ornaments thinking of the person you will give it to and knowing that whoever receives it will love it because it was made by you.

I think Susan, you have Heaven on Earth.

Merry Christmas

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

What a wonderful thing you all have going! I am envious. I am just getting into CQ and having a group like yours to join would be so much fun. All of the ornaments are fantastic. I'll just join you vicariously. Enjoy your week, Connie

Cathy said...

What a wonderful group of friends and stitchers! I’m sure many of us are jealous, but still thrilled for YOU! Each ornament is exquisite and it sounds like you had just a mahhvelous time with friends. A perfect respite from the Holiday whirlwind! Hugs, Cathy

coral-seas said...

I think we know how much. Probably about as much as we value gathering around your blog while you share your wonderful needle play with us.

All of the ornaments are beautiful. I would have been thrilled with anyone of them.

Catherine said...

You are truely part of a wonderful group of ladies! Outside of the amazing handwork, your friendship just shines through!

Belgin Pancar AKÇAY said...

You are all so cute! and so are your works!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely gathering of ladies - all of whom have produced such special gifts for each other - friendship glows in these pictures.

Mosaic Magpie said...

Susan,
Your blog makes me feel like, going to Maureen's makes you feel. I don't know what it is but I am relaxed and peaceful when I read your blog. What a wonderful little group you girls have. So much fun and love that is shared amongst you. Love all the ornaments, what treasures.
Debbie

Gerry Krueger said...

I'd love to come and I don't even like tea... That little purse is just precious... Friends are sooooooooo special.. Gerry K.

Marty52 said...

I love that angel, Susan!! Really nice. It must be so nice to have a group to stitch with... something I simply must find!

Tina said...

I love this posting and I sew (get it-hahaha) want to be in this group! The ornaments are beautiful, but the event sounds even nicer! What a wonderful thing for you to look forward to each year. I love every ornament, but your angel is beautiful! I am so glad you enjoyed your time.

Merry Christmas!

Judy S. said...

How fun! Isn't it great to have Christmas traditions like that to share with friends? This time of year can be so harried, and it's wonderful to have something like this to anticipate. Looks like you created a beauty! (And received one as well...)

Ingrid Mida said...

What a lovely way to begin your holiday season. Traditions like this make Christmas extra special. Thanks for sharing your friends with us.

Blissful Banter of a Creative Crafter said...

Such wonderfully hand stitched treasures. All of your friends are so talented!

allie aller said...

How perfectly lovely...
Wonderful to see those familiar faces, too!

MeganH said...

Love those needlelace shoes!

black bear cabin said...

ohhh...i was excited to see what you ladies made this year. They are all so lovely! what a wonderful way to spend the day! hugs~

Cassiopeya said...

bravo à toutes.
Cassiopeya

Vicki Boster said...

Susan - this was beyond precious! What a lovely group of friends - and your ornament echanges were amazing. Each one was so beautiful - I am not sure that I could choose! This was just a delight to read!

ps - I see that you are reading on your ipod - I have one too - don't you just LOVE it!!

Vicki

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