A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!

Maureen Scott writes: The Friday before Christmas, there was a knock on the door. Upon opening it, I discovered a young man in a postal uniform holding a large box. He requested a signature. I examined the box and discovered it had come from Australia - specifically, from Sue Forrester. I gladly signed and remarked in some excitement that the contents were something I had been anxiously awaiting. The young man smiled and nodded. "I'm glad you were home, then," he said and wished me a merry Christmas. Carefully, I carried the box inside. Found a knife. Even more carefully cut the yards of tape holding the package closed. Eagerly, I folded back the top of the box and discovered a large package, beautifully wrapped in white and gold . . . . I looked at the package, took it out, set it on the counter . . . and admired the wrappings. I knew immediately what the packet must contain but, after such a long wait, I decided to let the box remain unopened just a bit longer. Anticipation, after all, is an emotion to be savored. The dogs came sniffing. They put their paws up on the counter and snuffled, wagging their tails. We all regarded the wonderful package. Finally, I could bear the suspense no longer and untied the ribbon. Rolled it neatly and set it aside. I peeled off the tape and, with great care, tugged the paper back. There was a swath of ruby red satin. Barely able to contain my excitement, I unfolded the fabric and . . . and . . . . And there it was! The Aireloom! The magnificent treasure made by Jeannie Abbott in Australia as a prize in Enzo's fundraiser . . . . The marvelous wall hanging that had come to me . . . the person who rarely wins anything of note . . . and never anything this spectacular. I spread the Aireloom out on the bed in the guest room and shut the door against all the little wet noses who wanted only to nuzzle the lovely quilt. I smoothed Emma's soft fur and marveled at how much she looked like our Angie, complete to the white patch on her chest. I touched the swallow very gently. He was lovely, all shimmery and white. I admired the tiny flowers in the foreground set with glittery jewels . . . and the mountains with their snowy peaks, the lovely greens melded into the landscape with such care, the lovely deep sky . . . the wide deep blue satin border, crafted so lushly and embroidered with a line from the book, Emma's Journey, and Emma's name . . . . It was all so exquisite. I was speechless - and no one was home to share my delight so I told the Circus they might come and admire but not touch. They paraded by, peering with interest at the fuzzy depiction of Emma. I told them that they were very, very lucky to have this work of art to hang in their house . . . . Eventually, I realized that the Aireloom would need to be displayed in time for Christmas. What better time for it to be admired by all the guests we were expecting. I wandered around the house, holding it up here and there. It was larger than I anticipated so the spot I had chosen for it would not work. Finally, it seemed to gravitate toward the long wall in the living room over the couch. It settled in that spot as if both the wall and the Aireloom had known all along that this was the right place. I tucked it away safe, promising it that we would arrange for it to be placed on the wall as soon as possible. Next day, I raced off to the store and found a perfect antique old gold-toned rod with leaves at each end instead of the traditional ornate finials. When I got home, wonder of wonders, our contractor was there, making a few repairs. I showed him the Aireloom and explained how I came to have it. He was entranced, examined it and the rod closely and suddenly decided precisely how to hang it so it would be safe and solid. He got busy with a drill and some wall anchors. In a jiffy, he had drilled the rod, inserted the wall anchors into the drywall and twisted some screws. We found an antique brass hook for the pretty blue silk cord that accompanied the Aireloom and, like magic, there is was! In place and looking very much at home . . . . Enthralled, I ask what I owed him. He brushed off my offer to pay and said merely that he was happy to help hang something so lovely. And here it is - my beautiful treasure! Murphee Many, many thanks to Sue for conceiving of the idea and Jeannie for developing and crafting it with incredible talent . . . . It will be the showpiece of our home forever . . . . And, many, many thanks to Andréa as well for providing a web presence so others may also enjoy seeing the Aireloom . . . . I have never had such a wonderful Christmas surprise in my entire life! Maureen xxoo

A FEW MORE WORDS FROM SUE,
AND AN "IT'S A SMALL WORLD" STORY HERE