I opened Amy's invitation to write and found this quote: "I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have written less lately than I have in a long time. But an invitation to write about friends is an easy one. Friends keep me sane and make me laugh, friends help me remember (that's why we need old friends), and friends offer listening ears, helping hands, and comforting embraces.
We recently moved (just thirty minutes away) from where we lived for twenty-five years. It's hard to grow new friends. It's a quick drive back to visit my old friends and I do it often.
But I'm beginning to discover new friends too. I'm grateful for the smiles I receive at church, the new friend who notices me sitting alone in Sunday School and joins me on an empty row, the new friend who sent me a text (after I asked for a ride to book club) "Looking forward to spending more time with you," the new friend who sat beside me and giggled during Sunday School as we decided that Psalms was written for senior citizens with its many admonitions about falling, the new friend who made time to ask how I'm settling in, a new friend who loves picture books as much as I do (I find myself tucking new finds into my church bag to share with her), and the easy camaraderie that came with my first book club meeting last week with new friends.
And finally a note to my dear slicer friends. I've met a few of you in person. But we don't have to meet to be dear friends because of the connections we've shared through this community. However, there's a special feeling that comes when we embrace in person. Some of us won't be at NCTE, but we'll be thinking of those of you who will be there. So enjoy that slicer dinner and those occasional meet ups! I look forward to hearing from you next week as you share the joy that comes from finally attending another NCTE in person.
I'm a firm believer in the song I learned as a Brownie scout: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." I love filling my life with friends. They are one of life's true treasures.
Old friends are treasures from above. There's room for all kinds of friends, but like old comfortable shoes, there's no need to "break in" an old friend! Love you, Sissy
ReplyDeleteWe're lucky to count ourselves old friends. Now, old friend, are we going to that 50 year high school reunion next year?
DeleteNew friendships are made in those small moments, aren't they? I'm glad the quote spoke to you and inspired you to slice today!
ReplyDeleteAmy, maybe I'll get back in the habit again. Glad to join my fellow slicer friends.
DeleteI consider you to be a dear slicer friend and I am glad you are in my life. Hugs from over the ocean.
ReplyDeleteTerje, sending hugs right back over the ocean to you!
DeleteSo glad we became friends here! I loved going to AllWrite and meeting some slicers in person… I’ve always wished our paths could have crossed there! How nostalgic to think of the Brownie song- it was a feature of my childhood, too.
ReplyDeleteDiane (newtreemom)
So good to hear from you, Diane. All Write is a special gathering. It's where I first met fellow slicers.
DeleteFriends are a treasure indeed, Ramona. I loved when we met-up for the first time at NCTE. There are several communities of writers that we virtually visit so I enjoy seeing your name pop up. each other's blog and add comments. I am grateful for your friendship and your opening line. I plan on merging my SJT Post with Poetry Friday today.
ReplyDelete