The Perfect Evening Out...

The perfect evening out...is rich with intriguing conversation, good food, laughter, and someone you never ever have to explain yourself, your thoughts, or your feelings to. A person who not only knows you, but can also relate to what makes you the person you are. A person you don't feel like you have to tip toe around for fear of offending them. Someone you can truly be yourself with.

I just came home from the evening out I describe above, refreshed and relaxed, and ready to start a brand new day tomorrow, with renewed enthusiasm. A true friend who supports and encourages, and whom you do the same for, can do that for your spirit.

What a blessing my friend is. Whether it's a 10 minute conversation on the phone, or a dinner out like the one this evening. I always leave feeling calm, understood, inspired, and invigorated. Ready to take on whatever comes my way.

So, thank you dear friend...can't wait until next time. The conversation is never the same, and there's definitely never a dull moment!

1 Rainy Day + 1 Lovely Friend + Easy Conversation = A Wonderfully Enjoyable Time...

It has been a little more than 2 years since my friend and I have seen each other. Over the last couple of years there have been tentative plans to get together, but the usual happened, "something came up" (mostly on my part). Sunday however, we made it to our planned destination, and it was a wonderful time. I have known my friend since June of 1995, we both signed up to take a year long "Baltimore Album" quilt class. We are about the same age and being the two youngest in the class, we naturally gravitated toward each other. We discovered we have sons the same age, and over the years many of the same beliefs and values surfaced as well. The conversation was, and always has been, very easy. Months or even years may pass since last we saw one another, but each time it's as if we pick up the conversation (usually very brief) right where we left it. There is a great deal we have in common and the funny part is we have never really "known" each other. As cliche' as it is, "cut from the same cloth" is how I would describe us. Faith, family, home, friends, and creative work are priorities we both value. So this time together on Sunday, was significant. This was the first time, in the almost 14 years that we've "known" each other, that we sat down, shared a meal, shared more of ourselves (and our lives), and really started to get to know each other. In some ways it's like having a brand new friend, but in reality it was the continuation of a friendship that has spanned over a decade of time. There is a mutual fondness for one another and it has always been as though we are kindred spirits. It is in times like these when I can truly see the hand of God in my life. I cherish this very special friend and look forward to many more get togethers in the future. Friends of the heart are indeed a rare find in life meant to be cherished. Though it was a gray rainy day, sharing time with a lovely friend was a bright spot and a blessing...

1st Step (a very small step) to Starting My Writing Career

I am taking a nonfiction writing class at my local college, and part of the homework for class last week was to submit something to Reader's Digest. I submitted an original quote this evening...so, we'll see... Supposedly it is a real task to get anything published in their magazine. It may be that they have a regular staff of writer's. I collect quotes but I also write my own original one's, too. A good quote can say quite a lot in just a few choice words.

I actually wear the quote I submitted, on a hand stamped silver bracelet that a dear friend made for me for Christmas. I had sent her the quote a while ago, and the bracelet showed up with a note saying it was a gift. (So thoughtful!) The website for her business is http://www.mountaingirlsilver.com/. Go over and check it out. There are really beautiful silver jewelry pieces there. If you do order anything please let her know Sandi sent you. I don't get anything for promoting her work. It's just my way of sending the love back to E...Thanks!