As long as there are postmen, life will have zest.

In today's mail, I received a gift from a friend in Hawaii. She was cleaning out her mother's things, and thought I'd like to have this kimono. I am truly touched by her generosity.

I'm sure I have it hanging wrong, but I wanted to get it posted right away, so I took the photos without doing any research about how the front pieces should be crossed. Here's a detail.

It's a lovely blue background, with the design in a creamy blue, shot with red. As far as I can tell, it's all hand sewn, too. It really is beautiful, and my friend Marie Milks is generous beyond description to send it to me. She said that she hoped I could use it in my work, but I don't think I could ever put scissors to it.

Thank you, Marie, from the bottom of my heart.

And thanks to William James, the author of the above quote.