Christmas Card Exchange

The other day, I received a lovely Christmas card from another Bookcrosser; this time it's from Finland.  The verse that's printed inside the card - as well as the wording on the front is in Finnish.  What a lovely card!  I love cards which are written in other languages; they are so beautiful... and show how diverse our world really is.

Thank you again heelinae for this lovely Christmas Card; it will join the others on the piano this year.

Ornament Swap Arrives... but...

Today, my Ornament Swap for Bookcrossing arrived in the mail.  However, it wasn't really meant for me.  It was supposed to be on its way to oi-reader who is Twynnie's partner this year; and oi-reader was the person who was supposed to send something to me.  TexasWren fixed this sad dilemma and asked Twynnie to sent oi-reader's ornament to me instead.  And I thought it was such a true and touching gesture.  I love it; as oi-reader would have too.

Thank you, Twynnie for sending me this gift.  It will take pride of place on the tree; and your card will be one my piano as well with the others that are arriving as well.  

A Week of Deliveries

I received a few items this week that I didn't get the chance to put up here mainly because I've been so busy with Christmas shopping other things to do with this time of year.  I'm terribly sorry about this; but here are the parcels that arrived.

I didn't get mail until Wednesday; and I was very excited to find that I had to sign for one parcel.  So, I signed for the parcel and found that it was one that had been traveling around the world for almost 2 years!  This was the 'Tea, Read and Journal Bookbox' I had sent off in January 2009.  It's been stalled a little in Indonesia; but I won't go into details of why it was.  However, there were a few things that went astray, such as the tea and the bookmarks; but the books and the journal were still inside.  This is what I was grateful for.

The next parcel that I had received that day was a bookray of 'How To Be A Villain'.  Now, this book is hilariously funny and I read half of it in one sitting. so, I'd say it's going to be a really quick read.  However, seeing how good and funny it is, it's worth reading all the little quotes put in by the author of Darth Vadar, and Montgomery C Burns as well as a few others.  they are pretty funny on their own outside their usual context.

Today, I received a postcard from Charleston, South Carolina.  It's a lovely card and of a view from a beautiful house.  Thank you very much casadchick for taking the time to write to me from your lovely city of Charleston.  I've seen some television shows about the place and would love to visit it one day; as I've heard so many things about it.

Another Lot of Labels Arrive.

It's been very wet for the last few days; and so I'm happy I've gotten the PO Box because anything that arrives is always dry; no matter what it is.  Today, there was only an envelope in the PO Box and it was of a Label Exchange; and the BCer put in a Christmas card which I'll be adding to my little collection on the piano.

And aren't they lovely?  I'll most definitely use them all at some point in the next year or so.  And the ones I don't get to use will be swapped or added into parcels.  Thank you so much for sending these to me Heaven150, I really appreciate it.

A HGG Like No Other!

Today, I received a wonderful HGG from a mystery person.  There was an address on the back of a calendar-sized parcel and yet no card or note to let me know who it was from on the inside.  And yet when I opened it, I immediately burst into tears of happiness that I had been sent such a wonderful item through the mail.  This item is 'The Breakfast Club' movie sountrack on vinyl.  I've been searching everywhere for it in all the music shops and haven't found it.  

Thank you very much to my mystery sender from Victoria, Australia.  You didn't leave your screen name (I'd rather not use your Real Life name here for safety reasons) so I'd like to thank you very much for making my year and making me very happy.  I will treasure this vinyl and keep looking out for one that is in mint condition; as this one has a few scratches (but then when they're second-hand, you can't help but get a few on them).  And even when I do get a better one, I won't get rid of this one seeing they're so hard to find.

A postcard from Canada!

I received a lovely postcard from megami-no-ushi in Canada.  It's just lovely with the two Grizzly bear cubs on the front isn't it?  I've love this part of the world since I received a calendar from one of my old penpals in New York who had been there for holidays.  And now, since then, my Mum has been there and fell in love with the place too.

Thank you again for the post card.  It will join the others in my dining room that line the wall near my kitchen. 

A Bag of Books From Dancesports!

Now, it's not often I receive a bag of books just because somebody feels like sending one.  But today, one arrived at the post office for me and I was absolutely surprised by it!  In it were five books that were right down my alley in my reading area and I must say that one of them was off my wish list on Bookcrossing.  Now, that's just brilliant!  

