Sew Chet’s Secret Santa 2017

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When I signed up for Sewchet’s annual Secret Santa playground last November I was thinking only about the fun I would have making up a package for my recipient.  I had no clue who I might be assigned as I had never seen anyone from this part of the world on Sheila’s blog comments.  As it was I received a charming lady in Auckland who is a blogger, but not on WordPress and who was completely unknown to me.  I stalked her blog for several days hunting for clues and found enough to put together a few items I thought she might enjoy.   For some reason I felt an urgency, a need to commit to which items I would send quickly and to get the parcel organised well ahead of time and as it turned out my intuition was well tuned up.  I became unwell, which slowed me down.  I recovered, finished making and gathering and sent the parcel off the same day my daughter ended up in hospital with her smashed up leg…..   Once that incident occurred time evaporated and had the parcel not been completed and sent the fun and excitement of being a Secret Santa might have become a nightmare.

In all of that time I never once thought about the fact that I too would be a recipient of someone else’s fun at being a Secret Santa.   So imagine the excitement when my delivery man turned up with a package from South Africa!

At first I tried to give it back to him, I don’t know anyone in South Africa, it couldn’t have been for me.  He frowned and shook his head “No,” he said “it’s definitely for you.”  We are on first name basis, he knows who I am, I do a fair amount of on-line shopping…….  I checked the address label – there was my name.   I felt a little shock of recognition “Oh!”  I said.  “I think it’s my Secret Santa.”  I beamed at him.  Bless him, he beamed back.  “Merry Christmas!” he said.

Suddenly Christmas day was going to be fun.  We were on a no presents year this Christmas, saving instead for a special event in late February.  I had a few sneaky things put aside for YD and a special chew for Siddy and some catnip for Orlando and now there was a Secret Santa package for me.  Just three days to wait!

Then, first thing Christmas morning my computer died.  Dead as a dodo!!  My world as I knew it gone…..  I knew it was coming – Windows 10 has been a complete pain for months and now it seems it has made its final grand gesture.  Kaput!!   There’s a dear tech man who is determined to try and resurrect it – he can be seen heartily banging away on the various parts of it, adding or subtracting things, muttering under his breath and looking for clues on the internet – he grows paler and more fraught with the passing days but he says to not lose all hope just yet……

I’m writing this on my daughter’s laptop.  It took me three days to be able to break into my WordPress account from another computer.  It may still not let me post this – we’ll see  🙂   But if you have missed seeing me since Christmas, this is why.

Anyway, I got to open my gift from Joey at Little Black Dog SA .   I was delighted with the first package  – who doesn’t need their very own Christmas Gnomes?

 

SS6a

That’s enough of me grinning like an idiot – but you can imagine that was how opening the rest went…….  lots of smiles and oohs and aahs…..

SS3

There’s teas and chocolates and pot holders and crochet coasters and washi tape………. and somewhere in there is a beautiful blue covered notebook and a book of different patterned and sized post-it notes.

Look at this gorgeous South African yarn and beneath it is a bamboo paintbrush holder especially made for my paintbrushes – who wouldn’t smile!

SS1

I felt so spoiled – Joey you did good and made the day really special!  Thank you  🙂

And to finish, here’s a very unglamorous picture of me and Siddy.  He’s waiting for his gift reveal – a large rawhide bone wrapped about with shards of chicken jerky – a most opulent Christmas chew that has given many hours of gnawing pleasure

Siddy1

Thank you Sheila for initiating so much fun – I’ll be in again next Christmas, won’t you come and join us too?

Thanks for coming by today, I’m so happy that you did.  I’ll be visiting you too, though maybe not chatting so much until the computer woes are over.

92 thoughts on “Sew Chet’s Secret Santa 2017”

  1. I missed this post! How lovely to read it. Though you’ve had your share of issues (“the perils of Pauline”?) Glad you got your parcel completed and off in the mail. And what lovely gifts you got! The yarn colours are gorgeous.

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    • Hello Cynthia, apologies I’ve been slow getting back to my own post! You made me laugh, I was often quoted that line when I was young and very clumsy – some even referred to me as ‘Perilous Pauline’ When I was in my thirties I finally saw some of those old silent movies and felt thankful I was never tied to a train track 🙂

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  2. Dear Pauline, I am late to send you my Merry Christmas wishes. I hope this special Secret Santa was an extra special gift!
    I look forward to hearing how your February “event” occurs and all it entails.
    The new year lurks ahead with 11 and 1/2 months to go!
    Hope this 2018 will mean No accidents, healthy days ahead with lots of wonder-filled, joyful and pleasant moments ahead. 🌞 ❤

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    • Thank you for leaving this message Robin, it is much appreciated 🙂 I’m trying to find the time to get back into writing posts so that I can keep you all up with the ‘February Event’ Luckily it doesn’t start til near the end of the month – but we are on countdown!

