The Life of Mrs. Miles

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I have been galvanized into action to make a generic, all encompassing award for YOU - so that you all can 'pay it forward' to someone deserving in your life - or perhaps you just want to add it to a layout or card. I've been overwhelmed with awards this past week (no, I'm not a little award-hoarder) and I am always the first to admit that I am terrible at sending them out to a bunch of people, though I could count MANY who deserve them. I honestly can't find the time to write for each one so I hope you will all forgive me.

I DO cherish each award I receive, and am touched by the sentiments behind them. You, and your awards are a reminder to me that my blog is a two-way journal. Without you, your input and comments, it would not be a conversation, for it takes at least two. And its funny, really, but I don't think of this blog as me conversing with 100's of people, I think its me conversing with ONE person each time, just 100 of times, know what I mean? So THANK YOU to each and every one of you who take the time and thought to leave me comments and awards. You enrich my life.

I received this award from my dear friend Valinda. I must say that Valinda is a constant star in the sky of my life. As sure as I'm going to see the big dipper in the sky each night, Valinda's comments are on my blog. Faithful as the night is long, always here to comfort, encourage and celebrate with me, is my friend Valinda. This award is looking right back at you Valinda! Muah!

And Shirley loves my blog. Yes, you DO Shirley for you are loyal and supportive and caring and you seem to come visit me when I need it . Good timing or?? I think your blog is wonderful too - though I apologize I'm not a good visitor to your blog as you are to mine... *blush* A big hug to you today!




I recieved this award from Kari, who said this:

"All too often we here about the nasty ways of designers and scrappers in smack blogs and bitter chats. With that in thought I feel that there are just as many wonderful scrappers and designers out there and they should be awarded for their efforts. Whether because they take time to say thank you for freebies, or do something special to help another. Now this award is neither fancy or or blingy but it comes from the heart."

Well, Kari, fancy and blingy are nice, but the heartfelt thoughts behind an award live on in the heart. I am touched you have given this award to me. I'm putting it in my 'happy memory treasure box' A wide smile goes out to you today!

So here are some thoughts I hunted out to share with you, on friendship:

A true friend

is someone who thinks you are a good egg

even though he knows you’re slightly cracked.

– Bernard Meltzer

I always like to know everything about my new friends

and nothing about my old ones.

– Oscar Wilde

So long as we love, we serve.

So long as we are loved by others,

I would almost say we are indispensible;

and no man is useless when he has a friend.

– Robert Louis Stevenson

One man gives freely,

yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give

and only suffers want.

A liberal man will be enriched,

and one who waters will himself be watered.

– Proverbs 11:24-25 (RSV)

Lillian's Leaving
(click to see larger)

credits:
KimB Spring Passion Kit (STUNNING KIT!!!)
Knot in button by Patrizia Pascala Strings Only CU Kit

This is a layout I made for our friends Matt and Lillian. They're moving to Worchester, England. On Thursday. His hometown.

Lillian grew up here.

They met on the internet a few years ago. It was love at first type. He came, they married. He tried to live here. Matt gave his heart to Christ at our Church. Lillian gave her heart to Christ at our church, only she did that many, many years ago. The church has been her 'family' for almost all her living years.

They have two beautiful children. They have family here. A close knit family who get together spontaneously, often and share everything. Lillian is amidst sisters who are as close to her as her arms are too her body. But, she loves her man. England will now be her new home. Is this a true test of a good marriage?

Its hard saying Goodbye

So yesterday was a day for goodbyes. A few words to try and sum up a lifetime with her church family. A testimony. People who touched her life, and she's only realizing now, HOW they have become threads weaved into the tapestry of her memories. She tells us that she lives in the moment these last days - questions swimming in her mind, thoughts swirling. How she will miss some bit of scenery, the ability to just go to THAT store, visit THIS friend etc. How long before her eyes will once again gaze upon the beauty of her hometown.

And as much as we shall miss Lillian, we know she's in good hands. Matt is as quiet and retiring as Lilly is outgoing. He's stable and shy and a good provider. He came to Canada to meet and marry his bride, giving up HIS home, now he's taking his bride home.

In the short time we've come to know Matt, he's become 'one of the family' too.

We will MISS you!!!

We wish you both a bright future in the UK. Thank goodness today we can stay in touch with each other via the internet, so its not so bad. Its not really goodbye, at all! Lucky for us, Lillian has a gift for journaling and we are going to be able to follow along as they begin their new life. Perhaps YOU have a story about moving that will help or encourage this young family. Why not visit Lillian's blog today and leave her some love - I'm sure your thoughts and good wishes will help her family along the way! Just click HERE.

And later in the day was a time to celebrate with Old Friends, and New. We spent time with our friends John and Italia at a dinner at their lovely B & B home on Osoyoos Lake - the occasion being their anniversary. For some reason they host their own dinner each year and its always fun and FILLING, with great food! Italia is a friend-magnet. When she called to invite us she told us it was just going to be simple food this year - bbq salmon, rice and veg. Indeed there were these three items available in copious amounts, but there were at least 6 other dishes, a true banquet. And the few friends, supposedly 1/2 dozen, morphed into at least 30 or so. Some familiar faces, many new. I don't think we've missed a dinner yet - and we thank you HUGELY Italia and John.

And I'm off to can peaches. I've been gifted some and they are crying out to be canned. Till next time!