A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

I just returned from a wonderful long weekend with friends - friends for almost 60 years! 
And, we all turn 65 years old this year.  Three friends from Ohio and one friend in Nevada converged on our life-long friend in Long Beach, CA.  It was a celebration of friendship, of life and of love.  We laughed, we cried, and we celebrated!  Two evenings we went to dinner in pink wigs with a matching pink boa!  What a hoot!  We had giggles and smirks and whistles and everyone wanted to know what we were celebrating!  It was a blast.  We shopped til we dropped and of course, I had to visit a local bead store - so Patti took us to Ruby to "Ruby Tuesday" on 7th St. (I think) in Long Beach.  What a wonderful store.  Lots of beads, findings, and IDEAS!  I really wanted some of their Red Creek Jasper, but it just wasn't in the budget this trip.  But, the owner and her assistant were very helpful.  You can visit their web site at http://www.beadstrands.com.  Tell them I sent you!

Because this was such a special occasion, I wanted to give all the girls a gift that reflected all that our friendship.  After much contemplation, I decided to look for a "symbol of friendship" via the Internet.  What I found was the "kanji" symbol for friendship!   It was perfect!  I found my sterling silver wire and measured, cut, hammered, and soldered the symbol.  I cleaned it up and smoothed the edges and added patina.  Into the tumbler it went for hardening.  I hung the pieces on two strands of leather cord.  The girls LOVED the pieces and all they represented.  I included a card with a picture of the symbol and an explanation, along with my best wishes and love.

We got home yesterday and are still talking about our wonderful celebration of friendship and love! 
Cherish and make time for your friends and let them know you love them!

Blessings,
Anita