Thank you so much, Dancesports for sending me these books; you're just wonderful!  I really didn't expect anything in return for sending those books to you.  But you've really made my day as I've been suffering from the most dreadful hayfever for the last week and have just gotten my voice back! 

Goodies From Finland!

I received two parcels in the mail today.  One was sitting in the PO Box itself and there was a blue pick-up card.  I pulled out the parcel and took it inside with the card to find the other parcel was much bigger.  

But I'll tell you about this first one first.  It was quite small and I opened it to find the contents were inside a plastic bag.  I pulled them out and found a gold coin purse, a postcard, a cute notebook and a tube of chocolate.  Thank you so much miumaumau!  I'm looking forward to using all of these things soon!

MacGyver Strikes Again!

Yesterday, I was so busy that I didn't get a chance to post this thank you for a book that showed up in my PO Box.  It's titled 'What Would MacGyver do?' by Brendan Vaughan.  I was a big fan of the television show and so thought this would be a cool, light little read of stories where people have had little to nothing to work with to get themselves out of sticky situations; and they've had to MacGyver their way out, thinking of the most interesting and - if not insane - ways to making do with what they have.

Thank you so much Bkind2books for sending this one to me as part of your 400+ registered books RABCK.  I'm looking forward to sticking my nose between its pages; even if it's a little on the corny side.

Sci-fi Bookbox Lands Back In Brisbane!

After a year traveling overseas, the Sci-Fi Magic Bookbox has finally arrived back home.  There were a few people who asked to be skipped, but then, I'll be doing another one next year; so they might jump back into the mix then.  The books were wonderful and assorted and I can't wait to get my nose into a few of them.  

Thank you all for taking part and I look forward to doing another box next year around this time; and having it go around the world again!  

Labels From Froggie66

Today, I was expecting a parcel from oversea; however, it hasn't arrived as yet.  But I did receive another surprise in the mail instead.  Froggie66 sent me an envelope of  Bookcrossing labels during this Bookcrossing Label Exchange.  

Thank you so much!  I've gotten so many, I'll be using them all the time now.  And these ones are smaller ones to be used in smaller books; and that's wonderful!  Also, I have enough labels now to use over the next year too!  If I have any left for next year's label exchange, they'll be split up and sent away again like this time.

From Across The Miles

The second parcel was smaller than the first one; but it held presents that were just as lovely as the first.  Harmaja from Scotland had sent me a lovely little Japanese coin purse and a postcard from The Canadian Rockies.  Both lovely presents and I'll get to use them. The postcard will be added to the growing collection in my dining room and the coin purse will be used and added to the collection I have in the Elephant Grass basket; as well as the blog I have for my collection of them too.

Thank you very much for sending these lovely things to me at this time of year, I really appreciate your generosity. 

Label Exchange From Shemchin.

I received two parcels today at the post office.  The first one was from Shemchin chock full of labels, bookmarks and stickers.  I opened the parcel at the post office, but didn't realise how full it was until I got it home.  

As I opened this parcel, I pulled out a collection of labels, sheets of home made labels, stickers, two bags and some postcards... all of Bookcrossing!  Thank you very much for this wonderful lot of labels.  I'll definitely get in and use them this year.

From Paris... Tennessee.

I received a postcard today from Paris.  It had the Eiffel Tower on it and the French Flag on it; and it was all lit up.  However, it wasn't from the Paris we all think of when we hear that word.  No, it was a postcard from Paris, Tennessee in USA. Svoight sent me a lovely night-time postcard for my growing collection.  

Thank you so much!  It looks so romantic and lovely!  And I bet it's less expensive than the real Paris in Europe!  Well, one of these days, I'll have to come over to the USA and find out for myself.  Thank you so much for this little bit of where you're from; it's joined the other postcards in my dining room.

A Parcel From My Birthday Buddy.

Today, I received a wonderful parcel from my Bookcrossing Birthday Buddy.  She lives on the other side of Brisbane and we swap pressies every year; and I haven't forgotten her birthday... and neither has she forgotten mine.  Last week, I posted off her parcel of five books to her and today, my parcel arrived for my birthday.

It was wrapped in bright orange paper with a gorgeous golden card with a fairy on a mushroom reading a book on the front.  Inside the wrappings were two books, three coin purses, chocolates, a picture frame and a stationery set.  What a lovely collection of pressies.  I love all these things; and can't wait to read the books, they sound like a good read.

