How fun is this: I’m gifting sisters today! And what an honor it is, to gift these two. Naturally, I can’t say how I came across them, but you can get a sense of one of the sisters from her website and blog, Pony Tail Acres. Her website makes my job easy: I don’t have to tell you myself how wonderful she is, because you can go browse her site and see for yourself!
Photo from Pony Tail Acres
Her name is Ashley, and she is an organic farmer who runs a sustainable and holistic horse care facility in Georgia. You really just can’t argue with holistic wonderfulness for horses in any case, but I can assure you that she and her husband David are not just doing an amazing thing for our equine friends and planet: These are the kind of people that spread yummy goodness everywhere they go. (That sound you hear is me, sending up a loud and emphatic cheer for Ashley and David!!!)
I wish that a had a similar link for Ashley’s amazing sister, Brandy. I could never forget encountering her. I’m telling you guys, this person has the most amazing purity of spirit! Whatever size heart the average human’s is, I’m pretty sure Brandy’s is about four times that big. There is a beauty and an innocence about her that is hard to describe, but it truly shines out and fills up an entire room. I’ve heard it said that some people are not really people at all, but angels in disguise. If that’s true, then I’m pretty sure that with the right squint, anyone could see the wings on Brandy.
*Sigh* It is SUCH a joy to be able to give to people like this. And what an especial joy — and what FUN! — to be able to give to two sisters at once! I really hope they enjoy their gift, and use it to splurge on something utterly spoiling and yummy for themselves and/or each other. And I also hope it doesn’t drive them crazy trying to figure out who the heck I am. Brandy and Ashley: I assure you, I’m no one you know, and so you could never guess! It was quite some time ago, and I’m very skilled at observing without ever being noticed. So don’t worry about trying to solve the mystery. Just enjoy your gift and know that the entire world is blessed by your presence!
November 21st, 2009 - 8:02 am
I just got an update from Giving Anonymously that Ashley and Brandy confirmed their addresses and accepted their gifts! They haven’t received them yet, so they don’t know the amount and they don’t know about this website yet. They should receive the checks hopefully by the end of next week. Fun!
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November 21st, 2009 - 8:34 am
I can’t wait to see if they visit us! And I just LOVE your message to them! It’s astonishing to think that we have the ability to touch others without knowing it. Really beautiful and a great reminder that every act of kindness matters, even if WE don’t realize it.
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November 21st, 2009 - 9:57 am
Beautiful, wonderful, and utterly PERFECT!!!
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November 21st, 2009 - 1:41 pm
Wonderful! I LOVE it!
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February 18th, 2010 - 12:50 pm
Dear Elves,
I am so deeply touched by the gift from Abundance by Magic that I am STILL thinking about it months later. Even though I have already left a somewhat tearful thank you message to the giver (which I hope could be understood!), I wanted to drop by and say again, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. What I appreciate even more than the actual money is a renewed faith in human kindness. The spirit of generosity has blessed my family greatly – my grandfather who passed in July 2008 was a benevolent philanthropist who gave in financial resources and prayer to a couple of humble children’s organizations. I hope to carry on that legacy and become an elf someday. =)
With love and appreciation,
Brandy
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Abundance By Magic Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Brandy, this was such a treat. Truly. And I just adored your phone message. It was probably the most touching thank you I’ve ever received!
Your grandpa sounds like a dream. I have a feeling he’s watching over you, maybe even with you right now, giving you a wink and a nudge.
With all my heart: Thank you so much for stopping by again, all these months later. You are such a lovely, beautiful, generous-hearted person. YOU are a gift! And let me tell you: If I ever win a lottery or find a big pile of buried treasure or am left millions of dollars in someone’s will, some of it is surely coming your way. Hey, you never know!
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