Wednesday, May 19

A Special Birthday Gift


The first time I came across the blog Everything Vintage I felt a real connection with the author.  Her 'out there' humor, ability to tell a story & her beautiful pictures had me coming back to visit everyday.  The first time I got one of her hilarious comments I knew we'd be friends forever.  When my family traveled to Mississippi in April, we planned a detour so I could meet my Cajun sister Jodie in the flesh.  We spent the whole day together laughing, telling stories, & shopping.  She took me to her sacred 5 & 10, & treated my kids & hubby like family.  She charmed us all, & we left loving her sweet self.
When I saw a box marked Eunice Louisiana, at my door on Saturday I tore into it like a kid at Christmas.  Inside was this amazing hanging pocket collage. I couldn't believe it, I've wanted to try one myself but couldn't work up the nerve.  Jodie said this was the first time she's ever made anything like this....EVER.  I'm not sure I buy it....
She used all of the colors I love so much, creams black, rich Victorian tones. When I look at it, I see Jodie everywhere. See the green buckle at the top of this pocket?  It's from a pair of her cargo pants! Anyone who's hung with this crazy girl knows her standard issue uniform is a pair of crocs, a baseball cap & some olive drab cargo pants!

She found all of the old sheet music online, & transferred it on fabric.  I love the different textures going on. The colors in this trim remind me of her gorgeous home.
The collage hangs from an old purse handle. We found them here, during my visit.  The little velvet rosettes, yeah she makes them! She selected each sheet of music for the message in it's title.
This is the back, it's as beautiful as the front! I've made a few tattered collages myself & never thought of embellishing the back. I think it's wonderful.  See the Creole Lover's Song?  That's her, & the Fleur De Les on the rosette... very French Creole.

I wasn't the only benefactor of her generosity.  Aunt Jodie sent a treat for the kids too. Five minutes later they were hanging from the rafters, high on sugar.  Thanks Jodie! LOL
I love my birthday gift so much. Not only is it totally cool & unique, it was made specially for me by a dear friend. It's hanging in my studio, next to the collage Julia made for me. 
Now my 2 blog friends can 'hang' together! 
 I will cherish it forever Jodie, love ya girl!

Tomorrow morning is my big oral surgery.  I'm dreading it. Last week was very hard having 3 appointments in a row & I haven't really felt myself since.  Of course it will all be worth it in the end.
  I feel pretty self indulgent worrying about my teeth when some of my friends are facing so much worse. 
My prayers go out to Joanna, she is such an amazing woman & has dealt with so much heartbreak these past few years. Hang in there sweetie! 
And my dear friend Ann is also going through a tough time, please remember her in your prayers. 
These talented artists create the most incredible work, & much of it influenced by the challenges they face.  Writing this I was reminded of a quote I love.
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. -Pablo Picasso

43 comments:

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Ah, that's the gorgeous gift you got from our sweet friend Jodie! Yes, it's awesome and I can see why you were so excited, Lisa! I love all the lovely laces, flowers and ribbons she had used to embellish this! How cool that I now can hang up together with Jodie on your wall :-). We'll have some fun!
I wish you all the best for your surgery tomorrow, dear Lisa!
Big hugs,
Julia

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

How beautiful!! Jodie is beyond AWESOME, both inside AND out and her talent...neverending!!

I will be thinking of you with the dental issues! I have had my share and now I have been told I need an implant! I am in the denial phase of that right now...

Have a great day!

Lou Cinda :)

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Isn't that great that the two of you got to meet! The gift is gorgeous. Very unique and so thoughtful. Good luck with your surgery.
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Linda @ A La Carte said...

That Jodie is an amazing gal. I hope to meet her the next time I drive to Texas! Happy Birthday and good luck on your oral surgery!

peggy gatto said...

Your kids are cute as a button!!!!
Lovely gift indeed and your description was interesting!
I will be thinking of you!
take care

Inspired-Simplicity said...

Buddy,
Beautiful gift from Jodie. You have so many wonderful friends. That is a real testimony to you and what a great gal you are. Praying for your dental surgery to go well.
Blessings,
Carolyn

FILIGREE MOON said...

