I know Halloween is over, but I wanted to share this very special something that arrived this week and took me completely by surprise, from the always delightful and sometimes hilarious "Mrs. Staggs" who keeps a wonderful little blog called A Happy Miscellaney which she calls her Household Gazette. A visit to her site is like falling into the pages of a Victoria magazine. Some of you may already know my fondness for that long ago published, but ne'er forgotten fantasy world of goodness and grace. And that's just what you will find in "Merryville", a charming place to land when you need a respite from the harsh realities of life. Like having tea with a dear friend and so much more.
So, with great pleasure and abandon I tore open the box she sent me to find Miss Penelope Pumpkin (a truly amazing creation that she made!) along with assorted other lovelies to decorate my new buffet table. Can you believe how sweet that is? But I have to tell you; our very own Miss Gourdelia was absolutely greenish-gray with envy when she saw her. Indeed, she cuts quite a striking figure, does she not? Every detail is perfect and I simply LOVE HER! I now feel like I have a little piece of Mrs. Staggs right here beside me, to remind me of all the good things, and especially the good kind people in this world that go out of their way to spread a little sunshine. Thank you so much for that! It truly warms my heart.

It's been a busy week and I regret that I haven't been able to respond to all the kind comments left about Smokey and the Fuzzy Pink Monster. But I hope you know, that I do read and enjoy each one so much, and am grateful for every word. Thanks for visiting. Have a great weekend!
I love you gentle ramblings, photos and the like. No need to respond to me... I know you read them all!
Posted by: Pam | November 03, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Miss Penelope Pumpkin is wonderful, what a lovely surprise package.
Posted by: carolyn | November 03, 2006 at 12:01 PM
Ahh, Victoria magazine. How I miss new things from her! Especially around fall and the holidays. Inspiration aplenty! But happily, I've got all those old issues to cherish. I will have to take a look at Mrs. Staggs place...thanks for the tip!
Posted by: robin | November 03, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Enjoy Miss Penelope Pumpkin! She is lovely indeed. :)
Posted by: Tracy | November 03, 2006 at 12:16 PM
I also LOVED Victoria magazine- thanks for mentioning this new blog. Another to read! I love yours!!!
Posted by: kate | November 03, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Thank you Vicki for these kind words. Your wonderful blog is the one that inspired me to try writing a blog. I've met so many nice women through doing so. I thank YOU for that!
I enjoyed making Penelope and it makes me happy to hear that you like her.
xo
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | November 03, 2006 at 03:35 PM
hi! i found your blog via posie's site! lovely! your entries make me miss halloween even more back in the states. hmmm, victoria magazine, one of my favs. thanks for sharing this. xx-a.
Posted by: a. | November 03, 2006 at 03:36 PM
well lucky you, getting a Mrs Staggs doll to come live with you. I visit her site often, she is a delight and I too love your new doll.
NANCY JO
Posted by: NANCY GARTENMAN | November 03, 2006 at 03:38 PM
Still kicking myself for giving away my back issues of Victoria years ago. Excuse me while I go sob in a corner..... :)
Miss Penelope is just adorable!
Posted by: Amy | November 03, 2006 at 05:41 PM
Oh how absoulutly generous of her!!! She must be a welcome addition!
Posted by: norththreads | November 04, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Miss Penelope is such a peachy pumpkin! How creative.
Sigh. I miss Victoria magazine, too.
Posted by: tinker | November 05, 2006 at 12:50 AM