What a Cutie!

  Have you ever noticed how stores seem to prey on folks at any "gift-giving" time?  Most of us have those days when going somewhere empty handed is just not at all acceptable.  We were taught long ago that it is just proper to bring some small gift.  While it does not have to be expensive or large, it is highly important that it is a perfectly well-thought gift.  Department stores are no help.  They shove stuff at us in wild abandon in hopes that, in desperation, we will grab whatever is glitzy and shiny and pass it off as a personally selected gift.  Those boxed gift sets are horrible!  They are useless!  I hope to never see one darken my doorway again!  Who needs another coffee mug with a single serving of instant fruit flavored coffee or a plastic "loofah" and cucumber scented body wash that causes a major rash with the first use or even a tiny photo album that holds six pictures and comes complete with a non-working pen?  Not me...and probably not you but the stores still have all of these displayed in prominent places and they will sell thousands to folks who need that last minute present.  

  I have this sweetheart of a cousin who always finds the most unique gifts.  Not that they are necessarily expensive or flashy, but the gifts are just perfect because she really "thinks" about the recipient. She thinks about what they like, what they do and what makes them smile.  With that it mind, she finds things that she knows that person will appreciate.  I admit that it is probably hard to find a gift for me.  While I appreciate all gifts, I would rather have something that I can use.  So....that said....Helen bought me a rat!  Yep,  A rat!  I love it!  The rat was one of several Halloween things that she came across while shopping and she just knew that I would appreciate it (and each of the other items!)  That says a lot about me, doesn't it!  I get thrilled over a rat!

  The thing that stands out about this rat is that it shows that Helen really knows me.  While she may not understand me (who does?), she knows that the little rat with beady eyes will come in handy.  She knows that I will pull the little critter out of the closet each year and smile.  The rat will be put out in a special place or may be moved here or there as an unexpected "surprise" for visitors to the Little Bayou House during the month of October...and may not be stowed away at all for the rest of the months.  Helen knows that I love quirky little things and always manages to come up with the most perfect of gifts.  I love this lady!  What a special part of my life she is!  Thank you, Helen! The bag of goodies is perfectly glorious and I really do adore this little critter!