11/7/07

Fresh Flowers

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness. –Lois L. Kaufman

Earlier this year a special friend came to lunch at my house, Dottie J. In her hand was the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. Fitting – because Dottie J is one of those colorful people in my life.

I first met Dottie J when I was about 6 years of age, as she was one of my Mom’s closest friends. I saw something different about her. While she had an intense desire to know God, her life reflected the imprint of His love stamped deep in her heart, reaching out to people around her. To this day she takes care of the elderly in particular with patience and love.

Dottie J had no children of her own, but she took a special interest in me and loved me like a daughter. I’m so glad that my Mother shared me with her! I would spend the night at her two-story home, where I’d run around her house and garden. My first experience of rummage, garage, and yard sales was with Dottie. My all-time my favorite was going to work with her and plunking away on the old typewriter and adding machine as I played “office.”

Now, almost 40 years later, I realize how Dottie J taught me the value of relationships.

Our lunch was special. I can’t remember what I served, but I sure do remember our conversation and her passion for God. It touched me. It touched my daughter Abby who was also a part of the afternoon.

Just this week, I received a celebration card in the mail from Dottie J. It was a card celebrating with me my one-year journey with my blog. Was I surprised? No! Dottie has sent me cards from my childhood to adulthood cheering me on through life’s ups and downs. She has been a Balcony Girl, indeed.

I’m thankful she planted that seed of friendship years ago.
Thank you, Dottie J!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hostess Tip: Did you know that if a guest brings flowers for the hostess, you should feel no obligation to use them for your centerpiece? I’ve learned to know where my vases are so I can quickly cut the flowers and put them right into a vase. I’ll then look around for a spot close to the dining area so the flowers can be seen and enjoyed!

(Above photos: Peony in November! We were so surprised to see this beautiful bloom on our peony bush this past weekend; me years ago - about the time that I started spending time with Dottie; Dottie and me earlier this year with beautiful flowers that she brought me. A true symbol of friendship.)

12 comments:

Becca said...

I like how you say your mom shared you with Dottie. I love it when my friends and family "share" their children with us. They sometimes think we're a little crazy, but we think of it as a blessing!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your blog. It is beautiful and encouraging and full of wonderful ideas. A friend like Dottie is a true treasure in life">)

Laura said...

Wow what an amazing story, you are so blessed to have such a wonderful woman/mentor in your life. I got teary just reading your story. Very sweet!

Nunnie's Attic said...

Women of substance! It is one of my greatest desires to be one.

Love,
Julie

Wendy said...

Very sweet story!

I really appreciate your blog!

tammi said...

I need to start developing into a woman like your Dottie J. Maybe the best way to deal with not having someone like that in my life is to BE that someone for others. Hmmmmmmmm....

Nadine said...

What a lovely woman to have part of your life. Congratulations on writing your blog for a year.

a woman who is said...

Thanks for sharing about one of your Balcony Girls.

I would love to hear more about those who mentored you.

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

It is amazing how much impact and influence the investment of time can have on a life. What an fantastic woman your Dottie is. I can tell by reading this post that your life is so much richer for knowing her.

I love receiving fresh flowers. I have to agree, they are a great gift. The peony who guys discovered is absolutely stunning.

-Andrea

GiBee said...

It's amazing how inexpensive a bunch of flowers can be, and how much joy it brings to the recievers heart! Your peony is beautiful -- it's one of my favorite flowers!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Sandy, I enjoyed going back & reading your yardsale/thrifting stories with Hoppi! I forgot that you are such a yardsale queen yourself. I just love your table & chairs. Bargains just make my heart flutter & it's so fun to share them with friends.

You are so great to cook extra & share with your friends. We have a couple in our small group that we are sharing meals with this week & I volunteered to make my homemade pasta sauce this Sat. for them. Their DH just went through surgery this week, so we are treating them kindly. I know it will be appreciated, so we are happy to do it. Wish I had more time to do thoughtful things like that..it doesn't always come naturally for me to do these things, so I can always come back here to be inspired by you once again!

Hugs,
Rhoda

Donnetta said...

What a great gift to have those memories and the presence of her in your life! She truly sounds like a blessing indeed!!