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  3. What an amazing idea! He really gave you things you would love, what a perfect secret santa!! I just love your dogs accessories. He had a diamond in the last picture and now a bow on his back…he dresses better than I do!!!!

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    • My pooch is an urban style setter Robbie 😀 Also some of the photos are older ones and he lost his diamond heart a while back – I must see if I can get him another one day soon. Thanks for coming by and talking (writing) into the void, it has taken me a while to get back to my own blog I am so far behind with all my blog reading commitments. I hope your year has begun well and the weather is not too cold …..

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  4. What a time you have had!
    Between being sick yourself, then taking care of Danella, and your computer being sick, too.
    I’m so very pleased you were surprised by your super fun Secret Santa gift.
    Your email came through a while ago and I will send a response soon. I’ve been determined to post and to visit friends on WP first.
    Phew, I am behind!

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    • Hello Laurie,. I am so sorry for leaving your comment hanging about here unanswered for so long. Once I was re-computered it took ages to catch up with the backlog of posts, emails and other stuff that just sat in my in-box while the saga went on. We are all good now and rarin’ to go! Almost time for you to start packing!!

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  5. I am so happy to see that you liked the goodies I put together for you. It was lots of fun getting and making things for you. I love your blog, you write so interestingly. 🙂
    All the best for 2018, may it be a fantastic and inspirational year. 🙂

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  6. What a lovely set of little surprises – have to admit that I did this for the first time this year and felt the same urgency to make something a little special. Happy New Year.

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  7. What a great idea! And such fun to stalk your person to discover their likes. You were smart to pull everything together ahead of time even without all the December troubles. Wonderful gifts – I think your Santa stalked you a little bit too. 😀

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  8. I’m so pleased to read that you had a lovely Christmas after everything that happened. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. I wonder if your computer was like ours, originally a Windows 7 which we updated to Windows 10. A couple of weeks it did an update and then totally lost the plot. We had to take it in to be fixed and now all is well again. But as well, my Surface Pro 3 which I adore developed a fault and wouldn’t start. It was still under warranty and I had to send it off all packed up in a box. It isn’t back yet. Happy New Year to you and your daughters and of course Siddy.

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    • I had a Windows 7 which was working just fine and 10 was running for maybe six months before it went bananas. It is still comatose and I think I am now having to save some pennies – or sell my soul – to raise the cash for a new one. Honestly, I’d go Apple if I could afford it, I’m so over Microsoft!! Happy New Year and may your quilting needle be strong and sure 🙂

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      • Oh no, that’s no good. Our problem was a Windows 10 update which created havoc. I hope they can fix yours so you don’t have to buy a new one. At the moment, my quilting needle is at rest but the crochet hook is firing!

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  11. You’re so adorable! I love the photo of you and Siddy! He obviously is the apple of your eye! Looks like a lovely haul of goodies! How exoctic to be receiving a gift from Africa! What country does Joey live in? Sorry about your computer konking out, what a bother! These things have such a short life span. You’re really going to need a holiday after December is through ! You might have seen my email! Exciting to be getting so close now. Gak! I wanted to buy some clothes for this trip…shorts or tank tops. But nothings in stores presently. It’s actually – 32 C here right now…LOL xo K

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    • Ha, the day you left this message it would have been close to +32 C here 🙂 It will be in Sydney – I predict a big shopping spree there 🙂 I did have your email and I replied and hope you got it. Doing emails on my phone tries my patience. It is getting so very close and here we are all getting quite beside ourselves with anticipation 🙂 Joey is in South Africa which did surprise me as I had assumed my Secret Santa would be someone from NZ……. Still no computer, so messenger is the best way to get me.

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      • bahaha, +32 !!! What a change it will be for us. I will have to check all my emails again hon! Yes, I may have to just shop in Aussie stores 😀 oh me oh my, what a terrible dilemma 😀 xoxo

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  13. Oh you made me smile reading this! It’s such a lovely idea and you have really brought home the importance of giving at Christmas! You are one lucky lady to ha e received such lovely gifts!

