Earlier this summer I became aware of a blogger willingly sharing some of her garden seeds with anyone who wanted any of her extras. Never being one to turn down anything free, I promptly emailed her to ask for some of her "Love in a Mist" seeds. I had never heard of this plant but thought it would be so interesting to have something growing in my garden that had once been in another garden far, far away.
I received a return email shortly afterwards informing me she would be delighted to mail me her seeds, and I started watching the mailbox eagerly for a package.
Eventually, I received a follow-up email from her telling me she took the seeds to the post office to mail but was told that because of the recently planned airline terrorist attack, seeds are now classified as food stuffs, and liquids and food stuffs cannot travel by post from the United Kingdom to the United States. Essentially, her seed sharing had come to an end. Of course, she was very disappointed and so was I.
In fact, she felt so badly about her promise to send me something and then not being able to follow through that she gathered up some unique treasures from around her home to send to me and the girls "to make up for the disappointment."
What a special package I received last week from her home in Warwickshire, United Kingdom! As you can see, she included an old fashioned sewing machine card with a delightful note inside, an Edwardian pamphlet on pickles, jellies, and preserves, Debbie Bliss merino aran, flower pictures from her beautiful garden, and three pieces of "Liberty Tana" fabric, which she uses to make lavender bags.
I was amazed at the generosity and caring shown to me, especially when there was no obligation to do so. She actually tailored the package just for us after reading of some of our interests on our blog! Natalie, thank you so very much! I love it all! I will always remember you as our special faraway gardening friend.
~Deb
How sweet!
Posted by: Tammy S. | Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 12:35 PM
What a very thoughtful thing to do!!! How nice to receive such a treasure!!
Posted by: Fred | Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 03:02 PM
My daughter and I have always loved "all things English" and then I read the posting below about dulcimer music. I absolutely love dulcimer music.
My kids think I am too old to learn to play (but they've also heard me sing and probably think there is no musical talent there).
I'm going to look forward to Eternity when I can meet in person the delightful bloggers I meet online now.
Posted by: Brenda | Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 07:26 PM
What a dear, thoughtful lady to share some of what she had to replace what she could not send! I enjoyed this sweet post from the Girotti family. I missed your posts over the weekend. Hope all is well with your family.
Mrs. Girotti, I received your e-mail awhile back and never made the effort to write out a reply. I fully intend to sometime soon. Please forgive my delay. You are in my thoughts. :)
Posted by: lydia | Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 10:15 PM
What a special package! That is such a neat idea. Getting packages in the mail never grows old. It reminds me of "My Favorite Things": brown paper packages, tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things. . . :)
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 07:08 AM
Deb
I've risen from the sick bed (sofa lol) to say many thanks for such a kind post! You, and the honey and lemon...and the ice cream have made my throat a lot better! Thank you so much for the beautiful card and book mark. You and you girls are very talented!
Posted by: plainandsimple | Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11:56 AM
Deb, I have some of the seeds! I'd be happy to share them with you. How fun would that be?! :)
Posted by: lisa | Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 08:24 AM
How wonderful for you! It is always amazing to receive unexpected and totally unmerited parcels!
Posted by: Sherrin | Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 12:13 AM