an amazing surprise

by Sharon Santoni
I have to tell you that something amazing happened here today.  All because of the blog.
My day did not augur well.  I got out of bed with difficulty, lacking energy, already thinking about everything that had to be done today, and the grey weather… and the cold … and generally … well you know how it goes sometimes, not really in a bad mood but just UGH!  so much to do ……

 

The morning was moving along slowly but steadily when the postman knocked at the back door.  (the dogs went ballistic of course; someone’s told them that’s how dogs should react to postmen) …. I signed for a parcel!

Hmmm… I hadn’t ordered anything …..
I laid to one side the bills and the newspaper – since when have they been more interesting than a mystery box?!
Postage from America, the intrigue heightened!
Once finally unwrapped, I discovered the sweetest painting, accompanied by a short note.
Dear Sharon,  hope you like the landscape
 painting, warmest regards, Carolina Elizabeth
 
This darling oil painting is inspired by a photo I took in the light snow here.  Carolina saw the picture on my facebook page and asked permission to paint the scene, of course I said yes, not thinking for a moment that it would be for me!
Now really, how amazing is this?!  How amazing is our blogosphere, and how wonderful in today’s harsh and competitive world to see such generosity!
So thank you again Carolina, I love the painting.  For the moment it is propped up against my favourite oil on board landscapes that I found in fairs last year, but I shall find a little frame for it and a new position in the house.
If you would like to see more of Carolina’s work then you can check out her blog here.  I understand that she paints to commission, so maybe you have a favourite scene you’d like to have as a painting too!

50 comments

Julia simple February 13, 2013 - 3:48 pm Reply
Shingle Cottage February 13, 2013 - 3:51 pm

Oh wow it's What a beautiful thing for Caroline to do!
I wrote a blog post this morning about friendships and blogging,It really is a wonderful place x

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PRINCESSGREENEYE February 13, 2013 - 3:51 pm

wow, ist das ein tolles Geschenk – und dann auch noch so unverhofft. Das Bild ist ein Traum mit einer unglaublichen Ausstrahlung – grosses Kompliment an die Kuenstlerin!

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libraryeducator February 13, 2013 - 3:56 pm

How incredibly generous of Carolina! Sharon – guess you just bring out the best in people – in fact, I know you do! Love the moodiness of the painting – this is the scene i would want to see first if i ever get to visit you – I love the thought of riding or walking through your gorgeous wood. i also appreciate the header – we too are anxious for spring in Virginia!
Karen

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Lori E February 13, 2013 - 4:24 pm

That is such a nice surprise. Wow. Sometimes life gives us exactly what we need.

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vicki archer February 13, 2013 - 4:26 pm

Such a beautiful scene Sharon… and how wonderful to be surprised like that… The picture is heavenly… xv
P.S I am home in Provence now and the Mistral is howling… Those daffodils have cheered me up too… no sign of them here either… 😉

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:46 pm

I have to agree!

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:46 pm

It was such a lovely surprise
xx

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Sophia Home February 13, 2013 - 4:46 pm

What a lovely surprise Sharon, and a lovely painting! Blogging certainly brings about some touching experiences……

Sophia x

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:47 pm

genau! ein sehr tolles Geschenk, ich bine sehr glucklich!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:47 pm

I don't know if I bring out the best in people Karen, I think Carolina is just very generous
xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:48 pm

exactly, that lift that does so much good!
xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:48 pm

ooh, I don't like the mistral. Hope you're warm indoors with blazing fires and a good book
xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home February 13, 2013 - 4:48 pm

very touching indeed Sophia
xx

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zanetastyle February 13, 2013 - 5:09 pm

Yes, that is beautiful and so kind hearted! Enjoy, z

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Sophia Stone February 13, 2013 - 5:17 pm

I was so touched by this beautiful act of love. Yes, there are lovely people everywhere, indeed!

my website | my blog

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Alison February 13, 2013 - 5:24 pm

That is so wonderful! Just what you needed. I enjoy your blog so much. You have inspired me and someday I hope to own a set of Linen sheets, they look so wonderful! I did make myself a set of 100% Linen pillowcases and have made them for family too. We all love them. Thank you for the creative inspiration you bring with each post!

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PURA VIDA February 13, 2013 - 5:40 pm

When I saw your header my heart skipped…oh what we have to look forward to! Sharon you so deserve this sweet gift…it could not have happened to a lovelier person! I say YAY! and it's beautiful to boot!

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Roxane February 13, 2013 - 5:43 pm

What a wonderful, generous gesture! An amazing way to brighten your day!

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Emom February 13, 2013 - 5:52 pm

Lovely and sweet!…..smiles

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deZeal February 13, 2013 - 6:31 pm

Fantastic surprise! And the resemblance is amazing:) This painting in a nice frame will look absolutely lovely in your house!
Hugs from Moorland Home:)

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CÉLINE CHOLLET February 13, 2013 - 6:42 pm

Oh Sharon !
D'abord quelle bonne surprise en découvrant ta maison autrement que sous la neige ! Cela fait plaisir à voir un peu de printemps dans cette grisaille… Et qu'elle est sympa cette petite peinture ! Carolina s'en est inspiré mais elle l'a aussi pas mal interprété. Un grande généreusité de sa part ! Ah oui, la journée pouvait être belle après ça !
Bons baisers,
Céline.

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Betsy Brock February 13, 2013 - 6:47 pm

Aw…it's lovely! What a wonderful surprise!

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Madonna February 13, 2013 - 7:02 pm

Thanks for pushing us toward spring – the header is lovely. Carolina is a generous friend. I am going over now to check her out site.

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Delaine February 13, 2013 - 7:06 pm

Well, how AWESOME is that! Sheer DELIGHT!! I know you are beyond excited! I know this was a big "pick me up" for you!