I sent Froggirlwendy a trilogy of books by John Twelve Hawks about two brothers.  The books are called 'The Traveller', 'The Dark River', then 'The Golden River'.  They were all bought new, but I found I couldn't get past the first book; which was really well-written.  Then, I put in two paranormal romances (not vampire ones, just interestingly different romances) because I saw on her Mt TBR, that she liked to read romances too.  Well, I hope Froggirlwendy enjoys her presents as much as I have.  Happy Birthday, and I hope you receive many wonderful presents and have a wonderful day; as good as I had.

A Cute Little Parcel From Froggie66

Today I was late getting to the post office as I got talking to one of my neighbours about Halloween; then onto other subjects.  We chatted about how to cut a pumpkin and how much we were paying for them here.  Her kids were in the mood to play, so I decided to take off and found my PO Box was chock-a-block full of mail!  I even found a blue pick-up slip in amongst a parcel, some magazines from Chrisco and some junk mail. 

The parcel I had to pick up was a set of address labels I needed as I wanted to use them for the next few years; and they were nice.  And the parcel I pulled out of my PO Box was from Froggie66 in Canada.  The stamp was just hanging on by a little bit; and as I put it into my bag, the stamp fell of in there.  Luckily it made it all the way here; it's such a lovely stamp with a Moose on it.

Once home, I opened the parcel and found a whole lot of goodies inside it.  From a 3-pack of Reeces Peanut Butter Cups to a cute pen, a postcard and groovy coin purse I love!  Thank you so much, Froggie66, I love them all.  Your postcard will be joining the others up on the wall in the dining room downstairs as a show of where my friends live on Bookcrossing.

Label Exchange Returns!

Today, I returned from Garden City and checked the mail where I found I had little bit of junk mail and an envelope from hyphen8.  This business-sized envelope was full of labels of all kinds, shapes and sizes.  I was amazed as the number of them; the ones I sent off weren't that many (as I thought I had a lot, but I didn't; so I posted some bookmarks with them as well).

I didn't open the envelope straight away; as last year, I did this and the labels went everywhere!  So, what I did was waited until I got home and then opened the envelope.  And aren't they just lovely?  I'll definitely use them in my BC books. Thank you hyphen8, I greatly appreciate your generosity.

A Blast From the Past And Reeces.

Today, I woke up feeling a bit blah.  And I know why.  I've eaten too much salt over the weekend; my fault, but I'll get through it.  Anyway, I pushed myself out of bed and got going to the post office to find only one thing to pick up.  

When I received the parcel, I got in and opened it right away; and found it had a bag of Reeces Peanut Butter Cups (a little melted, but it doesn't matter, they'll be okay once they get cold in the fridge.) and I loved the little coin purse that popped out.  At first, I thought it was a real cassette tape and you had gone all retro on me and made a tape of something you wanted me to play.  But as I picked it up, I realised it was a cassette tape coin purse!  How very cool!  I love it!  Thank you so much, Judygreeneyes!  I'll most definitely use that one at an '80's party or when I'm feeling like I'm retro in any way.

Book Box Arrival and Birthday Greetings too!

I was late getting out to the post office today... but when I did, I found a few little things there waiting for me.  One was a blue parcel pick-up card.  I went inside to pick it up.  I'm always excited when there's on of these in the PO Box as it always means one of my friends has sent me something very cool to me.

When I went inside, I found I had a postcard too from Finland.  How lovely!  I love getting these things.  They are so cool!

The parcel was a box from New Zealand and it was quite heavy.  So, I couldn't wait to get home to open it... and I found it was a book box that Sfogs sent over; with a very cool little birthday card inside too!  I'll figure out which one I have to read first, get in and read it, then, I'll place the card on top of the piano with the other two I've received.  Thank you Sfogs for sending the very cool parcel and the card.  How lovely!

My Birthday Present from Footymadgill

Early this morning, after Loey (my Mum) called me at around 7am to wish me a happy birthday, I raced downstairs and looked at the present I had promised not to open until this day.  It was sitting next to Little Miss Stevie's cage waiting for me in the dim light of the curtains; as was my little darling bird once I uncovered her.  I tried not to rip the paper, but did anyway, and unveiled a lovely butterfly-covered notebook, a coin purse with two cats on it and a little case of tissues with the London Underground on it... so cute!  I love it!

