There is something so very exciting about setting forth on a new adventure. Preparing yourself as fully as possible and then just letting go and knowing that there is the unexpected ahead, but that you are ready for it.
Weddings are such a joyful example - especially the old-fashioned type, where getting married means moving in together and building something new. We are going to a wedding this summer that promises a whole new beginning, and though our friends specified no gifts, I found myself unable to resist marking their occasion. And this seemed to encompass all my feelings about the adventures a new beginning provides.
The print was a custom order from the very lovely Freya and getting
it was a treat in itself. One of the perks of buying handmade is that the maker often (as in this case) takes such care and pride in the packaging of the article, that it feels like a gift to the purchaser, even when it is destined for another recipient.
Just look - I don't think a parcel could have made me any happier!
So, that's the happy new beginning. But sometimes, new adventures for others mean loss for us. This morning, my lovely neighbour popped over to say they are relocating to Portugal. It is all very sudden and I am happy for them and their new beginnings, but sad about the loss of a great 'on the doorstep' buddy.
Change - such excitement, such melancholy. There's something about this time of year that often seems to usher forward new challenges. All we can do is hope we rise to them and move forward.
Happy Solstice to you Ali. I often find that this point rather than the turn of the year is a big time for reflection and renewal. Everything seems more possible when there's more light.
Posted by: Jo | 21 June 2010 at 13:30
That is just perfect, what a wonderful gift. I am only buying handmade at the moment and had another sale on my Folksy shop at the weekend, which really made me smile
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 21 June 2010 at 14:40
What a gorgeous present! I have to confess that I really don't like change very much (unless it's positive, getting married type of change of course!) Lucy xx
Posted by: lucy locket | 21 June 2010 at 15:50
Oooh. Now I am lost in her website. Very pretty.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 21 June 2010 at 15:51
what a thoughtful wedding present. I'm sure your friends will be delighted you ignored the no presents request.
Posted by: claire | 21 June 2010 at 16:07
A lovely post Ali and a very thoughtful wedding gift. I have just got to properly know my neighbour and she is moving too! I am apprehensive about who the new neigbours are going to be and nervous about the enforced change. Life would be boring if everything stayed the same wouldn't it? x
Posted by: simone | 21 June 2010 at 16:38
Well, I've had a few neighbours in my time that I wouldn't have minded shopping off to Portugal, but still...
I hope that your new neigbours will be equally lovely.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 21 June 2010 at 17:03
The solstice - that point at which the sun appears to be in the most northerly angle to the Earth, is a powerful time. I'm sorry you're losing your lovely neighbours, but perhaps you'll be able to meet them again one day? Maybe a holiday in Portugal? Hopefully your new neighbours will be just as lovely. I hope the happy couple will be very happy in their lives together :) x
Posted by: Kitty | 21 June 2010 at 17:31
Hi Ali, , great neighbours are one of those things that can't be bought. I had two severe cases of " house envy" this weekend, from attending parties, but came home and had a glass of wine with my lovely neighbours and that made the cases much less severe! Fingers crossed for new neighbours leading to new adventures.
Posted by: stitchinscience | 21 June 2010 at 18:52
Some friends of ours are emigrating to Australia in 4 weeks, it has made me feel the need for a bit of adventure in my life. I've lived here all my life, in the same place and would like to do something exciting before I pop my clogs. In the meantime I've painted my toe nails a different colour!
Posted by: French Knots | 21 June 2010 at 19:43
What a beautiful thoughtful gift Ali. I hope you get new neighbores who are just as lovely... but different of course!
Posted by: Gina | 21 June 2010 at 20:18
Ooops... I mean neighbours... I wouldn't want them to bore you!!!
Posted by: Gina | 21 June 2010 at 20:19
Oh that is so beautiful!
Posted by: domestikate | 21 June 2010 at 21:20
What a great gift Ali, I'm sure they'll treasure it. My best friend and (who happened to live not quite next door), moved to Calgary in April and I miss her terribly...
Posted by: lina | 22 June 2010 at 00:40
The print is beautiful - definitely something they will treasure. Change is a bad thing in our house (with Toby needing things constant and familiar) but now and again I think a little change can be a good thing. I hope your change of neighbours brings you someone just as nice - hopefully someone who likes to sew and bake!
Posted by: Julie | 22 June 2010 at 10:57
Oh that is the most beautiful and thoughtful wedding gift. And does this mean I can move in next door?! K x
Posted by: kristina | 22 June 2010 at 12:18
At our old house the neighbour had an abandoned fruit and veg patch at the end of his garden. All that fruit going to waste...I used to go out in the dead of night to harvest it for jam. He knew. He knew I knew he knew. No-one ever mentioned it!
Posted by: Rattling On | 22 June 2010 at 13:14
i'm sure your happy couple will be thrilled with their gift. thoughtful packaging really is a joy isn't it?
Posted by: kelly | 22 June 2010 at 20:36
Hi
You don't know me, but I am guessing that your beautiful card is for a wedding I am going to too! In Oxford? I stubbled across your blog ages ago from The Crafty Crow!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | 23 June 2010 at 19:34
I'm glad you're not the only one who can't obey "no gifts" instructions ;-) My father turmns 80 next month and does he seriously think we're not going to mark it?!
Posted by: dottycookie | 23 June 2010 at 20:26
Of course, that should have read. "I'm glad *I'm* not the only one". Huh, what can I say, the light in the morning is lovely but I'm wide awake at 5.30am these days, and dead on my feet by 8pm.
Posted by: dottycookie | 23 June 2010 at 20:27
What a lovely gift.
twiggy x
Posted by: Twiggy | 23 June 2010 at 21:19
A beautiful gift .. I must go over and look at the website.
How amazing for your neighbours to be moving to Portugal.. sad for you though... !
Posted by: anne | 24 June 2010 at 13:52
Sad about your neighbours moving to Portugal - I know just how you feel as a good friend (and the mum of one of my DS's best friends) is moving to Cardiff in a few weeks. Cardiff is not quite as far as Portugal, but still, neither is it ten minutes' walk! On the upside, our neighbours and friends down the road who moved to India for two years, two years ago, are back home on Thursday, so I guess it's swings and roundabouts...
I like that tunic, by the way. Almost inspires me to do a little dressmaking again - something I haven't done in about 20 years!
Posted by: Kate | 27 June 2010 at 07:35
what a beautiful print- lucky couple!
Posted by: sippity stitch | 19 July 2010 at 09:14