I have been insanely, uncomfortably, suffocatingly (dammit, Cari, pick an adverb. Just one.) swamped with work of both the literary and the puts-food-on-the-table kind these past few weeks. (Far too much of the food on the table and not nearly enough time for the literary, truth be told.) I've also been sick of the cold and the snow and desperate for spring.
Alison knew all this and look what arrived at my doorstep yesterday:

She's a goddess. In this box was gorgeous silk top for spinning, a big cake of mohair for knitting--both in amazing colors because this is Alison, after all, and her taste is impeccable. There was tea--green tea and jasmine, one of my favorites--this one called Buddha's Tears, and a beautiful little cup to drink it from. There was frangipani soap... Did you know I'd never smelled frangipani before? Delicious. And speaking of delicious, chocolate bars that have been hidden from the husband and will be enjoyed bit by bit with large mugs of coffee. And see those cute gingerbread bunnies? Gone already. They were perfect with my coffee this morning.
All of this goodness from a woman who's been waiting almost two months for her birthday socks! (They're going into the mail today, Al. I hope they fit!)
A very big, public thank you to Alison. Kindness, thoughtfulness, and quantities of sugar and fiber... Exactly what I needed.
Posted by cari at March 15, 2005 10:57 AMcari,
i'm so happy for you; you truly have a fairy goddess former secret pal.
spring will be here, but in the meantime, enjoy the buddha's tears.
xo kaarin
Wow! What a great haul. And you haven't sent socks yet? Shame :)
Posted by: VickiYou just know I adore those little gingerbread bunnies, don't you???
Posted by: BeckyOh, that has got to be one of my favorite chocolates in the world. A friend sent me their sampler set with a few mini bottles of gin, and I almost died with delight.
Posted by: ChristianeFrangipani, plumeria.... Oh, the smells my mother always keeps around her. Tropical, almost too sweet, but wonderful -- perfect for snow-bound hard workers.
Posted by: RachaelA most excellent gift. That silk looks gorgeous.
Posted by: IrisBuddha's Tears sounds so yummy! Good gingerbread is so hard to find.
Posted by: miaYou truly are spoilt! I am actually sitting here drinking a cup of Tea Too myself (but I'm having the monk pear variety). It is truely wonderful stuff and Buddah's Tears is their signature, top of the range tea!
You have the best ex-secret pal around! (But I think you already knew that!)
Posted by: jacquelinewhat a nice package of goodies! what is most amazing to me, though, is that you will eat the chocolate in little bits- as opposed to consuming the lot of it all at once.
missed you this weekend, but looking forward to seeing you soon. :-)
Posted by: rebeccaI hope you watch the little tears unfurl in the water :)
Hey you deserve it babe!
Sounds heavenly. I love looking at that picture. Makes me feel relax already.
Posted by: Laura YLove your blog, love your dogs, I manage an animal shelter and bless you for promotoing rescues.
Dez
Posted by: Dez CrawfordLove your blog, love your dogs, I manage an animal shelter and bless you for promotoing rescues.
Dez
Posted by: Dez CrawfordWhat a wonderful friend! You are lucky to have one another. Enjoy all your treats and don't work yourself to a frazzle (though it's probably too late for that). See you when I get back from Austin!
Cari, you are one lucky dawg, to have such a nice friend! The mohair looks divine! Enjoy it!
-A.
It really is a cake of mohair - YUM! What a lovely package!
Posted by: CarrieYour story made me smile :) Good friends are fantastic and to be treasured. Have a lovely weekend, and enjoy the chocolate! A.x
Posted by: Amelia