The Perfect Gift

What is there about a gift that transforms an everyday object into something special beyond all reason. A gift is always an act of kindness and thoughtfulness, but once in awhile that very special one comes along that just sings to you. I am always appreciative when someone gives me a present, but especially so when its because they have picked something up, held it in their hand and it spoke my name to them. You know those gifts – you’ve received them too.

A friend gave me such a gift. She’s a neighbor and we’ve established some tradition in the five years since I moved into her neighborhood. There are several annual events in our area which we attend together and we both enjoy antiques. My Christmas gift from her this past year was a set of antique cordials – beautiful etched glass and delicate stems. They were accompanied by a wonderful bottle of Chambord.

“These are so perfect Lorraine, how in the world did you know I wanted some old liqueur glasses?”

“Oh, I’ve noticed how you gravitate toward the glassware when we’re in antique shops and I’ve noticed that your cordials were modern…soooo, I just put the two together and thought you might be pleased.”

I have a very dear friend who lives in Phoenix. Susan and I usually see each other twice a year, but we talk often on the phone, sometimes several times a week. Cell phones with unlimited minutes are wonderful things and we chat when she’s in the car on the way to work, or during the day when one of us thinks of something the other would find funny. It’s a warm and easy relationship we have. She will often say to me “Pour me a cuppa with cream please – I’ll be there in about five minutes”. Unless we’re talking in the evening, in which case her request is for a glass of wine. I always laughingly tell her it’s poured and waiting for her and we’re both wishing this could be so.

Lorraine and I were recently at the flower show held annually at the convention center in Seattle each year. It’s a beautiful and sensual event and may be one of our favorite traditions. We took a break from the beautiful gardens and were browsing through the artists’ wares while enjoying a latte’ when all of a sudden I spied the ‘perfect gift’ for Susan.

I spoke with the artist and learned the numbered print was a photograph of a batik piece, as were all her prints. Batik is her medium and she shares her art in this manner. Her prints are absolutely delightful. The one with Susan’s name on it was an angel…long hair flying free and long gown floating delicately behind as she flew through the heavens holding a beautiful tray upon which sat a steaming pot of coffee and two cups.

Susan called from the office this morning to say again how she loves her angel and that it almost makes her feel as if we’re together laughing, talking about everything, talking about nothing… and having a cuppa… with cream.