Monday, April 14, 2014

Moorhead Girls



A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
Unknown


It may have taken until 9th grade for all of us to become friends, but through our stories I discovered this weekend the seeds of friendship were sewn much before then.  Elizabeth and I went to elementary school together.  In 6th grade, 2 students from each school were chosen for a creative class together- and that is how Karla and Elizabeth met.  The ties were forming, long before we all crafted our most enduring bond- The Five Moorhead Girls.  

It seems that the more times we reunite, the more distance we travel through our connections, binding ourselves together more tightly each time.  

(From left to right)

Carrie, Vicky, Karla, Elizabeth and Kristi.

The Moorhead girls. 




It seems fitting that since a plate of "caramel rolls" brought us back together a few years ago- we'd begin our weekend with a trip to Nichole's Fine Pastry.  Its more than "fine," I'd say.  In fact, our food was devoured before I could remember to take any photos. 



But we didn't linger long over food.  We had some stamping to do.


For a fun activity Kristi helped schedule a jewelry making class.  We were going to learn how to hand-stamp and design our own necklaces.



We watched carefully as the instructor showed us how to use the tools and then she turned us loose.


We focused...


and laughed.




Laughed some more… and celebrated when we got it right! 


Focused again...



And when my own hand started to ache and swell?  Karla rescued me by creating my necklace for me. 



while in the meantime the rest of us were still laughing.


Debbi and Paige joined us for the class- Kristi's sister, and Carrie's daughter in front of us.



Just call me lucky.  Not only did I end up with a fabulous necklace, our evening would wind down at Hodo's.  Two words- yum, and yum.  


There was a beer rep in the restaurant and it was Carrie who convinced him we each needed a pair of the sunglasses he was handing out.  He carefully counted that we had exactly "ZERO" people drinking his beer, and then still graciously handed us each a pair of glasses.  Yep- those are my girls! 


It was Kristi who decided on the theme "Moorhead Girls Forever," with the orange and black beads for our school colors on her necklace.


It was also Kristi who artfully arranged the necklaces for me to photograph.  


What I love the most?  We all chose unique, and yet true to us, sayings and designs.  No two are 100 percent alike.  

I went with "choose joy," and so did Karla.  Karla is due to become the first one of us blessed with a coming grandson.  I believe "joy" was chosen for her indeed.  And I'll never stop wanting our Gitzen Girl's legacy to "choose joy," to go on forever.  I would have to say "joy" chose me right back this weekend.

Carrie chose "Embrace Life," and indeed she has.  In more ways than I can possibly express, she has.

And Elizabeth?  Stamped what I think is a complete and beautiful poem on hers, with a bird in flight as her symbol.  

You can "see" each one of us in our necklaces. Our ties strong, binding and permanent, as unique and individual as they may be.  



22 comments:

  1. As I read this, Vicky, I am listening to "Dancer in the Light" and it brought such a peaceful and joyous feeling to your wonderful recap of a delightful time with dear, old friends. There is nothing like sharing long journeys together with our chosen family. What a delight that you all have each other and the jewelry is so meaningful and LOVELY. Thank you for sharing with us. XO

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    1. Thank you for coming along and sharing with US Robynn :) It feels good to be so lighthearted and joyful in doing a post- but meaningful as well. xxoo

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  2. What an awesome weekend, love all the creations, love all the LOVE.

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    1. Thanks Karen- good way of summing it all up- love, creations and fun!

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  3. Oh Vicky how very lucky you all are! for some reason "The Moorehead girls" remind me of those wonderful films..such as "Now and Then" and the boy's version..Sandlot! How much fun..and tie's that bind into forever...and beautiful necklace's. so happy you all got to be together...and what a crew you must have been to get those sunglasses!!! loved this :)

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    1. It was just a refreshing time to be so lighthearted about everything Peggy Sue- similar to a time from back then- absolutely. Hugs to you sweet one!

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  4. Lovely group of woman and BEAUTIFUL keepsake necklaces!

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    1. Thank you- I really love my necklace- have worn it every day since :)

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  5. how wonderful it is to have HISTORY with friends. with our country being such a transient place, this is quite a gift. i have a few friends i've known since high school and some the entirety of my married life. those women KNOW you, and it shows. glad it was a fantastic time!

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    1. Exactly Jenn- history- yes! 3 of them traveled about 4 hours away from where they live, to come here and for that alone I am indeed blessed!

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  6. how fun! so so so glad you got sometime with your girls -when I get to do that, it feeds my soul!

    sending you love!
    xo

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    1. Exactly Tiffany- it DOES feed my soul- so well put! Hugs honey :)

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  7. How fun to spend the weekend with your girlfriends making jewelry. I'm glad you had fun.

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    1. We did have fun- and it really was a great way to spend our time :)

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  8. Oh my sweet friend,
    This just puts a grin on my face. It is a salve to our souls to be known and loved for who we are. To be with others whose history with us has length and depth and breadth. I can almost hear all of you giggling. So many old memories and what a joy to make new memories. I LOVE those necklaces and the deep love and affection you all have for each other. You rock, Moorhead Girls!!
    Love you to the moon and back!
    Linda

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    1. Thanks Linda- its fun to do a lighthearted post and yet be real and have significance too. It makes me feel lucky to have had these friends come back into my life at just the right time. Love you sweet friend!

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  9. Looks so fun. You all look so young, it's hard to believe one of you qualifies for grandmotherhood.

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    1. So sweet of you to say that- hard for us to believe too!! And her and her husband will be so good at the grand-parenting too :)

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  10. This looks like so. much. fun.

    Love your explanation of the different necklaces (and how cool that you got to make jewelry!).

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    1. It was- something that created both a great memory and a keepsake at the same time.

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  11. I bet you won't believe me but even before I started reading the post, I noticed the necklaces!! I really did, I promise, Vicky....maybe that has something to do with Dear Sara. So much love in your group. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. XOXOXOXO

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  12. Awesome necklaces!!!!

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