It was a long time coming, but I finally had the chance to say thank you to everyone that helped me out after my motorcycle wreck. Bad things happen, but good things can come of them. For months I was showered with love and care and it has been a goal of mine ever since, to say thanks.
Family and friends gathered on the new porch this past weekend, and Tim captured the scene beautifully.
Friends and family came from far and near. For once it didn’t rain, and the sound of laughter was the only music we needed.
Thank You. Two simple words with a whole bunch of love all wrapped up in them.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
I am so, so sorry we missed this!! It looks like it was a lovely event. xo
Jan E. Simonsen
Member and Shareholder
Carr Maloney P.C.
2000 L Street, NW
Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
202-310-5522
This celebration would not have been possible without you, my amazing friend! Love you so much!
What a wonderful reason for a party and I am happy you had such a god time!! you look so healthy and happy! have a lovely weekend, Johanna
Thank you, Johanna. We’ll have to have a big ol blogger porch party someday 🙂
Wonderful to be surrounded by those who care… 🙂
No truer words, Jeff!
Beautiful post and images Laurie 🙂 Just one thing – thats a lot of wine glasses did you have a 55 gallon drum on hand ? 🙂
You should see my “wine glass” closet! In that I try not to throw more stuff into the landfill, I have enough stuff to throw a party for 80 and never throw away a glass, plate, utencil, or napkin. (Yeah … I’m not right!) So … I have closet full of various types of glasses. Enough for a 55 gallon drum 🙂
Well done, Tim
Tim is the one who encouraged me to improve my photography … before I ever started blogging. He’s a great photographer!
He is
Looking really great FB 🙂
Ah thank you!
Oh this just looks so delightful! I am very happy that all this worked out for the good!!
Definitely a silver lining to that black cloud!!
I missed a wonderful event! Lookit you standing there on the railing of your new porch, glass saluting……. I can’t imagine the world without you there in your corner of it. It’s a memory that fills me with delight! The new porch looks great and your grandmother’s furniture fits in perfectly – the back porch must now feel more spacious 🙂 Laurie, you have made me feel so very special being part of the group enabled to celebrate your life with you. Thank you xoxo
I’m so pleased that you remembered my grandmother’s furniture. She would be so happy to see it on the porch. And yes! The back is much roomier now.
I so wish you could have been there, Pauline!
Me too – but I saw you glass raised in salute and that was good enough for me xoxo
You have the best smile! Looks like a great shindig. 🙂
Thanks! It was a great way to celebrate the blessings of health, family, and friendship!
So glad you could celebrate in this way. Looks like it was a fine thank you party and the new porch looks perfect for hosting many more good gatherings!
Yes! I was just saying to Pauline that it’s perfect spot to have a blogger gathering, don’t you think? 🙂
I’m waiting for you to answer Joe’s question 😉 What a wonderful party and group of people. Glad you could finally celebrate, Laurie.
Yes! Me, too. It was so important to me to thank everyone for being there for me.
Now that’s a wonderful thing to celebrate!
Yes, indeed! Mae, I need to pop over to your place and see what’s going on with you!
My word…. you really are a super, classy, special and fun lady! 🙂
Oh Danella, that is so kind of you to say!
Bring you Mom and let’s hang out on the porch!
Laurie! What a happy crowd of friends, wonderful food and your brand spanking new front porch. Even the rain stayed away so you could celebrate. It must be fun using your grandmother’s furniture out there. She would be so happy to see you smiling and cheering and enjoying life. I know I am. Having had the chance to spend a few days in your home makes all of this seem so real. I found myself looking for familiar serving pieces on your table and recognizing some of the trees to the side of your house. Gorgeous photos to commemorate the day.
