What a FAERY surprise!

  About a week ago, the loveliest surprise arrived.  DING DONG!  Where to begin... Well...



    THANK YOU THANK YOU, SMAUG!!    

Her generosity really has me speechless (for quite a while I was on the floor in shock)!! Remember at the holidays last year when we had the challenges? The mailman never delivered my prize.  A case of mistaken identity I'm sure...he probably had it out for someone and had a bit of confusion...  oooorrr a weak moment of indulgence  

Splinty was so sweet and attentive all this time and trying to track it down...THANK YOU so much, Splinty dear heart!  

AND then what was just a minor stroke of bad luck turned into something beyond lucky...   

I would like to share with you this lovely Faerybeads surprise.  Please excuse the long-winded gobs of gushing...

A lovely bead and yummy yummy chocolate and coffee flavored candies (which of course didn't stand a chance!)   THANK YOU SO MUCH Smaug and Faerybeads!






Any guesses?








Here's a hint! (Sn: Had no idea these chocolates were actually a hint when I took the photo!  )




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TA-DAH!!.... the PARROT TULIP!!  





This is the most touching surprise. I just absolutely LOVE it!! The fine and intricate detail is amazing...it is so soft and delicate, yet really heavy at the same time  ...I swear it looks like the gorgeous petals are constantly moving in a subtle breeze.

The balance of gentleness and weight has been reminding me constantly that even when we might feel our most delicate, there is steadfast support within and around us.  

As happens to us all, when it rains it pours; things have been unbelievably hectic lately...last minute big-ish decisions...packing and moving stuff, trying to finish my dissertation, having hair-raising dentist conundrums (I kept the bead in my palm during some of these moments), starting my summer job...and and and...

this parrot tulip bead really truly has been giving me sense of peace and calm...i keep it by my computer while feverishly writing...


In fact, b/c i've been packing, it was the only bead i had w/me for a while b/c the others had already been packed and moved. here's how i wore it last week (don't worry, the ribbon was safety-pinned closed)




i'd been thinking of the TBs tulip in honor of my granny who loved tulips bc it's so gorgeous on everyone's bracelets. (tangent: there was even a pbs program on the history of the tulip and how coveted it was when introduced but the TBs one wasn't for me, though absolutely stunning on every combo i see  , b/c i wanted some texture (but how could i want or even expect texture on a tulip,   i'd often wondered).

you might imagine how beyond perfect this parrot tulip is!!   

Here's how I wore it today (after being re-united w/my beads)...



I'm afraid this might be my most gorgeous and detailed bead! The pictures don't do it justice. It has really restored that sense of magic and wonder that comes with the early days of collecting!! I just had to get a faerybeads fairy to float atop the tulip on the chain ... i'm sure she will be right at home!

I can't say enough about how amazing this forum is and how unbelievably kind and generous folks are with their time and their passions. Thank you so much Smaug, thank you thank you thank you for this lovely lovely lovely gift. You'll never know how much it means to me. I will treasure it always.

Wooow you sound so happy   what a fabulous bead! I'm very happy for you  

WOW - what a story - I LOVE it  

And the bead  it is on my list of most wanted beads  so
CONGRATULATION  

Fabulous, what a lovely story. 

Oh wow!! How wonderful, congratulations.

whauw it's absolutely gorgeous! absolutely on my wish list!! enjoy!

Oh wow - what a great surprise!    and it is so nice and warm to have you share your joy and happiness with us!! Thank you very much and CONGRATULATIONS!!    

 Plumbum I am so happy for you!!!! I can already see it next to the trollstone !

That is really the most beautiful bead!! Love the story:love: 

What a fantastically gorgeous bead and super tasty treats too. Great end to the story.

Oh Plumbum, your post really oozes happiness and I have tears in my eyes because I am so happy together with you. Such a lovely surprize and is seems just in the nick of a really trying time!! These are the best beads, the memories that stay with us. I am so happy that you are so happy   

It's amazing how these beads bring magic along with themselves.

Absolutely beautiful  

That tulip is so lucky coming to live with you, plumbun, it couldn't have found a nicer owner!!!    
I can't tell you how happy I am that it made you so happy!!   (and that postie didn't scoff your chocs this time  )
Enjoy wearing your beautiful work of art, may it always bring peace and calm your way and give you a happy heart

 thanks everyone for sharing your warmth! i look forward to your combos when it comes off your wish-list!

I love your tulip on your FN, she looks perfect there.

It is all sayed befor  
it is a great bead very happy for you now.

Love it! Yay! It is really quite striking, i need one now

That bead is so amazingly beautiful, definitely at the top of my wish list as well, but you have also done it justice with such a perfect fantasy necklace combination!

Congratulations, Plumbun!!

Thank you for sharing your story and pictures dear Plumbun!  
I'm delighted you love your bead and it is the least we could do to make up for the lost parcel and long wait.  

Splinty has been an angel!  

Lovely! It's wonderful to hear such stories of kindness