Last week, I met my girlfriends of 33 years. We’ve met back in 1979, all working for the same company. We get together about 5 times a year. Sometimes we go away, but mostly we have wonderful dinners together. We are called the “Bitas”, prouounced “bee-tahs” (long story).
We all have our different personalities and great sense of humor. We know how to have fun and get a bit rowdy. In the old days we would be up all night. Now, things have changed quite a bit. It’s bedtime by 10p.m. for most of us.
We’ve been through our weddings, having babies (and watching them grow to be so proud of them), divorce, surgeries, deaths, wakes and funerals… life, you know what I mean. Now, two are grandparents… Not me yet.. no way.
We are a simple group of ladies.. we have an understanding.. we don’t judge each other and accept us for the way we are. Our gifts are simple, if any at all. Our company is our gift.
When we got together this week for our holiday dinner, I decided to make some handmade Bookmark Tags.
I took some large tags and spritzed them with Dylusions of different colors. I applied white acrylic paint through a stencel over the ink to give it the Faux Batik look I had done in my post here. Added gold acrylic paint around the edges. Stamped a woman’s face and a word on the bottom. Added old paper doily pieces. Used a bottle cover as a circle stamp. Covered the hole with my handmade polymer clay embellishment. Punched another hole to add my business to dangle. On the back of the card, I stamped a love poem and a “made by”.
Here are the results: (click photo to enlarge)
The girls just loved the bookmarks. It’s something they will use. As Annie would say “I don’t need anymore s**t”. Got the message loud and clear. You’ll use this and it won’t take up any room. Promise.
Here is a picture of us this week at dinner…and we celebrate Sarah’s Birthday. Happy Birthday, love.
From left to right: Me, Annie, Michelle and Sarah.
So, I dedicate this post to my wonderful “bita” friends. Love you all. My life would not be the same without you.
Judy “Bita” ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
This is so sweet! Bookmarks don’t take any space at all. So nice to have old friends. You know what they say “no eyes are so kind as those of an old friend”. Beautiful book marks.
Thank you, Renee. I have never heard of that saying, but I LOVE IT.
These are just adorable. Love the faux marble and your cute polymer buttons, sweet as pie. Looks like a nice group of friends! xox
Terrific to stay in touch with old friends & great idea to do the bookmarks. Now that desert! Did you save any by any chance?
Wonderful. “A friend is a gift you give yourself”.
I think Renee’s quote is almost heartbreaking, because through those eyes of an old friend is love and understanding.
Thanks, everyone. These friends are the ones that tell you exactly how they feel. No dancing around answers.
Diane… dessert was a goner.
Corrine.. only the beginning for us.
Those bookmarks are just beautiful. I can feel the love that went into making them. Sounds like a wonderful get together, and I look forward to ours!
Acceptance is the greatest gift we can give each other! Such a fun night you had- your bookmarks were perfect- a part of you and practical!
Aww. So special, thank you for the very special artistic bookmark and dedication. And check out my poinsettia pendant. Our Judy made that too, 2002.
Well stated my beautiful bita friend! I’m so happy to have you all in my life and I’m very thankful that you are who you are and over the years you have continued to keep us together. It may take us a while to get together but we always do. I cherish our friendship and the time we spend together. Love you! P.S. and the bookmark…..
Great post, Judy. Lovely bookmarks and a nice dedication to your life-long friends.
Hello my Judy Bita. Thank you for sharing our beautiful story of our long term friendship! Our many dinners and trips we’ve taken hold many wonderful memories for me and I love that we have remained steady for so long. Love my Bitas! The lovely bookmark has been added to the many handmade treasures you created for us. Beautiful art! Love you!! Many happy memories still to be had! Happy Holidays!!
Judy, these are absolutely gorgeous! So glad you had fun with your buddies… I want to play along when we can work it out. I’m totally drawn to your rich colors!