http://soulbrush.blogspot.com/2009/04/cactus-monday-60.html
http://soulbrush.blogspot.com/2009/04/cactus-monday-61.html
A little parcel arrived in the post today and this lovely Cactus Card was inside, painted by Stapeliad (of course), how lovely....happy Cactus Monday from Stap in New York.
When I met her, was wearing an amazing 'sundial' and I fell in love with it. She told me she had a second one and was waiting to give it to someone special...and now she knew that was ME.
I could hardly believe it when I saw this in the parcel today; a lovely, wondrous, magical, amazingly beautiful sundial from my little friend: shorty,nutty, cutey, in New York.
In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine gave a sundial ring to Henry II so that he would know when to leave the hunt for their love trysts. Moved by her love, Henry ordered his jewellers to make a copy for Eleanor – inlaid with diamonds and engraved with the Latin words Carpe diem (seize the day).
It is exquisitely crafted and tells the time. Can you see the little hole, and the months and the numbers (inside)? If you hold it up to the sun, a little spot of sunlight goes through the hole and shines on a number (add on 1 hour for GMT and you have the exact time, I repeat, the exact time.)
My hubby (who is very scientifically and logically minded) was absolutely 'blown away' by its beauty and couldn't stop marevelling at it's ingenuity.
Best of all it says 'Carpe Diem' inside ----'sieze the day'. What perfect words.
Jess, I cannot thank you enough, thought you'd forgotten darlink (tee hee)...it is on me now and that is where it will stay forever. (I don't usually wear necklaces at all, but this is the one!)
I love you girl and am definitely going to get out there for a few days visit with you and sweet Daya. Sometimes you meet a new person and they remain in your heart forever, this is how it is with J and J.
I really enjoy unusual, quirky gifts, as you probably all know by now. Money doesn't interest me, having and possessing the best car, house, clothes, jewellery has never been my aim. It's the thought that counts, and I have been so priveleged to get to know so many other thoughtful people out in bloggyland.
What goes around, comes around. I do so enjoy giving things to others, freely and with my whole heart....and on a day like today, I know I am truly loved and mean something to some of you....
'Things worth being are better than things worth having'.
Carpe Diem everyone.
31 comments:
What a wonderful Cactus Monday post Soul. You have been blessed as we have by meeting you. Happy Cactus Monday.
What a wonderful story ....and an amazing gift and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person.
I'm still using my african tea towel here in the new castle.
Ohhhh and I love that new photo of Maggie!!!!!!
Matilda is coming to stay in less than 2 weeks, I can't wait!!
Soulbrush, your lovely thank you post is a wonderful reminder to me this Monday morning to go out and seize the day. (I usually dread the end of the weekend)
What a striking image on that card!! A parade of prickly pears dancing in the sunset! Wow!
The necklace is SO you! How sweet of her to give it to you. I can tell how much the gesture has touched your heart. Thanks for sharing, dear friend.
xoxoxoxoxo
Oh, and OMG that Puddin' shot!!!
wow! I can see why you liked it so much. What a gift (the freindship) and nice necklace too...
What a wonderful post and what a glorious gift, Soul! I know what you mean about things - this thing is so much more special and interesting than a new car or a updated kitchen :)
Lovely post, Happy Cactus Monday!
-Cathy
oh wow J!!! what a great cactus and I love you story....I never saw a sundial ring before...interesting !!!!!
Hugs
Diana
Beautiful card, and the sundial ring is fascinating. What a great invention, and a great gift.
HCM! I'm glad you like the sundial and the cactus card!
:)
HUGS!
The cactus card is lovely, but wow, what a wonderful sundial pendant. I have never seen one like it and the story behind it makes it extra special.
I must keep my eyes open for a wearable sundial.
Oh wow Soul! What a special gift this is!!!!!
Wat moet dit je hebben opspringen van geluk!!!
