• People/Portraits

    Friendship

     

    Eric
    Eric

    This past Saturday I met with a good friend whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. While on my drive home from our meeting, I thought back over the day and the value of our friendship. It’s a good friendship. Our friendship is relatively new, because a little over three years ago events in our lives allowed our paths to cross. Those events give us a common ground. He is half my age but his maturity is well beyond his age (or maybe mine is will behind mine.) Anyway, he is studying philosophy with goals towards a doctorate (Yes.) We have had some great discussions about life, what we think and feel, and of course women while drinking a ton of coffee during those times. I consider him and our friendship one of those special gifts in life.

    So, here’s a quick snapshot of Eric at the restaurant table. Now isn’t this a philosophical looking face. 🙂

  • Art,  Art/Design,  lifestyles,  still life

    Gifts from Friends

    Favorite Mugs
    Favorite Mugs

    While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera,  sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!

    I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.

    We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season?  And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!

    Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me! 🙂