Thursday, June 04, 2009

A Most Wonderful Gift

Today I received a wonderful gift from one of my team members at work who just returned from a trip to Taiwan. It was sweet of her to think of me while on vacation. She knows that I am fond of cross stitch and other types of needlework and so she brought me this wonderful pincushion. Isn't it cute?


Now here's a little story for you -- about 6 years ago, I was in Tokyo for a business meeting. It was a short trip, but before leaving to come home I did a little shopping at a gift shop and found a pincushion exactly like this one. When I got home I gave it to my sister-in-law as a gift. Since that time, I have often thought about it and wished that I had purchased two of them. In February 2008, I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo again and while it was also a short trip, I still had time for a little bit of shopping. I searched high and low for a pincushion like this one, but couldn't find one.

My team member at work didn't know this story, but I shared it with her today. Needless to say, I was thrilled with her gift - it is a most wonderful gift!

16 comments:

Mama Joan said...

Very cute story and pin cushion. See you tomorrow.

CJ in OK ;-) said...

So cute, I can see why you would want one for yourself. How nice that you received it as a gift. CJ ok;-)

Nic said...

Those pin cushions are so cute!

I'm very fortunate to have two - one I picked up for pennies from a car boot sale, and the other came to me via my grandmother. It's painted with a scene of Singapore on it - I have a feeling it's quite old, I must talk to my mum about it, because if the story I think lies behind it is true, then it may deserve it's own blog post too!

Theresa said...

It is meant to be!!!! Such a great story, and very cute pin cushion~~ It's always nice to see something from home, too~~ :-)

JillMN said...

Cathy,
Here's my story about a pin cushion like that. I got one years ago down in Red Wing. I didn't have to go to Tokyo!

Jill

Kathy A. said...

Well, that is just too cool. No wonder you wanted one for yourself.

Kim B said...

What an amazing coincidence! Great gift!

Ronel said...

Hey – this looks familiar. I also have one of these – purchased in South Africa can you believe it? Mine is the same colour but smaller – only have 3 little men around it. Will post you a pic. Have a super weekend. Cheery bye Ronel

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

This is the most wonderful of gifts and not a more deserving person around than you sweet Cathy! ENJOY! Good things come round to good people ;)

Linda in MA said...

Adorable pin cushion. What a lovely gift!

Cole said...

How adorable! And a wonderful story to go with it too :)

Cindy said...

Great story!

We have one of those, too. Ours came from somewhere in Asia, when a relative took a trip there many years back. We always hang it on the Christmas tree each year.

Von said...

What a fun story, Cathy! You were definitely meant to have one of these pincushions. :D

holly said...

That is so cute! I'm glad you finally got one of your own.

Lelia said...

Very cute Cathy : )
Thx for sharing, too

JOLENE said...

I had a red pincushion just like yours when I was a young girl. When my Mother passed away and we were cleaning out her home I never ran across it. I, too, was fond of that pincushion. I think it was probably donated to charity. It's funny how something so small can hold so many memories of days gone by.