Special dinner with flowers on the table
I have lived in Ireland for almost seven years. Really, this is home. But I will always refer to the United States as “home” because that is where my heart also is. It isn’t an either/or thing for me. I love both places. What I miss absolutely the most from my U.S. home are my friends and family.
Selection of Irish Cheeses
It is tough being apart, especially when those people are as special as they are. Do you have friends and family like that? I have been so blessed with the friends and family that I have in my life. Definite keepers.
add some candles…
One group of friends that I made “back home” was through our church. I helped to start-up a women’s group when I first moved to the area and boy was that wonderful! We had a very original name: The Women of I.C. (Immaculate Conception parish). 🙂
Roses & Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla)
We were a diverse group of women. Some were stay-at-home moms with young children, some worked, some were grandmothers and everyone was welcome.
Colm De Ris Pottery
I miss that group of women… lots. So I was delighted when one of those special ladies said she was coming to Ireland! She has also moved away from where we used to live, so there was so much to catch-up on. But what we both realised was how special those bonds were that we had created through the women’s group, that fellowship. It is not something easily replicated.
roses, astrantia, lady’s mantle
Given that it is still going strong 16 years later, I have to say there is something special about it to facilitate that.
lucky to have a sunny day
We had a special dinner for my friend and her husband. A traditional Kerry (lamb) pie. As we set the table I decided that I would like a few flowers from the garden on the table, too.
My roses are just starting to bloom, and the Lady’s Mantle (alchemilla) has popped up in more than a few places! I believe the burgundy coloured flower is astrantia. It is new in my garden as it was given to me from a friend just a few weeks ago.
Yes the flowers were perfect, the food delicious, and the fellowship was priceless.
I hope you, too, have such amazing friends in your life. …and if not, maybe start-up a women’s group!
As always, the “In a Vase on Monday” meme is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the garden. Stop by and see what other vases people have created from flowers in their gardens. https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/in-a-vase-on-monday-summer-breeze-makes-me-feel-fine/
In Peace,
Dana
friendship
Mom in the Garden 
Such a beautiful story of friendship and I have a friend like that who lives almost 3000 miles away…I miss her so much! Your vase is beautiful and we seem to be using some of the same flowers and colors…
Hi Donna, we are so lucky to have such keepers for friends, even if they happen to move far, far away! Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
Your flowers are set off beautifully by the blue jug, Dana. I’m glad you had the opportunity to reconnect with a good friend – it’s amazing how those years apart can be bridged by a few hours of conversation.
Thank you Kris! Yes, those are special friendships. So lucky to have them! 🙂
That will indeed have been a wonderful moment, Dana – thank you for sharing your thoughts about it and the joys of friendship generally. Bridging the gap can be done in so many different ways – but a physical hug is very special. Thanks for sharing your blooms and the lovely pottery jug too.