(photograph © Kiwidutch)
This post continues my post of 23rd of March,
http://kiwidutch.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/are-you-crafty-im-offering-you-a-chance-to-win/
where I am celebrating my good fortune of winning a wonderful embroidery book, by in turn giving away two copies of Country Bumpkin’s “A-Z” Books.
I’m a firm believer that we must all be thankful for everything we have, and not be of the attitude that ” when I have (more money, a better job, more free time, a particular car, a holiday, a big house, lost some weight, a new hairstyle, better skin, a more understanding partner, any partner at all or any other material item or wish) that then I will be happy…
I’ve come to realise that yes, especially at some times of my life, many things on my “wish list” might well have made my life a little (or a lot) easier, but they might not have made me happier.
When in the past I have had literally just a few pennies to rub together, I might have wished that times were not so hard, but I learned in these times the true value of money and that giving (and receiving) can involve donating more valuable things than cash… like Time, Energy and Skills.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
I have learned that when you don’t have “stuff” , and when you have nothing to loose that you are often more fulfilled then when you have possessions that you have to lug around, make space for, keep secure and fret over. That’s NOT to say that all “stuff” is bad, it’s not, it’s just that I am slowly learning about the stuff I collect and that sometimes when you have outgrown it, or never use it that it might be time to “pass it on” to someone who can…
I’m learning to reflect every single day on the Wonderful things that I have, ok, my health is often less than perfect but many people have it worse… but I can look at my wee family and say Thank You God, each day, I can delight in things like a little boys hugs and kisses and a little girls proud artwork, their excited stories and pleasure in small wondrous things of life. I have a wonderful husband who’s a brilliant Papa to our kids and who is a soul mate in many respects.
I’ve learnt that opening my eyes to see a need and to help out if and when I can, brings a joy that is different to all others. I’ve learnt that in “passing-it-on” that which you hand out to others in life often makes it way back to you in deed and kind and in a multitude of unexpected ways from totally unexpected people. This circle often takes years to complete, but complete it does… “cast your bread unto the waters and it shall come back to you tenfold” are wise words that do come to pass.
I’m no Saint, far, far from it, but sharing little joys is one of Life’s pleasures… if I need any Thanks at all, the best way to express it is to “pass-it-on” … invite someone who lives alone for a meal, they will value your company and chance for a chat beyond measure. Babysit for free, couples with young kids usually never get enough decent moments to themselves. In busy traffic, make a gap and let someone stuck in a side street into the flow with a smile and a friendly wave, find some little way to make someones day brighter.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
These books offer a brilliant instruction on a whole range of embroidery, handwork and sewing techniques and are my personal favourite because of the clarity of the step-by-step photographs what accompany each of the techniques being illustrated.
Sooo Who are our lucky winners?
To make it fair and to give everyone an equal chance, I wrote the name of each entrant on a piece of paper, folded it into four, popped them into a bowl and then got an independent adjudicator (Himself) to draw out two.
There was high drama as the papers were throughly “mixed” around in the bowl, A drum roll of anticipation and some excitement as we waited for the papers to be unfolded… Who will it be?
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
…. and the Winners are: Linda A of comment 8 ) and Kathleen of comment 14) Congratulations!!!
… and the next good news is that I have two small runner up prizes (Not a book but a little surprise Dutch gift) to also give away so the next two names drawn were: zara_bear of comment 17) and Elizabeth of comment 3)
I will be contacting you all shortly by email to get your postal addresses etc.
Congratulations everyone! To be honest I have had so much fun with this I will certainly be doing give-a-ways again… watch the blog and be in to win!!!
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
