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Here I would love to share with you our travels and adventures as international mushroom consultants. MEMOIRS about husband Pieter Vedder, who was a SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Mushroom Cultivation Education. His practical handbook is in 9 languages and is called the MUSHROOM BIBLE: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2020/08/modern-mushroom-growing-2020-harvesting.html

Thursday, November 7, 2013

{My 30 Years of FRIENDSHIP with Natacha}

My FRIENDSHIP with Natacha is one of over 30 years and we have always managed to visit each other, also after she moved away from Dublin, Georgia to Miami, Florida. Distance doesn't really matter!
Rain or Shine; when we went to Miami Florida we did visit each other!
From our Hyatt House Miami Airport it is only half an hour driving south to Natacha's home.
Here we are, happy together once more!
Wearing my very beautiful 925 silver pendant with Brown-Red Zirkon on a black silk necklace  with small Zirconia on the bale and around the Zirkon crystal. GIFT from Georgia in Greece from Armoniaart.blogspot.com
Life is ALL about FRIENDHIPS...
When we first traveled to Curaçao for our sun filled vacation; we met Natacha at Miami Airport!
That meant 'Sunshine', even before arriving at our Curaçao beach hotel...
Before moving from Pennsylvania to Italy, we managed to fly down from Philadelphia via Cincinnati to Miami to visit with Natacha and family again...
Happy times!
Happy FRIENDS!
You can read more below post via link about our EVERGLADES ADVENTURE
Natacha and family did drive up from Miami, the ten hour drive to Dublin when we were constructing our present home... We were working and living in Indonesia.
FRIENDSHIP MATURING...
Dinner in Miami after their second son graduated from University of Miami.
We did drive down the ten hours again for being together.
Coincidence that both of us did wear our HEARTS...
I wore my Escada cotton top.
FRIENDS through THICK & THIN...
This was a visit right after I got out of the hospital when I got paralyzed early 2010.
We stayed in Miami and visited our FRIENDS before driving down to Key West to stay at the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa where we spent 5 FREE nights for our Hyatt Platinum Points.
Wearing my Escada matching outfit...
Our previous visit to Miami was in June of 2012 when we visited Friend Natacha and her family last...
We at that time said our final goodbye to their handsome eldest son Carlos, or Carlitos as we always called him.
He lost a brave battle with brain cancer.
So this visit was one of those moments that we shed some tears together...
Tears shed on a rainy day and after the Evening Social at the Hyatt House, we did stroll through the gardens... 
Ending an emotional day.
A rather gloomy ending of the day, walking in the damp gardens...
Wearing my special Gift from Georgia in Greece with my burgundy Escada top and gray Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet jeans with Georgia Rebel Flag belt and Escda sandals.
My favorite back pack from TJ Maxx is so handy!
Guess what?
Next day we had SUNSHINE so we finally could swim and relax around the pool!
Like a sign from heaven!


Related links:
{Our EVERGLADES ADVENTURE with friend NATACHA} | previous post by me
{ LOOK - I won this IRIS GOLD Jewelry from Georgia in Greece} | previous post by me
{Our Citrus Aurantifolia - Key Lime} | previous post by me showing +Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa 

84 comments:

  1. your friend is lovely. so sad that she lost her son. so glad you have maintained your friendship for 30 years.

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    1. Dearest Theresa,
      We only have long time friends; speaks something about loyalty...
      Indeed it was very sad for losing her son, we all got saddened by it. But friendship sure helps each other getting over such tragedies in life.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  2. I am a firm believe that true friendship never die. Love how you captured and remembered those times (mostly happy) together. Cheers to many more

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    1. Dearest Daniela,
      No, regardless the distance, true friendship never dies. My best friend from the Netherlands I know now for over 48 years...
      Indeed, we could capture mostly happy times together and we will move on; together!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  3. It is so nice when long distance friendships work out. I know how difficult it is to meet up with friends who live close by let alone friends form a distance. You both look like you had a lovely time.

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    Replies
    1. True friendships will stand anything that comes our way and this is definitely one that will last forever. Friendships make us complete!
      We enjoyed happy times together, even at times when sadness is being shared...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. It is beautiful friendship! :) I also have friends with whom I still keep in touch and meet even though we live far from each other. Keep it up!

