I arrived with two suitcases packed with clothes and stitching supplies hoping I was going to like this new life. I had no idea what was in store for me. Since then, I have learned the language but more importantly the country's spirit. I have become Dutch. Funny that when I was a little girl, my father used to always tell me "Don't be Dutch" which is a cute way to say don't be silly. I can still hear him saying it to me. *grins* Sorry Dad but here I am 25 years later....being Dutch.
I have met many wonderful people here in Holland and have had the good fortune to lead a group of ladies here in my own home for a monthly quilt group. One of them is Saskia. She was the very first person to call to join the group when I placed the pamplets at a quilt shop. She showed up at my house one late afternoon last month on her way home from work with this basket full of gifts and instructions. I was to open one gift a day until today, September 6th when I was to open the one gift with blue lace trim on it.
I have met many wonderful people here in Holland and have had the good fortune to lead a group of ladies here in my own home for a monthly quilt group. One of them is Saskia. She was the very first person to call to join the group when I placed the pamplets at a quilt shop. She showed up at my house one late afternoon last month on her way home from work with this basket full of gifts and instructions. I was to open one gift a day until today, September 6th when I was to open the one gift with blue lace trim on it. 
Each day for 24 days, I had a gift. All wonderful although Jos is claiming the cookies and licorice. I will share with the exception of those speculaas...well, maybe just one... *wink*
This morning I opened the final gift. I removed the lace holding the stitching to the roll and what did I find???
How cute is this? I will be making some patchwork around it and turning it into a very special little quilt in honor of a very dear quilt friend! I just love Saskia...my quilt sister! Thank you so much for making this silver anniversary that much more special Saskia! In an hour, she and her mother will arrive. We are off to a country tea house for high tea. See you both soon...
Note: Thank you all for your warm and caring comments about my last post! I am still busy emailing each person individually if I am able to see your email address. Your thoughts and prayers mean very much to me! I feel very positive about this and will make it through. All of you are a big help in that process.
24 comments:
Seems like you have found a special friend. How much fun to open a gift a day and that last one is so sweet!!!
Happy 25 years (and many more)!!! What a dear friend you have!
What a delightful present. Your friend must be a truly sensitive person. Have a really lovely day!
What a lovely friend! Sweet little cross stitch piece-I can't wait to see your quilt. Enjoy your day!
What a thoughtful gift! Looking forward to seeing the quilt you make from the stitched piece
Oh my goodness, Heidi, what a lovely post! And how, indeed, can anything have happened a whopping 25 years ago?? Where does the time go? I'm so glad that you found your 'right spot' in the world. There's nothing like it, is there? Big hugs to you and Jos, two of the most wonderful people I met during my years in Holland. :)
Happy anniversary! What a dear sweet friend you have who did this for you. I'm going to remember that for some of my friends approaching their anniversaries. I hope you had a great day with Jos.
Happy Holland 25 Anniversary.
What a wonderful set of gifts from your dear friend.
Dear Heidi,
Happy 25th anniversary! What a sweet idea...a present a day. What a dear friend you have and what a treasure indeed. I love the stitched piece and I know you will turn it into a beautiful quilt. Have fun with your friends for High Tea....and here is to another 25 years...hugs from CA.
Your friend was so thoughtful and what a great story you shared. I enjoyed my four years there but had the US military surround me so never totally into Dutch culture as yourself. I loved it there and can see why it was easy for you to stay...oh and Jos of course!
This is such a very special thing to do for you. I love the last gift but all of them are very thoughtful. I cannot believe the one that looks like rope is a scarf. I think the little cup needs some quilted flowers in it to be on your craft room table. I can just see Jos claiming the cookies. Now, I for one, maybe do NOT celebrate this event. I MISS YOU HERE IN OHIO YOU KNOW.
I am so glad that you two are so happy though. The time has gone by pretty fast.
Love you, Mom
What a wonderful gal that Saskia is!! What a wonderful friend. 25 years--congratulations! How did you & Jos meet?
I am behind on blog reading so just read about your eye problems. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs.
What an amazing basket of gifts from Saskia!! She is such a loving and generous friend. I loved enlarging the picture and seeing all the pretty surprises. The little sampler is extra special though and marks the last 25 years of your life in Holland perfectly. Congratulations on this milestone.
Warm hugs Angela xx
congratulations on your Dutch jubileum!! It's not easy to learn the language, so hat off!
Saskia made you a wonderful surprise. love the stitched sampler. wow!
Happy Anniversary! What a nice friend you have to shower you with gifts!
Happy 15 years :) And what a beautiful friend you have :)
What happy memories you must have of our first days in your new country. You are an adventurous homebody, for sure!!
Yep! time flies.. We had a great afternoon yesterday too! And I'm glad you liked the basket with the little presents.
I had so much fun creating the basket. And counting back 25 day's from the 6th of September.
I'm a very lucky girl having you in my life. Thanks for coming to Holland, and being my friend!
Knuffels
Oh lovely Heidi!..... To have a friend like Sasikia.... She's the best gift you've received and am sure you'd treasure all life.
You have a lovely blog....straight from the heart. Its a pleasure I found it. Take care your eyes.... Am sure you'll tackle it...
Love and best wishes
Aishwarya
A wonderful post - and you make so many people happy with with your blog from Holland. Happy 25th.
What a wonderful way to celebrate and what a very good friend. So happy for you and your friends, and Jos too, of course!
What a sweet gift from your friend! I enjoyed your post. Praying many more years of joy for you & yours, and that your health will be good. *hug*
What a wonderful life you have made in Holland. You have some wonderful dear friends as well. The personalized anniversary piece is so very special and something to be treasured.
What a lovely gift from a a real quiltsister...;-)
Happy anniversary Heidi!
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