Surprises

Don't you just love getting surprise packages in the mail?

I do, and I received one today! Lucky me!!

The box looked special from the outside, just like a Christmas or Birthday present. :)

And when I opened it, there was a lovely handmade card sitting right on top of some pretty pieces of golden yellow and red floral fabric. I thought these very appropriate colours for the Chinese New Year!

Red symbolizes good fortune and joy in Chinese culture and it is found everywhere during the Chinese New Year and other family holidays or gatherings. Red is also the colour representing good luck, joy and happiness.

Yellow/Gold  is considered the most beautiful colour, it symbolizes neutrality and good luck. It  also represents freedom from worldly cares and is thus esteemed in Buddhism; Monks garments are yellow, as are elements of Buddhist temples.

Underneath the fabric, were lots of carefully wrapped packages.

Inside those packages were these . . .

. . . aren't they just the cutest wee things? I love them and they will make perfect props for my tiny dolls to play with. Though the Petite Nendoroid, Leon Magnus with his perfect, very serious expression and sword drawn, may well stay sitting on my desk as he is at present.

Thank you so much Alasse for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Exploring the Japanese Gardens

This week the weather has been fine, so Emmaline and her big sister Lonnie have taken a day trip on the bus, to visit the Japanese Gardens, which are in the next village.

Emma: I think we ought to go this way, see there's a Cherry blossom tree.

Lonnie: No we are going to the Tea Room, it's this way. Now take my hand and hold that ball tightly.

Emma: Ooops! I dropped it.

Lonnie: I do wish you would be more careful Emma. You're lucky it didn't roll all the way down this hill. Honestly, I don't know why you brought that soccer ball with you!

Emma: Don't worry Lonnie, I'll pick it up.

Lonnie: Well hurry up then, or we will miss the Tea Ceremony.
Emma: Okay, okay, gosh you are being an old bossy boots today!

~ oOo ~

I shan't be around much this week as hubby and I have plans. Don't worry though, like Douglas MacArthur, I shall return! Hope you have a good one!


Hershey's New Bike

Emma looked out her window, the sun was shining and the birds were singing in the trees. "Oh what a perfect day", she thought to herself. She quickly bathed and dressed, then ran out into the sunshine.

As she entered the lane outside her house, she heard the sound of a motor bike. She turned, looked up the lane and saw Hershey.

Emma: Good morning Hershey, I didn't know you had a motor bike.

Hershey: It only arrived yesterday, but I wasn't allowed to ride it until it had the trainer wheels attached. Mummy was very concerned I would loose my balance.

Emma: Well, you look like you are doing okay if you managed to ride all the way down Oak Tree Lane. It's quite a distance from the Elvin Forest to our house.

Hershey: I didn't intend to ride so far, but the bike travels really fast, so I was here before I knew it.

While they were chatting, Cookie arrived looking rather puffed and red in the face.

Emma: Hello there Cookie, where are you off to in such a hurry?

Cookie: I have been trying to catch up with Hershey, but she was too fast for me, no matter how hard I peddled, I couldn't catch up.

Hershey: That's because my bike has a motor, and motors have lots of power, which gives them speed. Anyway, why have you been trying to catch up with me?

Cookie: To ask you to come to a party. You are invited too Emma, it's going to be a big celebration. Will you come?

Emma and Hershey: Oh yes, parties are fun.

The three went on chatting about what they were going to wear to this big celebration.

More details on the party later . . . in the meantime . . . I hope you enjoy your day!