Friday, November 19, 2010

A story of special


Every once in a while things come together in life to make a special moment. When that happens to me I feel an enormous amount of gratitude.

A week ago a man contacted me on Etsy to see if I had any bronze oak leaf pendants. He said his daughter was a huge fan of the Ranger's Apprentice book series by John Flannagan. I had never heard of the series. And I have absolutely no idea how he found me. He even joined Etsy just to be able to ask after the pendant.


It turns out that the author is Australian and as many of you know, I lived for quite a few years in Melbourne. So I was intrigued. The series is set in the medieval world of  Araluen and the Ranger's are a small elite force who act as guardians of the kingdom. An apprentice ranger is given a bronze medallion in the shape of an oak leaf at the end of his first year of service. You can see the oak leaf in the picture above. It's quite similar in shape to the ones I've made.

As it turns out, I had exactly one bronze oak leaf left. It is the last of only 6 that I've made and there will be no more just like it as I'm in the midst of changing the bronze material I work with.



The pendant, attached to a simple chain, is on it's way to it's new home along with the story of how they came to be. It's a Christmas present. It just kind of warms me up to think of this dad searching out a gift just because he loves his daughter enough to find a gift that will be meaningful to her. Very special dad!

Have a great weekend.

19 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

What a great story! I think that it is intriguing how we weave these webs of connection. I had my very first sales on Etsy this month and it was so interesting to learn how the connections were made, all quite different. I think this series sounds intriguing! Thank you for sharing, LeAnn! Enjoy the day. Erin

Courtney Breul said...

What a beautiful story. I am glad that it is going to a wonderful home.

Unknown said...

How precious...I'm sure she will enjoy this necklace very much. And you packaged it so nicely.

Silver Parrot said...

That's so awesome! Great story!

Pretty Things said...

You are such a sweet person!

Mary Harding said...

That is so wonderful. Thanks for telling it to us.

Beverly Herman said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. I love to read about how things come about.

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

What a very special gift, I still remember the stereo my dad surprised me with on my sweet 16. He had searched for it himself, which was rare because my mom always did the shopping. I still have that stereo
What a great story, thanks for sharing.
ShannonC
formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Mary Newton Designs said...

That's so great! I look forward to seeing your new ones!

Judy said...

Such a wonderful story! That last leaf was meant for him. How wonderful he found you!

sharon said...

It couldn't be more perfect! And everyone is happy! Beautiful!

stregata said...

That really is a special story. I know that I love sales that have a personal touch, something that goes beyond the order and shipment. I am glad that there are dads out there that will make that extra effort. Thanks for sharing, LeAnn.

Barbara Lewis said...

I am just now catching up on blogs. What a great idea for organizing a show. And, love the story of the gift of the leaf. Doesn't that make you feel special that you created something that has such meaning to that family? What a nice gift and the fact that the father sought it out for his daughter.

mairedodd said...

this is touching for all of you - you will never forget that sale... and the card you made is really a wonderful touch...

Laura Twiford said...

Isn't that what they call serendipity? That he would find you in time for the last leaf to be his! perfect and so heartwarming, a very good dad indeed!

SueBeads said...

Great story, you! How wonderful that he did that for his daughter! Some men are just great!

Unknown said...

That is like a sunbeam..such a lovely ending to the journey of the golden leaf! Really lovely!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Thank you for sharing this story. That is so cool that he took the time to find the oak leaf for his daughter and that he found you and asked about your oak leaf - how serendipitous! That gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Thank you!

Carey said...

Found your site via Pretty Things and while I have just started reading your posts I had to comment on this one. I love the story, love the Oak leaf, love the father's thoughtfulness and I have read and LOVE the Ranger's Apprentice series. You have also given me a great idea for a gift idea for a friend who also loves and reads the series.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!