Love letter to my Secret Pal

My dearest Secret Pal,

Your last package was so wonderful I really wasn't expecting any more from you. You've done too much already. Imagine my surprise when this morning the mailman blessed me with yet another package from you! It was large and heavy. I tried to guess its contents, but knew not what to expect.

I opened it and was greeted by cheetah print tissue paper that made me laugh. Then I pulled out what seemed to be an endless supply of wondrous goodies. First up was the Legend of the Shetland Seas stole package from Blackberry Ridge which I just about died over. I *love* this pattern and have been drooling over it as a possibility for my wedding stole, but I'm afraid of its difficulty. I can't possibly ask K to knit it as a bridesmaid stole (size 2 needles!!!), and I'm not sure what to do. Should I use this pattern or the Forest Path Stole pattern I began last night? (Input from anyone welcome!) So much knitting goodness, so little time... Even if I don't knit it for the wedding, I will definitely knit this in the future. The pattern is divine. Thank you so much, Secret Pal!

Next in the package, I pulled out a cute little tiara. Your note "As you plan your wedding, there will be time when you want to give orders like the Queen--hope this helps!" was too precious. Of course, I immediately put it on and scolded J. But then I thought he seems a little bit more princess-like than me, so I had him wear it for a while. We both got a wonderful kick out of that. Secret Pal, you are too cute.

Then, I pulled out two hanks of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock!!!! In a lovely green and mauve colorway. That is really too much. It's so wonderfully soft and luscious, and it pains me that I'll be working on my stole in all my spare time over the next 6 months that I won't get to this anytime soon. You really are the best secret pal a girl can hope for. And as a sidenote, I met the owner of Lorna's Laces on Friday night when I went to the grand opening of Nina! It was very cool!

And THEN out of the box, I pulled a pair of Lantern Moon size 7 ebony needles. These are destined to become my favorite pair of knitting needles. They're positively gorgeous, smooth, and hard, just the way I like 'em! (Oooh, sexy!) You are precious, Secret Pal.

Was that the end of your kindness? No. I was then showered with heart shaped floating candles and Kit Kats galore. And then at the bottom, there was one last goodie: a guest book for the wedding! That is absolutely perfect! We had been waffling over whether or not to have one, but now I guess it's settled, and I get the pleasure of decorating it and indulging my crafty urges. Absolutely beautiful. I love you, Secret Pal.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

-C