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    Replies
    1. Every Friendship is worth keeping and never mind the distance; it works!
      “True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. False friends are like leaves, found everywhere.”
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  5. Dearest Mariette,
    Wonderful pictures about your long last friendship!
    Love and hugs
    Claudia

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Claudia,
      Thank you and yes, such a long standing friendship is something to celebrate!
      Hugs and love to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. Dear Mariette,

    It's nice to have a friend like that, and distance doesn't matter. Great pictures of you two.
    Thank you for your kind words on my latest drawing.
    Enjoy the rest of your week, we're half way through to the weekend already.
    Hugs,
    Eva

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Eva,
      Friendships like this add to our overall happiness and even longevity. Thanks for your kind words about the pictures and you certainly are a praise deserving true artist!
      Weeks are getting awfully short it seems like...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  7. Liebe Mariette,

    das sind kostbare Erinnerungen an frühere Zeiten.

    Alles Liebe
    Elisabeth

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    Replies
    1. Liebe Elisabeth,
      Und nicht nur frühere Zeiten, es ist Heute noch genau so intens!
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  8. Good Morning Mariette, How wonderful to have a friendship which spans so many years and to be there for each other in time of need. It was lovely seeing the photographs of you both.... you both look as beautiful now as you did when you were young. You can see the love you have for each other shining through each of your eyes.
    Have a lovely day today.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Daphne,
      This is one of my long time friendships and it is a blessing! Thanks for your compliment and you are a very keen observer and reader of 'body language'!
      Lovely evening to you and lots of hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  9. Wat leuk om zo'n hechte vriendschap te hebben en jullie samen door de jaren heen te zien in goede en slechte tijden.

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    1. Beste Marianne,
      Ja, dit is een hele hechte vriendschap en het voelt goed. We zijn twee like-minded zussen voor elkaar en delen ook alles; lief en leed. Ook delen we de kinderen.
      Over een van onze avonture sámen schreef ik nog een reisverhaal, voor Avenue...
      Liefs,
      Mariette

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  10. Friends are very special treasures that we should never loose touch with.

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    1. Dearest Kay,
      Those are word of wisdom and yes, we need to hold on to such special friends. It pays for cultivating a long lasting friendship and it makes us happier.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  11. Dear Mariette,
    it's so lovely having a friend even if she's so far from you!
    You both look so preety and happy!
    I feel so sorry about Natashas son!What a shame.
    Thank you for sharing all those beautiful memories!
    Have a nice day!!Hugs!!
    Dimi...

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Dimi,
      Oh my, are we happy for being together again. Far better than a long distance phone call. But you can tell how my exhausted look from two days before, see previous post, did change completely here! Great friends only add to our happiness.
      It is tough loosing a young son, he left his young widow behind... no children yet.
      Hugs to you and wishing you a lovely evening.
      Mariette

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  12. Dearest Mariette,

    You and Natacha embody the old song I learned when I was a Girl Scout.

    Make new friends,
    But keep the old.
    One is silver;
    The other gold.

    Enjoy your day...........*s*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Suzi,
      Such a song has a lot of truth to it and did teach those young Girl Scouts some great morals!
      We are blessed for having several such golden friendships!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  13. Liebe Mariette,
    eine lange udnd anrührende Geschichte einer langen
    Freundschaft. Das zeigt wieder, dass wahre Freundschaft
    niemals endet.
    Liebe Grüße schickt Dir
    Irmi

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    Replies
    1. Liebe Irmi,
      Genauso wie die wahre Liebe, die endet nicht mal über den Tod hinweg und das gleiche güllt für wahre Freundschaft. Es ist ob wir für einander bestimmt wurden...
      Ganz lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

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  14. Adoro adoro adoro queste foto dalle quali si deduce soprattutto che sei fantastica, lo eri da ragazzina e lo sei tuttora. Grazie Mariette: ogni volta mi rassereni, mi fai sorridere e mi sento pure felice! Grazie.
    Love
    mimma

