Tuesday @ Ten - SURROUND/WHEN

Well, the past few weeks have really gotten busy; and I am  hoping it slows down a bit soon!  Since I missed getting anything written for Tuesday @ Ten last week, I will try to combine the two words in this week's post!

I always enjoy linking up with my friend, Karen, for this weekly prompted post.  Hope to see you there, too!  And, be sure to check out Karen's Facebook group for the Tuesday @ Ten followers here.



So, here is my post for Surround and When:

When I plan a weekend getaway, I know that once I {finally} get to where I am going, I will be surrounded by women of all ages who are connected by things we all enjoy.

Most often the retreats I attend are for crafting, specifically scrapbooking; but at times I also attend retreats for our Disciples' Women.

Scrapbooking may be my obsession; and I may have a room full of supplies to use when I work on my projects...and I am always open to sharing my supplies when I am surrounded by others who also enjoy this craft.

When we get together for a weekend, or even for just the day, we are surrounded by those who share our love of crafting.  But, the connection between us is not just the craft!

We are connected by so much more than just working on our scrapbooks or other projeccts.  Those who share this love also share each others' joys and concerns and ... our lives!

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by women who care about the person that I am; the ups and downs of what is happening in my life.  When we get together, we support each other with our hugs and love and concern and...our resources.

It always over-whelmes me when I am gifted with "stuff" to add to my stash of supplies; but it over-whelmes me just as much, if not more, to be gifted with the funds required to attend the retreats.  Sometimes this is done anonymously; other times I know who has given the funds.  Either way, I am over-whelmed by their love and generosity.

So, today as I sit here at the computer to write my post for Tuesday @ Ten, I am thankful for my friends I see when I attend the scrapbook retreats, usually three or four times a year.  I am thankful for my friends I am surrounded by on a more regular basis, like our weekly crops or get-togethers.  I am thankful for my online friends I have not even met; and when the time comes that I do get to meet them...I will be just as over-whelmed and excited as I am when they share gifts with me.

What more can I say?  I am just over-whelmed!!  I think my past has been filled with low self-esteem and periods of feeling as if I did not belong.

I am learning to accept the gifts and generosity of my friends; and to just smile and say "thank you".  I am learning to share when and where I can, just as those who surround me are doing.

And I am learning that I am truly blessed!