MY SOUL IS FED BY NEEDLE AND THREAD
....ohh and pencils and paper

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Secret Santa-ing Etc.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. ....ours was a family affair and very enjoyable.
DD tried to get some nice pics to mark the occassion.
DD and I......serious....
and silly!
It was catching lol!


I got to open my FHFS gift from Cheryl under the tree along with my Chookyblue SSCS gift from Noemia all the way over in Portugal.
Cheryl's gift.... a beautiful wall hanging.

This is going to be my mantra next year...All is Calm! Cheryl spoilt me rotten in this swap with gorgeous gifts to open every day...thank you xxx
I was making for Shez and I had a great time playing with teeny hexies in this wall hanging for her (thank you Shez for letting me borrow the photos. Some silly forgot to take some before wrapping) The sweet tags were made especially by my friend Tracey White.


I was also spoilt by Noemia.....

Inside a beautiful table topper...

Isn't it lovely! I also recieved delicious Guylan chocolates, cute Christmas fabric and lovely soap. Thank you so much for my beautiful parcel Noemia xxx
I sent to Tonje in Norway. My tree ornament...a wee bit of Aussie!
I made Tonje a wall hanging using large hexies and a couple of stitcheries from Jolly Holly Gathering pattern. They fitted in really well. I also must tell you they got stitched all over Australia on our trip.
I popped in a couple of little extras too. They have both been such lovely swaps.
Thanks to the wonderful Santa sleigh wranglers, Peg, Shez and Chookyblue.

As we arrive at the close of 2016, I am being honest and saying I will be very happy to lock the door behind me...
There is always in life an "however" I have discovered something that I think I always knew in my heart and that is I have ZERO tolerance for unkindness...whether it be to person, creature or earth. Life is just toooo short! This year has shown me in neon lights the strength, beauty and love of my family. Also the beautiful, kind and generous hearts of my friends. None of which I take for granted....please know you are treasured. You may think that these are just flowery, sugary words but trust me when you see them in action.....inspiring!

Being able to lose myself in my stitching or my art has been a huge balm for my heart this year and seeing and experiencing how the work of our hands can bring people together and touch hearts.....extraordinary!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments, for popping by to visit. If you are a lurker and leave no comment but enjoy popping in.....thank you too. I embrace benign lurkers lol! For your support and encouragement in all that I do. I appreciate it all so much. I look forward to you dear folks in 2017.
So lovely people take care in your celebrations and I wish you all Blessings for the brand new year. I shall leave you with some of my favourite words...
May the long time sun shine upon you,
All love surround you and
The pure light within,
Guide your way on.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx 

23 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post ,my gorgeous friend i am so blessed to have you in my life ,thankyou for all your love and support through a tough year,you are an amazing friend and i luv you dearly.
    I hope the new year brings you and your gorgeous family blessings ,love and good health and happiness,Namaste my friend xxxxxx

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  2. You do amazing work and share so much. Take care for the New Year and I'll be lurking around next year...

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  3. Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful New Year together.

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  4. Thank you for your beautiful wishes, and all your lovely blog posts Michelle. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year, good health and good times! xx

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  5. Beautiful gifts, both received and given. The very best for the New Year, Michelle and I look forward to seeing you at Sunday Stitchers. 💕

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  6. As a "lurker" and a not-very-often commenter, I wanted to say how much I admire your skills. I love your artwork, stitcheries, and the efforts you all put into Shez's quilt, not to mention the quilt itself. I therefore wish you continued success, in creativity, friendships, health and happiness. Looking forward to seeing your blog in 2017.

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  7. I have to admit to lurking here and there over the year - honestly I agree it's been a not so great year and just writing comments has often been just too much, however, I'd like to say Thankyou and wish you all the best for 2017!

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  8. Beautiful heartfelt sentiments. Love your family pics. Some lovely gifts to enjoy. I made those Aussie critters onto a table mat for a friend in the UK. She loved it! That cute design will be used many mnay times in the future. Thankyou for your inspiration, your love and kindness. May the year ahead be filled with an abundance of love, joy, laughter and good health. Angel hugs dear friend.

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  9. The very best for the 2017 to you and yours! Hugs

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  10. Enjoyed your post , both the photos and your lovely words...
    Wishing your family and you all the best for 2017. 😘

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  11. Lovely words and lovely gifts. Best wishes to you all for 2017.

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  12. Beautiful post Michelle, as well as lovely gifts...amazing how what we do helps the world go round in so many ways. Looking forward to your continued posts and friendship in 2017. Best wishes for 2017 for you and your loved ones. Hugs

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  13. lovely pressies, lovely post and lovely friend...xx
    Hugz

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  14. May 2017 bring health and happiness to you and your family. Despite the ups and downs each year has good and bad, we just have to roll with the punches. Have a great year.

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  15. Wonderful to see you enjoying some family time . Lovely gifts both received and sent and my sincere wishes for a very Happy New Year to you and your family . May 2017 be your best year yet .

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  16. Happy New Year to you too - from one of your most avid Lurkers!!! Love the title!! Benign Lurker...
    Thank you for sharing so graciously and honestly of yourself and what you do...I thoroughly enjoy lurking...and share your sentiments about not tolerating any unkindness...May 2017 be kind and gentle to us all.
    Take care
    Loads of love
    Tanya Hughes from Perth Western Australia xxxxx

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  17. Always lovely to read your posts - though I may not always leave a comment. May 2017 be a happy and healthy one for you with some creativity thrown in!! XX

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  18. I do hope that 2017 will be a Happy and Peaceful Year for you Michelle. Sending love and best wishes.xx

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  19. Wonderful post Michelle, fantastic photo of your family, great photo of you and your daughter. You have made and received some beautiful swap gifts. Thank you for your creativity, inspiration, kindness and friendship, and your wonderful posts. Wishing you all the best for the coming year. Peace and happiness.

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  20. Lovely gifts - beautiful words.

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  21. Such wonderful and fun family xmas photos Michelle and gorgeous swap goodies to and from all over the world. You are right - life is really too short - we should treasure what is special to us, especially our family xx

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  22. Chrismas sure does look fun......gorgeous sents both sent an received in your swaps.........Also always love visiting to see what your up too..........
    thanks for being part of the SSCS........

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  23. What lovely Present, ni am so happy for you

    Kind regards Marika

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