Ik heb nog nooit zoiets gezien en ben helemaal geintrigeerd!
Mooi verhaal!
Blij dat jessica weer in blogland is!
liefs!!! >M<
Ps
The cactus card is exquiiisite!!
Once again HCM dear!
PS
De ladybug is voor jou!
Ik wil wel graag zo'n ironed ATC als dat mogelijk is......
Ik stuur hem je op na mijn vlucht.
Vanavond wil ik nog een beetje schilderen......
kus
>M<
A beautiful friendship,
A beauitful cactus painting,
A beautiful gift
for
A beautiful friend.
Happy for you both.
sniff, this is so so sweet. Friendships made that are so meaning and special. Just wonderful.
The card is awesome and the clock is fabulous!
The is the happiest CM yet.
This necklace is very pretty and so unusual. A wonderfus, unique gift, for sure. I love her little cactus card too.
Cacti are good, but rings are good too, come to think of it, although I prefer cacti and am rather (maybe more than rather) jaundiced regarding Henry VIII and his various marriages and affairs.
I'm so glad you like my blog! I have visited yours from time to time (yes, I did leave messages), but never thought you would visit mine. Glad you did. Now, we're even lovers (well, practically). What could be better?
soulbrush, i'll be back to look at this amazing gift but i'm sliding in for a quick landing to for a one time three word monday:
"provincetown in october?"
xoxoxoxo
kj
What an amazing thing that sundial ring is. I have never seen or heard of one before, it's incredible, I can well understand your husband's wonder. You are so right about 'what goes around comes around' soul, and haven't we met some fabulous bloggy friends? Including you, dear soul.
Maggie is a dear.
xxx
i can't believe how that sundial works--incredible! and to be able to wear it as a token of love and friendship--also incredible. lucky you.
soulbrush, that picture of maggie just steals my heart. i'll bet she lights up the room when she sees you.
xoxo
Wow! Lovely gifts from friends. I have finally finished painting a box for you. Come over and chack. Thanks:)
OMG! How beautiful...both of these peices!!! I always new Jessica was special with a blog name like Stapeliad!!! LOL!
Love your new necklace! It really is a neat gift! You deserve it, Souly!!!
That sure is a cute little dumpling over in your sidebar today!!! Ooooooh...so sweet!
what an extraordinary gift. I think it's beautiful. Love the cactus ATC also.
wow the ring is so cute!
Don't attempt to deny it; you have now got yourself the BEST jewellery!
That is so lovely - what a thoughtful and beautiful gift and lovely friendship.
OK - NYC first and then New England. How about October on the cape with KJ, Mim, Debs, Lolo...and.....
Oh, how wonderful soulbrush! A gem of a Monday post.
Good Morning Soul!
Thanks so much for the visit to my place - glad you like the Mango Tango recipe. Those muffins most definitely cry out to be scoffed....and scoffed again. The mere smell of them baking is sheer delight!
Yes, we have lived in some far-flung places - not only in Africa, but we spent 7 years on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Trouble is, I now can't bear to stop travelling!
I've finally realised what the glitch was which affected my getting into the Blogosphere - it was the wretched new version of Internet Explorer. I've now cleaned it off my hard drive and the problem has vanished, so I shall be spending today catching up on all that I've missed! It's so nice to be able to get into your blog again after all my failed attempts!
Awful wintery weather here (now I know why the English are so obsessed by 'weather talk'!) - but I hope all is wonderful where you are, despite the grey gloominess! I'm sure, though, that whatever the weather...your friend's gorgeous painting and gift bring sunshine anyway!
that's an incredible sundial and I'd never heard the story nor knew such a ring existed. The cactus is lovely too but best is that you met your lovely friend and she you. blessings, suki
What a beautiful gift, an interesting and amazing keepsake! Lovely card as well! I love Maggie's new photo...cuuuuuuute!
I don't think anyone has ask you this but do you know where your friend got the sundial necklace?
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