Such a beautiful and meaningful gift from Jodie! It is a true friend who would rip the buckle off their pants for you! Sending good vibes to you regarding your surgery, and also to your bloggy friends. Peace to all. ~ Angela

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a wonderful gift, Lisa~ a keepsake from a friend...I hope your surgery goes smoothly, rest and get pampered! I'll say a little prayer for you...XO

clustres said...

Love this clever, beautiful and useful gift!

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh my goodness girl!!!! What a GORGEOUS gift from Jodie!!!!! I'm just in love with it...it looks so "you" ~ and I know you just love it ~ and I'll be keeping you in my prayers tomorrow sweetie. I've been keeping JoAnna and Ann my thoughts and prayers as well ~ they are such precious women!!! Jodie was such an angel to remember your babies Lisa ~ hugs and love, Dawn

Tina said...

Oh - what a beautiful gift from Jodie. It´s so wonderful - I love all the details.
Wishing you all the best for tomorrow.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Lisa ~
That is awesome !!!
I will be praying for you tomorrow as you are having yucky oral surgery ~
xoxo
Lori

Claudia said...

What a wonderful gift from wonderful Jodie! You are two of my favorite bloggers because your creativity and generosity shine through every post!

I will be thinking of you tomorrow - oral surgery isn't fun. You're almost done with everything, Lisa!

xo
Claudia

Angela said...

What a lovely gift!! I'll be praying for you, Lisa.

RACHELLE said...

That is a beautiful collage of stuff!

makes me wanna make something!

shell

gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

awwwww....Look at my little Angels!!! WAIT! One's missing!!! It must be Phillip missing...is he in time out somewhere??? hahaha
I hope they saved him some rocks too!!!! :)

Sis, you know I'll be thinking of you all day tomorrow. Actually I started praying for you early this morning...you are going to need it! ;) I wish I lived closer...I would bring some more rocks and play with the kids while you would be in a Loratab coma. Oh us kids would have some FUN!

I'm so excited my ~YOUR~ pockets will be hanging next to Julia's FABULOUS creation...

NOTE TO EVERYONE:
It's all Julia's beauty that's reflecting on MY creation!!! Don't let Lisa's camera fool ya! :)

I just loved making it for you Sista...I just looooove you sooooo much! That's not even a drop in the bucket of how much I do!!!! :)

Good luck tomorrow...
darn...the world will be quiet tomorrow without you :)
hahaha

luverlie said...

Beautiful gift! Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

Lori said...

good luck with your surgery tomorrow...that is so sweet that you mentioned Ann, i have been praying for her too...she is such a sweetheart...truly
LOVE your gift from Jodie...she is such a cutie...and so talented...i am not buying that this is her first pocket organizer either...it is too dang fabulous!!!

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Lisa!

I'll be thinking of ya and praying for you tomorrow. It'll go just fine, just make sure you ask for and get the GOOD drugs! :-)

And Jodie's gorgeous creation? It's stuff like THAT that's making me seriously re-think why I'm even bothering to show my non-crafty face at Paper Cowgirls next month! I suck SO bad compared to the rest of you mega-talented girls!

Have a restful day, tomorrow will be over before ya know it!

hugs,
Anne

Dorthe said...

Hi sweet,
you are loved , and ofcourse you are, --the most dear and wonderfull friend, so thoughtfull and giving, alwayes with a good laugh in your comment, and alwayes with a loving heart, meeting us.
I love you too, --and I love your gift from Jodie, it is awesome, and fantastic, full of wonderfull details, and beautifull accents.

Dear I wish you a surgery without any kind of pain,tomorrow, and a quick heeling, dearest lisa.

Love and hugs, Dorthe

Vintage Market Place said...

Good luck tomorrow, as long as you are positive it will all go well!
This is an amazing friend you have found and what great talent to share with you.
Amy

Rebecca said...

Happy Birthday! I keep coming back to your blog Lisa, to find inspiration. I'm not sure how you do it with triplets too! I know our triplets, plus one, keep me busy from dawn to beyond dusk. You are so very generous to everyone. You have blessed me today and I wanted to let you know and say "thank you"! And, I am praying your dental proceedure goes by quickly and you will heal right away.
I love the photo of the chocolate eaters!
with happiness in a very busy day,
Rebecca G

Anonymous said...

Lisa, what a beautiful work of art!
So are the two children! :-)
I hope you are soon PAST the dental surgeries! Nothing like those being just a memory and not something you have to look forward to going through. Ugh.