Thank you so much, footymadgill, for this little pressie for my 37th, Birthday... it's made the wait all the worthwhile.  And I can't wait until I receive more pressies from my family to put them up here to thank them too.  I'll be using the coin purse today for the day.

From The Chilliness of Canada... A Postcard

Today, I had a bit of housework today; so I got up early and jumped straight into it.  And so, by 9am, I had 2 loads of laundry on the line, most of the washing up done and the garden watered... well, the plants that missed the rain... and the plants that were looking a little poorly moved into places where they'd be happier. 

Then, it was off to the post office to see if I had received anything from you good people!  The sun was out and warm, the breeze too, and the traffic wasn't too bad.  After all it's school holidays here.  And I looked into my PO Box when I arrived safely and I found a lonely little postcard all on its own.  But what a beauty!  And it came from Canada!  Thank you Herchelle for sending it all that way to me on this lovely warm day here in Brisbane, Australia.  And Mum is going well.  Let's hoping to see her back on Bookcrossing again soon.  Thank you again.

A Mystery Birthday/HGG from London!

Well, today is my third day in a row to have received a parcel from across the miles; and what's even better is that it's a birthday present!  But the only part of it I opened was the card.  I wanted to know who sent me this wonderful and thoughtful gift for me two weeks shy of my 37th birthday!

And it's footymadgill from London who's been so thoughtful and wonderful. Thank you so much for sending me a lovely pressie for my birthday.  I look forward to opening it on my special day.  Yep, I can wait that long for it as I love receiving pressies on my birthday.  So, I'll keep it in the lounge room in the same cabinet where I keep my art gear so that I know where it is and will open it on the day.  Also, I'll upload another photo of it fully opened so you all know what it is on the day I do. Thank you again, footymadgill!

Around The World Reading Arrives!

I've taken part in a Book Read 'Round The World experience; and my parcel arrived today with my book of choice inside it!  About a week or so ago, I was notified via e-mail that it had been posted off and so I was expecting it soon.  And I was expecting only the book; but when I opened it, I pleasantly surprised to find all these little gifts inside it from South Carolina!  

I've never been to the USA and from what I've received from there, I'd love to visit one of these days.  And this parcel just cements my wishes to see this country more!

So, thank you very much, Courtney, the lovely gifts and information about your part of the world - and America.  You've told me things about your state I didn't know; and I'll definitely give the recipes a try, if not my family.  My brother loves to cook!  Thank you again.

And From Texas...

Along with the parcel pick-up card was a postcard from Texas.  It's always lovely to hear from others from across the globe.  I love receiving anything from everywhere I haven't been - and also from where I have been too.  And Texas, USA, is a place I haven't been yet in my life.  This postcard showed up on a day where it's been wet, rainy and cold here in Brisbane for the past few days; and the postcard showed the gorgeous yellow sun setting across the Texas plains.  Isn't that just lovely?

Thank you so much for sending this to me love2cook!  I'll be putting this where I can see it every day:  in my dining room next to my calendar; along with any others I receive too until the end of the HGG celebrations.

It's HGG Time Already!

This is so cool!  September has come around and this means it's time for Holiday Gift-Giving time until December!  What a wonderful and very cool time of year for Bookcrossers across the globe.  I love giving as well as receiving!  This also means, this blog really takes off again too.

And to kick it off, I received two in the mail.  The first on is from Honolulu.  Inside the parcel was the book 'The Tale of Despereaux' by Kate DiCamillo and two Reeces Peanut Butter Cups - one original and one dark chocolate!  What a wonderful Bookcrosser you are!  Thank you so much!  I really do appreciate this; and this parcel has arrived on a really dull and wet week here in Brisbane.  You've really brightened up my day today.  Thank you ghir, I'll definitely get into the book soon and the Peanut Butter Cups when they've cooled enough in the fridge.

A Postcard From The Beach

Today, I was running on time, the money was in the bank, and I felt like everything was going my way... for once.  And when I arrived at the post office and opened my PO Box, I found two things that were lovely in there.  One was an invite to an art opening and the other was a gorgeous postcard of Myrtle Beach from Jules Paige.  It was so wonderful to receive this pretty card of the white sands of South Carolina that I thought it looked very much like an early Noosa or Sunshine Coast.

Thank you so much for sending me this lovely postcard of your holiday there.  And I do hope you enjoyed your week away. 