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Pamela RG February 13, 2013 - 7:20 pm

The landscape painting is so beautiful Sharon. For sure, your spirits will be lifted up.

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Eileen February 13, 2013 - 7:29 pm

How wonderful! What a lovely surprise. And the painting is beautiful.

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labergerebasque February 13, 2013 - 7:59 pm

What a beautiful painting…how wonderful to be remembered like that 🙂

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MissingHenryMitchell February 13, 2013 - 8:47 pm

A lovely gesture and a charming painting. I shall be sure to check out her site. Thanks for sharing this story.

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Our French Inspired Home February 13, 2013 - 9:28 pm

What a great surprise. I only seem to find bills and donation requests in my mail today! I think you did much better. Great painting. – Tonya

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Stacey Snacks February 13, 2013 - 10:34 pm

What a beautiful surprise! The daffodils and the landscape.
Beautiful!
xo

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Inside a British Mum's Kitchen February 13, 2013 - 11:27 pm

What a lovely surprise, the blogsphere can be a wonderful place!
Mary x

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Vintage Finds February 14, 2013 - 12:06 am

Don't you just love days like this! Unexpectantly good, though you felt you knew how it was going to turn out, you were completely wrong and it was a lovely day after all!

As for the header – we've just felt 'Autumn' hit the temperature today – it's still a little coolish and it's approaching 9am. So go ahead and 'fake it till you make it' if it helps bring on the Spring frame of mind for you! If our weather is turning, then your weather can't be far behind.

Jen x

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Heaven's Walk February 14, 2013 - 5:02 am

How sweet of her, Sharon!!!! What a beautiful painting….and a beautiful soul! 🙂

xoxo laurie

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thefarmfiles February 14, 2013 - 5:21 am

How completely lovely! Heading over to check out her work…

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Karene February 14, 2013 - 6:31 am

Her work is beautiful, and I adore the painting of your country road! What a special gift.

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Vicki February 14, 2013 - 8:10 am

I've looked at it several times; there's something about the light in it…fantasy, yet real. A lovely piece.

Something similar happened to me today. My elderly mom died last week and life is a blur. Who has time to shop or cook or eat? My beloved cousin (an angel on Earth, she on the east coast and me in the west here in the U.S.) sent three large boxes to my door via FedX. Inside were ready-to-make gourmet soups, conserves, cookies and hearty chicken pot pies with THE most flaky crusts imaginable. The day was cold and windy; I felt empty and unable to focus. Love and nourishment pulled me through. Isn't it the song from the Mary Poppins movie that talks about favorite things…brown paper packages tied up with string? I was restored, at least for the rest of the day.

The world is still full of thoughtful people, isn't it Sharon?!

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Mary February 14, 2013 - 9:37 am

I LOVE the painting!!! The lighting and everything – perfect!!

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abundance of love February 14, 2013 - 11:02 am

beautiful beautiful….remindes me of my mum to, she passed away ten years ago,anyhow my nabour was having a garage sale,there in the back of his garage was my mums fav picture she used to have on her wall,I said to the man thats my mums picture,he then told me of the day she gave it to him & she told him she loved him,my darling mum had Alzheimers,now I know why she was always looking out her window,at his house..true romance!I now look at that picture as my 40th birthday present she could never find!As for my nabour I think the poor fellow aged ten years heehee he was 20 or so years younger than my mum,she was lovely & very cheeky……

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abundance of love February 14, 2013 - 11:32 am

Hi Sharon again….just visited Carolina's blog,her work is very beautiful,wonderful artist,I love love flowers and my photogaphy is manly flowers,I always wanted to be an artist,but havent the patience,so I can only imagine the time and love Carolina put into your picture,xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Sandy February 14, 2013 - 11:36 am

Now that is indeed a nice surprise. To get
such a gift in the mail is very special.
Hope your energy has come back and you
were able to get it all done!
Happy Valentines Day
Sandy

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The enchanted home February 14, 2013 - 11:41 am

What an amazingly kind and beautiful gesture..the painting is absolutely stunning! I had the same thing happen to me with a beautiful oil of Teddy, I still walk by it and smile, both at the beauty and kindness behind it. Blogging really does bring out the best in people!

PS Love the daffodils!

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noreen February 14, 2013 - 12:03 pm

what a lovely surprise. Bloggers are suck kind people!

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noreen February 14, 2013 - 12:05 pm

sorry, should be bloggers are such kind people!!

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Carolina Elizabeth February 14, 2013 - 1:08 pm

Sharon,
The post is such a lovely gesture! THANK YOU so very much. I enjoyed painting the landscape and it makes me absolutely happy to know that you are enjoying it now.
Have a lovely day. I am so thankful for all the inspiration that you share with all of us.
Carolina E.

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Kim L. February 14, 2013 - 4:30 pm

What a nice surprise! The painting is stunning. The nature scene is so soothing and relaxing.

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La Contessa February 14, 2013 - 4:44 pm

Finally, I think I can comment!It's taken too long.Had a computer person over last night and well here IAM!
Lovely package you received……………..what a gift!Nice to know people still surprise us!The thought and the time……….WOW!I recognize the painting immediately as being in your backyard from your photos!
Hope SAINT VALENTINE was good to you!

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Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns February 14, 2013 - 5:43 pm

What a beautiful story! There are good people in the world who brighten our days when they seem grey and sad.

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peggy braswell February 14, 2013 - 11:35 pm

We are always at the right place, at the right time. Perfect timing for you! Most bloggers are the nicest most generous people out there..What a beautiful painting. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Carolina Elizabeth February 15, 2013 - 5:43 am

Thank you all for you kind and generous compliments. I appreciate them so very much and wish all of you a lovely Friday. Hugs. Carolina

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