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  15. All in all the end of 2017 has been a complete and utter bollocks for you hasn’t it Ms Pauline? 😦 I am thinking, that with the yin and yang of the universe, that this means that 2018 is going to be a bumper, “you beaut”, FANTASTIC AND MOST GLORIOUS year for you and yours as you know that all things want to return to equal/balance and your end of 2017 has been distinctly out of whack so now the tide of change has to swing in the other direction. It hasn’t got a choice really, it’s physics! Steve’s mum’s computer died as well. I think it might be a “thing”. I love your Christmas parcel and how lovely that the lady in S. Africa knew exactly what to get you. I reckon she spent as much time scouring your blog for little clues as you did on your Secret Santa so here’s to lovely people spending time doing lovely things for other people. Its what makes the world a MUCH better place and I loved seeing you and Suddy (Earl is channeling me 😉 ) and your hair is magnificent. Have the best New Years Day Ms Pauline. Better things are coming and if your little hint is anything to go by, you don’t have to wait long (February) for them to arrive! Here’s to a communal and most blissful New Year 🙂

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    • Happy New Year to the glorious Narf7 and the equally wondrous Steve and of course the wonder dogs are also included! Still no computer so I can’t visit my pals who post but I’m saving them in my growing list of emails for the day when the miracle occurs and I am online properly once more! Thank you for leaving this uplifting response which I have read several times 🙂

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      • They do say that when you have to wait for something, it makes it all the more delicious Ms Pauline. We are all going to have to post awesome blog posts now. 😉

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  16. How wonderful! That secret Santa is great. Sorry about your computer. You’ve had enough stuff to deal with. It’s time for the bad luck to vanish. Here’s to a healthy and happy New Year for you, Siddy, Orlando and your daughters.

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  17. How fun was that! I’ve heard of secret Santas of course, and even participated in a few at work in years past but this sounds remarkably fun. So sorry to hear about your computer, I know mine is a relic and so slow, very frustrating. Hope you had a lovely holiday and wishing you a happy New Year!

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  19. This post made me happy! I love surprises, so I enjoyed yours! 😃 sorry about the computer—isn’t that so frustrating? It’s good to hear from you and I hope we will again, soon! Best wishes to you, Siddy, and Orlando in the new year! 💝

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  20. What fun! Even Siddy seems to be enjoying the concept of Secret Santa. I’m so sorry to hear about your computer issues, Pauline. Hopefully 2018 will bring you less technical difficulties. Hugs to you, Siddy and Orlando! xo

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  21. You look so happy! And happy is what you need, after everything that’s been going on in your life–I can’t believe that now your computer is acting up, too! Isn’t it interesting how special just one gift can be when we get past the habit of giving and receiving tons of gifts? Your Secret Santa was very generous! I hope your computer issues are resolved soon so we have you fully back in blogland–we need you here, Pauline!

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  22. What a great idea and such a fun surprise to receive a package made for you by a total stranger! That’s the holiday spirit at its best. Your smile shows your pure joy! So glad you had this fun experience and glad to see you back on the computer – good luck with the repairs. Happy New Year!!

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    • I know – isn’t it an amazing concept! Imagine if we all did something for a total stranger that made them so happy 🙂 Happy New Year – I hope to catch up with your outings again soon!

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    • Borrowed lap tops work wonders when you can get your hands on them Shey and remember your various passwords! 🙂 I’m missing reading about the dudes adventures, look forward to catching up soon!

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  24. What an excellent idea. We know from experience how thorough you are at studying what someone may like. I do hope you get your pc sorted soon. Mine’s just died, but I have my Apple. May Danella be running around soon.

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  25. I’m so glad that your parcel was largely put together before The Nightmare Before Christmas occurred. It’s so good to know that the effort put in was enjoyable and not a chore – that is rather the point, after all! I only opened my parcels yesterday and will try to blog about both today, but I’m loving reading all the reveal posts and almost hearing the excitement and pleasure that everyone is getting from their surprises. It seems you now have two new bloggers to follow which is an added extra – let’s just hope your computer is repairable so you can continue to blog. Happy New Year to you, Orlando and Siddy!

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  26. I love your smile, more grinning pictures please. What a wonderful parcel of delights. Sewchet secret santas are really wonderful to join in with. The stalking and not being found out is such fun, and then waiting with bated breathe to find out if the gifts were liked. Such excitement. Good Luck with the computer woes. Happy New Year.

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    • Happy New Year Cathy. I am able to read your posts in my email on my phone but can’t respond in any way – so I’m keeping up with you at least. Will do my best to grin maniacally at all cameras 🙂

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  27. I have loved every part of stitching santa – the stalking, the planning, the accumulation of gifts, receiving the box, opening the presents and then lots and lots of lovely blogs expressing wonder and excitement.
    We don’t do Christmas presents at all these days chez Snail, so participating was something I had to think very carefully about, but I’m really glad I decided to join in. I’m just fretting a little about whether the parcel I sent was received… I’ve had no word yet.
    Sorry to hear about your computer. My laptop gave up the ghost in September 2016 and we went out and bought a new one immediately as I can’t work without it and the old one was still running on Windows XP!!!! Under normal circumstances we try to repair everything (and in fact mine had already been repaired several times), but sometimes the software forces a change of hardware. It shouldn’t be that way, but we’re stuck with it.
    Anyway, I’m glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas – I hope 2018 is healthier for you and yours!