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    Replies
    1. Carissima Mimma,
      Grazie mille per le tue care parole e complimenti! Quando hai quale amiche ti rende molto più felice e irradia questo dal tuo viso e sembrare più giovane e più sano.
      Abbraccio forte,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. There is no bigger sorrow than the loss of a child! It 's a tragedy for the parents... In the other hand, friendship is one of the most precious "things" we have in life. You are both blessed to know that. And I have to add that you look terrific young and older! How nice!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Dearest Georgia,
      It sure is one of life's biggest tragedies to loose a child. Sharing happiness and sorrow with one another does sooth the pain somewhat as we don't have to walk this difficult road alone. We both treasure this and thanks for your kind compliment. True Friendship adds to overall happiness and it sure radiates off our faces and keeps us younger and healthier.
      Thanks for being a long distance friend!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  16. Mariette carissima, torno volentieri sull'argomento foto anche perchè non mi stanco di guardarle.... Credevo di averne individuata una in quanto preferita (la seconda!) e poi invece ho deciso che mi piacciono tutte!!!
    Nel frattempo ti metto il mio indirizzo di posta (anzi,sono rimasta di stucco perchè ero sicura di averlo nel profilo.... va beh, provvedo subito) eccolo allora: marina.lodi@gmail.com
    Grazie,sempre, per la tua amicizia.
    mimma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carissima Mimma,
      Grazie per tornare... e grazie per il tuo email.
      Voglio scriverti dopo.
      Baci,
      Mariette

      Delete
  17. Wow, 30 years of friendship! That is so special! Natacha is such a beautiful lady. I love the episode and picture that you both wore hearts :-) I'm so sorry for her loss of dear son Carlos.. But she is blessed to have a friend who shares pain and cries together.

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    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Thank you for your touching words, you certainly understand these emotions. We wore our hearts 'outside' in a way and that is almost literally. I sure does help to share pain and happiness in life! Natacha is such a lovely person; inside and out and true beauty - nothing fake or pretentious.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  18. Both you and Natacha have such a beautiful relationship! Thirty years of friendship is quite special. It speaks a lot for both of you. Viewing the photographs of you two stunning women brought a big smile to my face. One can feel the love you have for each other. So sorry to hear about the loss of Natacha's dear son.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Dearest Julie,
      Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and leaving such a meaningful comment!
      Friendship is all about LOVE and respect. It sure was very sad to see them loose a son...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  19. My dearest Mariette,it is so nice that you have these friends ! I am so sorry that I hear that your friend lost her son . Friends are for all moments ,happiness or unhappiness ....I liked your gift ,Georgia is a special person ! Have a lovely day !

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    1. Dearest Olympia,
      The special gift from Georgia, living far away and yet close to my heart, symbolizes what friendship is all about. We keep dear friends always close to our heart! Sad moments are the hardest to share but that is life and we will meet again; that's for sure.
      Hugs and wishing you a lovely evening.
      Mariette

      Delete
  20. Hello Mariette, Reading your story and looking at these pictures about enduring friendship really made my day. Living in Taiwan, as well as the passing years, has taught me the value of maintaining friendships; any efforts thus spent are always well repaid.
    --Jim

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    1. Dearest Jim,
      Friendships will endure many things in life and distance doesn't really matter much. It is in our heart where we keep our dear friends close forever. Maintaining and cultivating such friendship indeed pays off in a big way.
      There are friends, there is family and then there are friends that become family.Unknown
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  21. What a great friendship! That's the main thing in life

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    1. Dearest Marina,
      Such great friendships will go a long way and you are so right about them being the main thing in life!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  22. Wat bijzonder zo´n vriendschap waarin je van alles en nog wat met elkaar deelt, lief en leed!
    Zoiets moet je inderdaad in ere houden!
    Lieve groet,
    Nicole

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    Replies
    1. Bese Nicole,
      Zoiets bijzonders duurt tot het einde van de leven... We hebben al zoveel samen gedeeld en dat blijft zo verder gaan.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  23. Dear Mariette,

    So lovely that you have had this wonderful friendship over the years - through thick and thin. It is truly a blessing when you can find a true friend like Natacha, Beautiful photos of you both, now and years passed.
    So very sad that she lost her son.

