Ella BFFs--Celebrating Friendship

Today, me and my BFFs over at Ella Publishing are having a little blog hop celebrating--what else?--friendship.

I have been blessed to make many good friends over the years. Some so very kind that they spent this past week filling out forms and notarizing them to witness to the general stability of my character. They have pulled through bad times (horrible breakup right before a trip to Disneyland in late 2007, anyone?) and been with me in good times. They have made me snort apple juice up my nose and laugh so hard my chest was actually in pain.

They are truly, truly the best. And I believe my marriage has been much better and stronger because of all the love, care, compromise, and problem-solving I got to do with my friends first.

Joining the scrapbooking world has led me to even more friends, also wonderful and giving and kind people. I'm fortunate to work with them on the Ella team, as we explore scrapbooking--and our lives--from new angle.

When I think about what I've gained from the scrapbooking community, I can't help but think of these friends. Their talent, their heart,and their wisdom are reflected in the projects they create. I feel very honored to be counted among this wonderful group of women, and I appreciate all of you!

In honor of this blog hop, I whipped up this layout about friendship:


In case you can't read the little tag, it says "friendship is a sheltering tree--Samuel Taylor Coleridge." A googling of "friendship + tree" led to some misses, but eventually to this quote, which I love.

Here's a closeup:


And for a little token of my friendship, I am GIVING AWAY a box of scrappy goodies to one lucky commenter below!

To keep on celebrating the friendship spirit, visit the blogs of these talented ladies:

Brenda Johnston
Diana Chen
Donna Januzzi
Jenni Hufford
May Flaum
Francine Clouden
Mary Jo Johnston
Jennifer Larson
Lee Currie
Monika Wright
Valerie Mangan

Thanks for stopping by and have a spectac-ELLA weekend!

And because my main reason for blogging is to hear what YOU have to say (I talk to myself often enough, believe me) how was friendship changed YOUR life?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!