PC #68 – A Special Gift

Posted on by

This is what Jennifer bought me for my 60th birthday.

Hand crafted by wonderful Sydney jeweller John Tarasin.

The scallop shell design is based on the large shell on the side of the Santiago Cathedral. I gave John the shot below and he worked off that.

If you want John to make a piece of Camino jewellery for you, I can put you in touch. He's been a friend for many many years, and is an extraordinary craftsman and artist.

The ring is so special. I just love it. It won't leave my finger now, ever.

Thank you, beautiful Jennifer.

 

 

78 thoughts on “PC #68 – A Special Gift”

  2. Thoughtful and beautiful! Happy 60th! Sixty times around the sun! Good on you! Buen Camino, Pilgrim-Mate!

    Like

  3. What a truly special gift!

    I hope you enjoyed your special day – Happy, happy birthday, Bill!

    Arlene

    Like

    • Thank you Arlene.

      The ring is beautiful – simple and classic – and it will be a constant reminder to me of what it is to be a pilgrim.

      Bill

      Like

  5. Bill, welcome to the sixties. Wishing you a very happy birthday. ( I’ve got the right day finally)
    What a very special gift from Jennifer. It looks beautiful. I am sure it will be treasured.
    Hope you celebrate in style.
    Special 60th blessings. I’ll remember you and your intentions in my prayers today.
    Anne

    Like

    • Anne, thank up so much!

      So very kind of you.

      Here’s the day ahead –

      A couple of hours on the book before Jen wakes up –

      Yoga

      Breakfast in the pub here where we’re trying –

      Then a leisurely walk through some parks and a wander around Hobart. Tomorrow we’re booked in to the MONA Art Gallery, which should be really interesting.

      Tonight, an early dinner at a good pizza joint, before coming back to the hotel to watch The Ashes.

      A wonderful day lined up!

      Bill

      Like

      • Sounds like a fabulous way to spend your 60th – with those you love, doing what you enjoy. The PGS Blog family is with you in spirit, from all corners of the earth. Pity the Swannies couldn’t provide an early birthday present last night.
        Anne

        Like

        • Hi Anne –

          yes, I think the Swannies ran out of puff from last week’s game.

          Still Bucky Rogers did us proud in the cricket. Hope we get a decent first innings score, and we win this one and the next one. Then the rain affected third test will pose the question – could we have won the Ashes if the weather had been better?

          it’s been a perfect day, and so glorious to have all these well wishes from you all on this blog.

          ONE BIG THANK YOU, AND LOVE, TO YOU ALL!!

          Bill

          Like

  6. *Happy Birthday Bill!!!* *Leaving on Tuesday to start our journey to go see that shell on the side of the church. Beautiful birthday present!* *Lynda and Dale*

    On Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 2:41 AM, PGS – The Way

    Like

  7. Well first of all, this Australian time zone business is not a bad deal.for birthdays, is it Bill. You get to have a legal one today, and for all of us on this side of the world, another one tomorrow!. That is an exquisite ring. I’ve been looking for scallop shell pieces and its hard to find a really nice one-I was starting to think it would have to be specially made, and judging from the photo, that’s definately the way to go. (See how I passed up that pun?!). So, wishing you the happiest of birthdays, and also, thank you for being such a gift to each of us who has found a family here, on your blog.

    Like

    • Dear Sister,

      Thank you so much.

      The blog, and everyone on it, has become a very important part of my life. I feel a responsibility to you all. Which is a good thing – it’s not onerous. It helps define my day, and is helping define my life.

      You have been inspirational to me, as have so many others on this blog. I’ve learnt so much here, and continue to each day. If there’s a family here, then I’m just one of the wide-eyed children!

      Bill

      Like

        • I know Steve –

          Most precious of all things.

          My youngest son gave me a dressing gown for my birthday. H called it my “senility cloak,” as against a Harry Potter “Invisibility” cloak.

          Little bugger.

          🙂

          Bill

          Like

    • Dear Julie,

      in all the craziness of wordpress this morning, I’m not sure if I replied to your gorgeous comment post here, but if not then just to say thank you.

      I’m very fortunate to have a life partner as I do. I count my blessings every day.