    Happy day
    hugs
    Carolyn

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Carolyn,
      It has been such a blessing for knowing each other this long and we can look back on so many things that we shared. Thanks for your compliment about the photos; guess we both are living proof that such deep friendship keeps us looking happy and young.
      The loss of their son was a very tragic time but we will meet again and he is at peace.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  24. Dearest Mariette,
    Your true friendship about the photographs of you both are when you were young.
    Please keep for a long time for ever both of yours with Natacha.
    Hugs and love to you!
    Michiko

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Michiko,
      Guess this is one of life's secrets for growing old gracefully. Sharing the burden of the loss of a child helps for moving on with life. We are family after all those years and that will never end.
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  25. Dearest Mariette,
    What a wonderful, heartwarming story of a beautiful friendship growing with time and through time! Thank you for sharing it! Friendship is such a great gift in our lives. You both look so beautiful. So sorry to hear about Natacha's premature loss of her beloved son, that must have been so hard for her.
    Hugs to you both! :)

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Anna,
      Thank your for your compliment and very meaningful comment. Such Friendship is a gift and we are so glad for having each other at a time of such great family loss. It was very hard for all in the family and especially his young widow too... But together we are strong and one day we will meet again.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  26. Fijn zo'n hechte lange vriendschap Mariette. Wat erg van haar zoon!

    Lieve groeten Janny

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    1. Beste Janny,
      Ja om een zoon te verliezen op die leeftijd is heel triest...
      Maar juist in zulke tijden zijn hechte vriendschappen waardevol.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  27. Lieve Mariette,

    Vrienden maken is vaak een gunst, maar ze vasthouden is ware levenskunst.
    En die kunst bezitten jullie kennelijk beiden...... en het straalt van jullie gezichten af op de prachtige foto's!!!

    Lieve groet,
    Ger

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    Replies
    1. Lieve Ger,
      Mooi poetische woorden schrijf je en het is inderdaad een levenskunst. We zijn er beiden mee gezegend, zowel Natacha als ik en dit verraadt zich inderdaad via de uitstraling op de foto's!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  28. How wonderful that you have been friends for so long, I have no friendships that have lasted that long

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Thank you and I do have another Friendship that lasted 48 years...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  29. Liebe Mariette,
    es ist schön, wenn man seine Freunde das ganze Leben lang behält und auch, wenn man weit auseinander wohnt, sich immer einmal besuchen kann.
    Doch längst nicht jedem ist das möglich, es ist auch eine Frage des Geldes. Manche Eltern können es nicht einmal ermöglichen, ihre Kinder, die weit weg wohnen, noch zu sehen, wenn sie Kleinstrentner sind! Da ist manches ungleich verteilt. Besonders in Deutschland tut sich da immer mehr die sog. Schere auf!
    Ich selbst versuche auch immer, den Kontakt zu weiter weg lebenden Freunden zu halten. Meist geht das aber beiderseits nur schriftlich, mal auch telefonisch. Denn wir haben alle zu wenig Zeit und Energie für Besuche.

    Liebe Grüße
    Sara

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    Replies
    1. Liebe Sara,
      Es ist nicht so sehr ob man sich besuchen kann sondern viel mehr ob man sich besuchen will.
      Du meinst das Deutschland so schlimm ist? Allererstens sollten die Kinder jedoch den Eltern im hohen Alter besuchen und nicht umgekehrt. Aber auf die Welt Liste steht Deutschland immer noch vermeldet unter Hohes Einkommen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GNI_(nominal,_Atlas_method)_per_capita
      Wir haben in vielen Länder gearbeitet wo das ganz anders war und trotzdem kultivierte man dort Freundschaft ganz anders.
      Die Westliche Welt die hat viel Geld für Urlaub, Wochenendausflüge, Karneval, allerart Deko im Haus was es früher gar nicht gab und man feiert das eine nach dem anderen. Sowie Halloween usw. Frage des Geldes ziehe ich deswegen sehr in Zweifel es ist viel mehr eine Frage der Priorität, auch wenn es um Zeit und Energie geht...
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

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    2. Da hast Du schon recht, liebe Mariette.
      Doch viele sind in ihren Berufen stark eingespannt und könnten höchstens 1 x pro Jahr Besuche abstatten. Da hätten es die Eltern einfacher, wenn sie es sich leisten könnten. Sie wollen ja nicht erst im hohen Alter von ihren Kindern besucht werden. Aber viele sind ja mit 60 schon berufsunfähig oder im Vorruhestand und können sich die weite Reise eben nicht leisten oder nicht öfter.
      Wir persönlich haben das Problem nicht, aber ich kenne solche Fälle.

