Saturday, April 24, 2010

Have you heard this quote about friendship?

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”

I love that quote. I really do.

And today's post is for a friend...

...and that friend might need reminded while she is going through a pretty rough patch in her life that she has a lot of people singing melodies to her.

And even though some of the tunes might be slightly off-key...

And even though some of the tunes might be be downright dreadful...

It's OK, really.

Just try and remember that we are willing to sing them. And that you deserve them. And that covering your ears won't work because you will still hear them anyway.

So...

Yesterday Morgan helped me sing to a friend.

She actually sings pretty good for a 3 1/2 year old.

She didn't really sing with words...she sang with three little dum-dum suckers picked carefully for color: pink, blue and purple ... that she put into a little gift bag of a few Arizona treats I was taking along on our errand. She sang with being polite and wonderful while her Grandma was doing something important with someone amazing.




The friend is PJ, for those of you that know her. And this is what the little sign I am holding says:
Because yesterday one of the artists that PJ most admires had a showing here in Mesa. And Morgan and I went.

The artist is Erika Simmons who creates really amazing mixed media art. Her innovative creations are being commissioned around the world. She is beautiful, smart, creative and has that fire that you see in people who are passionate about what they do.

Erika graciously made time for me to see her today as a surprise for PJ!

But actually the surprise was on me because I was totally blown away by what she does.

Her work takes mixed media to a whole new meaning...re-cycled cassette tapes, 8 mm film, books, sheet music...



You can also click here to read PJ's original post about Erika. There are lots more pictures there.

So PJ, my silvery-gold friend...even though I did this for you...it ended up being for me, too!

Thank you for that.

Oh...and PJ?

Do re mi fa so la ti do!

Matlock to you...and to everyone else...

post signature

40 comments:

  1. When I read the first part of your blog I thought wow what a brilliant quote then I read on and thought WOW WOW God is good in the way he turns things round to benefit others at the same time. Sounds like you had a great time

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  2. That's just the sweetest 'across the miles' wish I've ever seen:) I know PJ will love it... Hallmark has nothing on you Jenny!

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  3. Ahhhhhh sweet day for sure with your girl! Sounds like you got rewarded for doing something nice, my friend! Love the art and the singing wasn't too bad either. I will pray for PJ and whatever she is going thru! HUGS!

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  4. Jenny, that is one of the best quotes about friendship I've ever read. And you, sweet lady, should be a conductor! What a wonderful gift to PJ. I love Erika's work too, and I thank PJ for introducing it through her blog. I'll bet she is jumping up and down for joy right now! Kathy

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  5. Friendship I swear, holds this world together and everyone deserves friends of all levels...the kids that sing in tune and the kind that make you want to cover your ears at times. Looks like you are in key and singing strong.

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  6. Oh that quote is so wonderful and yes soooo true!!!! Just loved reading this post and seeing those awesome pics!!! You made me smile!!!

    Have a great weekend!!!

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  7. Thanks for sharing the quote and the story--great stuff.

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  8. oh! oh! oh! I love the Tom Waits one!
    and what a neat thing to do!

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  9. Amazing! (and I didn't even have to cover my ears)

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  10. Morning Jenny,
    What a lovely thing to do for your friend PJ. This ladies work is amazing, and so different and sure gives new meaning to the word recycling for sure!! What a great use of all those cassette and vhs tapes! Stunning really.
    I'll bet your friend PJ was thrilled,
    and so nice you were able to take your grandaughter along.
    Nice job - and what a good friend,
    I like that quote too!!
    Blessings for a great weekend ahead, Nellie

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  11. Oh my gosh, Matlock!! I'm so blown away that you went and she was there...and you even had a sign! You're beyond the best!!! I have tears in my eyes. The melody that you and Morgan sang takes my breath away......

    You did not make me crack up.....just big happy smile and tears....

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  12. Friendship, incredible art, caring support, music, a great quote and a beautiful granddaughter all wrapped up in a post with fun pictures to boot. This was great, Jenny and I'll bet PJ is singing along.

