“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.”   Marcel Proust

“Charming gardeners” — what a lovely phrase! And how perfectly it describes those caring people who support our writing and ensure that the seeds of our stories bear fruit by pouring down upon us the dew and sunshine of encouragement.

Since my dear friend Rich Burns sent me a beautiful note alerted me that this is “Friendship Week, ” it seems like a wonderful time to thank some of our friends via email or a call and let them know how much they mean to us.

How many charming gardeners I’m blessed to have in my life: There are Alex and David, who are always so encouraging, and my wonderful sister Steph and my brother, Pete. And all my friends, who’ve helped me in so many ways — among them, the writing buddies in my critique group who’ve read my chapters time and again. and all of you, my cherished KWD readers!

Let’s spend some time today reaching out to the charming gardeners in our lives and being grateful for the many gifts they give us: the time they take to listen to how our work is going, the notes and articles they send our way, the cheerful boosts they give us when we’re feeling low, and the confidence they have in our ability to push past obstacles when we hit them.

Who are the charming gardeners in your life? When you hit a thorny patch, think of all of them sprinkling water and sunbeams on the seeds of your inspiration — and write on!

P.S.  If you’d like to send them a lovely note, copy the one my dear friend Rich sent to me:

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK!

Take two minutes to read these sayings and be sure to read all the way to the bottom:

Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. 
Rooney has passed away but used to be on CBS’s 60 Minutes TV show.

I’ve learned….
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.I’ve learned….
That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned ….
That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.

I’ve learned….
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned….
That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned….
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned….
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way.

I’ve learned….
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned….
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned….
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned..
That life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned….
That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned….
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned…
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned….
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned….
That when you plan to get even with someone,
you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned….
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned….
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned….
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned….
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned….
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned….
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned….
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I’ve learned….
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned….
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned….
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned….
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned….
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

To all of you…
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.

It’s National Friendship Week.

Show your friends how much you care.

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU!

YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!Now send this to every friend you have!