kin·dred.

One of the truly amazing gifts blogging has ever given me is my best friend Marisa. (it's crazy isn't it, to think we've never met but we share so much of each other's lives. If i haven't talked to her in awhile, i miss her.)

I am constantly amazed at the beautiful connections i make through our blogging world. Many may just be on the "surface"-- we share in each other's good news and share in each other's hardships at the moment but there are few that you allow to see the real you. Claire is one of my dearest friends that gets me on such a level. She is one of those girls that i just know we could share cosmopolitans, laughs, and tears. This friendship is close to my heart.

as promised, i'm thrilled to show you the beautiful package she sent me earlier this week. Perhaps, you'll get an idea of how much she gets the real me. How similar we are.

from the top: i love brown paper strung packages (i also loved the box she used to hold everything-- a hot pink Betsey Johnson shoe box with hot pink duck tape -- why didn't i snap a shot of that?), the sweetest hand made card with a rediscovered Vogue article about an italian romance that reminded me so much of why italia holds a place in my heart, Claire's all-time favorite book, the prettiest anthro journal along with fabulous Texas notecards she ordered from one of her blog friends & etsy owner Michelle Hartney (love love love!),  a gorgeous headband from her favorite San Francisco boutique she thought would look beautiful in my dark hair (i blushed Claire. What a lovely colour!),  awesome mixed CDS that include music from Azure Ray, the Killers, Jeff Buckley, Leona Naess, Anna Terriheim, Belinda Carlisle, and of course this one + Salt water Taffy (this photo is one of the bad lighting ones but alas, i couldn't retake it cos i've already eaten my weight in them!), and this last photo...

this last photo and present from my dearest friend Claire really touched my heart. 

i once told her that my favorite story is one that Hemingway was said to have written on a bet that he couldn't write a story using just six words. 

the six words he wrote were: "For Sale: Baby Shoes, never worn."

these six words meant something to me. 

someday, my baby is going to wear these cute little shoes from Claire and i'll know i made the right decision. 

only someone who sees the real you could ever give such a gift.

Claire, i can't tell you how much everything meant to me. Your friendship is a blessing! and quite honestly, a relief. A relief that i have found another kindred heart. I adore you so!!! i can't wait til i send off your care package-- i am SO excited about it. ha xoxo

I know i haven't really kept up with my Sharing Sundays series... i'll be back to regular posting next week. But! really, this sunday i'm sharing my friend Claire because if you haven't visited her little corner of the internet Biocoastally, well then really you are missing out. Entertaining, Lovely, and changing the world in her carrie heels.