Coffee is not the only thing I find in the morning.

It's funny how little things can mean a whole lot:  a cup of coffee; a memento, an act of kindness...

I was prepping to begin work this morning when I needed to fetch a cup of coffee... and then... I realized that I needed a coaster... I went hunting for one and found my stack.  Two were crocheted by a dear neighbor and friend that went to heaven long ago and one was constructed recently from a dear friend from Michigan.  Those items put the thought and this blog into my head.  It's such a gift of love to receive something from someone that was given with a big heart and given specifically to you.  The receiver feels the love.  

As I was making my way from the kitchen to my office, I noticed the trivet on my stove.  It's a bright and beautiful square that I received from a dear friend as she and her husband packed up and left our city many, many years ago - the trivet remains in my kitchen as does her love.

I arrive in my office, my yoga room, my respite and notice my small table and chairs that I've repainted over the years.  It was my grandmother's that my uncle built - it is mine now it and with ownership I revisit the memories of those that have sat on the chairs, laid work papers or treats on it's surface and provided love.

Ahhh... this morning is filled with friends and loved ones as I begin my work day

Friends

I have a fridge full of friends.

Friends are such a great thing! I love my friends. There’s the friend that would help me zip up my jeans in college… I know that sounds a bit absurd… but some may remember when the tighter the jeans the better – and I personally can attest that obviously some folks still wear them that way … and any who have worn tight, tight jeans know that the only way a girl can zip those darn things is to lie on the bed… take a deep breath and have a good friend help you zip them… that’s a friend.

And, there’s the friend that loaned me her shoes and Bobbi Brown makeup because the airlines sent my luggage elsewhere on a recent trip. How ‘bout the friend that offered big bucks to help me when I started a new business years ago. I didn’t take her up on it, but what a friend!

There’s the friend that listens to my complaints, my fears, my joys, and reads all of my writing and tells me how wonderful it is – you have to admit that’s a true friend. When I want honesty – I read it to my husband.

I have a friend who paints with me and we pretend that we’re good. I have a friend that gets silly with me and laughs with me. I have a friend that listens, critiques and brings me a jolt of reality when I need it. I have a friend that shares life’s ups and downs and she would do anything for me. What a friend!

Friends are such a blessing. They send me funny cards, words of inspiration and hugs… when I need them most.

One of my favorite friend reminders is my fridge. It’s full of Christmas photo cards and pictures of our friends and family. Do you have a fridge full of friends? Oh, to be so blessed…