      Was diese offiziellen Zahlen anbelangt - das gilt leider nicht für alle. Es gibt auch hier einen immer höher werdenden Prozentsatz Armer, die sich so etwas einfach nicht leisten können, geschweige denn Anderes. Nur werden auch die Arbeitslosenzahlen in der Statistik geschönt, indem solche Leute zum Teil in 1 Euro-Jobs gesteckt wurden, obwohl sie offiziell arbeitslos waren und weiter Leistungen vom Arbeitsamt oder -Agentur, wie die jetzt heißen, bezogen. Da wird viel nach dem schönen Schein, der vor der Welt aufrechterhalten bleiben soll, getan.

      http://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/hintergrundarbeitslosenzahlen100~_origin-42b9fce6-db02-4b59-a9da-db2ac86840d2.html

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    3. Sicher gibts hier einen gewissen Mittelstand, die sich vieles leisten können. Aber die Alten, geschiedene Frauen und Leute mit mehreren Kindern und nicht so angesagten Berufen sind oft gezwungen, zum Sozialamt zu gehen, um Unterstützung zu holen.
      Für eine Familie mit 9 Kindern, wo der Vater als Ingenieur arbeitet, beschämend, nicht wahr!
      Sein Verdienst sollte normalerweise ausreichen, um seine Familie, ganz gleich mit wie viel Kindern, zu ernähren!
      Oder der Staat sollte das anders regeln im Zusammenhang mit Kindergeld oder besonderen Förderungen. Denn Vater Staat schreit andererseits nach MEHR Kindern! Das paßt alles nicht zusammen!

      Die von Hartz IV leben müssen, können weder angesagte Deko kaufen noch für ihre Kinder genug zu Essen oder gesunde Nahrungsmittel!
      In Deutschland spricht man nicht ohne Grund von Kinderarmut! Denn die Kinder bekommen auch oft nicht mehr Akademiker sondern Leute ohne akademische Bildung. Jedes 5. Kind soll arm sein - es sollte besser heißen, dessen Eltern sind arm! Deshalb leben diese Kinder in armseligen Verhältnissen

      http://www.kinder-armut.de/

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    4. Wer Kinder, gerade auch viele Kinder hat, sollte unterstützt und nicht noch bestraft werden! Denn Kinder sind unsere Zukunft! Heute scheinen nur Haustiere mehr als Kinder zu zählen ;-)

