Saturday, January 1, 2011

Mimi Meets the Archangel Michael...


Every year for the last...oh, fifteen or so...we have exchanged angels with our dear friends, Jo and Sheryl. I don't know how it got started. I don't know how Jud (originator of the *Angel Rule) let it get past us! I think it started when we both gave each other angels for Christmas by coincidence and, right then, a tradition had begun. Some years, we give each other similar angels. Some years, there are whimsical angels. Some years, there are serious angels. This year, we could not have given each other more different angels. Sheryl and Jo gave us the beautiful angel on the left (who I decded, was the Archangel Michael, patron saint of San Miguel). We gave them the coquette on the right, who we all concluded was named Mimi. Mimi came all the way from the Adriatic shore of Croatia and is a bit of a coquette, maybe even a little naughty. She wears short skirts over her twig legs and a seashell cloche. Archangel Michael appears a bit disgruntled at her skirt length but I can't help but think he has forgiven Mimi for her wanton ways!


Here is the Happy Foursome in front of our fireplace, Jud, Suz, Jo and Sheryl. 


And here is Kat, with her dear "aunties."

Ah, good friends. What would we do without them?

I was reminded by a poem that was part of a friendship reading in my sorority in college (and I cannot believe I can remember it all!)

It is my joy in life to find
At every turning of the road
The strong arm of a comrade kind 
To help me onward with my load.
But since I have no gold to give
And love, alone, must make amends
My only prayer is, while I live,
God, make me worthy of my friends.
                 Edgar Guest (I believe)

* The Angel Rule...For every angel that comes in, one must go out (does not apply to Christmas angels.)

26 comments:

  1. What a wonderful tradition, Kat & what lovely and wonderful friends you have! Such beautiful angels, too! Wishing you, Jud & Suz and most wonderful, happy & HEALTHY New Year, my friend!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sending you oodles of love for 2011...may God bless you in everyway as your sweet Jud's health returns. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love that tradition! The angel you received is gorgeous. As is Mimi :) Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I particularly like the short poem about friends! Wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well Suz, I'm thinking the more angels in your life the better. What a true blessing our friends can be to us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Of course you and your friends give each other angels.

    You are surrounded by angels...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Suz, It is so special to hear about the patterns of your life. A Corn Palace girl! I new there was a mid-west girl in that heart of yours! I absolutely loved your memory shared. This angel swapping is just too funny! How perfectly perfect you would choose an angel with moxie. I am so glad you are sharing your husband's experience with us. We are learning about humility from your husband's positive attitude and grace from your brave front. I love that you are crafting while being with Jud. Such sweetness! Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for your kind comments on my blog.
    Blessings in your New Year and health...to you and your husband. Your blog is very pretty.
    Deirdra

    ReplyDelete
  9. I remember a post from last year (oh my!) about your angels and THE Rule! ;)

    Mimi makes me smile!

    Archangel Michael is very beautiful!

    Love the photos and sweet smiling faces in each!
    oxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such kind words. I've enjoyed reading through your posts, you have a very nice blog. I'll be sure to stop by again!

    Happy 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy New Year to you, dear Suz! Love the angels!

    xxxooo, tapmom

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sue,
    I have been wanting to follow your blog and was so glad to see Jud share the link on Caring Bridge. Love the angel sharing tradition!
    Did you know that Gail loved angels too? I expect that Angel Gail is watching over you and Jud and Kat, rooting for you all the way...as are Sarah, Martha and I.
    Love and prayers are constantly flowing up from the south to you all!
    Cousin Ann

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh how I love this post, the angel tradition and story, your friends and the pictures, but not the rule. How many angels do you have anyway??? I do so hope there is room for one more. Hope your week is blessed abundantly. XO ~ Katie

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a lovely tradition. Your angels will surely protect you and your Husband as you go through this trying time. All the best to you both this year! Sandy xox

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the picture of all of you....all the best for the new year Suz!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a great tradition, Suz!
    I love the difference between the two angels and think they will get along quite well.
    xoxo
    lynn

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful poem Suz! Hope you had a great Christmas. Here's to a wonderful New Year. Thanks so much for swinging by and entering the contest. Good luck on your resolutions! Hugs, Riki

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Suz,
    love the photo of all of you.
    Have a lovely day.
    Hugs,
    Marie

    ReplyDelete
  19. Suz, I just love your angel tradition. What true angels you have for friends!

    My heart goes out for you, Jud and Kat each morning in prayer. I wish there was something else that I could do for you, possibly a scrapbook/journal for you on your journey. I saw the message on how people could sign up to help, but being so far away I didn't know if this was the avenue to help you. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

    Hugs, Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for sharing the very special friendship poem...it says so much yet gets to the point, hitting the mark...reaching the heart.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Suz,
    I tried to email you back, but my accounts are out of sorts right now.......

    Anyway, IF you want to try and stitch papers, use the biggest stitch on your machine...On both the hearts and the crepe. Just get a roll of Crepe paper and stitch it right down the middle...you MAY need to pull the gathers a bit more by hand. ....

    Love and Hugs to YOU and all your family! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
    Big, big Hugs!
    Shell

    ReplyDelete
  22. Well, your message made me cry (in a good way) ;) Much love to you. Gabriel was my maiden name, so I have an affinity with Archangel Gabriel...xoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gabriel is beautiful, but that Mimi... she just fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Suz~
    I remember your 'angel' post from last year. I loved it then....and now. Glad to see Jud's whited cells are going up! Prayer warrior in motion! Happy New Year!
    XO~Hope

    ReplyDelete
  25. Isn't Edgar Guest wonderful! I think he must have been a wonderful friend, father and husband. I have a small book of his poems, and it always puts a smile on my face.

    My son's name is Michael, and the symbolism of his name has always been important to me.

    Did you know that Michael is the patron saint of policemen as well. I learned that, when I was visiting St. James in NYC at Christmas, 2001, and I thought it fitting, that I should learn that then.

    I'm looking forward to getting to know you Susan.

    Thank you for your visit.

    ReplyDelete