A gift i hold deer

My lovely friend, Helen, sent me one of her plates with a deer she handpainted upon it. Isnt it beautiful! it brought so much sunshine into my day, these photos are of it nestled on my bed... i need to think of a special place to hang it

Post like this seems like a treat, and it is, but at the minute it's also a life line for me, I'm holding on to the love and care in each parcel or letter SO much, I can't tell you!

Please if you can make a difference in someone's life by giving them something small or a notecard of thoughtfulness, then do. Don't stop to worry how it might be received, just reach out. Too many people are out of sight and sadly can be left out of mind also

Speaking as someone on the recieving end of such mail I can guarantee that it's a tonic they need, that its a blessing, and so much appreciated.

I have over the years even when I was most ill, given more than I received, I tended to be the friend that others drew on, relied on and turned to for support. I never looked for it to be this way it just kinda turned out that way somehow, I embraced this role of older friend who had advice to give and practical thoughts of what to do and became familiar with it as part of who I was, it taught me much about unconditional love in the form of giving

This time though,i have been learning about unconditional love in the form of worthiness to recieve. As during some of the harder times I've been having the past 3 years, things have been very different, I haven't been in the role of supporter but if supported. I've been looking at why that is and learning from my reflections there.

I just wanted to say that it's been strange and taken some getting used to, to be the receiver of much kindness. Especially whilst too unwell to make things and give things back in exchange - which I know isn't expected but is natural enough to want to do.

I'm embracing the gifts, the mail and the loving care. And I'm also learning from its prescence in my life. I'm soaking up the strength from being cared about in this way. I'm also working through letting go old patterns of not having that same care towards myself.

What I give to others I'm recognising I'm in need of myself. What I'm recieving from friends I'm recognising is a reflection of this new view of myself and new self love.

I hope my reflections resonate with something in you also, I share them for that, but I also share them because I just had to write it down.

Helen's shop shelves at Icklebabe are currently brimming with plates of equal charm, some say home sweet home, some say happy day and some have whimsical animals, with balloons and teacups, nestled amongst flowers. you'd love them too.

love kathryn x

Comments

[Tiaz]

This is very inspiring. I have my dear friends who sends me lovely gift too, but sometimes I forgot to say thank you when I feel so down and tired too.
Hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend miss.

Tiaz

[Georgianna]

What a beautiful gift, dear Kat! And another beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring post. Your advice and insights are very wise. Sending strength and love, dear. xoxo

[Kerri Jones]

Beautifully put. I am more comfortable with the role of giver than receiver...giving, though, as you so thoughtfully wrote, can be in many forms...that of a friend giving a gift or a card just to brighten someone's day or the gift of a sweet smiling face {yours on IG} that brings joy to everyone who sees it. I now you love to wrap things beautifully and make things by hand, but know, too, that a post of what you are thinking, or what you find beautiful at any particular moment, is a gift to us...for to know that you are happy or even reaching out for us to lend an ear...is a gift to us, your friends. It validates our friendship when you let us know you are in need or that you are happy. Because sometimes the best gift of all is just to 'be' there for each other, to share our happy moments and our trying moments. xx

[Kerri Jones]

I love Helen's plates...She puts her heart into her work and I always love to see what she creates!

[Kat]

Kerri,
Much to ponder on in these wise words you share, thank you sweets.
I hadn't thought about it like that - in terms of the validation - but yes we all like to feel needed, and turned to, or that someone trusts us to tell us how they really feel, I shall remember that more so since your reflection on it here. And I also value what you're saying regarding the sharing of thoughts or things found.
Love kxx

[Kerri Jones]

I visited Helen's shop just now and it is filled with such sweetness!

Each one a gift, as she so lovingly puts her heart in to all her artwork.

[Claire]

What a lovely post Kat and so nice of Helen to send you one of her beautiful plates. I so love mine. You send the sweetest gifts and so it's only right that you receive the same...xxxxx

[Icklebabe]

Oh
Gorgeous Kat,
firstly , I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get here . It's been a strange old time for us both lately .
I am so pleased to have given you a little smile , you know you have given me many with your cards and parcels!
It is tough being cared for after caring for so long, I can totally relate to this, but you bring so much to other people's lives that I don't think you see.
I am inspired and gladdened by your being on this earth almost daily !
Please don't ever forget that.
Much love H xxxx