29 October, 2008

It's What's Inside...

"It's what's inside that counts". How many times have you heard that? How many times have you repeated it? It's true with people, and packages. I remember opening a gift on my fiftieth birthday, from my sister, and finding this hand carved "walnut" nestled down deep inside a wad of tissue paper. I was confused at first, until I spied the seam and slowly twisted it apart. There, in the heart of this "walnut", sat a shiny gold thimble! It's a tiny one, and bears the initials of a young girl, most assuredly, based on the diminutive size. This precious antique thimble and case have rested on my bookshelf for the last five years. Sometimes I pick the case up and gently trace the bumpy contours and wonder about the maker, I imagine it was the thimble owner's father who carved this case lovingly for his daughter. Occasionally I will remove the thimble and balance it on my pinky finger; I speculate about the girl that "J.D.P" might have been, I can envision her settled in a chair and carefully piecing a patchwork block or hemming a dress with the thimble gleaming in the firelight. I always place it back gently, reverently, it's a treasure in every sense of the word. It's the perfect gift; my sister took the time to search for, and find, something so very special for my birthday. Hers is approaching next month and I know what I need, I need to find something wonderful, something perfect; I need to find a gift full of love. After all, it's what's inside that counts.

Life is Good!

Posted by Picasa

16 comments:

Stephanie D said...

What a lovely gift--twice!

Lucky girls.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Exquisite... best wishes as you consider what treasure to choose for your sister.

Paula, the quilter said...

That certainly was a thoughtful gift. I notice you have a new profile photo. I need to do that too.

Nan said...

What a lovely gift, and your sister is truly a treasure. It is what's inside that counts!

Janet said...

Great post Mrs. Goodneedle!

Mama Spark said...

What a beautiful thimble case and a beautiful sentiment!

lindsey said...

What a special gift! I have a very small silver thimble that my father dug up while gardening when I was a child. I can imagine how you appreciated that being given to you.

Carrie P. said...

What a fantastic piece of art. It is beautiful.

Cathi said...

What an absolute treasure! Gorgeous gift and fabulous post!

Teresa said...

What a treasure!

nannergirl said...

What a nice message, and a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!

Nane said...

I wonder if it was always kept in that shell....very cool. Wouldn't be nice to know the story behind all the old thimbles in the world.

julieQ said...

What a marvelous gift of time to the young girl...that carving is so lovely! And now your gift, and ours! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is my first visit to your blog.....but it won't be my last. You are a gifted writer and quiltmaker.....have a wonderful day. Hugs, B.

*karendianne. said...

What a lovely, beautiful post. A special story. Thank you for sharing this. So neat.

Quilting Memories said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful and very lovely gift. Aren't sisters the best !!!Mine is always doing nice things for me and I try to do nice things for her as well.
I, too, would love to know the story that goes with your thimble.. God Bless, Bobbin