You know how it goes. Your friends and family go off on their world adventures and want so much to share their excitement with you that they bring home all sorts of knick-knacks and chotskies which you feign gratitude and pleasure for, only on the inside you are wondering what in the world you are going to do with all this crap stuff. More things to find a spot for, dust, organize and deal with. If that person doesn't live with you, then you are all set. You just wait for a visit and pull it out to display. But, if the person does live with you, do what I do. Be very clear and say, "DON'T BUY ME ANYTHING!" And not in the way that says, "Oh, don't get me anything," but really means, "You had better be thinking of me, me, me when you are gone!" Be strong and really mean it. When Erin left for her European adventure I told her not to get me anything. I was pretty susinct and I truly didn't want her to spend her time shopping and stressing over getting me just the right thing. She listened very well, and brought me something from each of five countries.
From England I got tea, from France that great little blue painting, from Switzerland there was chocolate, Austria a dainty little pair of crystal earrings and from Germany a blue mug. Well, I guess if somebody is going to ignore you completely, it helps if she is your "mini-me" and knows exactly what won't end up as clutter and are all just the right thing. But then again, she did TOTALLY IGNORE MY WORDS!!!! I am particularly charmed by that blue oil on canvas. I really love it. Thanks Erin!
One hundred fifty-one to go. I still would have been happy with nothing at all.
But, how wonderful to have a daughter who knows her mother so well. That's the real story!
Posted by: margene | August 04, 2008 at 07:28 AM
That is too funny! What perfect gifts! Yea for Erin!!
Posted by: Jean | August 04, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Oohh....nice presents! Children never listen, do they? :)
Posted by: Kim | August 04, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Good for her for not listening! Now, if only you'll be so pleased when she ignores other things you have to say ...
Posted by: Danielle | August 04, 2008 at 10:27 AM
That little painting is WONDERFUL!!
Posted by: Vicki | August 04, 2008 at 11:29 AM
How nice that she didn't listen to you!
Posted by: Julie | August 04, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Mmm. Chocolate.
Posted by: claudia | August 04, 2008 at 02:32 PM
She did a great job! My sister went to Austria once skiing and brought me home an Austrian crystal necklace. It is one of my favorite gifts from her. Considering she blew her knee out on day 2 of her trip, I was surprised to get anything.
Love the blue and white painting.
Posted by: Suzanne | August 04, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Yes, nothing would have been good too. But that blue painting is to DIE FOR! xo
Posted by: sandy | August 04, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Go Erin! You rock!
Posted by: Norma | August 04, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I love that painting too! What a great gift!
Posted by: Cheryl | August 05, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I am so impressed! Every gift was something that either could be consumed (and therefore not take up space permanently) or could have an obvious place when not in use (jewelry box or cupboard) except the blue painting -- and that is charming! Good job, Erin!
Posted by: CyndiG | August 06, 2008 at 08:34 AM