We had friends over for dinner twice this past week. Time spent together over a good meal is the ideal recipe for really good times. Lately I’ve been accepting offers of, “is there anything I may contribute?” So when one of my friends asked the question I decided to take her up on her offer, suggesting perhaps she bring the dessert (knowing her talent with making sweet treats). She brought an utterly stunning and delicious Hummingbird cake (a peek of it above). Friends always come with a bottle of wine in hand plus a little something as a hostess gift (which we always do as well). On Thursday, in addition to a bottle of wine, look at what a unique — and useful — hostess gift I received (the Ove’ Glove)! And on Friday the huge, sunny bouquet was equally as useful — after all it’s making me smile every time I walk past or look that way. Besides it puts me in mind of the beautiful friendships we have and the great times we share whenever we gather.
Don’t you love how fluid conversations are when gathering with friends? Sure, the pandemic continues to be one point of discussion, but there are so many other far more interesting and meaningful topics when friends come together over good food and a relaxing evening. We talked about how priorities change as we age; the poor state of language & grammar; stale small talk; gratitude for those who love/care for us; the blessings of family; differences in lifestyle across cultures; childhood experiences; and so much more. The range of topics segueing from one to another.
Any gardener or those who appreciate nature will understand when I say how I consider the flowers and plants in my yard to be friends. They are there for me whether to comfort or bring me joy, yet it’s my responsibility to nurture them just as we would do with friends.
Despite, or perhaps because of, our incredibly long-lasting and cool spring, everything is blooming as if vying for a coveted ‘most beautiful’ award. Case in point are more of my bearded iris after a heavy rain and the Blue Ice clematis. Many other ‘cousins’ in the back yard also appear to have joined that same competition, much to my delight.
What has brought you joy recently? Or, what are you grateful for today?
It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.
Margaret Laurence
wonderful to hear about your visit and i love the pansy on the cake. you’ve captured the petals in your garden beautifully.
The cake looks scrumptious! Yes, I love how a conversation amongst close friends can be fluid and meaningful. I don’t have a garden but I have two pots of flowers on the balcony and they are looking very lovely. Small hits of beauty and joy!
Sounds like it was a wonderful gathering with delectable food! I understand your thoughts on the poor state of language and grammar. And after a weekend of planting hundreds of begonias, I hope they remain our friends. 🙂