Bless you!
Diane

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Lisa,
Happy Birthday sweetie pie, cuttie wootie, honeybunch! LOL

Ooh I just love what Jodie made for you. It's amazingly beautiful with so much thought and artistic flair. You are so lucky to have such a special friend.

I hope your surgery goes well. It will be over before you know it. But be sure and get lots TLC from hubs!

hugs
Sissie

The Tin Rabbit said...

Lisa..I love your gorgeous gift...all the colors,music.. everything is so pretty! Jodie is so sweet and you are so deserving! I love it! I wish you good luck tomorrow~it will be over before you know it! I will keep you in my prayers~ Sending Love and Hugs~ Ann

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

What a fabulous gift. I too love the colors. I am thinking of you as you go to the dentist...I don't enjoy that much either.....

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

What a pretty collage, but everything that Miss Jodie makes turns out so nice! Good luck tomorrow and I hope it all goes good for you!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Wishing you all the best and hope you are tip top real soon! Looking at the beautiful gift from Jodie would sure make me feel better!

trash talk said...

Getting anything from Jodie is treat enough, but she really outdid even herself with this. It is gorgeous...just like y'all!
Debbie
P.S. Keeping you in my prayers today.

Erica said...

What a wonderful birthday surprise, and a an even more special friend you've made. Good luck with your surgery. Hang in there - you're a toughie!

Cindy said...

Your gift from Jodie was so amazing...I'm very much looking forward to meeting her...and beautiful, what a wonderful gift. And you, you will be ok today. Hang in there! Sending good vibes and prayer your way!

hugs,
-c
yapping cat

Mosaic Magpie said...

Yes indeed a lovely gift you have received. What a thoughtful friend. I bet it made you forget about your sore mouth for a few minutes. Good luck with your surgery.
Debbie

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Aren't bloggy friends great?! Especially when they are artists and generous!

Hey, good luck tomorrow. Its NO fun at all, I went through a few weeks of it a while back and dreaded each appointment more and more. I hope you are near the end of yours.

Rebecca said...

Hi Lisa
I hope you're doing ok today with your surgery and all. I thought you had all that stuff done last week? Is this more dental surgery? Yikes!
Jodie was such a sweetheart to make you such a lovely gift! Not that you don't deserve it... very cool.
Hope all is well, I am headed for MN to see my grand babies. Take care
Blessings
Rebecca

Unknown said...

This is so lovely Lisa and you are one lucky lady. I love Jodie's artwork. She has an amazing talent...just like you!
I have missed a couple of your great posts. Do you ever slow down??? I guess not, with those darling babies running around.
I do hope your surgery went well. I can't even imagine oral surgery. I am one of those people who hyperventilate just having my teeth cleaned.

No, we won't be seeing Carol Bolton at Farm Chicks, but next year we hope to be her best friend and see her in Texas. hehe!!!!! I might pull a Lisa and do a drive by her house. Have a great evening sweet.
hugs

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi Lisa, such beautiful work, so many great artists. You are so lucky. You are in my thoughts about you teeth. I can only imagine how much it's going to hurt. Advile!

Big hugs
cindy@stitches

Maija said...

The gift you recieved is lovely!!
Good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!! Sending healing hugs your way!

Alicia ~ time worn style said...

Thats one thing I love about blogging, you really do make some wonderful friends!
alicia

HeARTworks said...

What a beautiful creation, and it gets even more beautiful when you know it's made with love for you! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Lisa! What a great gift from Jodie. You can just see "her" in all the details. Best wishes for your surgery, Tammy

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Lisa,

Just adore the beautiful gift you received from Jodie, love all the embellishments, lace and the colours.
Yes, Jodie is such a sweet person and how wonderful that you got to meet her.
Your children are lovely and laughed when they were on a sugar high!
Best of luck with the oral surgery and I hope that it goes well for you.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Debby said...

Oh my what an awesome gift from that sweet girl! It is so gorgeous!!! She really is so sweet. I am a few days behind here, hope your surgery went well.
Healing Hugs,
Debby

Something Special said...

Very exquisite gift and beautiful post. Especially what you said about your friends going through some tuff things. I hope your oral surgery went ok. I am not a fan of the dentist or anything having to do with it.