Friendship

I have so much to be thankful for – in no particular order.

1.) Electricity – we had ours knocked out by a huge storm up here in the pacific northwest. Four days without power will make you a thankful geek or geekette as soon as it comes back on. :)

2.) A new house – new to us anyway. Two years new to be exact. I feel like a queen we have so much more room and no more smelly moldy closets to deal with. (whew)

3.) A husband who loves me and makes me happy.

4.) Family who loves me and supports me and my decisions.

5.) Friends and community who touch my heart again and again with their kindness and love. Our wedding was beautiful, just beautiful – and it was all because of our wonderful friends and family.

 

I hope you too are having a wonderful day!

 

Three more days until I’m cruising on my honeymoon with my new hubby! Pics to follow soon!

Day before yesterday at Bloggercon two “blogosphere” stories were told by two people I consider friends. The stories were personal and both were about the death in each of their immediate families. These two friends are, of course, bloggers. They told of how they turned to their writing to help them cope through such difficult times in life.  

I guess that has made me think doubly about why I read these friends blog posts but didn't write about it in my own. I've decided to write about my friend Joz's ordeal at her request.

Here's what has happened…

Today my friend Joz sent me an email asking for support, prayers and/or good thoughts as she and her family deal with a stroke her father has suffered. Joz is a wonderful friend. I am sad to hear she's going through such a rough time. Since I am far away I will extend my love and friendship across to her through the blogosphere – I hope you will too.

Joz – know that you are loved and supported. No matter what comes next you have lots of friends and family to help you get through good or bad. We will hope for all the best friend.

My very dear friend (my matron of honor no less!) Maryam says it's the first day of spring and the beginning of Persian new year. Happy Norooz Maryam and to everyone else as well! One of the things I love most about Maryam is her warm personality and sense of self. She is true to her beliefs in who she is and where she's going. I think that has a lot to do with where she been and her strong cultural ties. I love to hear her stories about Iranian holidays and traditions. She told me a bit about Norooz our last chat on the phone. I was in awe of  the tales of her family picnics and spring celebrations. I've had pictures dancing in my mind of spring flowers, twirly skirts of eyelet lace and luscious picnic food. All laid out by a lake on a beautiful blanket with a willow tree swaying in the breeze. And, of course the tree gives just the perfect amount of shade. Mmmm, nice cozy thoughts, thank you Maryam for sharing your stories. :)  

Darned rain here in Seattle. We need more sunshine. And, especially more picnics in spring time!

What's your favorite picnic food? Mine is probably fresh fruit, cheese, crackers and some sort of spreadable meat. Or, fried chicken and potato salad if I'm in NC and Maw-Maw's making the feast.

Mmm, I think I'll go rummage in the fridge for grapes and go dream of picnics tonight. Bed picnics count too… at least in Seattle they do.