This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Brenda. Her blog, Cozy Little House, is very popular and many of you reading this post know her well. If you don’t, trot on over and make her acquaintance. Brenda and I have been close friends for a couple of years now. Do you want to know the story behind the beginnings of our friendship?
Like many blogging friendships, ours was first confined to leaving comments on each other’s blog. I liked her blog and I liked her style. She’d leave a comment on my blog, I’d leave a comment on her blog. I had noticed that we were both readers of another blog. I’d often see Brenda’s comment when I was leaving mine. This particular blogger had some health issues. To protect her privacy, I don’t want to go into more detail than that. One evening, I read a post by this blogger that greatly concerned me. It worried me enough that I felt compelled to reach out to someone else who also read the blog. I emailed Brenda, introduced myself officially, and expressed my concern. By that time, she had also read the post and shared my concern. We each wrote to the woman in question and in the process, Brenda and I exchanged telephone numbers. We also spoke to this woman (now becoming a friend) on the phone several times over the course of a couple of months. To make a long story short, eventually she decided to stop blogging, cut off all contact and we had no idea what happened to her. We still don’t. We were worried about her and tried to contact her via email and phone calls but it became clear that, in the midst of coping with her illness, she had cut her ties to the blogging world. We had to respect that. In the meantime, our friendship had grown. And it keeps growing.
Brenda has gone through a tough time lately. Her marriage has ended and she is moving from East Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma. A new start. I couldn’t be happier for her. Through all the adversity, even when everything seemed hopeless, she has kept her sense of humor – even through the tears.
Here is the new Cozy Little House. The movers are coming today – Sunday – and Brenda departs for Tulsa tomorrow. Her daughter (a realtor) and her husband have been instrumental in helping Brenda find her new haven. They have simply been extraordinary.
Leaving any place you have lived for a number of years is always emotional. Leaving a marriage is also emotional, even when you are grateful for your new-found freedom. Life is complicated that way. But look what’s waiting! A new home, a new life, daughters and grandchildren nearby, independence and the chance to start anew.
I know I’ll visit Brenda one day in Tulsa. I can’t wait.
Bon voyage, my friend. You deserve every happiness.
Best wishes for your friend. You are so lucky to have found each other! I tried to click on her blog through your posting but came back as does not excist. lol. I will try again later. Nice that the computer can bring people together.
You’re a good friend Claudia. You remind me so much of my smart and creative friend, Peggy, and you even look a little like each other ~ especially when you wear your retro glasses. Hope you’re feeling better, and wish Brenda much happiness in her new cozy little house. xo
HI CLAUDIA.
YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON, AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WAY OF SHOWING YOUR LOVE AND HOW YOU CARE ABOUT SOMEONE. I WISH YOUR FRIEND THE BEST OF EVERYTHING. I AM SO HAPPY I GOT TO KNOW YOU, I ENJOY READING YOUR BLOG VERY MUCH. HAVE A LOVELY DAY.
RIZZI
Your continuing friendship was so clearly apparent during the last several months. Your kindness is reflected back to the community and I believe has helped others become kinder and pay more attention to others.
– Joy
Brenda is fortunate to have you as a blogger friend. This is a cute little, cozy house. I hope she finds nothing but happiness in it and in Tulsa.
I’ve been cheering Brenda along too… so happy for her new wings, her strength and courage to start anew.. and I am so looking forward to what she does with that new cozy little blue house.
Hi Claudia
I love Brenda’s blog and the fact that she is moving forward with a positive outlook and mind. I’m thrilled for her!
Enjoy your week!
Leann
Brenda`s a touch cookie; my heart is with her during her trip `home`. You`re a good friend, Claudia.
Sue
xo
I have been keeping up with Brenda for a while now and feel so sad for her leaving her home but excited for her next chapter of her life. It’s wonderful how we make such good friends in blogland and can support each other during the good and the bad. I am glad you have been there for her during this time!~Hugs, Patti
Crying here. What would I do without you, my beloved friend? Yes, you are coming to visit. Tell Don to bring his guitar. I want him to sing to us in my garden. (What will be my garden anyway.)
Love ya, Brenda
There are some true friends in the blogging community! I love Cozy Little House and am looking forward to seeing how Brenda charms up the little blue house!
Claudia,
Well done. Brenda is taking some big steps and I know you have helped. I love her blog (and yours). I have followed you both almost since day one!
Carol
I also read Brenda’s blog. I am so excited for her. She will love her new home and being close to her grands! I hope she has a safe journey and her furries travel well and adjust to the new home also.
pam
Isn’t blogging amazing? Without it I would have never met you, Brenda or all of the other blog friends. I am so happy for Brenda and cheer her on in her conquest for a newer life. She is an amazing example of perseverence and strength.
xxoo
Becky
PS: I would love to go to Tulsa to meet the two of you – and another friend, Judy Clark, who makes beautiful pillows!
Loved this post because I, too, love Brenda. I’m wishing her the best in her new life, and I pray that it far exceeds all of our hopes and dreams for her. She deserves it.
Love you, Claudia…
XO,
Sheila
Best wishes to Brenda as she begins her new life. It takes a brave person to leap into the unknown….sometimes, you never know how happy you can be unless you take that first big step. You may discover the experience you get is the one you really wanted all along. Who knew? I think she has some great moments ahead as she begins her new life. Enjoy your new experience, Brenda! xoxo Kim
Hahaha! I was just catching up on Brenda’s blog just now before catching up on yours! You’re both on my “must read” list these days. I have been reading about Brenda’s new path and feeling those same old feelings from my life change. It’s heartbreaking and full of joy all at the same time.
So neat to hear that you’re both friends! I love it when that happens.
Best to you both,
~Angela~