Sunday, February 1, 2009

Ah, February.

February. Ah, February. Where did January go? And here it is, February, the month we often associate with love. At least, I do – love in all its manifestations. It has been apparent to me in ways both large and small that not only will love bring us together; it will also keep us together.

Recently, I have been the recipient of many kindnesses and it fills me with gratitude. It makes me thankful for my friends both near and far. There isn’t time enough in the entire world to tell them all or show them all how much their thoughtfulness really means. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart – local friends, distant friends, old friends, new friends, bear friends, blogging friends and all the rest. It reminds me of this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson – “I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.”

Speaking of old friends and love, I want to share this photo with you of an old friend of mine. You might recognize her distinctive brightly colored hair and unique smile. Her name is Raggedy Ann, but this is no ordinary Raggedy Ann, at least not to me.

You see I was lucky as a kid. My mom could sew almost anything. One year for Christmas when I was around 10 or 12 years old, I asked for a Raggedy Ann doll. My mother made this doll in secret, sewing after I was asleep, at school or outside. I never had a clue. On Christmas day when I received it, I was thrilled to discover not only the doll, but that my mother had actually made her and embroidered the ‘I love you’ heart on her chest. It came with the card below.

My dear Raggedy Ann has seen a lot in her time and she’s beginning to show some wear. This is her second set of clothing. The card is turning a bit yellow, too. And my mother is with me only in spirit, but of all the things I’ve figured out over time, this I know: LOVE LASTS.

Happy February - Friends!

3 comments:

  1. Thats lovely, what a keepsake. Is Ginger your real first name or a nickname. I'm wondering as your mum wrote it on the card.

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  2. Hi Ginger...What a wonderful gift of love from your mother...a real treasure.

    I too, am grateful for your friendship. I love your work, your musings and well, just you!

    Take care!
    Hugs, Nancy

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  3. Hi Amanda, Ginger is my real first name though for many other Gingers I have met it is a nickname. I've always been happy with it - never went though the phase of wanting a different as so many kids I knew did. Thanks for asking!

    Hi Nancy, Thank you for your comments. My doll is a real treasure as you have said and I appreciate your friendship too!!!!!

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