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Saturday, August 15, 2015

Gifts ... Gratitude ... Friendship ...

Over the last month, I have received lovely gifts ... from strangers.


An Instagram friend sent me gifts with a sweet card about GRATITUDE.


The line that resonates with me is turning "a stranger into a friend".


Nancy of @nantiques00 and I became friends when she left a fun comment on a picture I posted of my kitchen.


I cracked up when I read the part about being separated at birth.


Nancy seems to know me because the gifts she sent me were a set of vintage look patriotic cards


and three cute beachy style bracelets.


I signed up for #swapitlikeitshot on Instagram and received great gifts from Kristen of @beachyglamdecor.


Connie of Crafty Home Cottage sent me a set of Bingo balls because she knows that I love numbers.


I won an Instagram giveaway from @clothnshard - I am using the bag to hold flowers.


A totally unexpected gift was a tablecloth from my new Turkish cousin, Aysegul  (my son married into a Turkish family and apparently I too am now part of the family) she promises to take me shopping at the bazaar if I will visit her in Istanbul.


 I am thankful for all the gifts, but more important I am grateful for all my new friends.

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49 comments:

  1. It's meAugust 16, 2015 at 2:25 AM

    Love your sunny home decorating.......enjoy summer love Ria x

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  2. FlowerLady LorraineAugust 16, 2015 at 3:10 AM

    How wonderful to receive these lovely gifts that fit so nicely into your home, and wonderful to have dear friends and new family members who lovingly think of you.

    It is always fun to win things too and you got some really nice bits and pieces.

    FlowerLady

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  3. Lowcarb team memberAugust 16, 2015 at 3:15 AM

    What a lovely post.

    I like the tablecloth from your new Turkish cousin, it looks great across the table.

    Happy Sunday Wishes

    All the best Jan

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  4. Castles Crowns and CottagesAugust 16, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    And dearest Carol, your generosity of comments, visits, emails and teaching resources, cloth, little word keepsakes....this all means so much to me. I have never, ever shared the multitude of gifts and cards that I've received over the last seven years. I literally have a TRUNK FULL of these tender keepsakes from strangers, but who are only strangers because of distance. There is so much we could all say about this phenomenon of a new language, a new way of communicating. It has its downfalls, but has just as many and maybe even more positive things to it. YOU have been such a constant force, a friend whose help has been valuable in so many ways.

    THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. YOU inspire me, you teach me how to teach and create daily. LOVE TO YOU CAROL! Anita

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  5. Rita C at PanoplyAugust 16, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    Wow, Carol, remarkably generous gifts - all! And all so consistent with your style and tastes. Really nice. IT's hard to pick a favorite, but that Turkish tablecloth sure is sweet (and so are the bingo balls!).

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  6. Kim August 16, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    There really is so much good in people and in the world in general. It's nice to see that pointed out once in a while, Carol, thank you. Lovely gifts!

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  7. SusieAugust 16, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    Cousin Carol, So when are we going to Istanbul?? LOL...I could not resist teasing you. You are very well loved. What wonderful gifts you have won and received. They all seem to be things that fit your home. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  8. Vicky HuntAugust 16, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    Such lovely gifts from strangers turned friends! I love the blogging/instagram community. Some of the nicest people I "know" I have met online! Kindred spirits are we...:) I would love to go to Istanbul. I think Miranda has a trip planned to Turkey. She wants to go ride in a hot air balloon tour over Cappadocia. It looks so amazing! Have a lovely Sunday my friend!

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  9. ANNEAugust 16, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    Wonderful gifts - and what a fun invitation! Istanbul! Wow, what an offer.

    Have a happy week xox

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  10. bobbieAugust 16, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    :))))))))))))

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  11. Ricki TreleavenAugust 16, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    I'll go to Istanbul with you!!! Let's go! Field trip!!! :)

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  12. KathyAugust 16, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Sweet gifts and I love the thought about turning strangers in to friends.

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  13. Linda @ A La CarteAugust 16, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    The internet has enabled us to make strangers friends for sure! Lovely and thoughtful gifts! Istanbul might be a very exciting trip!

    hugs,
    Linda

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  14. 20 North OraAugust 16, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    I think blogging friends are the most giving people I have ever met. They are true friends.

    Judy

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  15. JunkchiccottageAugust 16, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Virtual world friends are the greatest. It is amazing all the wonderful friends we meet through this blog world that we might not have ever met. It is a special place. Love all your sweet gifts.
    Kris

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  16. MelanieAugust 16, 2015 at 11:16 AM

    What beautiful and gracious gifts you received! I especially love that Turkish tablecloth. Wouldn't it be awesome if you did indeed get to make the trip to Istanbul sometime?

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  17. chateau chicAugust 16, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    What lovely, lovely gifts, Carol!! You are such a sweet friend, and it's wonderful to see it all coming back to you!
    Mary Alice

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  18. Joy JunktionAugust 16, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    How wonderful, Carol! You poured your heart and soul into your son's wedding and it seems God smiled down on you with a bouquet of beautiful gifts! Enjoy them all! Blessings, Cindy

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  19. Brenda PruittAugust 16, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    You make the cutest vignettes! I guess I'm missing out not having a smart phone, because I can't do Instagram...
    Brenda

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  20. podsoAugust 16, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Your blog has allowed people to know you and your tastes and you've invited readers into your home--and now you are getting some wonderful payback!

