good mail & bad news

Yesterday was an exceptional mail day. I received three packages and they made me smile.

Normally, making me smile is easy but yesterday was brutal and emotionally draining due to receiving bad news about someone in my family's battle with leukemia. That news was nestled between finding out another family member was just diagnosed with cancer and then finding out that my Dad's best friend (an honorary family member) had died the day before. I'm still too overwhelmed by all this to go into much more detail but you can imagine what a feat it was to bring me cheer while I was processing that crapload of sadness.

Right now I feel like focusing on the nice part of the day so here is a rundown of the treasures...

The first package I opened was from one of my favorite illustrators and nicest internet friends, Jamie Shelman. I have admired Jamie's drawings for ages but finally opened my wallet to own one when I saw that I would be her 100th sale! I bought this stretching yoga cat and received an extra exhibitionist cat for Justin because it was a special occasion. The best surprise of all was that she drew a the above portrait of me too. Justin agrees that it completely channels the crazy bunny ladycat inside me.

The second package I opened is from Sue of Giant Dwarf who I think is one of the best ladies on the face of the earth and gives notably good hugs. I ordered a felt color sampler from her. I think most people would buy the sampler to help them pick out colors for a real order but I just really enjoy all the dots of color and have hung them beside my desk already. I also feel compelled to have items in my studio that remind me of people I admire. Her little color sheet is just enough (for now!).

The last package contained a pair of heavy duty ten inch Gingher shears that gave me a full body shiver when I tried them out on a scrap of cotton. They are so slick. They make me feel like a big league crafter.

I think this is what some people call "retail therapy".