Saturday, October 10, 2009

"Friendship Isn't About Who You Have Known The Longest, But Those Who Came And Never Left Your Side"

Received with great honor and humility from:





Quercus shumardii or Shumard Oak

Dear readers, as you most have figured out by this point, there is little that leaves me speechless. I always have something to say---right, wrong, amusing, stupid, moments when the mouth goes far faster than the brain and the result ends up here. Therefore, the other evening when I received a comment from Ces to go to her blog to pick up an award, I was more than a little stunned. Ces is a phenomenal artist and extremely prolific and I have been blessed with meeting her here in the blogosphere. She is so prolific in her work, both as a nurse and artist, I'm not sure she sleeps........ ;-)
To learn the real significance of the award I highly encourage you to read her whole post; just click on her beautiful drawing and it will take you there. And you also need to read about Deborah, for whom the award is named, as she is a pillar of strength. I still need to comment on her blog, but being married to the military, my heart ached so when I saw photos of her sending her son, in the Army (where I grew up), off to war. I can't touch that right now. My husband has done media escort on med-evacs out of Baghdad, and I know what the risk is for our soldiers, and the strength it requires to be family here at home.
The award is about true friendship, of not leaving when the going gets rough. To quote Ces:
"Loyal friends regardless of race, creed, political affiliations and geography. Here, I honor womanhood and friendship and there is nothing more wondrous a blessing for anyone than for a friend who came and never left your side."

And I have discovered that more than once this year, when days were long after surgery, when I was not doing well, when cards and letters and gifts and e-mails and comments came from my blog-friends. I know what friends are.....I am blessed.
So now I have to pass this on, to truly loyal friends who have stood by me despite how long we have or have not known each other.
However, I have two male friends that have done the same on my blog and in my life, and I am hoping Ces will forgive me for being the *sturdy unbending oak* that I am and include them also in my list, as they have been as honest and faithful and as humorous as my girlfriends. (guys, that's the highest compliment you could get!)
And so.............I start..........in no particular order.


And my two male friends without whom I could not function, who support me like the grand oak pictured in the award:

who very much helped me start this blog
made me laugh way too much,
encouraging me all along the way,
and to
who is my spiritual guide & center,
my common sense when I have none,
and like my family I
grew up with.
To all of you; thank you, bless you, know that you are being recognized for what you freely give of your hearts to others and may you feel that joy in return.
You are truly FRIENDS.
Now pass this on to your friends, those who fit the bill, who are there for you no matter what and know they always will be.
I bid you all, most sincerely......
In spiritu humilitatis, Pax.

24 comments:

Linda and Michelle said...

I am honored. I always start my morning (especially with the time difference!) reading you - for me it's better than coffee - more like chocolate. As an introvert who has always had trouble making friends and talking casually, the blogosphere is truly wonderful. I am richer for it.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Glad you will enjoy it Linda.
I used to be quite introverted; don't know what happened.....I just sort of popped out of it.
I am so thankful for the blog and friends here---it is a wonderful place and the good far outweighs the bad!
Congrats to you!

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

So very happy to make your acquaintance, Anne! I jumped over from Ces' blog, and read about your migraines. Have you tried Maxalt? I've had a head injury and spinal meningitis (which could explain a lot about me) and have had migraines since I was a child. I use Maxalt MLT and they work very well, within an hour usually. Now I'm off to look at your fabulous art. Ces certainly does have a fine collection of friends.
**blows kisses** Deborah

Georgina said...

My dear amiga, thanks for this honour. Wow, you are the best...I thank Bernadette for introducing me to you...that Bernadette...need to rile her up!!! Anyway, hope that migraine disappears. I too have them, but don't get them that often, thank God. I was 11 when I got my first one, during music class...we were learning how to read Gregorian notes...all I could think was how annoying those square little notes were!!! Then bam...I couldn't see out of my left eye, of course I automatically assumed it was Divine punishment! My mother told the principal, no school nurses back in those day in a parochial school, that she knew what it was and advised that they put me in a quiet, dark room and give me aspirin!! She didn't even come and pick me up...they put me in the book room...I was having a hell of a headache and claustrophobia and the smell of mildewing books was just too much!!! What a memory....still remember that smell!!!

Anyway, girl, you hang in there and take care of yourself...the world needs people like you to keep us sane....hahahahaha, ok, a little sane then!!! Love ya, lady!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Deborah---Welcome!!!
Maxalt MLT.....my dearest companion, along with an antianxiety drug (then sleep)....except I had a repairman coming, so I had to just suffer it out! And trying to type, well...it's an interesting challenge, especially when I want it SO PERFECT! ;)
dear Ces does collect good friends like she produces fantastic art! So glad she's able to draw again.
Glad to have you here!

XXOO!!!
Anne...back to normal mental capacity---LOL!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Georgina, you had a classic occular migraine. I have had only ONE of those, though I found out there is a family history of them. Mine are the *garden-variety-lasts-three-days-even-with-meds* and normally they don't get me totally down. I cannot imagine being stuck in a book room with that; I literally can SMELL it.....ew.
Bernadette is teaching again, but still feeling the effects of the hard summer. She needs to be under our St. Jude candles. I need to write her.
You have more than earned the award---especially with yesterday pepper episode that had me laughing/crying/howling with pain!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Georgina said...

That sucks...my migraines only last a few hours, but the next day my body feels like I had been wrestling midgets!!! I'll go and purchase a St. Jude candle for her...yours is in my studio and running out of candle!!! hahahaha!!

