July 14, 2009

My Heart is Bursting

Has anyone done something for you that was so nice, so considerate and so thoughtful, that it just makes your heart burst and brings tears to your eyes? It's a rare thing, but when it happens, it just overwhelming.
That happened to me today when I received a package at the office. I've received two other packages in the past week, one containing Jamie Drake's lovely book from Little Augury, and the other with Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden from Maxminimus, which, if you're not reading, you must. Both were lovely and generous gifts, and I appreciate them tremendously.

Today's package was from England and it contained a gift that thoughtful beyond words. I collect French Ivory handled knives and forks. I would find a knife here and there, and once I found a fork. When I moved to Wales, I found a lot of knives and forks, but never any spoons.

Former blogger House of Beauty & Culture told me that they didn't make spoons. I found some poor substitutions at Target, but they weren't the right scale to the other pieces I had and their handles were plastic {shudder}.
HOBAC was extremely thoughtful and creative, and had some spoons made for me from the French Ivory handles of some old knives and forks, and European-size table spoons. The detail work is just perfect. They are just gorgeous, and feel amazing in my hand. They are a gift that I will always treasure. Now, and when I am old, I will think fondly of this wonderful man, whom I am privileged enough to call a friend.

31 comments:

  1. Mrs. Whaley's Garden is a fabulous book. I toured her garden months after she died. It is perfection. She gave plenty of credit to Loutrel Briggs, its landscape architect.

    I've copied his ideas many times. I read her book each January.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  2. At least House still speaks to us in other ways. From the perspective of his readers - he is missed... and this is just another reminder regarding why - how thoughtful and lovely.

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  3. They are lovely and charming. You are lucky to have him for a friend. I find myself choked up at his thoughtfulness. Smiles,LC

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  4. Exceptionally nice gift! More than thoughtful. Much more.

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  5. A wonderful gift, for a wonderful woman. Enjoy them forever.

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  6. As exceptional a gift as one would imagine from a man with an exceptional voice. I do miss his insight.

    You must prepare a Julia Childian feast to celebrate a French Ivory Handled 14 July.

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  7. meg, i teared up reading your post. simply an amazing and thoughtful gesture on his part.

    we miss you, hobac- come back!

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  8. What a wonderful gift. Beautiful and meaningful -- the best kind!

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  9. Not a bit surprised that HOBAC would come up with such a thoughtful and personal gift. I know you will use and enjoy them endlessly.

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  10. Meg...People do nice things for you because you deserve it. Simple as that. We get what we give!

    Onward.

    ADG

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  11. Such a lovely, lovely gesture. Quite an 84 Charing Cross Road kind of moment. I do believe in the sacredness of things. I do believe that using sacred things with love and remembrance brings such a renewed feeling of goodness and connection across time and space. Such a change of pace for your bad news bear of a week or two, and so well deserved.

    Second the vote about Mrs. Whaley. I wish I had Junior in my garden. Lord, good help with knowing where and where not to put his feet, then I would start believing in miracles!

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  12. Gardeners understand, better than most, the hidden qualities within the seemingly banal and often utilitarian appearance of the bulb, root or potted plant. Every living thing has its' own beauty. Expect the unexpected. Expect the best. Beauty lies deep within. You were a gift to someone -and you were gifted in return.

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  13. ok- awesome is one of those overworked words that someone wants to murder-kill-or waterboard-Sometimes that word works though. Awesome! and what a Smart idea. Awesome! la

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  14. Do unto others .... there's something to be said about that! I am a firm believer in karma!
    Exquisite taste HOBC!
    Leslie

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  15. * Oh heavens, they actually take my breath away they're sooooo beautiful... and you can't BUY sincerity & sentimentality like that~~~~ What a remarkable way to "PAY IT FORWARD"...

    Thank you for sharing this most HEARTWARMING generosity!

    Blessings,
    Linda in AZ *

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  16. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    you know - he once sent me the loveliest soap ever. what a sweet man! omg - this really is unbelievable!!!

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  17. I'm sorry. I am just floored at the thoughtfulness and just think what trouble he went through!!! what a friend.

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  18. whoa buddy, you was gifted. ain't life grand.

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  19. If only we all had such thoughtful surprising ghosts. They are lovely.

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  20. those spoons are amazing!! WHat a generous friend :-) I think the blogger relationships we all develop are so incredible!

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  21. treasures indeed from a good friend - i can fully understand being overwhelmed by mr hobac's thoughtfulness and generosity. did you use one tonight at dinner?

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  22. So true, building relationships as bloggers is very special, and especially on days when we all can use a little lift of our spirits. Very generous...

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  23. I always have believed the smallest gestures have the greatest impact on the heart. Spoons...how magical. If you've never seen Mrs Whaleys Kitchen book, its a must too.

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  24. You are one lucky gal!!!!
    Soup will forever taste special now.

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  25. What a thoughtful, thoughtful gift. They are beautiful!

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  26. Meg, they are absolutely stunning! What a lovely, lovely gift. I too love the detail and scale! How very thoughtful!

    (we once thought we would collect coin silver flatware to use as our daily ware... only to find out you can only find spoons!)

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  27. Beautiful and lovely in every way.

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  28. wow....
    'somebunny' loves you !!

    these are fabulous. treasure them and enjoy them !
    xx

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  29. I am drooling!!!!!! they are so beautiful!!!
    Eddie

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