Wednesday, November 12, 2008

RMS Mrs Ben

It isn't often that I am welcomed home by a package waiting at the door, but today as I turned into the drive, I noticed a large white envelope propped half against the front door of the house. I would have normally wondered what it was that I had ordered during one of my late-night insomnia shopping adventures ... but I had fair warning. The ever so beautiful, and always gracious Mrs. Ben had let me know a few days earlier to be watching for a package ... all the way from Canada!

I eagerly rushed inside the house, and tore into the package. Not before taking pictures, of course!


Now, I had a hint of the contents inside because of the Canada-to-USA shipping label, but wouldn't you know, Mrs. Ben had this beautiful custom stationary. Perfect for the holidays.


And beyond that beautiful stationary, with the most darling private note, were 3 issues of Canada's Style at Home - one of my very favorite Internet Sources! I learned through the beautiful memo from the oh so generous Brenda, (Mrs. Ben) that this isn't all I'll be getting - the subscription she gifted in my name will begin to arrive in January.

Brenda has commented on almost every entry from the beginning of Color Outside the Lines. On days when I thought the rest of the blogging world had vanished clear off the face of the bloggy moon, Mrs. Ben was there. With her at the side of the blog, I've built a host of other friends just like her: all of you, who read the blog daily. Your comments, your votes, your ideas, and your creativity keep me fueled to do more, and be better!

Brenda, like most of us, found her way through Rate My Space, where she has posted some wonderful pictures of her Tudor style home.



This photo of her rock garden, posted in June is absolutely - hands down - one of my favorite landscapes on RMS. Living in a snow-belt myself, I can appreciate a job well done, using limited plants. Mrs. Ben and her DH, did most of the work themselves, which shows in every well manicured, perfect touch! But not only does she have a magic touch outside, Mrs. Ben has some of the most delightful napkin folding decorating tips! I used her bunny design (below) for a light brunch for the block club in August! It was a HUGE hit, along with the carrot cake.

I think most of all, however, I was particular touched and wowed by the color blocking she did in a Baby's Nursery for her first grandson. She searched high and low for appropriate weight pastels to complete the look, and found the perfect match which she sewed herself. (Sewing is a huge hobby of Brenda's, and she's quite good at it too!) A couture and serene space perfect for a restful slumber, don't you think?


Brenda doesn't have a blog of her own, although this multi-talented, generous, and beautiful lady is quite busy keeping up with her long list of blogs. When she's not browsing the rants of mine and fellow bloggers, I suspect she's sewing or curled up with a warm cup of tea and a good Stephen King novel.

Thank you again, Mrs. Ben, for your generosity, kind hearted spirit, a subscription to one of my favorite magazines, your friendship, and certainly for being with me through my awkward growing stage!

18 comments:

  1. What a wonderful surprise! I knew she had something up her sleeve but never guessed it was such a lovely gift.

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  2. Artie, Yes, I thought that the hair towel might not exactly be your cup of tea. I was thinking of either a goody/gourmet basket or a Sephora gift card for you. Let me know! Sephora.com has John Varvatos products.

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  3. ~~~Hello, Artie! That was soooo lovely & charming of you to acknowledge such a SWEETHEART as Mrs. Ben ~~~ have "known" her since the early RMS days, when I fell in love with the wooden canadian geese in her snowy front yard ~~~ (we had some when we lived in PA, and they brought back SOOO many good memories, and I LOVE to look at them!). She is one heckuva sweet person, for sure! I think it's wonderful that you two have that special friendship, and that's so much what all "this" is about! ENJOY your subscription ~ it looks n' sounds FAB~~~ I will definitely try to see if I can buy one at Barnes & Noble, altho I usually only see the British Decor Mags (TRY to go every Sunday, as sit's such decorating fun to see if there's anything new out!)~~~ Blessings to you this fabulous fall! Warmly, Linda (RMS "Mom...")

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  4. Artie, I am overwhelmed by your 'thank you', as truly the pleasure is all mine.

    May 'The Where to Find It" and "Shop of the Month" features, be of assistance to you on your next excursion to Toronto.

    With sincere appreciation to you (and other bloggers) for tolerating and contending with my constant babble. Please enjoy and Happy Shopping the next time you visit Canada!

    Many hugs
    -Brenda RMS mrsben...the Canuk-

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  5. Wow, what a wonderful suprise! Yay for you, and for MrsBen :)

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  6. A lovely tribute to Mrs Ben which is well deserved. Always kind hearted and helpful and I always look forward to her comments.
    As Linda/Mom stated about her geese in RMS, the first time I saw them I honestly thought they were real geese on her snow covered lawn. lol

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  7. Artie, you know all the sweetest people from rms...Brenda is one of my favorites, loved this post. vickydarnell

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  8. Artie this was a wonderful tribute to Mrs. Ben,,, Glad you enjoyed your package from her... very nice one indeed... Have a wonderful day... Always love what you blog about...

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  9. Artie, you NEVER had an akward stage! LOL I love this blog. Enjoy your gift from a sweet lady.

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  10. I am blown away by the kindness in blogland. I feel so lucky to have wandered into this world and to continue to not only meet such wonderful people, but to see the continual gestures of kindness and generousity. Thank you all for that, it really has touched me.

    Enjoy your subscription, Artie! What a perfect gift! Your tribute to Mrs Ben is just lovely, as are you.

    Big hugs,
    Isa

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  11. We all love Mrs. Ben!! She's one gracious lady and she certainly deserves this tribute, you are so sweet to do this Atrie! And how sweet of Brenda to send such a great surprize!

    Buffie

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  12. Hmmm, Mrs Ben is a class-act... 'always' read her comments when I see her name, and admire the way she writes and ... what a fantastic gift! Mrs Ben, I'm near Belleville, Ontario and have relatives in Ottawa and Smiths Falls and visit there often, so I think of you as 'almost' a neighbour. :-) - Proud to be Canadian... SherylCanadianGirl

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  13. Artie, I am impressed that you used the bunny napkins along with the carrot cake at your brunch. Cool idea. Do you have pictures? - SherylCanadianGirl

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  14. What a kind and thoughtful thing for Mrs. Ben to do..
    hugs ~lynne~

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  15. Awww that was so sweet of Mrs Ben!! Isn't it wonderful the friends we can become without ever even meeting? It's such a blessing! Vanna

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  16. Aw, that Brenda is such a total sweetheart! How wonderful of her to do this for you!!!!!!!! Although I must say, you definitely deserve it, Artie!!!!!!!!!

    Wow, I'd never seen her front yard. That truly does look amazing! If you read this Brenda, WTG woman!!!!!!!!

    Justine :o )

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  17. People truly are wonderful. Enjoy your gift.

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  18. What a lovely suprise Artie! Although considering the sender, there is no suprise there, Mrs Ben is such a sweet supporter of all our blogs!

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