After being away for nearly a month, it seemed a long time since I'd seen some of my friends. This was a week of catching up over breakfast and lunch. Our book group also met to discuss News of the World, which I can highly recommend. It's a compelling story and beautifully written. Paulette Jiles, the author, is a poet, and I also enjoyed her earlier novel, Enemy Women. News of the World takes place in Texas shortly after the Civil War; Enemy Women takes place during the Civil War. Both are well researched. We also played bridge---nothing I'd like to talk about; my bidding left a lot to be desired.
Early in the week I got the first happy mail---an order from Papertrey Ink. They had a huge sale of their paper packs for $1 each; they usually sell for $4-$10 each. At that price I was willing to buy some I had passed up when they were released. Interestingly, there are almost none available in the store now. I'm hoping they will restock some of them. I didn't order the night of the release, and by the next morning my favorite pad, "Black and White All Over," was sold out.
I thought perhaps I'd have a card to share using one of these, but I've been busy making valentines, and can't share those until they've arrived at their destination. I received the most amazing valentine ever this week though. My friend, Sue, is an incredible paper crafter. She doesn't make cards or scrapbook, but makes wonderful constructions from paper. I've been the lucky recipient of many of her creations, but she outdid herself this time.
From the front
A closer look
Looking down
The sides.
Sue pulled all the photos from Facebook, and had them printed. When I showed Matt & Betsy, Matt said, "Wow, Mom, that's better than anything you make!" I agree, it's true, but when I told my friend, she said he was just charmed by the photos of his three pretty girls! The whole thing folds flat and was hand delivered at lunch on Friday in an envelope. It's being proudly displayed in the living room until Valentine's Day. Then I'll pack it away carefully so it can come out every year!
Waving to Sian at From High in the Sky and friends sharing their happy mail.