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  21. KellyAugust 16, 2015 at 3:32 PM

    Those gifts are all so fitting for you and look so nice in your home. I think the bingo balls are pretty unique!

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  22. Sunny Simple LifeAugust 16, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    I sure hope it has been cooler up at your place than at ours.

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  23. Blondie's JournalAugust 16, 2015 at 7:39 PM

    Love in the mail---it doesn't get any better than that. I think our blogging 'group' is united by giving hearts.

    Jane x

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  24. karen@somewhatquirkyAugust 16, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    Isn't it amazing? You've thrown a lot of great out into the universe Carol! It's only natural that love would come back to you.

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  25. Row homes and CobblestonesAugust 16, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    Carol.
    You inspire, you befriend, you care and reach out, you have touched so many hearts, One heart being mine.Sweet gifts for a sweet kind friend.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  26. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresAugust 17, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    Such sweet and thoughtful treasures from all over the world. You do such a good job displaying all your precious gifts.

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  27. Little FarmsteadAugust 17, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    What sweet gestures that have brightened your day, and now ours...

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  28. ConnieAugust 17, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Hi Carol, It just goes to show that nice things happen to nice people.
    Thanks for the shout-out and I love how you displayed the little bingo balls.
    You just overflow with creativity:)
    Have a wonderful week.
    Connie :)

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  29. Jackie and Joel SmithAugust 17, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    A friend who lives in Greece that I met in the blogosphere and have never seen in person sent the most lovely welcome gift to us at our new home there. It was amazing to check the mail - expecting to find nothing but a water bill -- and instead find a gift from a friend. Lovely post - as always!

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  30. Jasper's CottageAugust 17, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    I hope you take your new cousin up on the Istanbul idea, I'd love to see what lovely things you can find there. Internet friends can turn out to be treasures, I'm glad you have found so many kindred spirits. Jonni

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  31. DebbieAugust 17, 2015 at 12:34 PM

    awwwww, rich in many ways!!!!

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  32. Gypsy HeartAugust 17, 2015 at 12:51 PM

    So, so sweet and thoughtful! You're very deserving, that's for sure. Enjoy each one and the friendship it brings.

    xo
    Pat

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  33. BeachGypsyAugust 17, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    Old fashioned friendship and caring people! Blessings!

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  34. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseAugust 18, 2015 at 2:03 AM

    Blog friends are amazing!

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  35. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!August 18, 2015 at 2:08 AM

    Good Morning Carol, Your blog is a joy to read so I am not surprised that some of your bloggy friends have sent you such lovely gifts. You are so inspirational, because you are always a busy bee.
    Enjoy all your wonderful gifts and I do hope your manage to go to visit Turkey as I just know you will love it there.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  36. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowAugust 18, 2015 at 4:01 AM

    What a nice collection of beautiful gifts! :)

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  37. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowAugust 18, 2015 at 4:01 AM

    What a nice collection of beautiful gifts! :)

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  38. Celestina MarieAugust 18, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    Hi Carol, you received a special collection of gifts. No one deserves it more! Love your displays!
    xo

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  39. must love junkAugust 18, 2015 at 7:43 AM

    So many fun and thoughtful gifts!! Love those bingo balls :)
    Susan

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  40. handmade by amaliaAugust 18, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    You deserve it, you are a bright light in blogland.
    Amalia
    xo

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  41. AnaAugust 18, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    What sweet and thoughtful gifts. But even sweeter is the gift of friendships made through blogging, don't you agree? I am thrilled for you. Enjoy!

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ❤️Ana

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  42. George SSFAugust 18, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    the presents are so sweet. The article is so inspired. Thanks for sharing.

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  43. AnonymousAugust 19, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    How wonderful! What a sweet gift of friendship!

    Kathy

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  44. AnonymousAugust 19, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    How wonderful! What a sweet gift of friendship!

    Kathy

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  45. Jane@Bluebird1959August 19, 2015 at 3:20 AM

    Hi Carol - love the showering of friendship! Bloggers are a great group. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog from Junk Chic Cottage and your sweet comments. I have been checking out your blog as well and you are one talented (and busy!) lady. I am following now and look forward to catching all of your posts! Jane

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  46. Vickie @ Ranger 911August 19, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    You've received some wonderful gifts from your new friends, Carol! They all fit perfectly into your home, so your friends know you well!

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  47. Helen PhilippsAugust 20, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    Such sweet friendship gifts....blogging is a wonderful way to find like minded friends and to share the creative things we love.....and I always love to visit you here, Carol. Such a lovely post and beautiful pictures to enjoy.
    Helen xox

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  48. SueAugust 26, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    Love hearing how your new in-laws are embracing you into the family so deeply, we need more of that in the world. of course all the incredible gifts you've received from friends that must know you so well; everything looks lovely.

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  49. CarlaSeptember 9, 2015 at 6:09 AM

    The first thing I notice in the kitchen picture is the cool red and white stripped bowl. You have a lot of Strangers turned Friends. You are a people person who is reachable. I think that sounds right. Always enjoy your posts with all the little changes and projects.

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