Friendship and Flowers! A couple of my Favorite things in life!!!

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Flowers / Friends

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It’s a beautiful spring day here in Minnesota and I’m in a very friendly and flowery mood!IMG_9086

Last night I  attended a fundraiser Co-Chaired by a close friend of mine with several of my other friends, a few of whom have been in my life for most of my life.  It led me to think about how important my friends are to me. In addition, I am mindful that next Friday marks the anniversary date of my daughter’s diagnosis day.  This is aways a reflective time for me.  I often think about who stood by me in my darkest moments, hours, days, months and YEARS. I am always cognizant about the importance my friends play in my life during times of  sadness and grief, too.  I picked 15 quotes I liked by writers or people whom I admire.    Interspersed for color and joy are some pictures of lovely flowers. I’m dedicating this post to all my friends-old and new, near and far.  Many of you reading this may be among my closest and you know who you are.  I wouldn’t have emotionally survived the cancer journey without your love and support.  Cheers to friendships everywhere though…May we all appreciate and cherish those relationships that give us so much meaning and joy!

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Coincidentally, a song performed by Orono’s concert choir this past week, coincided with my friendship themed blog today.   A song that, in my opinion, typifies friendship in extraordinary times.  The song also reminds me of one of my friends and fellow St. Jude Soul Sister.  It was played along with a personal video in tribute to her beautiful son by one of his closest “girl” friends.  It will now always be one of my favorites.   For your listening pleasure and while reading the quotes, here is the Orono Senior High Concert Choir singing their rendition of “Lean on Me”:

Lean On Me

1. Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. -Helen Keller

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2. Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.-Marcel Proust

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3. A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.-Jim MorrisonIMG_4427_2

4. Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.-Oprah WinfreyIMG_21225. In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner flame goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.-Albert SchweitzerIMG_0130_2

6. Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love.  Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.-Elie WeiselIMG_4398

7. The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.-Elbert HubbardIMG_8868

8. Friends…they cherish one another’s hopes.  They are kind to one another’s dreams. -Henry David ThoreauIMG_2694

9. Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou in, continue firm and constant. -SocratesIMG_5073

10.Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.-AristotleIMG_9681

11.My definition of a friend is somebody who adores you even though they know the things you’re most ashamed of.-Jodie FosterIMG_9117

12.My friends are my estate.-Emily Dickinson

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13.It takes a long time to grow an old friend.-John LeonardIMG_4418

14.Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.-AristotleIMG_2592

15.When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.-Maria ShriverIMG_9661

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So TELL ME, TELL ME, TELL ME…What do you like best about your friendships and do you have any other favorite quotes or advice to others about friendships!!!

Thanks to any of you reading who are friends of mine, who have added dimension, joy, humor and kind presence in my life!!!

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Becky Pohlad says

    Berit what a lovely blog. I count myself lucky to call you my friend and as always I love reading what you write. much love Becky

    • author says

      Becky-
      You were certainly a friend who was “there” and didn’t abandon me in my darkest hours. I will NEVER forget your unwavering support and kindness. You are one of the most beautiful people I know in each and EVERY way. Miss you and wish we had more time together. Hoping all continues to be WONDERFUL for you. Love Always!

  2. Beautifully stated, Berit! I absolutely love flowers – fond memories of peonies, as they remind me of my lovely mother, whom had several vibrant pink plants that bloomed in the spring without fail. Oh, how I miss my mom (and dad), but have such wonderful memories to treasure. My mom was also a fan of morning glories (hummingbirds frequent this flower) and petunias. Your blog is a gentle reminder of how much flowers can brighten one’s day and helps to allow us the opportunity to revisit special memories from our past – thank you!!

  3. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
    Marcel Proust

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