Good things come in small packages

Isn't that what they say?
Over the past week I have had my fair share of little bits of love sailing through my mailbox. And today I thought I would share some of them with you.

Esther of Mes Illusions Baroques is the kindest soul. If you don't know Esther, you should {go see her blog here}. She lives in France {which is marvelous in an of itself} and makes the most fantastical things. She is always experimenting and pushing herself to try something new. She even sent me a surprise package at Christmas with a gorgeous hand made pin. {I think it got packed away with my Christmas ornaments so I shall be so surprised to find it again and recall my friend from France!}.

Esther had mentioned that she was making small book charms. I told her that as soon as she started selling them that I wanted to be first in line. {Warning! This bead porn is how I broke my bead diet...but you bead peeps will totally agree that it was worth it!}


This is the packaging it arrived in. A sweet little denim pouch tied with a glitzy ribbon. And just look what was inside!


Squeeeeee......Three darling book charms... {Stay tuned for the March Inspired by... challenge...hint...it is inspired by Esther's charms!}

{And there is still time to enter the February Inspired by...The Solar System challenge. Deadline is February 28th! View the current entries here!}

Esther even put in some extra goodies just for me. I feel so cosmopolitan with my trinkets from overseas {hey, a Cosmopolitan sounds good right about now!}

Next up is a spur-of-the-moment vintage trinket I ordered from Julie at Prairie Thistle. Her blog proclaims it as a mix of "Urban Farmhouse, Antiques, Jewelry, Apparel, Jardin, Artist Books and More..." When I saw this silver plated ring holder entitled "Tiny Dancer" I knew I just had to have it.


And Julie sent the nicest note and a special little something extra... a St Therese medal tied to the package, who is patron of small things. {Thanks, Julie!}


Last, but certainly not least, I received a mystery package. {I love surprises, don't you?} If you have been paying attention, you know I had declared myself on a bead diet for February, {which for the record was mostly successful...see above!} and someone took pity on me with a beautiful assortment of bead soup components. Soup for one.

I actually gasped when I opened the package and read the sweet handwritten note meant just for me.

And I may have let a tear slip down my cheek. For joy, of course.


How delightful this little box with the floral tape and the stamp image. How thoughtful and generous a soul to send such a gift. How big my smile was knowing that someone out there was thinking of me. Now I am figuring out how I can pay it forward, this random act of beadiness. {Wouldn't this world be a better place if we all participated in random acts of beadiness?}

Aren't they lovely? The most soothing shades of green and a Mary Harding heart.

I am a lucky, lucky girl. Truly blessed.


Oh! I almost forgot! My Rings & Things blog partner goodie bag arrived today too. An amazing jumble of faceted crystals and assorted glass pearls in shades of purple, pink, gray and gunmetal. That is my color palette indeed. I am concocting something lush for this wonderful assortment and will share with you when I get it done!

What is the best surprise present that you have ever received? Do tell!

Check It Out:: Illusions Barock (she is gone right now while she moves, but you will want to bookmark this Etsy site for when she returns!)