Friday, February 27, 2015

A birthday for my Sister/Cousin...

You've heard me speak of my sister/cousin.  She's actually a cousin, but since we have been only children and surrounded by friends and relatives with actual biological sisters, we've adopted the idea of saying we are sisters.  Sisters of the heart, at least. May every one of my cousins know that I love them all. Cousins are by nature just wonderful because we have shared some wonderful people, such as grandparents, aunts... and other cousins...  It's a part of our past that is really magical. It's a part of our past that reminds us of family, get-togethers..  great hot rolls, magical baked beans, Katie Salad... Ma's dried apple pies...  Just good things to treasure in our hearts.



Well, this week was my Sister/Cousin's birthday.  She is always my go to wonderful friend. Through so many wonderful times, she's right there helping me celebrate with all my heart. And through some very sad and rough patches... same exact thing. She is there for me to rely on. I treasure her help and her kind spirit. A cup of coffee at my mom's kitchen table... and some deep heart to heart conversation. It's just a treasure beyond words. We've been friends together in sunshine and in shade, as Mary Engelbreit says. I won't go into any of the sunshine OR the shade today, but she will read this, and SHE WILL KNOW!!!


I wrapped Mom's gifts in Lavendar with white ribbon and mine with white with lavendar ribbon.  Now, if you know me, you realize that it's rare to have ANY ribbon whatsoever.  That's because I save (hoard) ribbons and never find them when I need them.  I have at least three tins/totes full of ribbons and paraphernalia to wrap with..  but they are stashed...  


We had cherry pie and coffee.  Not exactly a birthday cake, but I knew her beautiful daughters, husband, and granddaughters would be having cake for her real birthday celebration. And who can't do a piece of cherry pie in the coldest days of February? Definitely a hit with Mama because cherry is her new favorite.


I used my dinnerware from Mary and Martha, a sweet company filled with spirit-filled goodies. These I chose as a gift from Mom a couple birthdays ago. There is a scripture verse along the edge of each plate and in the bottom of the cups. I gave myself Gratitude...  I am very, very grateful for all my blessings. I don't act it a good deal of the time, to my utter shame. But I am.


I gave Mama Wonder. She introduced me, you see, to the wonder of imagination, joy, play, and the outdoors. Playing dress up, school, and who knows what. She did the very same for my son as she baby sat his whole young life. We had more picnics out in the yard with our cats moping around close by. Almost all cats here have been named Sally... I love that name for a cat.


This pie bird is fairly old, handmade. I bought this one and one for my grandmother when I was very young in Arrow Rock, a touristy type town near here that boasts a summer theater and many shops filled with hand made treasures. I don't bake with it in the pie, although I could.  I usuallly just plump it down in the middle for decoration...  plus that way there is a cool bite of cherry pie goodness wedged inside that bird for whoever does the dishes...  Mmmmmm..


New to me this year, my Temptations Shamrock Romance bowl.  I love it! Happy St. Patrick's Day to me from me. I gave my cousin the table setting, Blessing.  She is a blessing indeed to so many people. She helps me and my mom so much. We look forward to her visits so much.


I am indeed grateful to have such wonderful friends and family in my life. This day was one to honor someone who has blessed my life forever. Perfume on cats, coffee in playhouse, wallpaper in shower, magical trips to see Riverboats, painted barns, a little shop called Shady Peanut Lane, turning off that mournful music (Sorry, Enya!), panic filled trips behind an ambulance, holding hands as the auctioneer began a sale, snow falling gently on a red-lit front Excello porch with family tucked inside around Grandad's Christmas tree, and much, much more.  Happy Birthday, Dear One.

8 comments:

NanaDiana said...

What a beautiful, beautiful celebration. Everyone needs a SisterCousin in their life!

Your packages are lovely and I can't BELIEVE you found some ribbon!;>) xo Diana

Miss Merry said...

Wow- another wonderful post. The dishes are wonderful, meaningful and pretty besides! I know what you mean about ribbon. I have about 1 million spools around the house. I gave 2 brown grocery sacks full to my daughter in law and it did not make a dent. Yet, I can never find the one I want and have to buy more!

It is hard to show gratitude to the Lord when you are struggling. I was very low last night - thought I saw light at the end of my tunnel and it was being stomped out - faith wise, financial wise and every other wise. I then received sympathy messages from two dear friends who are privy to what is going on. And found out that one of them had horrible financial news and may lose the house she has battled to save since her divorce 15 years ago and the other was involved in a legal situation that is not her doing. The world does not revolve around me and I need to be grateful for what I have. Powerful.

Miss Merry said...

Wow- another wonderful post. The dishes are wonderful, meaningful and pretty besides! I know what you mean about ribbon. I have about 1 million spools around the house. I gave 2 brown grocery sacks full to my daughter in law and it did not make a dent. Yet, I can never find the one I want and have to buy more!

It is hard to show gratitude to the Lord when you are struggling. I was very low last night - thought I saw light at the end of my tunnel and it was being stomped out - faith wise, financial wise and every other wise. I then received sympathy messages from two dear friends who are privy to what is going on. And found out that one of them had horrible financial news and may lose the house she has battled to save since her divorce 15 years ago and the other was involved in a legal situation that is not her doing. The world does not revolve around me and I need to be grateful for what I have. Powerful.

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

Happy Birthday, to your Dear Sister-Cousin!!!

what beautiful wrapping. one of my favorite colors. :-)

Tessa~
(20 hours, as of now, to "The Good Witch" series!!!!) ,-))))

From My Country Sunrise said...

I don't know what to say~~~You have written so much about our lives we have shared for soo many years~~I treasure every time we have got to spend together~~THanks for the wonderful inspiration and love~~You and Your Mama made my Birthday such a special day Love and hugs to you all~~

Drew Watts said...

How stunning party décor! Thanks for sharing these party decoration inspirations. Well, nowadays people prefer outdoor parties. Even I never organize parties at my home. I always reserve the domestic party places Miami for all my events.

Unknown said...

Its so awesome mam, please check ours too on happy birthday sister

anniemaria192 said...

"I enjoy reading your post guys,,, just keep posting. Birthday Wishes
"