Good News and More Good News

Don't you just love some good news? I have some to share with my friends in Bloggyland this evening! (And, yes, I have the hymn with that catchy title just playing my head!!) First of all, I received two items of interest in the mail this afternoon. It truly was hard not to do a happy dance standing out in the street! So, instead, I tore into the envelopes standing in my driveway just to end the waiting.

Envelope #1 was from Nice Lady that I posted about last week...the one who had my chairs and fabric that she was going to slipcover back in January, and they burned up in her warehouse fire. Y'all, bless her heart! She sent me the sweetest card and enclosed was a check to cover my losses!!!!!! YES!!! People still make and keep promises! Love it! "I desire to do Your will, o my God; Your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8. Praying to do His will by encouraging her and praying for her and believing her became part of my heartfelt routine. I truly want to believe the best in people.

Envelope #2 was from the State Department of South Carolina. It was quite an official looking document from the Secretary of State! I kept looking for a stamp on the paper saying"denied." But, glory! It was approved! Y'all, I have an official, real-live business license for Susan Hood Photography!!! Whoohoo! I think I'll frame it and put it over our bed! Just kidding! I'll be working on the website over the weekend.

Third--not in an envelope this time--was a beautiful gift from a darlin' girl that I met in my favorite store (Hobby Lobby). Last week, I was wandering through the decorative picks to jazz up last year's wreaths. I was admiring the pretty ribbons while chatting with the other ladies on the aisle about Christmas projects. I love getting new ideas and meeting new people! Well, this girl started talking to me about the picks that I had in my hand. Long story short, she is a PROFESSIONAL tree decorator for our town's festival of trees! She has some on displayat the Hyatt and the Hampton Inn! Impressive. I plan on checking them out this weekend.

Anyhow, she talked me into putting down my cutesy little picks and letting her create 2 wreaths for me--for free! It's the "pay it forward" attitude! Wow! A complete stranger offering to make my boring wreaths all fru-fru! I dropped off the wreaths yesterday morning and picked them up today....she's fast! Take a look at what she did:

They lead into the study which is decorated in black, pink and green. Susan colors!!
They had to match my window mistreatments (thank you, Nester!!) in paisley and embellished with hot glued fringe! No sewing there, people!
She even used fringe from the fabric department instead of garland-y stuff (which I do love!) That's being creative--definitely thinking outside the box.
OK, reflection of it in the mirror in the hallway. I just love it! She truly has a gift and is so willing to share it with strangers. This is a huge lesson that I will share and pay forward to others. But I wanted to share it with you all first. :)

Enjoy the weekend! Think of ways to serve a stranger and pay it forward!

Next week, I want to try using MR. LINKY to do a post on favorite Christmas recipes. Pull out your recipe boxes for those tried and true ones to share. I want those recipes that your great aunt Doralyn (or whomever!) passed down to you or your mom or your dad--nothing brand new!! Promise??? I'll plan on seeing y'all back here on Tuesday--maybe I can figure out the linky thingie by then---if not, I'll be hollering at some of you savvy bloggers!

Sweet Blessings!