A Coin Purse From Crete

About a week or so ago, I received a note in 365 project that one of my Bookcrossing friends had been to Crete and she had bought me a coin purse.  Chania said she didn't have my address and wanted to post it to me as soon as she could.  So I PMed her my postal address and wondered what kind of purse she had bought me.

Today, I checked my mail after a dreadful day of muddled-up shopping and forgetfulness to be surprised by the delivery of a small parcel; an envelope actually.  It contained a coin purse from Crete and lovely postcard.  What a lovely person Chania is to think of me and to send a purse all this way to add to my growing collection of purses.  Thank you so much for this darling little purse; which I ironically used on the way home from the post office to hold the money to buy milk.  It works very well and I will use it again.

I've done a post in my Coin Purse Obsessed blog if you'd like to have a look.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Bookray

Wow!  It's been almost a month and I haven't received anything from any Bookcrossers until today.  This is amazing!  And it felt a little like April; where I received nothing at all.  So, this month is at least populated with one thing that came through the mail.

Now, this is a bookray that is held on Bookcrossing.  This is where a book goes on a permanent holiday without an ending until nobody else really wants to read it and then it's returned to its own - unless the owner advises the last person to keep it and do whatever they wish with it.  Pretty fun stuff, eh?  Well, today, I journaled the book (this means, I put in the number in the front and let everyone else know it arrived) and now this afternoon, when it rains again, I'll be getting into the first chapter or so.  

Thank you shnedwards in the UK for letting me onto the long list of other BCers to read this one.  It's been on my Wish List to read for a long time, but now, it can be removed.

From Releanna's Trip to Dublin!

Today is a cold, overcast and miserable day here in Brisbane; and we all found it hard to get out of bed.  So, it really brightened my day when I opened my PO Box and found a parcel waiting for me inside.  

Releanna had put up a giveaway for some souvenirs from her Dublin trip for us Bookcrossers and I put my name into it.  And what a lovely little parcel of prizes they are!  I'll love using the bookmarks and absolutely enjoyed the postcard; and will definitely attach the 'Finbaaad' phone charm as soon as I get a protective cover for my phone (so the screen doesn't get scratched; my last one broke).

Thank you again for the lovely prize, Releanna!  You're a wonderfully generous BCer!

Mixed Favourites Book Baggies Returns Home

There are times when I have the fun of organising a Book Baggie.  Sometimes it's themed; sometimes it's not.  This one was a Mixed Favourites one.  This means you can toss in any book you loved reading and recommend to anyone to read.  I also included a little pink plastic pencilcase that was for any goodies that may be collected and swapped along the way.

When I posted the baggie off four months ago around Australia, there wasn't much in the pencilcase and the baggie was full ( and I think it was a 5kg bag).  And it came back in a 3kg bag bursting at the seams with books; as did the pencilcase.  And just look at the amount of books that you all sent to around to each other, checked out, swapped and packed back in!  The last person on the list - Juli2007 - must have had a little trouble with packing the bag as when I unpacked it on the kitchen table, I couldn't re-pack to take it upstairs.

There was so much in the pencilcase too!  From a mini-bible to teas, moisturisers, sunscreen, bookmarks, ear-rings, stickers (loads of those!), magnets and other cute things!  And the books were of a wonderful assortment!  I even got two of my own back... how brilliant the world works.  And the funnier thing was that I couldn't fit the pencilcase on the table with the books; and so had to take a separate photo of the contents... how's that for amazing?

Thank you all for taking part and for all the wonderful goodies that came back home safely... well, I do look forward to next year's 'Mixed Favourites Book Baggie'... don't you? 

Vampire Books Trade Between Scotland and Australia

I really do enjoy vampire novels; they are so wonderfully written and are also a lot of fun to get into and write.  And seeing I've been reading some ordinary books, I just jumped at the chance to trade some of the books I had in my shelves that I had read with another vampire book lover from across the miles.  

Chucklesthescot in Paisley, Scotland offered up any of her vampire books as a trade with anyone who had some others she hadn't read.  So, I offered up two of mine that I haven't read and didn't see myself reading in the near future (one is a vampire novel by Maggie Shayne and the other is a zombie novel). 
Well, her books arrived today at my PO Box.  And I'm dying to sink my teeth in to them!  I'm currently reading another book first.  However, once I'm through it, I'll get into these ones before too long!  Thank you so much for the trade Chucklesthescot!

A Pressie From Tuesdayal.

