At my impromptu booksigning in Sydney at the beginning of the year, the lovely Stef from newspaper taxi brought me a sweet little parcel. One sniff and I knew it was delicious soap so I kept it wrapped up, brought it in my suitcase and have not opened it until this morning. Why, you might ask? Because I like to savour things. I’ve been like this since I was a little girl – while friends and family around me wondered in june how it was possible I still had christmas candy to devour, or hadn’t yet spent my pocket money, or why I hadn’t already tossed away an old, tattered dress, the answer was always the same – I like everything to last as long as possible.
And even more so when I am faraway. Here in my little boat I have a collection of treats that I brought with me from Australia that are yet to be opened – Stef’s soap being one of them. This morning, we were out of soap and so it became the perfect time to open this special parcel. While I watched the swans clean themselves in the canal outside my window, I unwrapped the package and was delighted when I saw that the soap was handmade & handcut… it is the colour of the sea and in the shape of a beautiful rolling ocean wave, about to break onto shore – it was a little piece of sydney. Thank you Stef! I will enjoy it immensely and think about the beautiful sydney seaside each time it lathers up.
xx
oh how lovely that you keep things to open them. I wish I had that patience. Perhaps I shall try!
May 24th, 2010 | #
The soap is wrapped so lovely, I don’t know if I would want to unwrap it either. ..and will the book be available in the US?
May 24th, 2010 | #
Hi Tonia, I agree, it was so lovely! I didn’t want to unwrap it but I will be sure to keep the paper. Yes the book will definitely be available in the US – everywhere hopefully! It might even be out in some stores now, just ask your local bookstore.
pygmy – give it a try for sure.
May 24th, 2010 | #
That is a lovely thing to do Pia. When I was a kid, my mom always told me where she hid the xmas gifts so I wouldn’t find them on accident. She knew I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. I took my time opening them but they were all opened that morning. I will have to think about saving some things for later. It is a nice idea.
May 24th, 2010 | #
I do that too..I have stuff that are still in their original wrappers since childhood. The swans are beautiful.
May 24th, 2010 | #
I have not managed to savor things as well as you. That seems like a good talent to have and must help you feel more fulfilled with life. Admirable. I have a difficulty watching things go or die. For example, I leave just after a sunset has hit its peak, as I hate to watch it cease to exist. I prefer the memory of it at its best. I also throw out flowers before they are all dead because I just can’t bear to see what was once a colorful bouquet become all brown and dried out. I enjoyed your post and wish I had your talent for making the most out of the things around you.
May 24th, 2010 | #
Those swans are just perfect. I know what you mean about waiting. I’d stash my Halloween candy in my closet so I wouldn’t see it and be tempted to eat it. Sometimes it would last a whole year (at which time it had to be thrown away). Of course, I don’t know if that is strong willed or just forgetful!
May 25th, 2010 | #
I love this post! I do the same but with my purses. I have quite a few and love leaving little mementos from my experiences like a concert ticket, a note, a flower, or even a necklace so that when I next use it (which may be many months later) I have a nice surprise that always makes me smile. Works everytime! xo
May 25th, 2010 | #
I was given a soap like this a while ago, I am still to open it too , I wonder if it is from Stef’s store, my friend lives in Newtown !!!
May 25th, 2010 | #
Wonderful post. Savoring life and the simple wonderful things it gives us is an art that many can not appreciate.
May 31st, 2010 | #