“Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages.”
Psalms 135:13
Hello sweet friends…the arctic blast has made its way to the Appalachian Foothills! It’s cold and sunny here, which makes for a perfect morning to stay in and drink coffee! It’s the third Monday of the month and that means it’s time for Monday Morning Blooms…and today is a really special one for me. I hope you’re ready for a story of flowers and friendship!
On my search for flowers this week at our local grocery stores, I was having absolutely no luck. So, what’s a girl to do? I called my favorite florist to see if he could order me coral roses, pale blue hydrangeas, and seeded eucalyptus. He called me the next afternoon to say his truck had arrived and he thought he had what I wanted. When I got there, I went to the back of his shop where he keeps all of his flowers. He had several bunches of roses, but then I saw this particular bunch that I knew was exactly what I was hoping for. Of course I always want to know the name of the variety of rose. It is called “free spirit”, he said. And that led to a sweet time of reminiscing about our dear and mutual friend that fit the name of the roses perfectly. Putting together this week’s Monday Morning Blooms was very special and enjoyable for me as it took me down a road of precious memories and one of the sweetest friendships I have ever known…
It was 1974 that I met this bigger than life, bubbly personality, with a south Alabama accent that would melt butter. She had just moved here, and I was immediately drawn to her charm and warmth. She was one that as soon as you met her, you knew you would become friends.
Speaking of friends…you can find the links at the bottom of my post for my talented friends Lidy, Mary, and Shirley!
So of course, I became friends with this girl from South Alabama. We had much in common. I had a love for fashion, she had a degree in fashion merchandising. She was a fabulous story teller, I was the best listener. Before long, it was like we had known each other forever! When I saw these “free spirit” roses, they immediately took me down memory lane, thinking of my dear friend Bonnie Jean. Notice their ruffled petals and their big smiling face. They have personality that lights up any room, just like they’re doing in my family room! They even have a lovely fragrance that you can’t help but notice as it fills the room. I was hard at work trying to meet our Monday Morning Blooms challenge of using a clear glass vessel to place the arrangement in, but I had a little more on my mind. I was thinking of so many memories of Bonnie Jean.
One of my favorite memories was when four of us friends decided to have a girls’ weekend in Callaway Gardens. We arrived at Bonnie Jean’s house, and much to our surprise, she bounced out the door wearing the most darling skirt and a colorful bandana as a top. Yes, she was wearing a bandana! No, that’s not your normal attire, but my “free spirit” friend pulled it off beautifully!
By the time my son was born, she was divorced. Even through her heartbreak, she continued to love with abandon. She loved children and she loved our son. Bonnie Jean never remarried or had children, but that didn’t stop her from loving her friends’ little ones and showering them with gifts.
During our son’s junior year in high school, his class took a trip to Europe that included London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. I went as a chaperone and invited Bonnie to go with me. Did we ever have fun and make memories!
Bonnie and I particularly loved Paris. With her sense of fashion, we whirled in and out of the most elegant boutiques. She handled the French shop keepers with ease, knowing just enough of their language to communicate. I am sure glad she could do that, because I could not! I watched her southern charm even on the streets of Paris.
As I was photographing, I suddenly remembered I still had shoes that I bought on that trip, and I knew exactly where they were. Taking them out of the box, I had to place them next to the flowers and under the Paris painting. These shoes are a story in themselves…
As Bonnie Jean and I walked into the Heyraud shop on the Champs Elysees the sales associate did not speak or even smile at us. It didn’t take Bonnie long to charm her with her vibrant personality…she even began speaking English. That is just how Bonnie was…she always brought the best out in people. The beautiful French lady fell over herself wanting to help us. Looking over the shoes and handbags, I saw the most gorgeous floral and leopard shoes. As I stood there admiring them, Bonnie kept convincing me to buy them since I loved them so much. They were quite expensive and I just didn’t spend that much money on shoes. She wouldn’t give up, she told me that they would be a memory of our trip. She had a good point…
…and I finally decided to purchase them! I wore them for several seasons before I put them away. When I wore them, I always was reminded of that day on the Champs Elysees with my friend.
