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Is it just a Southern expression to say a person has a “Big Heart” when they’re generous? Or do you Yankee types say that too? A few weeks ago, Cottage Magpie was hosting a give away that I miraculously won. And while giveaways are pretty common in the crafting world, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this. The magnitude of which takes my breath away. A bit like this view.

The box arrived yesterday and inside was a late 1800’s quilt that looks like it was commissioned for my home. Now, I adore Angela and her website (more about that in a minute) but I’m looking at this quilt and have questions about her sanity. How could she give it up? I’m not sure that if it had been mine I could have ever given it away! Maybe to a grandbaby or a beloved, but certainly not in a drawing on my website… but here it is, in a box addressed to me. It’s just too lovely. Obviously, I’m blown away! Big, big heart indeed. Perhaps it’s not an issue of sanity with Angela, but of saintliness!

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My photos, of course, do not do this quilt justice. Any more than my words can do justice to the gratitude I’m feeling right about now. But, before you think this is just about the quilt, I’d encourage you to drop by Cottage Magpie and take a look around. I think you’ll find that Angela is a splendid communicator. She writes from the heart, and when your heart is this big, well your writing is bound to follow suit! She is without a doubt one of the best writers I have the privilege of reading on a daily basis. Angela possesses that elusive trifecta for blogging: great writing, terrific photography, and a fantastic sense of humor. (Not to mention, she’s my go-to person for quilting and fabric shots. Drool!) How much more could you ask for?

Yet, beyond all my enthusing, I have deep respect for this woman. For her choices in life and for the beauty she brings to the world in general and to the blogging world in particular. I’ve had the great honor of getting to know her via email and it’s always such a pleasure to read her comments on my site.

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As ever, you people out there in the blogging world are generous and giving and full of life! I thank you for your willingness to journey with me. (And while I don’t mind lurkers, a special thank you to those of you who actually stop by and leave a word or two!) On this day, I’m grateful for each of you… and inspired by the generosity of Angela. She’s certainly thrown down the gauntlet. Whether it be a large act or small, I’m encouraging each of us to consider: How can I be generous today!