The Sweetest Little Miracle

I have been waiting 48 hours for a special package to arrive and the postman has just knocked on the door and handed it over. A small miracle in itself. He sometimes leaves packages in the oddest places even when we are at home. I once found a book package from Amazon in the carport long after I had reported it missing and obtained a replacement! (But I really do support hardworking postal workers.)

The parcel has come 1,450 miles from Bella's Rose Cottage in WA, to mine in Albuquerque, NM in two day's time. She tells me that she has always wanted to ship flower buds, and is trying it out. HOW LUCKY CAN YOU GET???

The P.O. box was stuffed with paper to prevent movement of the inner box, which is also secured with tissue paper to prevent movement of the contents. Bella says restricting movement is critical.

I am holding my breath. Bella wants an unbiased and accurate report of the results, and I hope it's good!

I pull back the first layer and can feel the dampness in the tissue paper. An incredible moist and earthy scent rises up. AMAZING!

I finish unwrapping, and a trio of peony blooms emerge into the morning desert air. The stems are wound in wet paper towels and secured inside a plastic bag which has been taped closed. They are still compressed and completely closed except for one which is a little more open. My first thought is surprise that they are white. I was expecting pale pink since I have seen the beautiful blooms she posted on her blog from her fabulous Tree Peonies here, and here.  Their folded leaves remind me a little of a newborn babe.

They appear as though they can use a drink of water. And indeed all the water has gone from the floral tubes that were placed inside with them.

And then, amazingly, I notice how quickly the bud is opening, and the tinge of pink inside. What a mind blow! I am actually a bit dizzy with delight over it all.  Peonies from Bella's gorgeous garden so far away!!

Bella told me the stems were short, and so I was expecting to float them. But they are long enough for a short vase. I have chosen this bird vase because Bella and I both love birds. And how sweet and perfect anyway for Tree Peonies!

It has only been moments, and how lovely they are beginning to unfurl with their fresh drink of water.

I will bring them into the house and hover over them in amazement for awhile. What a clever girl that Bella is! And what a sweet gesture! She told me these buds were the last of her blooms. Can you imagine? I don't think I would want to give them away if it was me! *smile*

Thank you so much Bella! And a big congratulations! Your project was a wonderful success, and I am overcome by your thoughtfulness. It has been so much fun being a blogging pal with you over the last four years! Mr. Cottage says, "She must know how much you love peonies." 

Yes, indeed. And so much more. . . .

I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit! I appreciate all the sweet comments and messages that you send my way. Our online community is filled with so much good feeling, support, and goodwill. It's a wonderful thing in this world, and I am so enriched by it.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!

Mine has gotten off to such a lovely start!

Jacqueline