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!!!
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.