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  13. I've just found your blog & so glad I did. Love the saying about friendship & I'm so lucky to have several friends who fit the bill. Jan

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  14. It is hard to find the words to describe the wonders of friendship, but this comes awfully darned close. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  15. Love the quote have heard it also...what a kind thing for you to do and yes, friendship...it means more to me all the time, Come say hi :D

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  16. You're a wonderful friend, Jenny. What a gift, and what a great metaphor to describe friendship.

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  17. I need to show my niece these pictures and the link as well. She is an art major.

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  18. Apparently, you are a friend worth having...

    Thanks for making me smile this morning.

    =)

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  19. Beautiful quote! Friends are so important! What a nice thing to do for PJ. Beautiful artist! Love her work!
    You have an adorable granddaughter!
    Have a great Saturday!

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  20. I just left PJ's place and while leaving my comment, saw yours. I'm so sorry your friendship had to end...Hee-hee! :-D
    How awesome that you and little Morgan were able to go see one of PJ's friends. Cute pics, as always!
    ML

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  21. What a neat gift for a friend! And what amazing art, just wow.

    Speaking of music, I admit I kinda snagged a few of your selections for my own playlist...haha!

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  22. Hi Jenny!!!
    Is there any way you can remove my blog form your links to the alphabet thing???
    SOmeone has hacked into my computer and it started after I joined this, not that you are at fault at all, I just need to remove myself from everything except my own blog, if this does not work, the blog is gone, per my hubby!!!!!!
    SO please remove my link or tell me how to do this!!!!
    hugs,
    jamie

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  23. You are such a good friend! I appreciate how you care about others. I think that there are lots of folks singing your song so i hope you hear us!

    I love to go and look at art and get to talk to the artist. It is always so much fun to hear about what inspires them. Have a great weekend! I am getting better everday!

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  24. Make new friends but keep the old one is silver and the other is gold..What a wonderful friend you are and what a grand example to your grandaughter. Loved the artist...wow! A day the three of you will carry in your hearts.

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  25. Loved this post. :) Cute pictures. :)

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  26. What a tender post...we all need to step in and sing a little "back up", once in a while...for that is what friendship is...if we don't know the words, thats OK too...then just hum along, so we know your standing behind us...you are so insightful...smile on Rosie

    P.S.thanks for visiting my little site...you must get out of the post a comment section... and then just scroll down...try again...let me know if that worked...have a good weekend...Rosie

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  27. Wow...how fun, how sweet and what exciting artwork. It is a win/win for all!

    Sue

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  28. Jenny you are such a great friend! I am so glad you were able to do that for PJ and then to get a blessing yourself. Love that quote..means a lot to me.

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  29. Love the quote.
    That Morgan is styling!

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  30. What a great friendship quote (o:
    and what a great friend kind of thing to do
    how fun was that
    and your little helper is so cute (o:

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  31. A true post of friendship as you continue to share at all levels. Love your post.

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  32. Friendship tangents are the absolute best and you, Miss Jenny, are the epitome of friendship. Blessing always to you for making all of us feel like family.

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  33. Ah so glad you were able to see that wonderful artist that PJ told us about! I hope she does a show in NYC sometime. So sweet you gave this sweet shout out to PJ..hope all went well for her this weekend.
    ♥Pat

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  34. Aaah!! Beautiful quote, and very sweet post. I didn't realize that you live in AZ. Me too!! We are up in Surprise. Are you going to the phoenix blog convention??

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  35. How sweet of you to send that song to your friend! And I love the Beatles crossing Abbey Road... er, the light switch. That is just classic. Official entry #3 for me... though really I am just having fun reading your blog. ;)

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  36. I love that quote and am very blessed to have a friend like that.

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  37. you are a song in my heart and I am happy that we are friends....you have the bestest smile too!

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Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment! My handy dandy e-mail assistant always notifies me when you do and I read every single one.

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Thanks so much for reading my 'Tangents'! Your comments always feel like a hug!

Jenny Matlock