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    • I hope you did receive word that your SS package was received Jan. I haven’t heard that mine was even now, so I am a little sad about that. I get your post notifications on my email but can’t read them on my phone so I’m missing out on all your news. Hope to catch up soon.

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      • Yes, Julia got her parcel – she was away in India for Christmas, so it was waiting for her at the sorting office when she got back. Her post about it is lovely and I seemed to have been a very effective stalker!
        I guess your computer is still out of commission, then? Oh what a pain.

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      • I do hope yours got there ok too… I think it was going to Australia, wasn’t it? Perhaps the post was just taking a little longer than expected. My sister sent some Christmas presents to friends in France one year and had given up hope of them ever getting there after a month. She was ever so surprised, therefore, to get a thank you email the following June… goodness knows where they had been for all those months.

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  28. I love your Secret Santa idea, what fun! And I’d have been thrilled with those gnomes too😀
    Computers are a pain. My laptop doesn’t get much of an outing these days- it’s still on Windows 7, can you believe it! I use the iPad for practically everything although I still don’t like typing loads on it because a) the keyboard is too small and b) because the blasted predictive text thinks it knows better. So all of this together makes for less sustained writing by me unless I go back to the laptop and wait for the screen to catch up with my typing speed. (Which isn’t fast at the best of times).
    Great to see Siddy enjoying his Christmas as much as his Mum😄. Here’s wishing you all good health and happiness for 2018 xx

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    • Hello Jenny, Happy New Year! I’m reduced to using my phone and typing with one finger which drives me nuts!! My daughter keeps telling me I can turn off predictive text but I forget to do it and that also drives me nuts. Fingers crossed the laptop is revived to some degree and I’ll be back on line soon.

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  29. A wonderful post in so many ways – the first that you got it written and posted at all. To lose the use of your computer after everything else. ….!!!!!! The pictures of you are adorable! so lovely to see your joyful smiles. I’m so glad that the Secret Santa was there to brighten your Christmas – great gifts. May 2018 bring healing, robust health, peace and joy in bucketfuls!

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  31. I’ve been looking forward to the start of these Secret Santa posts, Pauline. Yours is my first. What a lovely collection of gifts! You’ve convinced me to do this next year. I think it will be a lot of fun.

    I’m so glad you got your package created and mailed before all the drama unfolded. Serendipity! I felt the same way about planning my cards, gift wrapping etc. when the flu descended. What a relief to have it all done.

    I’m looking forward to seeing what you whip up with your lovely South African yarn.

    I love both photos of you. You look so happy. I hope life is settling down and that you and YD are both continuing to heal.

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  32. What a lovely idea. I’ve never thought of an international Secret Santa. How lovely of you all to get to know each other and send suitable surprises. You received a very fitting gift. How awesome. I know you will put it all to good purpose. I hope you get your computer woes fixed soon so we can see the progress you make.
    Best wishes for a wonderful 2018!

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  33. Wow! What a package and you look utterly delighted in your pictures. This is a very fun idea. Merry Christmas to you and happy new year. I hope your computer is sorted soon. I will email.

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  35. I saw the snail of happiness’ post on this and thought it was a lovely thing to do. It doesn’t really much matter what is in the package as much as getting the cheery and bright spot in the day. I like sending my gifts out of the blue rather then just for Christmas. It is so fun to make others giggle just a bit. I think it’s the real spirit of this holiday. You look so happy in your photo. Just a lovely package. I’ll have to check out her site.

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      • Thank you, Pauline. It’s begun with a big clear out and giving away of as much as possible. I want to live in the world a little lighter from here on. Hope you are all getting better there. Thinking of you everyday. Your art is all around my home so there is no way that could not happen. Let the healing begin is my new phrase. 🙂 That goes for everyone. YD included. Hugs and love.

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  36. So exciting to see all the posts about stitching Santa coming up. Joey has made you a lovely parcel. To me the stalking and making are so much fun, the receiving has a special magic. Sorry to hear about your computer woes. Hope it’s sorted soon. xxx

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  37. What a fun idea and how exciting to receive presents from so far away and such thoughtful goodies. And the wool. Oh the wool! Such fun you’ll have in the days ahead! the unflattering picture of you is wonderful. Siddy is being so patient and you’re practically giddy with vicarious anticipation. Its an adorable shot that says so much about you!

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