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Tag Archives: friend

Lent – Day 4, March 8, 2014

Today we were asked to talk to someone we see on a regular basis, but don’t know well. We’re to get to know those in our life that we take for-granted, such as the librarian, cashier at the local grocery, mailman, or veterinarian.

Today, I wasn’t around people I don’t see often. But yesterday I was at the vet’s office. I got to know the receptionist a little better. Each time we talk outside of the pets in our lives, I get to know her a little more, and I like her a little more. Chatting with her is quite easy.

We’re to revisit this later, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. May be I’ll need to get to visit with her again soon. I pray it isn’t for the reason I was in there yesterday (see yesterday’s post).

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Posted by on March 12, 2014 in Uncategorized

 

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Lent – Day 1, March 5, 2014

I am following www.40acts.org.uk for Lent this year. Day one is starting a journal and beginning with a gratitude list. Here goes:

  • A God who teaches agape love
  • A solid family
  • A phenomenal array of friends
  • A band of adorable pets
  • Hope that tomorrow will be warmer than today
    (but if not warmer, at least not in the negative numbers)

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Posted by on March 6, 2014 in Uncategorized

 

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Hand-made Ornament

Last year for Christmas, my friend Kerrie gave me an ornament with my initial on it. She actually painted it in front of me, saying that it was for her friend Katie for Christmas. We were at the Fire House in Marshall, Michigan (http://thefirehousepotterystudio.com). It is one of the best places in Marshall, in addition to the scrapbook retreat, scrapbook store, and beading store. Of course Kerrie and I would enjoy these things together, because we met over crafting.

I believe it was 2006 when I was unemployed. As with the death of my father and other loved ones, there is also before and after being unemployed for nearly a year. I met Kerrie during that period of unemployment while enjoying the only extravagance I maintained – scrapbooking. It’s more like high quality therapy for me, and I even have something tangible to take home at the end of the night, in addition to the boost of encouragement from faithful and faith-filled friends.

An adult once told me when I was entering college that people rarely make friends after college. I feel sad for that person, because I have made many treasured friends since then. Kerrie is one such gem. She was introduced to me by another friend I made scrapbooking – Marilyn – whom I had been scrapbooking with for years. The fun thing about all three of us is that we not only enjoy crafting, remain single (not all of us by choice), and have faith in the Lord, but we also have spoiled pets and volunteer for animal rescue groups.

Friends are a blessing, no matter where and when we meet them. May you have friends you can depend on who give you personal gifts too – most especially time!

Ceramic Christmas tree ornament in the shap of a mitten with the letter K in the middle. Shades of blue iwth little snow flakes on the top and bottom.

 
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Posted by on December 17, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Giving Thanks – November 26

I give thanks for joy! It’s not something we have in every moment, but it is something we can have in every day – even in little bits.

  • A walk in the sun (or a run if you’re so inclined)
  • A favorite song on the radio
  • A call from a treasured friend
  • A completed project, that’s been long in process
  • A glass of ice-cold water on a hot day
  • A cup of hot tea on a winter’s night
  • A laugh that’s unexpected and makes you smile all day
  • A pull through parking spot near the front door of the store
  • A beautiful shade of yellow (a little peachy)
  • A cup of butterscotch pudding

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Posted by on November 27, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Giving Thanks – November 25

I give thanks for being raised on a farm, sometimes in a barn, and sometimes with lots of charm.
It has led to the ability to tell quite the yarn. I hope someday the stories are worth a darn!
No matter, this life was worth more than a darn because of the family, friends, faith, and farm.

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Posted by on November 26, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Giving Thanks – November 21

Giving thanks for friends and their pets. Not only do I have heart for furry friends, but most of my friends do as well. Some friends of these friends were born, as I was, with an innate love of the amazing canine and/or feline companions. I not only get to be honored by the presence of my friends, but also their pets who are greatly loved. Although this little guy got in trouble with his mom when I stayed in their home last year. I woke up with him  as my blanket. Oops!

All well-loved pets should suck up MORE to company because those are the alternate feeders. Dogs (and particular cats) know that their parents/caregivers will feed them – it’s unconditional. But they also know a good backup plan is invaluable. Just in case something happens to mom and dad, perhaps her friend will take over the multiple meals per day (and many, many snacks).

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Posted by on November 22, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Juniper

Back in ’06 I was unhappy for most of the year. It was my first time being laid off. I didn’t take it well. My brother made it better for a while with a fun job.

Fortunately, upon agreement for time off to go to interviews, my brother hired me to work his fruit stand for the season. My brother hand-picks all of his fruit, and he can’t sell it and pick it all at once. While working on the stand, two other men in my life took pity on me as well. This handsome fellow is one of those men.

A friend of my brother’s dropped off his cat for my brother to care for. We’ve no idea how old he was, but he as a kind old gent. He kept me company while working the stand, especially when there were no customers. Too many customers at once, and he felt his attention was no not needed for long whiles.

