how does a heart not burst?

 i remember my first ever issue of "artful blogging".

i read over and over of the "surprising" friendships born amongst artists.

(and isn.t every woman an artist of something?)

friendships which emerged and sprang forth from all over the world.

friendships between women who had never met {in person}

and some who likely never will.

i thought to myself.

"self...isn.t it wonderful that these women have been blessed 

with kindred, like.minded souls who "get" them?"

"their own tribes.  communities.  soul sisters.

who lift and inspire and encourage and love 

without any strings attached..."

it seemed to me, that these friendships were a rare treasure,

the holders of whom only graced the pages of magazines 

and popular blog stops dotted along the way.

then...

i started a blog.

and i realized that 

my friends.

my tribe.

my community.

my sisterhood.

was out there just waiting for me to reach out and grasp it.

dear sweet friends that were hand delivered right to little ol' me.

friends with heartwings that follow me through life.

sending love in thoughts and prayers and phone calls and surprise packages!

{and invites to her beach house this weekend...whooo hooo!}

i. ve made the dearest friend i.ve never met 

who knows that sometimes the best letters...

are the ones that are never written.

 

but folded and tucked and pinched and smoothed and kissed...

then sent off to show up at the most preciously perfect time!
{thanks mbfinm!}

i.ve opened a plain manila envelope from a dear blog friend, ellen.
(what in heavens name is a manila anyway?)
to find a gold mine of peaceful treasures...my favorite?
a handmade pouch with a hummingbird on it.
upon closer inspection i squeeled in delight as i realized
it was my hummingbird!!!
ellen had taken the photo from this post and made me a precious purse
 (look closely) and filled it will all sorts of love.
ellen...you are so sweet to me!   thank you!
{and just a few days ago i received another "surprise" in the mail 
that i will share with you soon...stay tuned.}

my heart is overflowing with the kind hearts that settle around the world.
around me.
how does one not burst with so much....

i feel extremely blessed to call many of you
 my dear dear friends.