The Art of Friendship

Last year, I made a promise to myself that I would make time to see my friends more. Life gets so busy, and it's easy to not see your girlfriends for months at a time. I hate that. I know that texting, emailing and visiting on FaceBook is "now", and calling and talking on the phone when we are driving in the car en route to somewhere else is nice, but really? There is no substitute for actually spending real live face to face time together. This summer I've made a true effort to celebrate each and every birthday, or "just because day" with my friends. There is a group of friends that I go out to dinner with each time one of us has a birthday. We all look forward to it, we try to choose a restaurant that is exceptional, and that most of us haven't been to before. It's a real adventure! It's a treat, since we only go a few times a year, it's a luxury that we truly enjoy. There is an art to friendship. Especially now, in these days of everything fast, there is a beauty to taking time to spend with someone you care about. Listening to a friend's dreams, joys and sorrows. Showing up. At the fun things like celebrations, but also on the not so fun days, when things are hard, when your friend needs a hug, someone to drive her to the doctor, or needs a meal, or just someone to sit beside her. A friend cheers you on, and celebrates each hurdle you overcome. A friend is there for you, no matter what happens, to support you, to encourage you, to help you. A friend hosts parties for you at her house, or helps you figure out what on earth to make for dinner when your mother-in-law comes over. A friend lends you her best dress, or shoes, if you really need them. I hope that I am that kind of friend. A friend gives you gifts. Oh, of course there are the "real" gifts, small tokens of her affection, things she thinks you will love. But the most important gifts a friend gives is laughter, silliness, and time spent together through life. Little shots of "you can do this", "you got this!", "I'm rooting for you!" I'm so grateful for my friends. These days, friends are found in many "other" places than in your immediate area. I have friends that I "met" online, and I love them. While I may, or may not, get to ever see them in real life, I can tell we are kindred spirits, I delight in hearing about their lives, their families, their homes, and their business if they have one.

For me, there is no better thing than to spend a day with a friend, while I enjoy days out with shopping, lunch etc. as much as anyone, the days I truly cherish is when I can have friends over, here at home. There is something much more relaxing about having coffee in the kitchen, or lunch or tea in the garden with friends.

It doesn't take much to set a pretty table, using antique or vintage dishes is my personal favorite, a small personal touch is all that's needed to say "you are special". You can serve pretty much anything, it's really not only "slaved-over" meals that make for a special time. I often just buy things, and arrange nicely, there are so many delicious and/or healthy options! 1. Estate Antique Heart Locket.2.Antique Brides Basket. 3. Glitter Birthday Crown. 4. Extasia Horn Dusty Rose Cameo Necklace. 5. Lavender Fuseau {wands} 6. Antique French Limoges Tea Cups . 7. 19th Century French Ironstone Plates. What do you like to do with your friends?

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