Friendship. . . . . . .

I've been rising a bit earlier lately on many mornings.

I like waking when the house is still as if buried under a soft blanket, 

dark and silent, all sounds muffled . . . . . . . . . . . . .most recent mornings
 being chilly, however this one beautiful with sunshine and promised warmth.

Bright Saturday in the southeast, and plans for a meeting with a very dear
friend and her lovely daughter this afternoon. 
Many of you who've followed me over the years will remember Vanessa, my
special younger friend originally from Brazil. We met via our blogs, then
spent several years treasure hunting together to stock our shared booth
at SuzAnna's Antiques, as well as painting furniture, shopping the fun stores
 such as Anthropologie, baking and drinking coffee. . . . . .and hanging out
 together almost every week.
When she and her family moved away to Charlotte, NC a few years back, we still
 managed to meet up now and then, but I have really missed her and all the fun
 things we used to share. In all honesty, she made me feel young again!
Now they are moving to California in a few weeks. . . . . . .so much farther away.
Getting together will be even harder - but we will hopefully now and then!

Early morning light in February

This morning I quickly designed a new header for the blog - I just

felt in need of a little change. This is the month of the year I usually

dislike most - just something missing and it brings me anxiety.

Seeing Vanessa's always brilliant smile, and sweet Luna now almost twelve

 (she was in a stroller when we first met!) always with a glowing happy look 

on her sweet face, will be cheering despite having to say goodbye. . . . . . 

 for perhaps a long while this time.

Friends and friendship, a very special part of life.

A Touch of Yellow. . . . . . .

There were just two in bloom, gracing the bare and dull garden yesterday.

The first daffodils of this new year.  

Pushing up through the cold earth to add a little color to my week ahead. 

I cut them, added a few stems of fragrant rosemary, knowing freezing rain, sleet, 

and perhaps some snow will be arriving later today. 

A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up, whether or no the sun be shining outside.

                                                                                                  ~ A. A. Milne ~