Unexpected gifts
In the last week I have been the lucky recipient of several unexpected gifts. When Jenny and Jerry came for our annual firepit dinner (my first s’mores of the season) they brought four large bags of dry twigs that Jenny had gathered. These will be perfect kindling for my wood stove next winter.
My mail on Friday included a new copy of Donkey, Donkey, which has been reprinted by Knopf. In Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio, I told how my mother gave away the books I had outgrown and how sad I had been not to have Donkey, Donkey any more. This book was sent by Denise in Brooklyn, NY, with a note thanking me for many happy hours of reading. I have never met Denise, yet she warmed my heart with her thoughtful words and gift.
Today I went to the Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair with Anne. One exhibit featured whimsical pottery yard art, and I was enchanted by the colorful decorated coffee cups. (I’m devoted to coffee.) I began talking about where I might put one and said I could fill it with water for the small birds to drink. At that point, Anne bought it for “Moonie Appreciation Day.” (My kids and grandkids call me Moonie.) It shows as I walk up my front path, and I can see it from the kitchen window - a reminder of a happy day with my daughter and of a spontaneous gift, given for no particular reason.