Laura tried to hide how thrilled she was to get her lime-accented gifts of the sponges and candles. But I could tell that she was almost sick with joy when she opened her lemon-slice coasters. How often does a two-dollar expenditure bring that much emotion to someone’s face? I knew that my little offering meant much more than the diamond earrings from her husband and that iPod thingie she got from her in-laws. Why, they were struggling all afternoon to download songs onto the iPod thingie. But the coasters, sponges, and candles–those are things that she can enjoy immediately without having to read a bunch of instructions!
Then it was Lynne’s turn. When she found a gift wrapped similarly to Laura’s nestled among the other things in her gift basket, Lynne pushed it toward me, obviously realizing that I had been far too generous. When I insisted that she accept the gift, she opened it, her fingers trembling with eagerness. I can’t begin to describe her face when she saw her watermelon-slice coasters. Oh, how wonderful to bring so many feelings to these two dear friends!
Just see how proudly they are showing off their gifts!
I picked up each of my presents with trepidation anticipation. Every box or bag I opened was filled with delights. Then I opened my “big” gift: an incredible mirror framed by differently-shaped pieces of stained glass. Here’s a photo; it hangs, but I’m using it as a centerpiece on my dining room table, with three candles on it.
It was my last gift! I was free of Coaster Anxiety!
“Wait,” Lynne said. “Look under the mirror.”
I cautiously ran my fingers through the shredded paper. No lime coasters!
“I was kidding,” she said. “That’s just my shredded bills.”
FREE! I was really free!
As we were collecting discarded paper, ribbon, and bows, Lynne handed me one last gift she found under the tree. I could tell by the shape and feel that it was a book. A book is always safe. I hurriedly pulled off the paper and found a Blue Dog book. You may remember that I love Blue Dog; I didn’t want to tell Lynne that I already had this book. I was thinking that since it was a duplicate, I could remove some of my favorite prints from it and put them on the wall in my office with my other Blue Dog memorabilia. I graciously thanked her.
“Let’s look at it,” she suggested, and Laura nodded fervently. It was clear that they both love Blue Dog as much as I do.
I opened the cover and that’s when I realized that Lynne knew I already had this book. She had replaced the pages inside…
The lime-slice coasters have found their way home.
Just wait ’til next year.
Some Christmas traditions never die!
I got Key Lime Candles from a friend this year — and thought of you.
Your mirror with the stained glass is really beautiful. (And the coasters are fun.)
All too perfect and just made me smile and smile!
Great tradition my dear.
The saga of the coasters is entertaining on its own, but when told through the fingers of such a consummate writer, it is just a joy to read.
ha!
very sneaky getting those coasters back to you!