I haven't received much this month in the way of RABCK's or Bookrings.  So, it's only been two very-well received parcels; and I really do appreciate mail from all over the globe.

And today, I made the quick dash to the post office to check the mail and found a well-stuffed envelope waiting for me.  When I pulled it out of my PO Box, it sounded like it had beads in it, so I opened carefully and found an old glo-mesh wallet in it.  I haven't seen this style of glo-mesh before; but I think it's called studded glo-mesh.  Now, this wallet has been very-well used and is missing a few of its pieces, but I will add it to my collection (actually, I'll be putting it with the delicate section of my collection.  It's a section where it'll be cared for in the best way and away from sunlight).  Thank you so much for sending this through the mail to me, Tuesdayal.  I really appreciate it.  I will most definitely keep it and care for it in the best possible way.

A Big Bag of Goodies!

Wow!  It's been such a long time since I received something... a month or so!  And this morning, I felt really down as I have new neighbours who are making me feel very depressed because of their attitude toward me.  So, it was a total surprise to find a parcel pick-up card in my PO Box when I arrived at the Post Office; and an even bigger one when I found out it came from Julie2007!  

Thank you so much for all the great goodies inside this one from your desk clean out!  There's ear-rings, rings, post-it notes, joke American $1 note and Australian stuff.  I found all kind of bracelets and a tiny deck of cards along with dozens of others cute things too.  Just have a look at the photos!  I couldn't fit all the things into one photo and had to take two separate ones to make it all fit!  Wow!  And Julie2007, you gave me some great stuff to put into the Surprise Parcel I'm giving away soon.  Thank you so much for this!  

2nd Prize Winner!

I love winning things; and when I do, I love receiving the parcels in the mail that says I've won! And this book is one of those things I've won; a second prize in fact. I entered a competition on Bookcrossing for on of the members on there whose birthday is on St Patrick's Day and came 2nd! Now, I love it when there's more than one prize; as I sometimes do draws where there's more than one prize. And it's even more exciting when the prize winners don't know who's getting what.

Today, this 2nd prize came in the mail for me. I'm so happy that it's the book I wanted too! Yay! Thank you so much goofbunny for sending me 'Getting There' by Sue Williams. Travel books are the next best thing to actually go there... and seeing I don't travel as much as I used to, I love to read about it. I'll be getting my nose into this in the next year or so.

Books to Commit To!

I've had a common problem in recent weeks and it's getting worse. I'll start a book, get a few chapters in and then put it down because it'll be good, but not great. But then today, I collected the mail to find two wonderful Douglas Adams books waiting for me! And what's more, they're both bookrings - so I have to read them! What a great thing to get me going again in the reading arena!

Well, I have anathema-device to thank for this... you wonderful bookring of 'The Long, Dark Tea-Time of the Soul' and 'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency'. I'll be getting my nose into the first one today; and breaking my lack of commitment to reading. Thank you again for setting this up... and another thank you goes out to VampireQueen because this parcel came from her.

A Tolkien From South Africa

Today, I had an average day in the city. I went on a blind date off the internet, then looked around a second-hand bookstore next door to the place we met up at and bought piano music - jazz & blues, not soundtrack stuff. Then, I talked to a lovely uni student on the bus on the way home who has the best attitude towards life; he's a wheelie and hasn't let it stand in his way to study what he wants.

Once off the bus, I remembered I needed to get to the post office and purchase some envelopes and check my mail. In the box was a blue parcel pick-up card. So, I did just that and picked up a cool Tolkien book from South Africa! Thank you so much klaradyn for sending this to me! I'll add it to my collection of JRR Tolkien books here in the office. And I'll have a read of it once I get myself in 'The Silmirilion' (I think that's how it's spelt).

A Kalman RABCK from Western Australia

Today, I woke to a dull morning. Before 8am, it was drizzling with rain and I knew it wasn't going to get any better than this; and I had to go out. So, I ate breakfast and took the walk to the chemist, checked out the thrift shop for a book that was falling apart (and I found one perfect for my collage I have in mind) and found another really nice book by Stephen Fry. Then, I headed to the post office. Inside the PO Box, I found a blue pick-up card and so I went inside and did just that. I was handed a 3kg Australia Post satchel. At first, I thought it was my book baggie I had going around Australia; and thought it had returned kinda light and really quick (because goofbunny is the last person on that list). Then, when I got it home, I got Stevie out of her cage, sat her on my shoulder and opened the parcel. Inside was another parcel which I opened carefully. Once I got it opened, the bird and I found three beautifully wrapped books with an envelope that had been sealed with wax! We slipped out from between the wrapped parcels two sheets of books labels with Stevie's cute little face on it from my Bookcrossing bookshelf! How wonderfully cute is that?

