(Sunflower) Surprises

I went home to spend time with my family before the onslaught of the upcoming semester next week.  Classes don't start until the 12th, but orientation for me starts Thursday. Not even a week of freedom (which hasn't exactly been freedom) left.  I'm beyond needing to get on the ball.

I was treated to a few "surprises" while I was home.  It's just nice when you're reminded that people are thinking about you.  It forces me to stop and be thankful.  Just to stop and be thankful for the people in my life who love me and care about me.  It truly is a blessing.

Let's see, I got a triple succession of gifts from mi mejor amiga who happened to be in town. A set of sunflower coasters.  An umbrella with Vincent Van Gogh violets and a matching bag.  She's the same friend of my sunflower umbrella. A friend moved by my floral obsession.  A lady at my parents' church who specializes in making pretty little wreaths made me a giant sunflower out of the material she normally uses.  My mom gifted me with a couple of sunflower accent pillows (to accompany my sunflower bedspread), and lastly, I was gifted with a pretty little frock. It's a cute little white peasant dress that makes me feel soft and feminine and sprightly.  It's a dress I've been looking for for a long time and I want to wear it right away (as I do all new items of clothing I acquire), but this one, for some reason, has to wait.  I feel like I have to wait for the right time to wear it.  And somehow, I think I'll know when that right time is.

There were other things this weekend that were for me.  Things that reminded me that God hasn't forgotten about me.  Things that let me know that I am loved.  Little things that make a big difference.