My daughter sent me a very special birthday gift. I’m trying to think of what to say about it but I just sit here with a goofy grin on my face. It’s that wonderful.

My kids grew up knowing that a handmade gift was something special because it was made with love. Most often their handmade gifts came from a family member and were filled with love especially for them. Other times the gift was purchased at a local craft fair and the item was filled with the artist’s love for their craft. Love in any form is a wonderful thing.

The gift that my daughter sent was the best of both loves. This summer she found her artistic voice though fabric and a sewing machine. I’ve seen photos of her work but I hadn’t had the pleasure of holding any in my hands… until now. The card wallet was made by her especially for me. She has been making others for sale in her Anodyne Design Etsy shop but this one was made just for me.

She also included a special pair of earrings. The earrings were handcrafted by AntiGenre Arts.  They reminded her of clock pendulums and because of that they reminded her of me.

I’ve got a thing for clocks. I have over 30 of them.  My favorites are the noise makers. I have Big Ben and Westminster chimes, music boxes, ship’s bells, cuckoos, bird chips, cricket sounds, owls and rooster calls. It gets quite loud here on the hours. Some folks think it is noisy here all the time with many of the clocks making their gentle tick-tock throughout the day and night. I think it sounds just right.