“We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.”
Samuel Johnson
I think this year has been a year when I have really felt the bonds of friendship and in many ways, I can't explain at what point connections became friendships, or how links across the globe can firm up to be friends, or how new friendships are defined in the era of the inter web, but I do know that I have felt the hands and hearts of friends many times this year and in many ways.
I like the way Samuel Johnson recognises its the little drops of kindness that combine to make a whole and from which friendship grows. I know in a slightly alien work environment I recognised a kindred spirit who has been my bestie ever since - and her care and support is shown in so many ways thru acts of kindness, gestures of support and moments of sharing and laughter.
I know new friends have entered my life because we live nearby and share places and coffees and art and books; but others have appeared from continents and oceans away without a regular physical presence. Friendships grow and mature thru shared experiences and care and concern I think, and at some point the connection or acquaintance shifts into something stronger and more lasting.
For which I am grateful.
Samuel Johnson
I think this year has been a year when I have really felt the bonds of friendship and in many ways, I can't explain at what point connections became friendships, or how links across the globe can firm up to be friends, or how new friendships are defined in the era of the inter web, but I do know that I have felt the hands and hearts of friends many times this year and in many ways.
I like the way Samuel Johnson recognises its the little drops of kindness that combine to make a whole and from which friendship grows. I know in a slightly alien work environment I recognised a kindred spirit who has been my bestie ever since - and her care and support is shown in so many ways thru acts of kindness, gestures of support and moments of sharing and laughter.
I know new friends have entered my life because we live nearby and share places and coffees and art and books; but others have appeared from continents and oceans away without a regular physical presence. Friendships grow and mature thru shared experiences and care and concern I think, and at some point the connection or acquaintance shifts into something stronger and more lasting.
For which I am grateful.
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| ©2009 Barry Smith - temple water vessel, Kyoto |
absolutely, positively agreed -
ReplyDeletethis year has been a wonderful one for me in having friendships take root a bit deeper - i found that in moments of uncertainty, there were those who came through in ways unasked & unexpected - and when they did my heart nearly burst...
it is a beautiful thing -
Sorry for my tardiness MJ - have been away renovating. In what was a tough year in many ways, there were many brilliant, beautiful and unexpected acts of friendship and kindness weren't there? Best to you and yours for 2013, F
DeleteYes. Most definitely yes. As Mary Jane said, it's been in those moments of uncertainty this year that the caring has been felt. Sometimes it's come as a surprise. Regardless, that outpouring has touched my heart and soul.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there are the friendships that seemed to have been picked up in the middle - such as ours. I'll never forget how nervous I was to meet you and Barry. And then you stepped through the door of MAD and we took up the conversation where it had been left off last time we were together...or so it seemed. And that is precious.
Dear J - yes, yes and most definitely yes. As I said to MJ a tough year in many ways, uncertainties as you both say, and yet bonds of friendship have been forged and strengthened and shared. I'm forever grateful you were brave enough to come to NYC - what a wonderful catch up that was, and as you say - a picking up of a conversation... Have a brilliant 2013!
DeleteAs usual Fiona, you find a perfect sentiment for this reflective time of the year and the perfect words to describe it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lesley - it is a time for stopping and reflecting as you say, and I have been touched and supported by friends in many ways this year, so this quote felt 'just right' as Goldilocks would have said. Hope you have a wonderful 2013...
Deleteyou're absolutely right. when you were in the u.s. this year i so wished i could travel south--
ReplyDeleteIndeed V - I sometimes think the inter web brings us closer, yet makes it feel tougher when we can't actually do the physical get together thing! Still, I feel v fortunate to live at a time when I can make friends across the world in this way. Hope 2013 is a great year...
ReplyDelete