Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Flowers in My Garden

Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said, "Friendship is a sheltering tree."

Beautiful. Poetic. True.

I like to think of friendship as a garden and my friends the flowers that give it beauty, poetry, truth. I had the privilege of celebrating an amazing friend on her 40th birthday a few weeks ago. She is a flower that EVERYONE wants in their garden. (It was evident by the 90 people in attendance at her "Girlfriends Luncheon"). We had such a blast! Yummy, pretty food in abundance. Laughter filling the rafters and pouring out the doors. Crafting everywhere...each guest could scrap a page for Kimberly's book, make a purse, a key chain, a pair of earrings. I was able to share a bit about friendship at this gathering. I shared my thoughts on "Gardening". As you look around your garden, what do you see? Are there vibrant colors? Do you see diversity? What about a plant that you have had for years...it is probably yielding little off shoots of itself. (I think of these as friends that have become yours because of another friend!) There are things that will keep your garden from being all that it was intended to be...weeds like gossip, judgements, jealousy. It does not take a lot to keep up the garden...simply consistency. Make sure to water, weed and tend. The rewards are so breathtaking.

Some flowers are delicate, yet sturdy. Some need very little care and are sometimes the most exquisite. Others multiply like crazy. No matter where I look, I find I am surrounded by beauty. Lord, thank you for this amazing garden! I am truly grateful.

5 comments:

The lady of the house... said...

Hello my Lovely southern flower!! I love your new blog colors, so festive, bright and warm....just like their creator!! I'm thankful for you today! I'd love to see some pictures of your time with Kimberly! OH, the joys!!
XOXO
xoxo, (from Tyler and Luke!!)

Natalie Jager said...

Miss V- It was so good to be with you again after so many years. I found personal renewal just being in your presence, my friend! Thank you for sharing your blog with me. I will enjoy keeping up with your crew!

I hope Princess Ashley had fun w/her party in a box and that Jackson and Todd are doing great. I'm anticipating God's faithfulness in your lives by bringing you your Gabrielle. Let me know how that is going!

Oodles,
Natalie

Unknown said...

Vickie,
I am just now reading this wonderful blog entry. Thanks for pollinating my garden every year..you are quite the busy bee! Can't wait to meet Gabby and see all the joy she brings to all of our lives.

Many hugs and kisses!!!
love, Kimberly

Colleen said...

Vickie- You're so amazing! I enjoyed your talk once again on our gardens! I am so amazed by the person you are, we need to talk soon!!!

Colleen

Jeane` said...

Hello, Vickie..
This is Jeane` from the Coffee Cottage. I also enjoy occassionally meandering to the Hedgepeth home on the internet, and enjoy the visit. I can "see" (or read, rather) why Janelle esteems you so highly. Your flowers are so beautiful. Thank you for you comment on my page.

Warmly,
Your new friend in Reading...
Jeane`
PS. You have a wonderful way of expressing yourself through words on a page. Even though I've never met you, your writing is so personal, I feel as though I have!