And the painting…it’s also a reflection of my love for Paris. It was done by a local artist and a friend of My Renaissance Man. He is well known around the South for his beautiful artwork. This is a scene from the Latin Quarter of Paris. You might see Craig Reynold’s work in some art galleries.
Back to Bonnie Jean. In 2007, during the really hard time of Butch’s accident, Bonnie Jean drove 240 miles round trip several times to be with me. If you read our story, you will remember I didn’t pack very many clothes. As only she would do, Bonnie left the hospital to go shop for clothes. She came back with sacks of cute outfits, underwear, comfortable shoes, and beauty products. She was a true friend!
It was while Butch was recovering in a rehab hospital in Birmingham that she told me she had breast cancer. She wouldn’t tell me sooner, because she didn’t want me to worry…that’s just how she was. She beat breast cancer and never once stopped smiling. But in early 2009, cancer returned. Once again she faced it with her strong faith in our Lord and Savior. But this time, she would not beat the cancer. I was so honored to give a eulogy at her funeral and share my memories of our thirty six year friendship. She was a friend of rare qualities that loved so well and gave so selflessly. Her beautiful smile would light up a room…just like these free spirit roses!
My sweet friends, you want to be sure and click on the links below for beautiful flower therapy for a wintery January day.
Mary @ Home Is Where The Boat Is
Shirley @ Housepitality Designs
Thank you so much for your visits and the comments that you leave. A special thank you for allowing me to share my precious friend and my memories with you. Her memory always brings a smile to my face. Wishing you all a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner, Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats Eclectic Red Barn, Love Of Home, My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rustic & Refined, The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, Me and My Captain, The Dedicated House, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Pam, Your ‘Free Spirit’ Roses take my breath away! What beautiful blooms and such wonderful memories of your friend Bonnie. Your story of your friendship and memories of her warms my heart. I can’t get over how beautifully your roses match your shoes from your trip. They’re perfectly paired with your Paris street scene painting too. Thank you for sharing your story and blooms this morning. I’m always happy to join you for some flower therapy. ♥
Thank you dearest Mary ❤️
A sad but lovely story. Many of my memories make me sad, like my friend Gina that is passed away. Another live wire.
You Americans really like our eucalyptus, don’t you!
Cath, I am sorry for your loss of Gina❤️
It’s said if you have one true friend in your lifetime that you are truly blessed. You were truly blessed with Bonnies friendship. I too have a “free spirit” friend. She has been there with me through thick and thin. When I moved to Colorado to be with my soon to be husband she asked to come with me. It was a car trip across the country. She knew I hated cigarettes and gave up smoking to come with me and praise the Lord never returned to smoking. We laughed all the way from NC to CO and today we are still laughing together. What sweet memories we have, you and I, of our free spirit BFF’s. When my friends husband left her for another we celebrated by going to Myrtle Beach after the divorce. She hung a man’s tie out of the trunk of her car and we drove the strip with people looking at us as if there was a man in the trunk. She is full of life and I hope that never ends.
Alice, thank you so much for sharing your “free spirit” friend with me. Those are special stories and funny, especially with the tie hanging out of the trunk. Friends like that are genuine!
Your beautiful story of your friend Bonnie Jean is as beautiful as your “Free Spirit” Roses bouquet. I lost my dear friend several years ago and reading your story of your friendship truly brought tears to my eyes. The story of a friend who would travel miles and make certain that her friend had a bright spot in times of such a hardship for you and of course Butch. True friendships of those who would travel miles and miles to help a friend in need are certainly the ones you cherish and I am sure she cherished yours. She is looking down and saying, good job Pam and love my roses!….Beautiful flowers Pam with a beautiful story of friendship! As always, such a pleasure being a part of Monday Morning Blooms with you…thank you for your friendship! Have a great day!!!
Thank you dearest Shirley❤️
Perfect flowers, shoes, friend. I’m not crying, you are!
Thank you Rita ❤️
I so enjoyed reading the story of your wonderful friend. Your flowers are gorgeous.
Thank you Penny!