      Bill

      Like

  9. Happy birthday Bill. I hope you and Jennifer have a great time in Tassie.
    It’s a beautiful place.

    I know it’s your birthday and not ours but thank you for your wonderful gift to all of is – this blog.

    Take care.

    Like

  10. Hi Bill and Happy Birthday! Wow, what a beautiful gift! Your friend is very talented and your wife very smart and clever. What a perfect gift for you. I know your day is almost over there but I also trust that you are having and have had am amazing day. Here’s to today and a minimum of 60 more! (I’m of the school that are genes are good for a minimum of at least 144 years!).

    Love to you both.

    Xoxo
    Jill

    Like

    • Jill, thank you – in fact it’s just the start of our day here so we’re about to head put fro brekkie and start the day!

      Yes John is a very talented fellow. I’ve told him he should set up a little Camino jewellery page in his website – there’s very little good stuff out there.

      I went looking for a Camino ring after my walk, but couldn’t find anything that was any good – it was all very touristy junk. This ring though will last me for another 60 years, as you say!

      Thanks again Jill –

      Love from Bill & Jennifer

      Like

      • I really need to get clear on my timing. I’m in Hawaii right now and it’s 1:49 pm on the 10th is your bday the 11th? Well, regardless ENJOY and know you are loved on many continents.

        And, yes, if John is willing to do a website, I believe he would have an incredible business. Like you the the stuff they sold in Santiago was really junky and his work is pristine.

        Alright, get off that computer and go enjoy your special day!! Xoxo

        Like

  12. Hi Bill and Jennifer –
    Happy 60th birthday Bill – have a happy, happy day. Your scallop shell ring is very beautiful – Jennifer – what a perfect gift it is.
    Ailsa Piper, author of a Camino book ‘Sinning Across Spain’, has been a guest today on the popular ABC Sunday morning radio program ‘Australia All Over’, hosted by Ian McNamara. Ailsa spoke of a special small rock she has which is very precious to her and which she feels is part of her. Your ring is now part of you – truly special and truly wonderful.
    Love to everyone – Jenny

    Like

  15. I think there is a blog topic right there. I would love to know what Camino books others have read and what they thought of them.

    One if my favourites was ‘The Year We Seized the Day’. Mostly due to Colin Falconer’s sense of humour.

    I hope you are still enjoying your birthday with your beautiful wife.

    And the Aussies gave you a gift with the Ashes last night.

    Donna

    Like

    • Hi Donna –

      Didn’t we do well in The Ashes last night? I was so pleased that Chris Rogers got his ton. 35 years old, 20,000 runs in First Class cricket – oldest maiden century since 1926. Fabulous.

      Shame the Swannies got hammered by Collingwood. Oh well…

      I might post a topic on the forum re books. Good idea.

      Jennifer is transcendent –

      Like

    • Hi Donna. On my blog : alawah38.wordpress.com I have posted a list of titles of Camino books I have read in preparation for my pilgrimage. [ 6 weeks to go] One of my favourites is To the Field of Stars by Kevin Codd. Enjoyed Sinning Across Spain by Ailsa Piper also. I plan to add reviews to my list but haven’t done it yet. I read almost everything electronically if possible these days. Keep a library in my handbag!!
      Blessings
      Anne

      Like

    • Hi Donna – ‘The Year We Seized The Day’ is my No. 1 favourite Camino book. It was so open and honest, hilarious in parts, and so revealing and sad in others. For example, Colin’s account of the ‘Five Stages Of A Camino Blister’ is just a little too descriptive for the majority of stomachs!
      I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read it and have bought it for so many friends and family.
      Favourite Camino books is a great idea for a Forum topic. Thanks so much for thinking of it.
      Love to everyone – Jenny

      Like

  16. Hi Anne

    Thanks heaps for that. I’ll go in today and have a look at your blog. I like seeing others suggestions for books.

    Donna

    Like

  17. Belated birthday greetings Bill. I have been off the computer for a few days as my daughter was married on August 10! I don’t post often, (I cannot type very well) but read your posts every day, as well as all the comments. ( Hi, everyone!) I enjoy and look forward to them every morning. Can’t wait to read your book, Bill!
    The ring is beautiful and symbolic. How wonderful. I plan on the Camino in September 2014.

    Like

Comments are closed.