The Kindness of Strangers

Ah, you know how it can be... life is pretty busy, and you focus on your daily tasks and chores, and then, at times, when things are quiet, you get to reflect. Like over Christmas. This is when I get gifts and messages from home and really just feel that strong connection again. I was writing a post the other day that I haven't posted yet, and its about my favourite Design Indaba magazine cover... from when I was last in South Africa. Three years ago! I couldn't believe it had been that long! I am so glad that we are planning to go back for a visit later this year.

Not sure if Ann at She Wears Shwe Shwe felt the vibes, but I got an email one day from her, saying the new House & Leisure magazine is out and she'll send it to me. I told her that I know it can be pricey, so don't feel obliged. But today the package arrived! I am so touched and just so floored that someone I know only through blogging and a random email would be so kind as to send me something.



There's the mag, but ALSO! the loveliest Christmas card along with some shwe shwe! Oh, man! So cool! And Ann was right! This issue of House & Leisure is just overflowing with great SA design and art and homes. Good reading.

At Christmas, one of my great gifts was a huge piece of shwe shwe fabric that I was planning to make into a bench cushion (I have a bench at my desk because my dog insists on sitting with me while I work).



But I saw a bag I really, really liked and hoped to make with the leftovers. I think I'll use my Ann shwe shwe instead.



Thank you, Ann. You made my month :)