Pam, what a beautiful story. What a blessing your dear friend was. If we are fortunate in this life, God sends us one real friend like your Bonnie Jean. The flowers are gorgeous, your shoes are a treasure and your story made me cry.
Wishing you a lovely day and week. ❤
Thank you sweet friend❤️
The roses, shoes and art are so beautifully put together. You have such artistic talent and your story of your friend brought tears to my eyes. One of my favorite posts ever!!
Thank you dearest Dianne❤️
Oh Pam, the way you photographed the flowers in front of the painting made me think you were in Paris! What a special story and memories of your sweet friend, and the free spirit roses are impossible to resist! They are so happy they make me smile! And the shoes!!! Love the shoes!!! Such a delightful post, you have really brightened my day!
Jenna
Thanks so much Jenna for your sweet words❤️
What a beautiful and loving tribute to Bonnie Jean. She will live on through your precious memories. The roses, the shoes, the painting…absolutely spectacular.
Thank you dear Roxanne❤️
Dearest Pam, I so agree with what many others have said…if God sends you one true friend in this life then you are truly blessed. Your Bonnie was definitely one of those dear and true friends. Coral roses are my most favorite, and your free spirit roses are stunning. What a beautiful tribute to your dear friend. Have a lovely Monday, and enjoy the sunshine! We finally have sun today, too!
Thank you sweet friend for your lovely comment❤️
Beautiful flowers but your remembrance is more beautiful.
Thanks Maureen❤️
Pam, knowing and loving Bonnie Jean also, your post this am makes me so sad. She was a dear soul. The flowers are a beautiful reminder of her spirit, beauty, and her joy of living. It is so sad that someone who loved life so much had her life shortened by cancer. Your post is a fitting tribute to her.
Thank you my sweet friend❤️
Your story is as beautiful as your friendship was and I can certainly see why the beautiful roses reminded you of her.
Thank you Karen!
Pam, what a touching story and a lovely tribute to your dear friend. I love the way you described your roses. They do have such ruffly edges and big smiling faces. God bless you for sharing this dear story and your floral talents with us!
Thank so much Yvonne for your sweet words❤️
Pam, The floral arrangement is so colorful and perfect for honoring Bonnie Jean! The pretty shoes, Paris painting & a delightful floral arrangement all reminding you of your friend who loved life & treasured friendship. She lives on in your heart. God truly blessed you both with the precious gift of friendship and your reminiscing is a blessing of sweet memories. Thanks for sharing Bonnie Jean with us. Wishing you a wonderful day. Clara?
Clara, thank you for your precious words ❤️
She was awesome and it was very sad when she left but we all knew where she was headed — to the most beautiful of the beautiful – heaven.
Yes she was definitely prepared❤️
Pam, your story truly blessed me and God gives us so many treasures in so many ways to give us that lift at just the right time. I love your shoes and I know you are so happy to have kept them all these years as they are a perfect combination with the painting and the free spirit roses and your dear friend Bonnie Jean….what a beautiful story, thank you for sharing. Blessings Always
Kari, thank you sweet friend❤️
What a precious story Pam. Made my heart melt and brought a smile to me this morning. I love the rose and your friends would be so honored at your story and rose! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks dear Cindy. Hugs back at you❤️
Such a precious story , Pam ! Love the shoes , too ! ❤️
Thanks so much ❤️
What a precious, precious story, sweet Pam. It brought tears to my eyes. I know your sweet friend is waiting for you in the heavenliness, but I also know that in our humanness, you must miss her terribly. I am so glad that you have your beautiful memories to warm your heart. Your story is a blessing to us.
Thank you sweet Lidy for your kind words. She is missed.❤️
Pam, what a wonderful story of such a sweet friendship. I am sure that you miss her so much. We are so fortunate if we have have a friendship like yours. Like you said, it usually does not take long when you meet someone who will be such a friend. I must say, that when I met you, after following you for so long, I really felt that you were someone who would just make the most wonderful friend. You are certainly one of a kind, and I am so glad to know you. Love, Betty
Betty, what precious comments. You are so sweet and kind. Thank you so much❤️
Pam, what a beautiful testament to such a special friend. I feel like I knew her thanks to your beautiful words. I am sorry for your loss and I am sure that Bonnie Jean is smiling down at you from a beautiful garden in heaven.
