The uplifting gifts of friendship

A dear friend of mine sent me the most wonderful and uplifting package this Christmas. When I saw her California return address, I admit I got excited. She is always so thoughtful and her gifts are always cherished by me.

My husband enjoys his annual box of Littlejohn’s Candies and warns all house guests to eat sparingly to make it last. He told his mother that it was between God and her if she got back in it after his warning to save some for his uncle. That is how serious he is about the World Famous English Toffee.

My California comrade is one of those intuitive and encouraging friends so it was no surprise my two presents were geared towards supporting my creative side. Have you seen products from Sugarboo Designs out of Roswell, GA? It is a collection created by UGA graduate Rebecca Puig. Vintage, reclaimed wood, metal, sepia toned photographs and burlap all make appearances in the collection.

I love my notepad I received. It has inspiring quotes you can tear off the bottom and share or write a note above them and send the whole page. Fun to put dreams and then put in a bottle and push out to sea! It suggests putting the pages in lunchboxes or under a pillow for someone to share in your thoughts.

I have read the first chapter featuring Mata “Amma” Amritanandamayi in the book she sent, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World. The book shares the stories of twenty women reaching their potential and the paths they took to attain their goals. Amma is the Hugging Saint and I have heard of her but to absorb her whole story was incredible. Amma states, “If we adopt the spiritual principals in our life, then no matter what situations we have to face, we will be able to deal with them in a positive way. We will develop the strength to overcome any ordeal.” It made me think of my mother’s advice over the years. She always reminds me in hard times that it is in the Lord’s hands and He will not give us anything we can’t bear. I look forward to learning more about the other women such as Estee Lauder, Frida Kahlo, Ella Fitzgerald and more. I can tell all twenty women and their journeys will give me food for thought.

Even the quotes on the back of the book and in the introduction are powerful and will end up on my Inspiration Board in my office. Here are a few I loved…

“You are unique, and if that is not fullfilled, then something has been lost.” – Martha Graham

“I’ve learned there is no currency like trust and no catalyst like hope.” – Jacqueline Novogratz

“I have yet to meet a woman who is not strong.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

And on that note, I will sign off with a thank you to a wonderful woman and friend to me. The gift of friendship is the most precious gift of all.