My brother’s dog also sat with me now and again, but he liked to split his time 50/50 between the orchard with my brother or me in the stand. Juniper had no compunction to be in the orchard. He only desired a comfortable spot to sit and some one-on-one attention. He liked the petting now and then, and he demanded a solid scratching behind the ears multiple times daily, but he mostly liked to chat with me. We had conversations that went on for hours on most every topic either of us could think up. In this, he helped give me the energy to fill the fruit baskets over and over while my brother picked all he could to keep the stand full for his many customers.

This gent wasn’t with us long, but he left pleasant memories behind. And many conversations that kept my spirits up.

Moral of the Story: Friends come in many shapes, sizes, and species. Enjoy them while they are with you. Remember them with love when they’ve passed on.

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Posted by on September 27, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Cancellations

What do you do when events or plans are cancelled?

For example, a friend and I were to go out of town for a day trip. At the last minute, she was called into work. Do I go to work even though I’ve scheduled a vacation day (not if I can help it)? Do I take a nice, long nap (this is always a good idea)?

Another example is work. I had an appointment with a client scheduled for tomorrow. She has to reschedule for another day. What to do? Go on with the day doing the usual work at that time? See if another client can come instead? Get to that pile of papers buried in my drawer?

Lastly, what if you were to have dinner with cousins scheduled for 6 p.m., and everyone cancels at 5 p.m.? Do you go out to dinner alone? Do you unpack that suitcase from a month ago? Do you go shopping for new cousins?

Here’s what I do when there’s a cancellation. I consider it free time! Okay, I should be disappointed when things are cancelled. But really, most of the time, they are only postponed. A time will come again to meet up with friends, have dinner with cousins, or work with a client.

What doesn’t come often is unscheduled time. Time when I don’t have anything specific to do is precious. Maybe I could go shopping for fun things and not groceries. Maybe I could get a project done that I haven’t fit in yet. Maybe I could take a nap (do not miss the opportunity to sleep)! Oh, maybe I could write long letters to family and friends. It doesn’t matter so long as I enjoy it.

Even at work. I will be getting to a project that I’ve set aside previously during that time tomorrow. It’s one I want to get done, but I needed a full couple of hours to do it right, and it hasn’t been a priority. Well, it is work, so it could end up that something else will come up. It usually does. Oh well, there’s hope tonight!

Moral of the Story: Time is a precious treasure. Treat it as such. Especially knowing that you can usually reschedule and have the excitement to look forward to again. The time together will be even more sweet.

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Posted by on August 29, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Dad’s Gifts

My dad wasn’t big on gifts. He felt that being your best everyday was a gift to all of your loved ones. (I, on the other hand, am my best only now and again, so friends and family are very likely to receive gifts from me.)

After my dad retired from dairy farming (not from farming, just the dairy), he had more time on his hands. He and mom could take more time when they ran errands for the farm since there were no bossies waiting for his return. They would not only stop for lunch near their destination, but visit friends or family, stop by the nature center, and do a little site seeing.

On one of their afternoon outings, they enjoyed the Nature Center. It is always a delight to be there in that protected space. A while later, my mom received a hummingbird wind chime set that they’d seen at the Nature Center’s gift shop. My mom was thrilled! Not only did he get her a gift, but he had to go back later to do so!

Actually, dad gave us all gifts every day: a pleasant conversation, not judging us when we made mistakes, showing us his love of animals, sharing his memories, and so much more.

Today, the hummingbird chime is still in our front yard. Mom and I still think of dad when we see or hear it. One of those gifts that keep on giving.

Moral of the story: The greatest gifts of all, are the gifts of time, talent, and talk.

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Posted by on July 3, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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The Voice in my Car

I enjoy books. I enjoy reading. For me, reading takes many forms. The two I use the most are with my eyes and my ears. Yes, listening is another way of reading – to me.

Most of the time, I have an audio book going in the car. I recently downloaded from LibriVox It’s Like This, Cat by Emily Cheney Neville. It was read by Betsie Bush. (Here’s a link if you’re interested in “reading” it too: http://librivox.org/its-like-this-cat-by-emily-neville/.)

Betsie has been a friend since before kindergarten. That was a very, very, very, very long time ago. We have endured trials and celebrated triumphs. We have had falling outs and we’ve fallen down screaming with laughter. We have had many years to appreciate one another. Her voice is to me the sound of home.

So, when I started this cute audio story, I was looking forward to hearing the words read by my friend. Turned out, at the sound of her voice, I wanted to talk with her!

It drove me crazy to hear her voice each day, and not be able to carry on a conversation. Ack!

Well, I muddled through, each time I turned this on in the car, talking back at the audiobook by telling Betsie about my day, asking her how things are going, and laughing out loud at myself. I often talk to myself, but I’m sure this was stare worthy of my fellow drivers on the road. I yammered away at my dear friend for most of the book!

Not sure how much of the story I heard. Not sure I can do another one, but I might give it a try. It was nice to have her in my car for a few days.

Betsie, you’re always with me, even when you’re not.

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Posted by on June 27, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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