      Der öffentlich verbreitete Schein - besonders wie Deutschland vor anderen Ländern dastehen will, trügt also! Es geht nur Einigen gut, anderen jedoch nicht! Die man hier in den Blogs sieht mit all ihrer Deko,die sie häufig kaufen, Haushaltshilfen (denn sonst könnten sie so viel nicht bloggen und kommentieren!), eigenen Firmen und tollen Häusern sind die, die zu den wohlhabenderen Leuten zählen. Schau' Dich mal in den Blogs Ärmerer um, die werden kaum ihre Wohnungen zeigen oder wenn, dann sieht man es auch, daß das dort ganz anders ausschaut. Genauso wie sich Urlaube längst nicht jeder leisten kann. Meine Mutti war bspw. ihr ganzen Leben lang niemals im Urlaub. Das Geld war nie übrig! Das kann sich jemand, der Geld genug hat, ja nicht vorstellen! Erst durch uns konnten wir es ihr ermöglichen, wenigstens mal 2 - 3 Tage wegzufahren! Sicher ist manches eine Frage von Prioritäten und Energie. Doch manchen stellt sich diese Frage eben gar nicht, weil es an allem mangelt. Ich mag es hier ungern schreiben, aber es gibt diese alten Menschen, wo der Teppich in Fetzen am Boden liegt, der Schimmel die Wände durchdringt, die Waschmaschine defekt ist, TV nicht mehr geschaut werden kann, da die Augen zu schlecht geworden und ein Flachbildfernseher nicht angeschafft werden kann (sicherlich braucht man kein TV, wie so manches andere nicht! Aber das ist auch nur ein Beispiel für das, was man heute für selbstverständlich ansieht und sich eben doch so manche nicht leisten können, es sei denn, ihnen schenkt es irgendwer!) Und um solche Leute kümmert sich - wenn sie keine eigenen Kinder haben, die es tun, für gewöhnlich auch keiner. Es gab da mal die "Grauen Panther", die sich für die ältere Generation einsetzen wollten, das ist wohl gründlich schiefgegangen. Ältere haben hier eben keine Lobby ... und für arme Kinder wird zwar manches getan, aber längst auch nicht genug! Das gefällt mir an anderen Ländern besser, daß m an dort Freundschaft anders kultiviert, so wie Du es auch beschreibst. Hier geht es hauptsächlich um Geld, Ansehen, Bildungsstand. Hat man von allem nicht viel, kann man sich nur mit seinesgleichen umgeben, während die "Anderen" mit ihrem "Hab und Gut" herumprotzen ... sich fast alles nur darum dreht. Gewiß, es gibt auch Leute mit anderer Einstellung, doch die sind eben dünner gesät.

      Delete
    5. Mir fällt da noch ein kleines Beispiel ein ... Eine Bekannte von mir war einmal bei einer Frau eingeladen, das ergab sich durch eine andere Bekannte so, die beide kannte. - Diese Frau lud immer nur Doktoren/-innen, Professoren/-innen und Leute von besonderer gesellschaftlicher Stellung ein. Andere waren unter ihrem Niveau! ;-) Dort wurde sie von einer Anwesenden gefragt, wie sie denn überhaupt dahin käme, wer und was sie denn sei. ;-) Als herauskam, daß sie "nur" eine ganz gewöhnliche Frau, zwar mit Abitur, aber sonst "nichts" sei, erntete sie nur Kopfschütteln und daß es so etwas dort noch nie gegeben hätte! ;-) Schade, daß diese Dame nicht schlagfertig genug war! Ein Zweites Mal vermied sie derartige Veranstaltungen in denen nur der äußere Schein die wichtigste Rolle spielte, nicht jedoch der Mensch als solcher.
      Ganz schon überspannt, so eine Einstellung, aber das gibts in Good Old Germany häufiger als man denkt.

      Liebe Sonntagsgrüße
      Sara

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    6. Liebe Sara,
      Solchen extremen Ausnahmen, entweder nach oben oder nach unten, die kann man immer aufbringen. Aber glaube mir, auch das sogenannte arme in Deutschland kann man jedoch nicht vergleichen mit unter anderem Chile oder India usw. Ich kenne auch solchen Blogs die nur einen Luxus vor zeigen den es nicht gibt für meisten. Eine Frau aus Kalifornien, die selber nicht kocht (nicht kann...?) zeigte ihre Küche mit ein pesischer Teppich aus Wolle vor ihre Kochinsel. Da dachte ich gleich, da wird überhaupt nicht gekocht weil so etwas kann man ja garnicht haben an die Stelle. Nur für 'looks'... Aber solche die folge ich schon längst nicht mehr und kommentiere auch nicht.
      Es gibt solche Ausnahmen und auch andere. Jeder für sich muss sich den goldenen Mittelweg suchen. Wir können alle mit viel weniger, dass haben wir gelernt in den drei Jahren wo wir in Indonesien gearbeitet und gelebt haben. Das würdest du auch als Armut bezeichnen aber wir waren dort total glücklich und oft viele malen besser ab als die Einheimischen. Alles ist relativ.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

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  30. Good friend are Diamond. We need to take care... great post Mariette.

