We made it back home from my dad’s and Iowa on Sunday. It’s a long drive and I decided to do it in one day. We left dad’s about 3 pm and I pulled in our driveway at 11:17 pm. Whew, we were happy to be home.

After walking into the house, I spotted a big box on the table, addressed to me! Ooooo, I got excited.

Remember a couple of months ago when I was making a few gifts for people who were so kind to me about losing my momma?

Well, a ‘new to me’ blogging friend asked me if I could make her a sunflower and she could buy it or maybe we could trade.

I said, trade!!!

You see, she crochets and I’ve been wanting to learn how to. On her Etsy shop, she sells crochet kits for beginners. I absolutely wanted to trade.

When I opened the box Sunday night, I was stunned! There was so much beautiful stuff in there! A large bag, a scarf tied on a gift bag, yarn, crochet needles, ribbons, a book, and more.

Her site is called Bottoms Up Orange and her name is Christine. You know how WordPress will pop up ‘recommended for you’ blogs you might like? That’s how I found her blog.

I clicked on it. And, I read and read and read. And, then, more artist parts of me began awakening. She sews. I used to sew! She decorated her desk with paper art. I LoVE paper art. She creates her own clothes patterns. I have a notebook full of skirt designs I drew that I’d love to make.

Many things in common. I’d told her she’s inspired me to start sewing again. Guess what was in my gift? Fabric, buttons, needles, and some accessories. How cool is that?

There’s a book in there, too. It’s about how to crochet baby stuff. My friend just had a baby a month ago. It’d be so cool if I could make him something.

She even sent me instructions on how to make a granny square. My cup runneth over. In fact, if I had ten cups, they’d all be running over.

Up next?

My turn to get a gift together. The chalkboard and beads I ordered for her sunflower were here when I got home, too.

On her card, she mentioned Christmas in July. It certainly did feel like Christmas while opening her gift. I can’t wait to get my art done so we can finish our gift exchange, summer style.

Thank you, Christine. This is super fun.

If you like crochet, sewing, gardening, and more, maybe check out her site. She shares really great stuff.

https://bottomsuporange.wordpress.com

Hope you’re having a great day! Thanks for being here!

Jessica