In Praise of Friendship

Lately I have been reflecting on my nearly two year's of blogging.

And I have to say, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Getting to know you has been a wonderful experience.

I have learned so many things from you and about you.

I've tried new recipes and crafts.

I've seen beautiful places.

I've looked at the world through your unique perspective.

And I've made some wonderful friends.

"There is no wilderness like a life without friends:

friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes;

it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul"

Baltazar Gracian

I've shared your joys and sorrows.

And you've shared mine.

"I should like to tell you again of my bitter troubles so that mutually, by recounting our grief, we can lighten each other's sorrow."

The Kanteletar

We've laughed and cried, shared great thoughts and the little day to day things that make us smile.

And even though we all live different lives, we are all very much the same.

We may live far apart, but we are all so very close.

"I am learning to live close to the lives of my friends without ever seeing them. No miles of any measurement can separate your soul from mine."

John Muir

We love our families, we love our pets.

And we love our friends.  

I've met the most amazing group of people, so giving and caring.

And so very talented.

Photographers, writers, poets, artists, cooks, craftspeople, decorators, stylists.

"Writers seldom choose as friends those self-contained characters who are never in trouble, never unhappy or ill, never make mistakes, and always count their change when it is handed to them."

Catherine Bowen

The friends I've met are always quick to boost your spirits, cheer you up, make you smile, share your sorrows, and hold your hand in times of need.

They're not afraid to open their doors and open their hearts.

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Mother Theresa

I've learned a lot since my first post almost two years ago.

But the best thing I have learned is how truly wonderful you all are.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me so far.

It's been a beautiful trip.

" Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them."

Francesco Guicciardini

xx