Sunday, July 26, 2009

Friendships

Aren't they great? There was a time in my life, when I was much, much younger, when I didn't really think I needed friends--or at least not more than one or two. It's funny how our ideas about life and relationships change along the path.

Liz--a friend I've known since I first started quilting--is moving to Colorado Springs for her job, and I attended a surprise going away lunch for her today. Most years, we've been in at least one class or club together if not more. Liz is a sweetheart with a great sense of humor, and I'll miss her quite a lot. Luckily, her new condo has a couple of extra bedrooms so her friends can visit her--and I DO hope I'll be one of them!

At the lunch today, I saw several of my friends from the Thimbleberries Club I used to belong to. I decided not to participate this year, but I sure miss seeing them! It was wonderful to get together with the ladies today, although as you may imagine, it was a rather tearfully soggy event, particularly as things started to wind to a close.

This evening, Hubby and I met our friends, Terry and Lisa, and Hubby's sister, Kathy, for dinner, Starbucks, and a movie. Lisa and Kathy have been my closest friends for a long, long time--about 30 years. We've been together through happy and sad times; we've watched each other's kids grow into adults; and we've shared a lot in that time, as close friends do. Kathy and Lisa are the sisters I never had--until they came into my life.

Today, I overheard Hubby talking on the telephone with his mom, and they were talking about my birthday. I heard Hubby say something like, "You know, mom, she got cards and things from women all over the country--and some are people she's never even met!" And you know what? He doesn't even know how many of you left comments, wishing me a happy birthday. I wonder how surprised he'd be to know?

Some months ago--and I can't remember when it was exactly, but it was at least last fall if not before--I mentioned on my blog that I wished I had a group of quilting friends to get together and do things with. And isn't it funny? Now I do! Teaching at Bearpaws and Hollyhocks has brought me closer to some of the other quilters, like Gran and Pam and a few other ladies who don't have blogs. Through teaching, I've also gotten to know the ladies who are now my quilting "students" better AND I've gotten to meet new friends who I wouldn't have met if I hadn't taught a class.

For me, today has been a day to reflect on the friends in my life and how special each and every one is, whether they are my "sisters" I've known for 30 years, my Blogland buddies who I've never met in person, or all the other friends in between. You all enrich my life and make it so much better!


"I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."
- William Shakespeare

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Very well said Kim, So may friends we have in Blogland.

BJ said...

Beautiful post!

Robin said...

Isn't the Internet wonderful? I've never 'met' my best girlfriend - she lives on one coast and I'm on the other. But geographical proximity has nothing at all to do with closeness. And if it weren't for an online quilting group, we would never have 'met'.

Congrats on your abundance of riches - your friends!

Lorraine said...

Happy (belated) birthday!! I have been out of action for a few days and am just catching up on blogs....wow .....that cake looked awesome!! ........Friends....one of the best things in life....!

QuiltingFitzy said...

I'm not the best blogger buddy you've ever had, but I savor every darned thing you post! You're one of my "must read" entries every day. I win a contest or two, and don't thank you nearly enough for all the smiles and chin hairs you bring me.

Sending lots of hugs and friendship your way Kim, and thanks.

Louise SS said...

Happy late birthday! Friends are the best! But in order to have friends you have to be one yourself! It seems you are a very good friend! I hope next week will be just as nice for you!

Carol said...

You can never have too many friends. I have more friends that I've met through my blog than I do here at home. I'm happy you are one of my friends. My MIL said something to me in a email yesterday that was kinda funny. She's known me for 30 years but feels she has gotten to know me better by reading my blog.

Laura said...

What a wonderful post.

Darlene said...

Beautiful post and I'd like to add that we shouldn't take friends for granted!

I told a fellow blogger just yesterday that although we've never met in person, our hearts and spirits have so that makes us friends! Keep that in mind, Kim!

Sandy said...

Happy belated birthday Kim and thanks for all your posts. Your blog is the first one I check on, knowing I will learn something or least get a chuckle. The internet has definetly made the phrase "It's a small world after all" so very true.
Enjoy your weekend.

Sandy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary said...

I met one of my best friends when she lived in Ohio and I lived in Oregon. She and her husband had moved there from not far from me. When they decided to move back, they ended up three blocks away! We would have never met if it weren't for the internet. Isn't it a wonderful thing?

Kim Walus said...

How beautifully written. Thanks Kim for sharing your thoughts on friendship. I know many of us feel the same sentiments and I appreciate your thoughts.

I'm sure you had wonderful birthday and I want to add my best birthday wished to you!

Hugs, Another Kim

Busy Little Quilter said...

How sweet!!

I deffinitely consider you to be one of my best "bloggy" friends. You have enriched my life, too.

{{Hugs}}

I'm glad you had a great birthday.

quiltmom anna said...

One of the things that I love about blogland is that it has allowed me to meet wonderful people like yourself, who are passionate about quilting and life.
Wonderful post - I am so happy to hear about all the nice things that happened during your birthday week- it couldn't happen to a nicer person.
Hugs,
Anna

Unknown said...

I live in Colorado Springs so if Liz wants someone local to hook her up with the quilt guild just send me a gmail. makerofstuff@gmail.com

Orcsmom said...

Kim,
I have said it before, and I will say it again, I treasure your friendship! Love ya!

Hugs!
Pam

Cheryl said...

Such a warm and heartfelt post. Hugs to you Kim!!!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

You've got a friend in me.
Old William S. says it so well. Good quote!

Chocolate Cat said...

A very belated Happy Birthday! I have some wonderful friends scattered over the country and I have now found 'blogging' friends who share my interests and brighten my day! I count you among those - thank you!!