A Gift from Across the Pond

For several years I've been reading a blog written by a lovely English woman. From time to time she has written about participating in swaps with other blog readers. I've always thought that sounded like a fun thing to participate in. Sometimes she arranges the swaps. I threw my name in once when she arranged pen pals; sadly, I never received a letter from my partner. (Perhaps what she received from me was too boring.) Anyhow, she recently organized another swap: stationary. I decided to try again.

 First off, finding stationary is no easy task! Almost no one writes letters so it makes sense that stationary stores are closing. I first looked for Papyrus. They used to be in our local mall and carried nice things. Turns out they are no longer in the mall. As far as I can tell, they are only online. I didn't have time to wait for an order to be mailed to me, so I drove to the nearest Hallmark store. Their sign was still up, but the space was vacant. A day or so later I drove to another Hallmark store. The clerk wouldn't admit they are going out of business, but they clearly are. Everything in the store was 50-75% off. I did find a cute set of note cards in a fun container; however, when I opened the container the cards and envelopes were all jumbled up. I straightened them and counted to be sure there were an equal number of cards and envelopes. There were 10 of each, but the label said there should be 12. Someone must have stolen 2 - strange! Eventually I did find more stationary at Barnes and Noble and managed to get my package off in the mail JUST at the deadline.

Like the organizer, my "swap mate" lives in England. She sent her package to me the same day I sent mine to her. I was slightly worried about one or the other of our packages not making it to the recipient, so was pleasantly surprised when both packages were delivered today. When I opened the mailing envelope I found two (or was it three?) gift wrapped packages. My first thought was "what fun! I wish I'd thought to gift wrap my packages!" I LOVE presents, which explains why I tore into mine and failed to register in my brain if there were 2 or 3 parcels.  In either case,  what I found was an abundance of lovely note cards,  a small address book and - bonus! - several pens.  I LOVE pens - particularly with different colored inks.  I received a 4 pack of pens with colorful inks plus a pen that seems to me to be a quintessentially British floral - love it!

Here is a picture of the entire gift:

A picture of (possibly) my favorite notecard:

Another lovely note card:

And finally, the pens and address book.

I immediately entered the address of my swap mate into the address book.  Along with the gifts, she wrote a very nice note.  I, on the other hand, wrote a short, hurried note as I rushed to get my package to the post office.  I shall have to write a better note along with a thank you for the lovely gifts.

What a fun day - presents!  And from England no less!