Old Friends

" Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold"

(Old Brownie Scout song)

This weekend was an extravaganza of emotions.

I traveled to Baby Girl's home with Pretend Daughter Emily and shared a gamut of emotions with her.

I arrived at the most lovely Baby Shower for my BG, given by and attended by the most wonderful of friends.

I got to spend playground time with The Most Cherished Vivien.  I got to feel the wrap of her little arms around my neck as she greeted Her Mimi.

I got to stay in BG's new Married Housing apartment on Purdue's campus.

I got to surprise Old Friend at her 50th Birthday celebration.

I got to spend wonderful time with Old Friend and Her Precious Hubby, Kindred Spirits Friend and Her Extraordinary Hubby and most of their Amazing Children, all grown up and fabulous in all their varied ways.

I spent 12 hours in a car with Hubby and most of that time with BG and HH and had more fun than most should have in a car ride.

I experienced the joys and sadness of visiting our long ago home.

I had the heartache of saying good bye to all of them, knowing that our visits are few and far between.

I let my mind go to the past 27 years of our friendships and all that transpired in that time.  The baby nurturing, the toddler hood dilemmas, the teen age tragedies and the marital ups and downs. 

Sharing ones life with trustworthy people who love you more than their luggage is an amazing thing.

I feel honored to be a part of friendships like these.

I am humbled that they love me, let alone like the likes of me.

I am honored to be a part of their and their children's incredible lives.

I am in awe of how life works and how joys and heartaches keep us buoyed in God's grace.

I am thankful today.....

Memory Maker

This is how it started.
Chilly October winds brought on the need for the First Fire of the Season.
The occasion also celebrates the arrival of Old Friends from Far Away.
A lifetime ago, we raised our children together as next door neighbors.
We shared our lives and lived better because of each other.
Our children grew up knowing that these neighbors were branches of their own family.
Talents and gifts were utilized and appreciated.
Then time and life happened and years go by and miles in between keeps the day to day from being a reality.
But then time comes for a reunion.
And it is sweet.
Time together melts the distance and reignites the friendship on a new level.
Meals shared. Thoughts and concerns aired. Prayers in His name are lifted up.

Spending time at Spring Mill State Park..
Slow down the pace..
Neutralize your brain from the input of the week.
Hike, rest, take in the pioneer past to appreciate the convenience of the day..
Go to the Inn for lunch..
Sigh and get ready to say good bye to our Old Friends...

The ending of a wonderful weekend...
Old friends, fresh hope for the future;
Encouragement for the day to day..
Gateway of hope..
Thank you Lord, for friends....

One More Time...

Ten years ago, Old Friend and I were at an Estate Sale.
Under a table was a box of assorted fabrics which included several pairs of bark cloth draperies.
It was at a time when bark cloth was just beginning to make a comeback from it's 40' roots so my friend and I held our breath while we took the battered box and it's jumbled contents to the check out.
No price was anywhere to be found and given the condition of the box and the fact that it was shoved under the table, one can surmise that it was doomed to extinction.
Until Old Friend and I rescued it.
We laughed maniacally as we searched the contents of the box once we were safely home.
We divvied up the loot and proclaimed the day a success.
I have used these curtains everywhere.
I have patched them. Rearranged them so that their weaker side was hidden.
I have used them in my living room, library, spare room.
After inspection following a last careful washing and air drying, I proclaimed the old girls fading and reaching the end of their long run.
This past week, I spread them out, checking all the holes and tears and formulated a way that they could be used one. last. time. With the magic that comes from the Sewing Wizards and gods of thrift and by Almighty's good grace, I was able to make several sets of valances for two sets of windows in my dining room.
It was amazing to see that the holes would fall in just the right spots. A little creative license in a few areas and again, after six decades, these marvels of 40's engineering have once again lived to decorate windows for another run.

Call it Repurposing, Recycling, Renewing if you want. I call it Blessing......