Imagine having the talent along with the patience to master needlepoint? A few years back, I found a beautiful framed piece of needlepoint birds at a thrift store and snatched it up without a second thought. I hung it proudly in my family room, wondering if people might think I had made it. My friends were over one night and my friend Heather was dazzled by it. We discussed how much work must go into such works of art and how rare it is to find one with a design we love. The cross stick alphabet is commonly seen, or the country, "bless this house" but beautiful birds, seldom found. Knowing how much Heather loved my piece, I've kept my eyes out for her while on my thrifting hunts. A few months ago I found another perfect needlepoint piece, two sweet little birds on a leafy vine. The colors are beautiful, stitching almost invisible and the little sunshine can't help but make you smile. It was all framed, ready to go and once again, I snatched it up without a second thought. I don't recall what I paid for it, I believe it was under $10 but if hours of labor had counted it would have cost thousands. I brought it home, still telling myself it would be the perfect gift for Heather. Once I had it home, I loved it even more and figured it couldn't hurt to hang it while it waited for Heather's September Birthday. Well, September came around faster than anyone expected and along with it, the big day. Before I could reach out to her I received a text, requesting eggs for her Birthday....the possibility I might get away with keeping my gift immediately came into my mind. As I waited for her to arrive, I decided to see if she noticed the piece hanging on my wall, if she did, I'd give it to her as planned, if not, I'd keep it! Well, don't you know...she came in, sat down and immediately commented on the artwork, telling me how pretty it is and asking where on earth I found it! That darn Heather, has the eyes of a hawk for cool things...I really should have sat her with her back to the wall. As much as I've loved the needlepoint piece, it was meant for my friend so I took it off my wall and along with the eggs, gave her the artwork and wished her a very Happy Birthday. I may have loved the piece of art but not half as much as I love my good friend. I hope she smiles every time she looks at the tiny birds sitting under the sunshine, that will make my sacrifice well worth it. She and I have celebrated many Birthdays together and if all goes well, have many more in our future, I can't imagine what she'll want next year? Between Nicole wishing for vintage pyrex dishes and Heather wanting needlepoint, I better keep thrifting!
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