The "Thank You"

Sometimes words get misinterpreted which is especially troublesome when the original fault is my own fault.  In this case it was my procrastination that started the conversation today at lunch.  David asked what had happened to the Blog?  He had been following it and nothing was happening.  Carol asked when I was going to thank her.  And, yes, I had neglected to do just that.  I procrastinate badly.   I was thinking about the little calendar that Carol gave me for my birthday.  It was a calendar of beloved "Dog birthdays" and Mika, Carol's "wonder dog" was featured.  The calendar was a fund raiser for the Havanese Rescue Organization.  When Carol mentioned "all the work she had put into it" I was still thinking about the calendar.  

I totally misunderstood that she was talking about her role in putting on the party which I certainly have not forgotten.  Carol was asked to provide names and addresses of people in Roanoke and the family and she went way beyond the call of duty phoning every person she could think of to let them know about the party.  It took her hours on the phone and more hours on the computer.  I was amazed at how she managed it.  How affirming it was to realized how many people would take the time to come out and celebrate my birthday.  

One day Carol called and asked if I wanted to go for ice cream.  Of course, I want to go for ice cream.  We walked to Hits Ice Cream but I hardly noticed when she hovered by closely as I ordered the flavor I wanted and then told them all what was my second most favorite flavor.  When the birthday cake came out at the party there were both flavors of ice cream......big tubs of ice cream.  It was almost heaven.

So here I am saying it publicly.........Thank you, Carol, my bestest ever cousin, for all your hard work, time and energy that went into the party invitations.  Thank you also for the lovely calendar which featured Mika, the "wonder dog" (Carol always wonders what she is thinking) three time within it's pages.  It's fun finding her pop up as I leaf through the year.

Stitched With Love

Lynne and Dan gave me this beautiful painting. There it was still perched on the love seat right where I had left it last November.  The purples and pinks glowed a welcome Thursday when I returned home and all the warmth and love of the birthday party sweat over me once again.  

It has been said that beauty will save us and that art can speak to us about how we can love more fully and learn to live in harmony and peace.  For me this is true because art inspires me to be more loving, more accepting, more open to all God's creation.  The greatest joy is becoming a co-creator with the Devine in brining about this kingdom of God on Earth.  

Lynne and Dan, thank you for reminding me again and for the continuing inspiration. You know me well because  my great passion is anything cloth, fiber, yarn, or thread. Holding a needle is such joy!  Your gift says how much you understand my heart and stand with me in this work.  What a gift it has been to know you and call you friends.

Sharing the Fruits of our Backyards

I live next door to one of the best cooks I know.  Bettyann is not a gourmet chief, but she cooks delicious, healthy comfort food.  When one of us is ill or just feeling a little down, Bettyann will show up with a jar of homemade soup, chicken casserole or a dish that is EXACTLY what is needed to lift the spirits and heal the particular illness.  Yes, I do believe that her food heals colds, sore muscles, and headaches.  She also uses her creations as gifts.  Ummmmm!  I did enjoy the peaches!

In addition to the preserved gifts Bettyann reminded me that there was something else in the card that accompanied the gift.  When I went back and checked it out, there they were, the tomato seeds she promised to save for me.  "You may want to take them to Florida with you," she had told me.  Thankfully, I was reminded and I did bring them to Florida.  You see, the seeds are a family heirloom from my Father's tomatoes plants who was given them by his mother.  Where she got them I do not know.  They only grow for me in Roanoke probably because that is their home.  I start the plants while I am in Florida and transport them to Virginia in the spring for transplanting.

Thank you, Bettyann, for the gift of homemade love.