Last month I received an email from Jan E telling me that she and her husband were coming to New York in August and would I have any time to get together with her…well, I jumped at the chance to meet her in person after feeling we had become good friends through our Internet communications over the past year; I was also excited to have the opportunity to play Mah Jongg with such a pro. And on Thursday that opportunity came to fruition. Jan came over bearing FABULOUS gifts for me and it was as if we had been friends for years. Have you ever had this happen…you just connect immediately with someone…it is so very special when this happens.
Oh, YUM…the first gift I opened was a package of the most delicious Lake Champlain Chocolates wrapped up in the most darling Mah Jongg wrappers.
And then I opened the most special gift of all…Jan is extremely creative and very talented and she had made this magnificent Mah Jongg bracelet for me…I really was speechless when I opened the box. Please note the gorgeous French linen table runner under the box – yet another gift from Jan!
The tiles have the most beautiful green wafer backs – this amazing bracelet could actually be reversible!
Can anyone identify these tiles? I would love to know about them.
And then it was time to play Mah Jongg – J and D joined us and it was as if Jan had been part of our game play from the beginning of time. What a great joy to play with her – and it was also a great learning experience…Jan shared many of her strategies and I really felt I left the table being a better player, thanks to her.
And then, lucky, lucky me – Jan’s darling husband, Guy, was willing to go off on his own and Jan and I were able to spend more time together yesterday. We talked non-stop but then, guess what?…the Mah Jongg set came out and Jan went over all the intricacies of Siamese Mah Jongg. We did have time to play several games until, sadly, Guy rang the doorbell and took my new buddy away…
You know I always say that Mah Jongg people are the best people and, once again, I was proven right. Jan is so special, generous, kind, and fun – do you think I loved spending time with her?!!! Jan – come back soon!!
Mah Jongg and Me 
My dear Ann. I was so touched with your warm welcome on Thursday. J and D were such sweet gals to play with. I felt so fortunate to be with all of you. I have to admit however, that our one on one time was so special. Loved loved loved playing Siamese Mahj with you!!! I promise to come back and you have to promise to come visit us! Thank you for everything.
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I feel EXACTLY the same way. Loved every moment we were able to spend together and look forward to so many more fun times together! And, thank YOU for everything. Ann xxo
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Sounds like you had a great time!
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We had the BEST time!
Ann
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Love getting Mah Jongg and Me. I have been playing for 41 years and usually play 2 times a week. I have been to many of the Tournaments that Mah Jongg Madness offers in different parts of the country. Does the Lake Champlain Chocolate Company sell the candy in MJ wrappers that were given to you as a gift? Would like to order them for a gift. Thank you, Barbara Bocian Jacksonville Florida
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Hi Barbara – Jan put the wrappers on herself. They are for sale at http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-MAH-JONG-PARTY-CANDY-WRAPPERS-FAVORS-/200366513712
Have fun!
Ann
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What a great story. Plus the gifts were beautiful. So nice to have a new friend in real life in addition to on the Internet.
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HI Carolyn – I complete agree with you – her friendship is the real gift!
Ann
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Ann, the tiles are an early form of catalin that was incompletely cured, which set up internal stresses, showing as fractures emanating from sharp corners on the carving. Once seen as a fault, these are now a desirable feature for some collectors, I believe the name for them is ‘applejuice’. Although they appear to be fragile, I have not seen a broken one yet, and I have a few of these sets.
These tiles were originally translucent white and jade green – the intention being to imitate jade & jadeite – but the surface discolouration inherent in these phenol formaldehyde tiles has turned them amber & khaki over time. This discolouration happens quite fast, a couple of years is all it takes.
Tony.
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Tony – you are an angel to send this to me – thank you so much! I will post another photo of the bracelet on Tuesday with your explanation. Thank you again!
Ann xxo
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