As if I were being rewarded...
for my resolution to having a computer-free Friday, look what I got in the mail-
Claire of the lovely Needlebook and I have had a swap in the works for a few weeks and she completely outdid herself. The cards of her wonderful illustrations will be framed and put in Emma's room (at Emma's request). The book "I'm Heading to the Rodeo", was a surprise treat, and the kids love it. A story about a girl who's getting ready for school, but dreaming of the rodeo. (Notice the illustrator's name.) Lovely fabric which I am too afraid to cut, and this owl pin which I took off my coat only long enough to snap a pic of-
And I now have my very own "needlebook" from Needlebook-
The gnome....the gnome...I'm speechless at this cute little book. Thank you so much Claire for all these goodies! Such a thoughtful package.
I was also lucky enough to get two of the gocco'ed horse patches that Rose was offering up (not only a dear blogging friend, she's well aware of my confessed gocco envy). The blue one is being patched onto one of Emma's T-shirts and the pink one, probably a pair of pants or backpack. They are so cute-
The computer was completely off for 24 hours and it felt really good. I blitzed-cleaned my house on Thursday, so there was nothing left to do on Friday except enjoy the sunshine and play with my kids, I didn't even craft. We had a very nice day and I felt very balanced, I plan on doing it next week too. What about you guys, I'd love to hear how it went. I admit that it definitely helped knowing that some dear friends were in it with me. Did you stay away? Did you cave? Come on, you can tell me.
I leave you now with Ian at one of my new favorite coffee shops in town, having an afternoon snack. They have the very best black tea I've ever had. It was bitter cold here yesterday (for Seattle) and Ian is wearing a fisherman's sweater I knitted for Emma about 6 years ago. Not many days cold enough to wear a sweater this heavy here, but Friday's temperature was perfect.
Lucky you... on all your fine swapping!
I have to admit, that I sat down 11:45 last night, the house was silent and I CHECKED MY MAIL AND BLOGLINES AND FLICKR.....I'm sooo bad :o( I even made sure NOT to leave comments-he he- so I wouldn't get caught!!! Can you believe it? I AM gonna continue *Computer Free Days* and I WILL do better ;o)
Posted by: Kristina | February 18, 2006 at 09:14 AM
Your gnome is so great! I, also, got a needlebook from needlebook--mine is a red and white spotted mushroom. :) I love the owl, too. Claire is great to swap with.
Posted by: Michelle | February 18, 2006 at 10:34 AM
You lucky Daughter. All those darling swaps-plus the cutest Ian in existence.
Posted by: mom | February 18, 2006 at 10:38 AM
great presents :) I don't know if I can stay a whole day without connecting to internet, would love to do that, my house needs me a little bit but I don't know if I can...I'm completely addicted to...the first thing I do in the morning is conecting the computer and I read my mails...it's going to be hard...:-(
Posted by: sofia | February 18, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Yay! Sooo glad you're back! I actually felt a little lonely yesterday, it was so quiet without you all!
And lucky you for your swap goodies - Claires stuff is always so lovely.
Posted by: manda | February 18, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Lucky you. I love everything you got.
I can't wait for some cold weather. It's so hot our neighbours pool is the temperature of a warm bath.
Posted by: Jackie | February 18, 2006 at 11:22 AM
i'm so glad you had a good day. i had to check email for work, but i did stay off the www. got some stuffeds finished, made a quick thrift trip (found wellies and a down vest from my wish list), and, best of all, went to ella posie for a sit and chat with alicia (so much better than emailing).
Posted by: Stephanie | February 18, 2006 at 11:59 AM
you surely are being rewarded! i am so in love with that little gnome that it has left me basically speechless!!
Posted by: rebecca | February 18, 2006 at 12:23 PM
What a wonderful prize for your comptuer-free day!! I love everything esp that fabric from claire and that needlebook!! and those gocco patches are awesome!! so much good stuff!
Man, it felt good to be computer-free for the day! I got SO much work done. I even cleaned the upstairs of my house, which doesn't happen enough! And I'm two loads away from ALL my laundry being done! I didn't even craft--although I did do a little relaxing knitting because I have a baby gift I have to finish this weekend. I'm so glad you helped me see the light on this one! It was definitely good for the soul to turn it off. I will be joining you again next week.
And that sweater you made for Ian?? I LOVE it! Can I have your kids' hand-me-downs?? kidding. :) I hope you store that away for the grandchildren someday....whoa, that's scary to think about. never mind. xo
Posted by: molly | February 18, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Wow, maybe I'll have to sign up for these computer free days if there's a promise of mail goodies :-)
I'm proud of you and extremely glad you had so much fun.
That photo of your soon is superb. Congrats!
Posted by: Adriana | February 18, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Oh that needlebook!! eeek! I just got a book from the library that has a pattern for a snap needlebook like that.
As you know, I did stay off for a whole day and it was wonderful. Definitely up for making this a routine.
That little Ian of yours...SWEET!
Posted by: Toni | February 18, 2006 at 01:59 PM
OK, I must admit I caved in the evening! I read bloglines and checked email, but that was it, I swear! :-P
Posted by: Dee | February 19, 2006 at 07:16 AM
Hmmm. I think you are on to something with the Computer Free Fridays. Count me in for next week. I'm pretty new to blogging but already find it can be VERY DISTRACTING to actual life. But fun.
Posted by: Amy | February 19, 2006 at 07:42 AM
Thanks for the lovely post, Blair! I'm so glad you liked everything. I love that Emma likes my pictures, that's the best compliment for a children's illustrator!
Posted by: Claire | February 19, 2006 at 08:51 AM
Hi ! Sorry for not being there more than I would like ! I'm working in our new bathroom as you can see pictures on my blog ! These goodies you received are too amazing !! I'm in love with the needlebook !! Big hugs to you !
Posted by: Sandrine (alias Didine!) | February 19, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Geez, that place is within walking distance of my house and I've never noticed it, how embarrassing! I am very envious of your new needlebook! The sweater is great, too. I wish my son would wear something besides T-shirts and hoodies (he never has, even as a little kid).
Posted by: rose | February 19, 2006 at 04:36 PM
I'm in for computer free Friday, this blogging world has taken over!! I am sooo addicted, I need a day off! I can do it, I can I can......
Posted by: justine | February 19, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Such lovely mail gifties! Lucky you! Congrats on your computerless Friday, that takes a lot of will power :)
Posted by: Cassi | February 20, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Love, love that gnome!
Posted by: Gina | February 20, 2006 at 02:43 PM