It's so rare that we meet someone and instantly connect to them in a deep, profound way. Someone whose soul is clearly so similar to our own, who is moved by the same things, makes the same mistakes, experiences the same love, and giddiness, and excitement, and sorrow. These connections are SO SPECIAL to me!
Which is why I cherish my friendship with Micaela so much.
Most of you who follow my blog probably follow hers as well, but if not, then go to her page immediately and experience how beautiful, thoughtful, open, and full of heart she is!
Imagine my delight when I found this on my doorstep yesterday morning:
My excitement made me squeal! I was on my way to a stressful, long afternoon at San Francisco City Hall, to once again beg the Budget Committee to reconsider funding my job. But when I opened Micaela's package in my car before I drove off, I was too amazed to be worried about the meeting . . .
Micaela just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Everyone says that this book is all about the timing--where you are in your life when you read it--and Micaela was at the exact right place. There's a line in the book about how snails carry their homes with them wherever they go, so she got me this sweet glass snail, and included a note that said: "from one snail to another . . . "
For years, I've been enamored with the relationship between Anais Nin and Henry Miller. There have been so many times in my life when I've been so inspired and/or comforted by reading Anais Nin's journals--especially the parts about her illicit, romantic, wonderful, and destructive relationship with Henry Miller. Can you believe Micaela found this tank top for me at one of her favorite online boutiques?? It's perfect! (Excuse the poor quality of the picture, though--it's hot pink!)
Coffee from her favorite local cafe, and an old mug . . . I'm drinking the coffee right now and it's delicious! I might be hooked.
Micaela remembered that I'd written a blog post about wanting some new art for my dining room wall, so she got me this incredible, perfectly-me print. Two (of many) reasons why it's so perfect: 1. My favorite art is that which incorporates text; 2. It's written by THE American female poet. :)
M and I are both nostalgic about our home states (I'm from Georgia; she's from Texas). She sent me this adorable Georgia plate--can't decide whether to hang it on my wall or use it as a serving platter or put my perfumes on it or what! Whatever I do with it, I LOVE it (and everything that reminds me of home).
Micaela loves all things Italian, and we both love all things love . . . I fell asleep too abruptly to start this book last night, but I can't wait to start reading it today.
Just as much as I love all those incredible gifts, I love these sweet notes that M included with each of them. We're both writers/talkers/explainers, and I love that she so sweetly wrote little explanations to go with each present. ♥
I can't stop gazing at all of these wonderful gifts from my darling friend. My heart is so full and grateful today; thank you so much sweet Micaela!