It's all about the love...

After days of patiently sitting under the tree, squeezing, shaking and sniffing my presents, it was finally time to open them. As I began to open the first gift, I held my breath in anticipation.

For once, I resisted the urge to dive in and found myself carefully unwrapping each one, admiring the creativity, marvelling at the ingenuity and reflecting on the sentiment behind each gesture as they filled me with awe, appreciation and gratitude.

It's gifts like these that always mean the most to me. I am truly overwhelmed and honored to receive such precious gifts and I will treasure them always.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friends!




Miss Tottenham,

Dua Netjer en etj!
Assif, Sahbiti - Ma batkalemsh Arabi!

Dei Gratia,

Someone I love very much once told me that a smile is the closest distance between two people. Your gift made me smile - thank you, my friend.

Kapunua,

A hula dance and a painting! Is there no end to your talent? You clearly have a vivid imagination and let it run wild with this painting. Even if it was unintentional, I was particularly impressed with the skill involved in creating the Escher-esque window! Please allow me to tip my Santa hat to you in recognition of such a notable achievement.

Mustard,

A picture paints a thousand words and the picture you chose for me conveyed your message beautifully. I was delighted to unwrap such thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Thank you, Mustard, my astute friend.

Star,

What can I say? Great minds think alike (or fools seldom differ) and I was amused and touched by your choice of gift. Thank you so much - you have excellent taste!

Kass,

It seems the creativity and talent in Blogbelieve knows no bounds. I will find the perfect place to display this, Kass. The monster is awesome and he looks pretty friendly, I think I'll call him Marvin.

S&V20,

Thank you for sharing such a poignant story with me, I am flattered that it would remind you of me. I would like to share a childhood favorite of mine that has helped me through some difficult times in my life. It serves as a reminder to never give up, even if people around us lose their faith and it seems as if all is lost. As long as you keep going, and as long as you never stop trying and never stop believing, anything is possible.

There were once two frogs that were stuck in a bowl of cream. They struggled frantically, kicking their legs, trying desperately to get out. But despite their best efforts, they could not manage to jump out of the bowl. Finally, one frog turned to the other and said, “I give up. This is just too difficult. There is no point struggling on, we’re never going to get out of here. We should both just give up.” He stopped kicking and within moments he had drowned. His companion, however, refused to give up. Despite being exhausted, scared and alone, he continued to kick defiantly until dawn, when suddenly he hopped right out of the bowl. It was only then that he realized he had kicked so hard all through the night that he had churned the cream into butter.

Bellatrix,

Gratias Ago Tibi, Amicus (because I can totally rock last season Latin)

Sdock,

My friend. Hope is simply faith holding out its hand to you in the dark. Reach out for it and never let go. Faith makes all things possible - but remember it is love that makes them easy. Sending you faith, hope and love in abundance.

Toujours,

You have no idea how much I love your picture! It's amazing, you did a really great job and you captured the image I had in my head of Leonard and Fred perfectly. Thank you so much.

Amyranth,

Thank you for your thoughtful gift, I shall reserve it for special occasions and tip it to the discerning.

Anima,

You have excellent taste in music, my friend.

P.S. Enjoy the show!

Cupcake,

The Sex Pistols on vinyl - awesome! Thank you Cupcake!

Farawaysoclose,

Thank you. It really is all about the love.

Jennicula,

I thoroughly enjoyed your hairy fishnuts - thank you!

Paperheart,

You said "Family has become an essential word used everyday on these blogs."
You know you are blessed when your friends become your family and your family become your friends. Keep on hugging, sometimes a hug can give more comfort and mean more to someone than words could ever say.

Pickled Possum,

I am thrilled with my ensemble, it fits perfectly and I will be wearing it proudly on New Years Eve!

Magic Pie,

Thank you, I truly appreciate the sentiment behind your kind words. Rest assured, I am surrounded by loved ones who mean more to me than anything in the world. I would not want to be anywhere else.

Elena,

I always hear your whisper, Elena, you are the gentle voice of experience that imparts knowledge and wisdom. Thank you for your beautiful gift.

P.S. They say it's always the quiet ones...

OP's,

Thank you so much for your warm wishes, my friends. What is a friend? A friend is someone who knows all your faults, weaknesses and bad habits and still loves you anyway...because it really is all about the love.

Capture This Void,

Your kind words made me pause and reflect for a moment. I never will, and it is love.

P.S. Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi.
Don't wait, make that change today. I believe in you.

Entropy,

Thank you so much, they are all perfect! I loved the last picture, I can see why it is one of your favorites.

Katherine Dreier,

How did you guess? I am a huge fan of British comedy and really enjoyed the video. Laughter is a precious gift to give and always so wonderful to receive. Thank you.




The love you have for one another is phenomenal - it blows my mind. It is evident, not only by the generosity of spirit displayed as you exchanged such thoughtful and creative gifts, but by the selfless acts of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, respect, empathy, encouragement and support that you offer unconditionally to each other when it is needed most.


Blogbelieve is a magical place, but it is you that makes it magical.