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September 09, 2005
Better Pals are BEST!
I LOVE to give gifts. I love choosing the gift, I love putting it together, I love wrapping it - I LOVE seeing the giftee's expression. I really do. I'm very generous. Because of love the act of THE GIFT - more than the sentiment behind it. Do you know what I mean? It's got to be PERFECT!
So when I saw all the Secret Pal buttons I knew I had to get in on one. I eagerly joined SP4. Blah. Let's just say it did NOT meet up to my expectations. I tried to do a good job for my SP, and I think I did, but she was very preoccupied with lots of stuff going on in her life and we didn't make much of a connection. She was appropriately grateful and all, but there was no spark between us. My SP sent one package that really didn't fit my profile and then nothing until a nice gift certificate from Elann. Which helped me buy a swift so I was grateful for that, but again, no real contact. Next to nothing spark.
So when I was approached to join a small intimiate gathering of bloggers who would be better pals, I jumped at the chance. We all sort of know each other, or know someone who knows someone, so the odds are that there won't be much disappointment going around.
Well, today I received my first BETTER PAL package! Yay! I was SO excited. The thing that sort of makes this gift exchange unique is that since we're such a small group - the secret can almost leap out of the bag. My BP does not live in my country, apparently, from the postage, and I'm relatively sure I could find out very quickly who she is! But I HAVEN'T BP! I don't know! And I vow, right now, on my blog, to do my best NOT to find out! Okay? Okay.
Look how bright and cheery! I couldn't wait to rip all the packages open. In her note, BP says she wanted to go with an autumn theme - and autumn she did!
That's three balls of Rowan Felted Tweed in the new Ginger Spice color! Luscious! I've never knit with this yarn, but I'm raring to go. When I picked it up the first thing I thought of was MITTENS! (Or gloves?) The yarn is perfect for that, don't you think? Nice and warm and cozy! And there's an orange suede pencil case - which I think I'll use for knitting doodads - I don't want to mess it up with pencils. And a gorgeous notebook that will hopefully inspire some writing. Thank you thank you thank you BP! Can't wait to hear from you again!
I've taken some editorial license over at Knit One Read Too, yet again. Instead of taking regular nominations, I've decided that this month's book (discussion will start on October 17th) will be a book set in New Orleans, as a way to honor the city and its citizens, as well as a way to travel through literature. I've never had the chance to visit, and I'm sorry for that now. Each book is VERY different, and if you're a member, head on over to vote. If you're not a member, but would like to be, c'mon and join. We're just getting back after the summer, so you haven't missed anything yet.
Have a great weekend everyone! See you on the flip side!
L, C
Posted by Cara at September 9, 2005 03:02 PM
Topics: Better Pals
~ Books
Comments
My BP is out of the country, too! I'm not looking at the list to find out who it is, either. I love the orange glow she sent you!
Posted by: margene at September 9, 2005 03:19 PM
I just did SP5 for the first time, and I guess I was lucky--had great pals on both ends of the transaction. The gifts are over, and we're still reading each other's blogs and emailing. So glad you found a group to enjoy.
Already voted at K1R2--I think that's a great editorial decision, and it was a tough choice--lots of great-sounding books on that list!
Posted by: Amy at September 9, 2005 04:48 PM
That's such a great color! I love orange!
Posted by: Angela at September 9, 2005 06:55 PM
I too love to shop for, make, wrap and GIVE gifts. . Just seeing your gifts pictured make me want to wrap gifts! I have wanted to join a SP thingy but I don't know how - Can you give me any help on this? That orange is fab! I read your blog often but this is the first time I have left a comment. I appreciate any help - I am novice at this knit blog thing. I just had someone get me set up.
Posted by: gina L at September 9, 2005 07:44 PM
wow, great gift. I love the shade and it will be perfect for mittens. such a cute case too. I am sending you my addy for next year's birthday. ;) I stress a bit too much about gifts. And storing wrapping paper makes me crazy!
Posted by: Kathleen at September 9, 2005 08:34 PM
Yahoo! Orange goodies! Gotta love me some fall colored yarn. Have fun knitting that lushes stuff!
Posted by: Rachel at September 10, 2005 12:01 AM
Aw, Better Pals sounds like a good solution for you. You sound like such a generous and thoughtful pal; you deserve to have a BP yourself! Fun times! That Rowan Tweed is going to make some sweet mittens. Yay!
Posted by: Karma at September 10, 2005 02:21 AM
Fall is my favorite season -- hands down (not pun intended!). Love the yarn -- you could also do those fingerless mittens. And you ARE the best gift giver -- I can vouch for that :-)!
Posted by: Kathy at September 10, 2005 09:33 AM
Ohhhhhh, ginger spice! I could just die. Just die. Definitely Better Pal is living up to its name; I agree. (says she, who made off like an armed bandit! hee-hee)
Yay for the mittens!
Posted by: Norma at September 11, 2005 10:43 AM