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    1. Dearest Mei,
      Sure enough are good friends like diamands; they are the best in life!
      We better cultivate such friendships as they are impossible to replace and they sure add to our overall happiness!
      Big hugs to you and thanks for your compliment.
      Mariette

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  31. Dearest Mariette - you are both blessed to have such a loving and caring friendship that continues to span the test of time, distance and everyday life. You can see the caring in each photo ... and the first photo you both look even more radiant all these years later. Wishing a beautiful week, xo C. (HHL)

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Celia,
      Such a true friendship sure enough is a blessing and adds so much to our overall well being. Thank you for your sincere compliment and these photos captured very well the mutual happiness of those moments together...
      Enjoy the remainder of the week and hugs to you both.
      Mariette

      Delete
  32. Such beautiful photo's of you and your friend Mariette! Friendships like this are special. I know my best friend for more than thirty years too. Loke your friend she is very dear to me.

    Wishing you a lovely day!

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Madelief,
      Knowing your best friend also for more than 30 years is a blessing as you together can relive happy times past as she too has known your dear husband Jan during his best years. Life becomes in the end only a memory and it just depends how colorful and how happy those memories have been during our life time. That creates the cushion for old age...
      Hugs to you and your girls!
      Mariette

      Delete
  33. Ach ihr beiden Hübschen! Wie wunderbar, wenn eine Freundschaft so lange und über so eine große räumliche Distanz hält, durch gute und sehr traurige Zeiten!!! Es ist wahrlich ein Segen, so lange und so gut befreundet zu sein!
    Liebe Mariette, dies ist mein letzter Kommetar an dich vor meiner Blogpause. Vielleicht hast du ja Lust, bei mir in den Lostopf zu springen? :o) Darüber würde ich mich sehr freuen!
    Ich wünsche dir schon jetzt ein schönes Wochenende!
    ✿ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ✿ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ
    Allerliebste rostrosige Grüße
    Traude ♥♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Traude,
      Danke für deine lieben Zeilen hier. Es ist ein Segen um so eine Freundschaft über 30 Jarhe zu kultivieren.
      Ich schau mal vorbei bei dir.
      Auch ein schönes Wochenende und gute Blogpause.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  34. Een mooie vriendschap Mariëtte. Wat een zwaar verlies voor haar.
    Lieve groet,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beste Willy,
      Het is een hele mooie vriendschap en dat zware verlies dragen we met z'n allen.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  35. I love that you have stayed in contact with your friend for all these years. Fantastic!
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Catherine,
      Being loyal to your friends, like being loyal to our felines...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  36. Liebe Mariette,
    das ist wahre Freundschaft!
    Alle guten Wünsche schicke ich zu Euch.

    Liebe Grüße
    Traudi aus dem Drosselgarten

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Traudi,
      Dass stimmt, es ist wahre Freundschaft weil wir schon gute und schlechte Zeiten zusammen überstanden haben. Es bedeutet viel im Leben um niemals alleine zu sein inschwierigen Zeiten.
      Lieber Gruss und schöner Sonntage,
      Mariette

      Delete
  37. This is an amazing friendship, Mariette. There is nothing like the comfort of friends - true, lifelong friends - to bring a level of peace to one's life.

    And by the way, you two are still SO beautiful! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Stacy,
      Thank you for your kind words and compliment. Guess such a special true friendship also makes us more complete and happy and that shows.
      Happy Sunday to you and hugs!
      Mariette

      Delete
  38. Life is ALL about FRIENDHIP! ...Your 30 Years of FRIENDSHIP with Natacha!!!So lovely! Thank you very very much, it was really kind mentioning me and my gift in your post! It looks gorgeous on you! Hugs and kisses!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Georgia,
      You are so right about that; life is ALL about FRIENDSHIP!
      Natacha's friendship is one of several we cherish and will keep forever.
      You are quite welcome for my mention of your special gift from you. Love to wear it with this top together; it is made for it.
      Hugs and kisses to you and best wishes for you and your dear Dad.
      Mariette

      Delete
  39. You two are just beautiful. Rare are friendships such as the one you and Natacha have. So sad to hear about her son. Terrible loss.

    My friend Jennifer and I have known each other since we were both 13 and now both of us are 64. Your post reminds me I must call her and catch up.
    Best Wishes, Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Betsy,
      Thank you so very much for your comment here.
      In The Netherlands, my best friend Ellie and I also go back since age 14... That is a very long time and through a lot of things together.
      Sending you hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...

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