Author: oneletterup

Friendship

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This post inspired by Ragtag Daily Prompt: Friendship

I couldn’t let this prompt opportunity go by…although it also has inspired me to write a longer piece on this powerful topic at a later date…

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I have often thought…where would I be without my friends?
Now and in the past.
I don’t think I want to know.

Being somewhat of a loner, I was never part of a large “crowd” when I was growing up. I did, however, have “true friends” (as I called them) and included this small tribute to them in a diary entry. In the Memorandum section at the end of December, when I was in the eighth grade:

These are some friends of mine (own age) that I have known & liked very much. They have stuck up for me when I was down, been faithful & kind & above all a close friend I could trust. I won’t forget them wherever I go.

I listed 2 girls. One of the two is still my faithful friend.

My girlfriends were my salvation. In a difficult childhood. And the years that followed. Even at the age of 13, I apparently understood friendship…faithful, kind, trusting.

Again, I can’t imagine life without them…
I am still in touch with several special friends from high school – who each went down very different paths, but remained connected to me. College also left me with several friends who I cherish to this day. As did my work life, my parenting life and my empty nest life. My friends have enriched my life beyond measure.  Some have passed away and my heart hurts with missing them.

One “summer friend” – from a high school summer job 300 miles from home – sewed patches for my threadbare bellbottom jeans – “crewel work” embroidery displaying the perfect message. The jeans eventually disintegrated. But I cut the patches out…they are now behind glass in a frame which hangs on the wall in my “writing room.”

friends patch

I am still friends with this wonderful generous woman 47 years later.

Does anyone remember the old Girl Scout song?…

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver and the other gold….

I am still making new friends.
I hope you are too.

 

Flower of the Day

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My contribution to Cee’s Photography FOTD

I have owned a small Christmas Cactus plant for 20 years. I have watered it. And not watered it. Plant food. Lots of light. Just a little light.

My green thumb has always been a fantasy and this cactus was no exception.

Until we moved a couple of years ago. For the first time (I think, ever) it bloomed…and bloomed. We were in a rental by the beach and I wonder if it was the light? or the air? or better karma?

We have since moved again – and it has bloomed – but never like it did 2 years ago. However, I keep on hoping it will…

 

cactus
Christmas Cactus 2016

 

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Christmas Cactus 2016

Photo a Week – Things with Wings

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Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The theme this week:

A Photo a Week Challenge – Things with Wings

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO THAT FEATURES THINGS WITH WINGS.

While taking a walk on a bright, sunny day in late September, I was distracted by a very large swarm of butterflies. Stopping me in my tracks.
They were accompanied by a few bees – all flying in and amongst wild asters growing next to the walking path. I had never seen so many Monarch butterflies at one time. Busy, busy, busy!

Fortunately they didn’t seem to mind my presence as I snapped multiple photos trying my best not to interrupt their important work.

A few in the group perched still enough for this photo!

 

monarchs
Monarch butterflies on the move

 

 

 

Un-lived Lives

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This post is inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #25: Un-lived Lives

 

Un-lived Life Messages

 

Come here.
Let me give you a big hug. 0222100832 copy
Tell me about your day.
I am so happy to see you.

I am having some problems.
I know I look sad
But
I will find someone to help me.
It’s not your fault.

Everything will be okay.
Even on bad days
I will take care of you.

My goodness don’t worry about me.
Please.
I am the grownup.
It’s my job to do the grownup things.
And fix the grownup problems.

I see that you are angry.
At me.
And you’re crying!
Why?
You don’t know?
Okay. Let’s talk about it.

Yes, you can tell me anything
Even when you are angry.
Even when you are sad.
I may get angry too.
Very angry.
And it will be all right.

Because I will always love you.

No matter what.

I promise.

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Contact

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Here is my entry for this week’s challenge hosted by Frank at Dutch goes the Photo

What a rude awakening snow can be after the softness of summer and the crunchy leaves of autumn. Outside temperatures drop.
Instead of rain, cold sloppy white stuff falls from the sky.

It sticks to grass, driveways, hats, mittens…and evergreen bushes.

Unfortunately, Mr. Bill tumbled into such a bush a few winters ago.
And made contact with the icy wet snow.
Which was, of course, very cold.

As usual, he was not happy.
Poor Mr. Bill.

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OH NO!

 

 

Walk

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This post inspired by Ragtag Daily Prompt: Walk

It was an adjustment, to say the least, when our youngest child left home for college. For him as well as for us.

He chose a college where it was warm…and far away from our New England town. I understood that, as I had also wanted to establish myself in a college town far from my home.

Colleges have an annual “Parents’ Weekend” in the fall. So parents can check in. And check out their kids. And kids can touch base with their parents. Our freshman son was on his own for the first time and we were grateful for the opportunity to visit.

Although not a big fan of endless parent questions…how are you?how are your classes?your roommate?is the food good?where is the library?…are you okay?, he was happy to show us around campus. He led the way. The grounds of his university were lush with greenery of all kinds. With a bridge. And a pond. In a very warm spot in Virginia. We attended these Parents’ Weekends every year, but the first one…well, that was extra special.

Conversation always flowed a bit more freely with a walk in the woods.

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father and son 2006

Photo a Week – Blue

~ oneletterup ~ 5 Comments

Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The theme this week:

A Photo a Week Challenge – Blue

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO THAT FEATURES THE COLOR BLUE.

Blue is one of those colors that soothe. And calm.
(which makes me wonder why it is also a description for sadness…)

About 10 years ago, my husband and I went on a cruise to Bermuda for our 30th anniversary. Blue was everywhere! Impossible not to relax.

This photo was taken from the back (the stern?) of the ship…in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Needless to say, we had perfect weather!

cruise – Version 2

 

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Memories

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Here is my entry for this week’s challenge hosted by Frank at  Dutch goes the Photo

This was definitely a challenge.
Just choosing one photo. Out of a zillion (well maybe not a zillion, but close)

So many wonderful memories of the last few decades.

When I stumbled upon this photo in my search, I remembered Frank’s suggestion: don’t hesitate to go for the whimsical.

 

Father’s Day 2008

My two adult children made it a point to be home to celebrate with their father. As they always did – and still do – they let the silliness of childhood surface. My son had recently found this road sign while at his local summer job.
I have no idea why he kept it, except that it became a handy prop. For a photo taken while waiting for the steaks to grill. Creative minds at work…when Mom wanted another photo of the two of them.

Another example of the joyful, silly, irreverent atmosphere that permeated their childhood. And our life together as a family of four.
And their close relationship – even at almost 6 years apart.

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