far-away friends

 My son returns home today after a wonderful trip to Africa.  He shall be a sophomore in college and this trip was part of an ROTC program called CULP.  He applied last year all by himself for this trip and the good news came last Christmas that he would be traveling to Tanzania.  He taught 3 classes of English a day to students.  They played basketball, soccer and other games to connect with the students.

 Part of the programs philosophy is to create a classroom as they travel, learning along the way.

He went on a Safari, toured Africa, a trip to Zanzibar where he stayed in a tropical spot and he told me the flowers were incredible.  He told me he is bringing saffron.

 Visiting historic ruins as a group and learning about the culture, the history directly from the native people.

Here is a shot of the classroom.  Pretty simple compared to our classrooms in America.  We kept in contact via e-mail and he told me each time how honored to be a part of this trip.  I cannot wait to see him and to hear all about his trip, his new far-away friends and to see what souvenirs he brings home.

monday motivation - friends

 One of my dear blog friends, Joyce was inspired to create porcelain baskets full of cherries for her friends.  She sent me these images and gave me permission to share with each of you.  I thought this was a lovely thing to do for friends.

This week, I am feeling motivated by friends and it is the little things they do to motivate us and to make us feel special.  I will be back shortly with the winner of the Cherries painting.  Liz Floyd selected the winner, via random number generator, number 45.  The winner is Trina from A country Farmhouse.

make new friends

Emerson Tray from number 411

Have you ever thought of your friends as "ornaments" ...or... "characters"

Helen Keller - Quote on a tray from here.

to create the story of your life.

Well think again.

I do think friends make our life sparkle like ornaments and provide for stories full of plots and twists and turns.

I am thankful for each of my friends.

I may not show it often enough.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed."

"Make new friends"

This week I encourage each of you to help a friend in need or make a new friend!

I dedicate this week to old and new friends!

Thanks to this new friend "moderne mama" for a fab lunch with a bevy of lovely bloggers!

(Chic trays can be found an purchased here!)