I did go to the shrine the other day and the temp. is pretty bearable in there...instead of baking bread during the hot summer months, now you can wait for the dough to rise!!! Well, I prayed for your and Bernadette along other family and friends. My mother was even surprised that I knelt there longer than she...I think she was pleasantly surprised...I'm such a bad Catholic!!! Yea, I need to write that crazy Serb too...maybe call her...she needs our comedic relief!!

Leslie said...

So, first off, you made me cry, thank you, my dear.

I so hope that I can live up to the honour.

You and Ces are incredible foci for some awesome people.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Georgina, yes, she needs a candle, a call...all of it.
Andd I know I've worn poor St. Jude out this year...I'm sure he's at the "Oh not HER!" point.....
See, we give you incentive to keep your mother happy!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Leslie, when all the crying is done, go have a good laugh and think of me! I have DH home having a fit with an on-line course he is taking. I am ready to get the rifle....for the COMPUTER, of course!
I am hiding out in the studio till I go in to cook, which is soon.
I will keep a sharp instrument handy......LOL!
Enjoy---you are a good oak.
And like my Souther cousins and I say, we're like Live Oaks; our trunks get bigeer and taller and the hair gets bigger yet to make the trunk look thinner! I am a Live oak, yes, indeed, in the wrong climate.
okay, I have to toe the waters and go cook.......

XXOO!!
Anne

Tristan Robin said...

What a delightful surprise! Thank you so much. I got a little misty-eyed reading all that - but I'm putting an end to that mushy stuff right now. I'm grateful to accept the award!

Things have been SO hectic the past two weeks - I really haven't had a chance to do ANYthing but get the exhibit set up - and now rehearse for the play opening this week. I've never done a play on two week rehearsal ... three, yes - two, never. SO, I'm beat - but your award just cheered me up! Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

awww....thank you so much, Anne!
What a lovely heartfelt post today...i could get in your site to read it..but could not open Comments...seems ok tonight..
I am honored to be in such great company!...I am constantly amazed at the many talented, caring people i see...and you're certainly one of them...I value your friendship so much..eventho
we've met only a few months ago.
It's good to know more about Ces and Deborah too..such brave, lovely women..
again, thanks...
gypsy

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

It is late Saturday night or early Sunday morning and I am sobbing like a baby...this circle of friendship is indescribable and almost invisible to many people out there is this strange untouchable "internet" journal about living in the present moment. My breathing is calming for the moment but my gratitude for your kindest of energies toward another traveling soul in quest for the truth. Good night fair lady and Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Ces Adorio said...

ACK! I thought I commented this morning! Well, a live oak? Do you have live oak up there? I was thinking you are more like a white oak. I love Live oak. The oldest is on Johns' island in SC, 1400 years old approximately. I am so glad you met Deborah. She is so inspirational! What wonderful ladies, you two! I am honored to count you as friends. Take care of the migraine.

My Vagabond Heart said...

Hi Anne...Yes, we have been thru our ups and downs, but the connection remains.

Thank you for the honor of the award. I often find it very difficult to keep the creative juices flowing...the chronic pain and depression is a bitch. Knowing there are friends enjoying my photography and supporting my efforts keeps the fire under my butt!

I am on my way to Ces' blog...thanks for sharing.

Vicki

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Tristan,

Real life always takes first place in the to-do list. I know from your FB posts you've been going like a hopping flea, and figured you were burning it at both ends when you're quite......LOL!!!!!
Glad you like it; hope the play and everything else you're involved in right now goes FAB, as I am sure it will!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Gypsy, welcome back to the *commenting* world! I wonder if it was blogger or a computer issue?
Haven't we met wonderful people??? Lucky us!
And what fun too!
I gave in early last evening, shut the computer off and laid on the couch....now comments out the *you-know* this a.m.! LOL! That's what I get for down time.... ;)


XXOO!!!
Anne

audrey said...

Anne, I truly thank you for this special award. I feel blessed to have found you, and to be part of your circle of friends.
You are a beautiful person who writes a beautiful blog that brings much joy to so many of us.
THANK YOU, my friend.
audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Mary Helen,

Yes, the internet circle of friends is something special, unseen but felt deeply. I think that is what makes it so wonderful! One blogger linked to another......on we go!
I'm sort of glad some people don't understand it; I think you have to venture out, take the chance and then discover how wonderful it is to meet all the good people. It's the perk for the time spent at the computer, eh?
Now go get the Kleenex...!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Ces,

If you see me as a white oak, then that I be! It is just a joke, I guess because my only living family is in the south about the live oaks, especially since the get thick trunks with age! LOL! We have white, red and pin oaks here, oh yes, burr oaks too. Those are the local ones I am aware of. I haven't been out in the woods in ages; that is from seeing the wood harvested from forests of late (the new instant cash crop.....don't get me going....).
I am whatever you see me as! Thanks God you can't see me right now...... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vicki,

I know how hard it is sometimes to keep any sort of creative thought in the head, especially with LIFE going on. I can't even remember whos blog I commented on....but I always look at your photos, even if I "think" I have commented!
Enjoy the award!

XXOO!!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Audrey,

I'm so glad we met through the blog; it is a wonderful thing and has proven to be much more than I ever thought it could be. How clueless I was when I started this, with no plan or real desire.
Sometimes you are just drawn to DO something!!! (for reasons beyond your understanding at the moment)
And it's good!


XXOO!!
Anne

yoborobo said...

Oh, Anne - thank you so much sweetie! We here in Blog World find each other, and get to know each other - and dang if it isn't just like family. :) I am very honored to be in your roll. Thank you, thank you!

xoxo Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Pam, it's better than family---we get to PICK the people instead of inheriting them! LOL!!!!!!
Hope your infernal machine is up and doing it's thing the way it should now......makes my broadband look not sooooooo bad. (I probably just cursed myself saying that..)

XXOO!!!
Anne

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