Portia said that the quality of mercy is not strained, dropping down as the gentle rain from heaven. I think one can say the same for kindness, such an uncommon common quality. Kindness gets lost among the nobler, flashier virtues like courage, endurance and heroism. It slips by almost unnoticed amidst the business of life. The warm greeting from a stranger, the heartfelt thank you, the genuine inquiry about how you are and the pause so that you can actually answer the question.
Last week I was feeling hurried, harried and harrassed.
My friend dropped in with an armful of patchwork cat which she had sewed specially for me. Now that was kind. This purr-fect kitty found a purr-fect place amidst the brass and copper at the fireplace in my study. Sadly it is only the cat tolerated by Trist and Gal on the grounds of Thatchwick. The 'boys' are kindess in canine form; but cats they cannot abide. (Apologies to Milo and all other beloved cats of Bloglandia. Nothing personal!) My doggos had a faulty upbringing - all our fault. Although Richard and I loved cats, we never managed to raise a kitten and puppy simultaneously.
13 comments:
I love the patchwork cat (and also your Ibis-vane).
You are so right about kindness. It's the smallest acts that go unnoticed, except perhaps by the recipients. Then again, the sorts of people who do those kind acts don't really look for recognition, do they?
Kat
We must be on the same wavelength, Eleanor - I've just been talking to friends about kindness! We were talking about a particular friend of mine, who radiates kindness in a quiet way, and how much we appreciate her.
Your patchwork cat is lovely! You will have to think of a name for him/her!
The sight of your patchwork cat made me grin...so darn cute! How nice of your friend to bring it for you. I see you've found a special place for it to lay.
I can only imagine what Edward and Apple would do if a real, live cat entered our house! I shudder to think! Stuffed ones would be fine!! And I love your patchwork one!
Ooops - deleted by mistake! Start again -
Ah - that's so special!!!! He even has a little heart !!
Psst - If you scroll down my blog you will see I have nominated you for a True Friendship Award. Thanks for the tips on downloading the Fab Blog Award but I could only respond to over the weekend when I had more time!!! .. and then I had two to respond to!!
What a thoughtful gift! And she looks purrfectly at home!
I have the movie Brideshead Revisted and just love it. Have watched it many times. Was thinking of you while I was awake from 2:00 a.m. to 4 a.m. this morning because I'd gone to sleep to early. arghh....
Hugs ~
Alexandra
What a cute creature...and a great gift.
Kindness is like a surprise gift! The feeling someone cared enough to create and give a surprise is priceless! The heaviness of any sad moment uplifts immediately!
Love your little patchwork cat!
Hi Eleanor - I have at long last posted the task you set me about the things I have not got in my briefcase but ought to have in it!! It's been a very busy time, and I'm just catching up with posting!
Hello Eleanor. Sorry I have not been able to pass on your award yet but hopefully I will finish with my financial year-end stuff today then I will have more time for blogging again. This time of year is always extremely busy for me. Now its 3 days at the taxmans office, then at least a year until the next hectic period.
A patchwork cat would be the next best thing to a real one. I have a patchwork cat too. One that I made. I have fallen behind in blog reading. Catching up on yours now.
Post a Comment