ARTISTIC FRIENDS AND GRATITUDE

Sometimes it's dangerous to compliment people.  Dangerous but lucky.  I ran into two talented and boundlessly kind friends, a new one and an old one, on a recent visit.

First B, a long-time friend and truly generous person on so many levels.  We were discussing the beadwork this group of women had done together last fall, and I was admiring this:

She promptly gave it to me.  Eeek...but also, oh my, how wonderful.  It was made (by her) to contribute to an auction, the funds to be used to support a worthy cause to be determined next summer.  Needless to say, I will be contributing.  I love the workmanship and especially the bee at the end.

Meanwhile, I had noticed a fabulous tiny necklace on a newer friend, Z.  Taking my new-found wisdom of getting-things-through-complimenting-people across the room, I went over to inspect it and it was even sweeter looking than I'd first seen.  (And yes, I am joking about using a compliment to get a donation!  This was not my intention.)  Check this out--what a great idea.

FRONT OF POUCH WITH HANDMADE CHINESE KNOT

BACK OF POUCH

This is a small piece, just large enough to hold, say, a coin or a small ring.  And guess how it was made:  it's simply a ribbon, folded vertically and with care to the placement of the design.  Z says she got the idea from a friend who embellished hers with beads on the sides and bottom, and used beads for the closure also.  Z saw that one pouch her friend had made and then went and made her own.  I just LOVE this idea!

Well of course you can see what is coming--I complimented her on it a few times and the next thing I knew she was draping it around my neck.  And now I own it.  Fortunately she has another at home. 

This compliment thing--it's really workin' for me!  I have quite the haul of swag!

I was embarrassed and stopped complimenting people after this!  It was a very artsy and creative group and a group that believes wholeheartedly in kindness...I didn't dare say another word to anyone for fear I'd be needing a wheelbarrow on my way out the door.

Seriously, I was a bit overwhelmed with the generosity of my friends, as well as their talent and cleverness.  And the creativity they've displayed.

My takeaway was how much all of us enrich each other, and kindness to each other makes such a difference in life.  This time, I was the one who was enriched, and I hope to pass it along.

Thank you to both of my lovely, generous friends.

"My religion is kindness."  --His Holiness the Dalai Lama