The inspiration tree...

My friend, Margaret, sent me this card for my birthday and it holds such meaning for me.  I'm like that tree and despite being so grateful for good strong roots...ancestral and immediate family, one and all, I realize that I'd be nothing without the friendships I have, filling out the leaves of the many branches that represent the journeys and pathways I've taken in life.  Some of my friends go back to the early times...Willa and Mary Ann, who I've known since I was six or so; Saundra, who became my friend when I was twelve (we promised to be each others maid of honour at our weddings and we were); Jan and Cathie who I met in high school...we've survived marriages, childbirths, divorces and life ever since; another Jan from Toronto Teacher's College; Sue who stood by me during some rough years and stands by me to this day; Veronica and Diane from early Folk at the Forum days and good years beyond; Greg, Peter, Maryruth, Berylanne, Janet, Meg, Bonnie, Barb, Brenda, Margaret, Bruce, Betty, Tom, Susanne, David and Julie...my wonderful school staff family (how I miss the laughter that resounded down those halls); Deb, a volunteer in my classroom for years...a woman with a huge laugh and a huge heart; Mell, who I first taught with and shared child-rearing days with; Liz in Australia; great neighbours who hug and cook fabulous food; new online friends scattered about the globe that I've met through my blog and theirs and even more incredible friends on flickr, through the magic of photographs...this would be one long post if I mentioned you all by name, but you know who you are and you know how special you've become to me, from New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, England, Wales, Scotland, Germany, The Netherlands, the US and coast to coast in Canada.

   

Walt Whitman had his Leaves of Grass...I'll take a tree with leaves of friendship, ever green, ever growing, ever inspirational.

* card credit goes to erica of warmfuzzcards.com

Comments

[Marie]

Beautiful post Barbara. It shouldn't be hard for any of us to come up with our own version of the friendship tree. I know I have one and it has many, many leaves on it, of which you are one. I can well imagine that spring is breaking out in full force where you are at. I hope you are enjoying it! XXOO

[Susana]

Happy Belated Birthday. Fortunate woman you are, so rich in frienships.

[Becky]

~ ~ Happy Birthday ~ ~

I just dropped by to say hello
and to let you know there is a
little contest going on at My Serentity Garden
If you’d like to join in.
~Becky~

[Barb]

Happy belated. I love this post. I thought of you today when I saw these:
http://store.fastcommerce.com/prod_lookingbackimports-ff80808117344aab011748af06483f46.html

[Sara]

What a beautiful post, friends are indeed the things that get us through life's high's and lows. You are very blessed to have so many good one's.

[Becky]

Hope you are doing well. Have not seen a new post from you in awhile. I bet you are busy in the garden.
Happy May Day.

[Marie]

I keep checking in and hoping to find your words. I hope all is ok. Sending some love to you from across the pond. XXOO Happy Spring.

[caroline]

missing your chat..hope you're ok? xc