Thanks Katie for your sweet words.
Oh Pam, not only beautiful photos but a beautiful tribute to a dear friend. I know that although you had many years together, they weren’t enough and I’m so sorry she had to leave you so soon. 2009. Wow — We still miss them as much, don’t we? I know I do. Sending hugs as you think of Bonnie Jean today — I know she’s love your bouquet.
Aw, thanks so much Jeanie for your kind words!❤️
Your roses remind me of the color scheme for my daughter’s wedding reception. Their name free spirit suits her to a T.
I am sure her reception was beautiful!
Beautiful flower arrangement, shoes, and painting. BUT…..the “True Friend” is more BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks for sharing such Special Memories with us! Bonnie Jean is smiling with that big smile and saying; love you girlfriend!
Thank you so much for your sweet comments Nancy. Have a great week❤️
Your lovely bouquet and compelling story is a priceless gift to those os us who come upon it. The flowers and creative images you paint with an artist’s words fill me to overflowing.
As a cancer survivor, your tribute to Bonnie Jean made me cry. You are so blessed to not only have had an awesome friend, but a loving husband. As the sign says “Somebody else would be happy to have what you have” In May it will be 30 years since my original diagnosis but my lab tests aren’t looking good. All we have is faith in a higher power. Thanks for sharing such a personal story.
I said a prayer for you, Myrna.
What a wonderful post! I stopped over here from #MakeitPrettyMonday and am so happy I did. My dear mum was a florist, so the roses bring back so many memories for me. Your tales of travels with your friend and the amazing things she did brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for sharing her story.
I arrived here from #MakeitPrettyMonday. I just loved this post. It brought back wonderful memories of my dear mum, who was a florist and would always pick her flowers so carefully. Your stories about your friend are just wonderful. She sounds like she was an amazing person!
What a beautiful story! I grew up in the same small town as your beloved Bonnie Jean. She actually taught me baton lessons (or tried to!) when I was in elementary school. I adored her infectious personality and oh my, that smile!! When I moved to Gadsden, I would see her occasionally, and we always had the best time catching up. When my father passed away & I returned to Gadsden, my doorbell rang late one afternoon and there was Bonnie Jean with the most gorgeous flowers and of course, that sweet smile! Even though I was much younger & we didn’t travel in the same circles, she knew I needed a loving, familiar reminder of home. She was definitely one of a kind!❤️
Pam to have one friend like Bonnie Jean you can consider yourself fortunate. Thank you for sharing.
Marion
Yes, you are correct Marion. She was one of a kind!
Thank You Pam for sharing this beautiful friendship. We are all so thankful for the wonderful memories we share with those we love who are no longer with us.
God Bless
Marilyn
Yes we are, thank younMarilyn!
What a beautiful story of such a precious, long-term friendship! I know you must miss her and am so thankful the gorgeous roses brought back such dear memories to your mind. Everyone needs a friend like her, and I am sure she was as blessed by your presence in her life as you were blessed by hers in yours. So sweet to visit with you today, my friend. Many blessings to you!
I love your sweet visits of encouraging words my friend!
That was a beautiful memorial to your friend Pam. The roses are gorgeous, I just love the color!
She would indeed be smiling! And totally free in spirit!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer!
I loved reading about your friendship with Bonnie Jean. God is so good to give us friends that challenge us, love us, help grow us, and just plain have fun with us! What a loving Father we have to give us relationships here on Earth that give us a taste of what Eternity holds for us! Thanks for linking up at Homestyle Gathering, Pam… I would have missed this post if you hadn’t! Hugs, sweet friend!
God is truly faithful and good. Thank you Julie, have a wonderful weekend sweet friend!
What a beautiful tribute to your lovely friend! She is reading this post and is so happy you bought those shoes. Because they are the perfect match to your free spirit roses! Sending you hugs across the miles to you!
Thanks Nancy for your sweet visit!