Alys, I have to tell you that I thought of you as my friends and I set to arranging the dining room. I told them how you had placed the table and how your creativity really set the scene. You were a part of this Gratitude Party.
xoxoxox
That makes me so happy, Laurie. I’ve got a bang up case of the warm ‘n fuzzies. Thank you. Big hugs xoxoxo
Looks awesome, send out a few virtual beers so we can join in 😀
They’re on the way!! Someday, we’ll hold that blogger cocktail party … right on my porch!
Cocktail? You mean beer with a cherry in it?? 😀
Sure! I’m an equal opportunity drinker 🙂 (beer, wine, whatever).
Dodgy mixing too much of both though..
I can’t think of a better reason for a party! Going through an accident, like the one you had, really give extra meaning to these special moments with friends.
Yes, Kerry, it was so great to thank them all for being there for me.
Top of the summer event. Raise a cup.
We raised a few, Bruce 🙂
Friends are the best and what a celebration you had! Cheers to you, Laurie!
Thank you, Susan! It was a wonderful celebration
oh thats lovely as long as you are all mended now
Thanks Callie! All mended up!
LOL, I can’t believe you’ve left the same invitation to comment here so long Laurie. I laugh every time I arrive. We’re a couple of nutty-nuts and I love you to bits ❤ You're adorable and feel free to update it at any time.
Now, who's the bestest hostess in the west? Everything about your get togethers is warm, easy and festive Laurie. Honestly, I think you could easily corral you're photo's and hosting philosophies into a wee book and who know's? Maybe finance a run for Senate (and beyond)…just sayin' . I mean, look at the nibblies, they're perfection. I have first hand seen how many enjoy being at your home, in your company. People gravitate to your happiness, it's infectious and we want to bask in your glow that's obvious. What isn't obvious in a photo is how much love you have for your community and all who know you. Pinch me, I'm tickled I get to be part of it all xo K
How can I respond to that? You’ve made me feel so loved!
I wonder if you read those words and realize that they are a perfect description of you?
Love you much!!!
We’re the lucky ones then ❤
I say we ditch the ideas of birthday parties and make them all into gratitude parties. Whenever one’s heart is beginning to spill over with the abundance of grace, it’s a good time to send out the invitations and start thanking folks for contributing to that overflowing fountain.
I think your get together is as good as one can ever get, Laurie. The world is lucky to have you in it–for as long as it can hold your wheels to the road.
❤
Yes!! I’m telling you … almost as soon as my brain was right again (and that was awhile after the wreck) I decided to have the party. I was given the greatest gift in friendship and love, and it was so important to me to give back. It took awhile, but I finally did it!
I love the idea of gratitude parties!!!! I’m glad you are in condition to have one. Another reason to party. That looked like a great time was had by all.
It was so great to be able to give back, Marlene, and it was indeed a wonderful evening!
Oh, what wonderful, heartwarming photos, Laurie! There is nothing better than times spent with friends, especially in celebration of something good. The love and gratitude just oozes out of your photo story. Your porch looks absolutely lovely and you’re definitely rocking those martini glasses 😀 Cheers to you, my friend 🍻
Thank you, Stacy. It was a fabulous evening! I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by loving friends and family. I need to stop over to your place and see how you’re doing!
What a way to celebrate Life, my friend!!! I am in need of a good party and am sad I missed out. To see your beaming face holding high the glass as if to say “I salute you!” brings a huge grin to my face. Great party, great images, and a post that warmed my Heart. Thank you for sharing!!! Love, Amy ❤
Thank you, Amy, for those words! It felt great to say a big ol’ thank you to everyone that made a difference!
Here I am, dreadfully late to the party. I *knew* you would have blogged about this, so I suspected it would be here if I ever found the time to come looking.
That last photo just nearly makes me cry. The scene is warm and lovely, but something about you in that photo is very emotional. Tim captured it well.
Also, interesting, the first photo was cropped when I began reading. The bottom of the frame went right through the hydrangeas. Cropped like that, the arms of your grandmother’s chairs are lovely curved wings. Go take a look! Now, I am *not* an angel person, but I do like the angel armrests nonetheless. 🙂