I've been hanging onto a giftcard I received from my dear friend MaryBeth at our Christmas gift exchange. When she gave it to me, she said to use it on something that makes me smile. Naturally, my first thought was "new plants for the garden." However,that thought was completely banished yesterday, when I happened down the Smith & Hawken aisle at Target and saw this gorgeous tabletop birdbath:
At first, even tho I couldn't take my eyes off it, I tried to talk myself out of buying it. I thought it was WAY too pretty to use outside. But try as I might, I couldn't quit thinking about it as I walked around the store. I just kept going back to look at (and finger) it. Aren't the details so exquisite ~ the raised floral bottom is why I couldn't keep my hands to myself ~ it's a textural bumpy sensory feast:
Long story short, it ended up being irresistible so (you guessed it) it's in my house where it most likely won't ever see sunlight or have real birds bathe in it but that's okay. I love it. Thank you so much MaryBeth ~ this absolutely makes me smile and will for many years to come. *Written while grinning from ear to ear.*
Another unexpected surprise (akin to a present) was finding the 2010 David Austin Rose Catalog in my mailbox:
In the hubbub of the holidays, I forgot I had requested one but now that it's arrived, I'm ever so happy I did. It's a visual treat to flip thru the pages and study the smorgasbord of beautiful roses within. If it had a scratch & sniff feature, I swear I would carry it to bed with me & dream of them. I just can't imagine giving up printed materials altogether when I see a catalog like this. IMHO, the Internet is not an equal substitute when you want to study, compare and generally drool lust over something. Like David Austin Roses. Oh my. If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days, you know where I am ~ stuck between the pages. Not at all a bad place to get lost.
Oh my, I don't know what kind of ink/paper they use but it's like a hypnotic suggestion. It destroys my will power and I find myself filling out an order form without realizing it. I can resist Blue Stone and even Khlems but David Austin is my downfall.
Marnie
Posted by: Marnie | January 20, 2010 at 01:08 PM
I'm glad you didn't resist temptation on that birdbath...I couldn't have done so, either!
Posted by: jodi (bloomingwriter) | January 20, 2010 at 02:25 PM
I just got home from Target and way eying that birdbath! Now I wish I would've bought it too :)
Isn't that catalog the prettiest thing ever? I sit and look at it and try to think of where I could add more roses.
Posted by: Catherine | January 20, 2010 at 03:13 PM
What a lovely gift. I suspect you'll have many smiles from it.
Posted by: tina | January 20, 2010 at 03:44 PM
You used the gift card exactly the way it was meant to be used-for something you would never buy for yourself. I am sure you will have made the giver very happy. It is beautiful and I would have put it indoors also where I could enjoy it daily.
David Austin roses are alwys to die for. If only I could get them to grow like the photos. :)
Posted by: Beckie | January 20, 2010 at 06:44 PM
I love your new birdbath or should I say platter (if you are never going to let the birds use it)? I have three new David Austin roses outside that we just planted. I picked them without looking at the catalog. But, I would love to see it. Maybe I will request one just for fun ;^)
Posted by: Noelle (azplantlady) | January 20, 2010 at 07:01 PM
I love that birdbath....I wonder if our Target has one???
Posted by: Janet | January 20, 2010 at 07:52 PM
Kathleen girl : ) You are going to be in an after glow for some time with these treasures !! I love them both and a BIG YES to scratch and sniff garden books especially roses .. I would be taking THAT to bed with me too .. push over ? LOL
Joy
Posted by: Joy | January 21, 2010 at 05:45 AM
What a charming birdbath, no wonder you couldn't resist it!
Posted by: RobinL | January 21, 2010 at 05:47 PM