Monday, May 2, 2011

Whimsical Wonderful



Ah, sweet, sweet Cindy of Cindy Adkin's Whimal Musings. Every time I am on her blog, she has something new she is giving away. I swear,  she lives only to give! At the beginning of Mardi Gras, I won this darling tag in a give-away on her blog. I love the black and white harlequin, partially because it reminds me of Cindy. In most of her art, she has some area of black and white. It really adds a lot to her designs. Cindy is also one of the most prolific artists I know.  I am amazed at how much she creates! She seems to have something new to show us every day and sits on two design teams. 


This gift came entirely out of the blue. Fava beans are thrown from some of the floats in the Irish/Italian  parade in New Orleans. The fava beans are also known as miracle beans. On St. Joseph's Day, altars, holding blessed fava beans,  are erected by Sicilian settlers in the Louisiana area.  The altars are created to honor St. Joseph, patron saint of Sicily, and mark a miracle which happened long ago. At that time, the Sicilians were starving when they were suddenly blessed with a huge crop of fava beans. 

Today the fava beans are blessed before being put into the floats. Some people believe that if you carry them in your purse, they will bring wealth. 

 I was so pleased when Cindy wrote to me, told me the story of the beans and offered me one. She said that she had long wanted to catch one and this year she was lucky enough to catch several. My bean is now residing in a little cloisonne box, on the altar area in front of my bed. 

Thank you so much, Cindy. You are a generous person and a lovely woman!

9 comments:

  1. Hi Suz,
    Oh, that was SO sweet of you to post the tag and the bean! And I pray that the blessing will bring you nothing but immense happiness to you and your whole family...You are such a dear person!!!
    Sending ((((hugs))) your way,
    Cindy

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  2. Sweet Suz,
    I love the story of the Fava bean, it's history & it's magic!
    Thank you dear friend for all of your wise thoughts & prayers during this time. It has been wonderful & heart wrenching, but mostly it has been an amazing journey with a happy ending. Johnny is no longer sick & I feel blessed for that.
    Hugs to you & your family, keep that fava bean close to your heart & may it's magic touch all of those you love!!!
    Smiles,
    Susie

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  3. Isn't she wonderful?! I just love Cindy, too...you're right...she's such a giver! I was a fava bean giftee, as well--lucky us!

    Hope you're doing well, dear friend...you're in my thoughts and prayers...

    Julie

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  4. Such a sweet and thoughtful gift. I certainly hope that little bean brings miracles into your life!

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  5. Dear Suz,-
    yes Cindy, is a very dear soul- and so generous-
    what a wonderful story about the bean- I wish it brings you all the best of miracles, dear- to you and your husbond.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  6. awww! what a great story ... suz and the beanstalk! enjoy and wish!

    xo
    elyse

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  7. Hello Suz, I have had a lovely time catching up on your blog. You have been very lucky getting so many gifts from friends, and winning gifts too! I think the bean is working!
    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog again, your comments are always so kind!

    About the tea cups...maybe you should just begin to collect your own cups...start with just one and see what happens. Maybe your lucky bean will help you find fabulous cups!
    (Lol!). Show us the Chinese cup you have, I would love to see it.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  8. You are one lucky gal. This tag is really beautiful!

    Have a lovely day!
    Gaby

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  9. Suz,
    You have so been on my mind lately. I hope you are doing well. It sounds like you have been on the receiving end of some lovely gifts lately.

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