Goofbunny! I gotta say, thank you very much for this! I wasn't expecting all this from you. Not only were there three books: 'Parrot and Olivier in America' by Peter Carey, 'Psycho House' by Robert Bloch and 'I Sing The Body Electric' by Ray Bradbury; but there was a pair of watermelon ear rings, two magnets, a bookmark with a carrot reading a book in an easy-chair, some gift tags and a strip of Ballycumber stickers. What a parcel! I love it! And two of the books are hard covers! Thank you again!

'Twilight' Calender Prize

When Wamstreet went to Forks, Washington, she offered up a calender for grabs as a prize. Well, it was on for young and old... everyone wanted it and it was a rather suspenseful time when she made her decision.

I'm happy to say that the calender has arrived safe and unbent and in one piece at my PO Box! I'm happy to say it's also in its original wrappings too! Thank you so much Wamstreet for this calender. It was a great surprise when you said that I had won it and I have been looking forward to its arrival for some time. And now it's here, I'm still deciding whether to leave it in its original wrappings or to use it here in the office with my Dr Who clock. I'll let you know what I decide.

A 6th Bookiversary Prize from Herchelle

Last night was very hot and today turned out horrible too. So, I've been determined to get as much done before 11am as possible; and I've succeeded! I went to the chemist, checked the mail and got all the laundry on the line (all three loads!). And when I checked the mail, I was expecting letters, junkmail or bills; but I had a collection card instead. Just a blue one. So, I grabbed it and went inside and was handed a heavy brown paper-wrapped parcel with a very-well-drawn Ballycumber on the front. But before I left, the lady gave me another parcel, saying she hadn't gotten to writing it up. I have Herchelle to thank for this lovely book!

At first, I didn't know who the book was for as there were two cards with it; one for Loey (my Mum) and one for me. When I opened my card, it was a lovely Christmas card with a hand-made, personalised bookmark and an ornament inside! Aren't they just lovely? I'm not sure what's in Loey's card, we'll just have to wait and see. And seeing, both cards were inside the parcel with the book, I had to journal the book to find out who to give the book to. Thank you again, I will most definitely peruse this one carefully.

I Opened The Envelope From JulesPaige

I received this rather thick envelope the other day; and it said on it not to open it until 14th, February. However, I've noticed that everyone on Bookcrossing were already opening their goodies, and thought it wouldn't hurt to open it. And so, I have to discover the most gorgeous card I've ever seen!
Isn't it lovely? Seeing I've never received a St Valentine's Card like this (or ever) for over a decade, this card is like nothing I've ever seen! It's so pretty and well-made. I'm wondering if JulesPaige made this one or bought it. And just look at the detail inside it! I had to take more than one photo of that interior. But I chose only one.

Thank you so much for the gorgeous card! I'm not sure if I should give it to the person I have in mind; or keep it until next year. I'll have to put it away for the next few days and see. JulesPaige, you've given me something to think about as now, I have two cards to mull over to give to someone; that's if I have the courage to give him the card.

Valentine's From The Holy Land

The second parcel I received today was from Israel; Jerusalem to be exact. And I was so excited about it, I opened it straight away at the post office and was (and still am) amazed at the beautiful present I found inside. The first thing that greeted me was the gorgeous purple scarf the unwrittenlibra had sent me. It was just lovely! And I love this colour! It's one of the main colours I'm using in my blanket for my lounge this year which will match the jewel green curtains! Then, wrapped in a soft tissue was a fridge magnet of the city with 'Shalom' written on it. And then wrapped in the scarf was a copy of 'On a Hoof and a Prayer' by Polly Evans. I read the back of it and thought it sounded like a great book to read.

I'm so sorry I didn't wait until the right day to open this gem of a present. But I do appreciate everything in it and the lovely note you wrote. It's been so long since I received something this wonderful from anyone; and I will most definitely use the scarf when the day comes around if my family are doing something. Thank you again, UnwrittenLibra for your generosity; and I hope you enjoy your pressie from me (I'm very new at the Valentine's thing, so I do hope you like what I've gotten you).