little gifts

Beth's hands.  Photographed with Nikon D300, 60mm lens.

A few days ago, I went to my friend Beth's house, to take a few photographs for her book.  I have to admit that I did not go over there in the best frame of mind: I had been very overwhelmed with things I have yet to do that haven't been completed, and coupled with some news I a few days earlier -- good news, but news which will require even more responsibility of me -- I walked into Beth's house a completely jangled nerve.

But Beth is one of those truly calming spirits, and within minutes, my stress melted away.  She made me a huge cup of tea -- from loose tea leaves, none of this teabag nonsense -- and cut me a slice of warm banana bread, which, judging from the heady scent of baking that was still in the air in her home, I knew was fresh from the oven.  We sat and talked, I shared what was going on my life, and she listened closely.  She cheered me on, encouraged me, and gave me advice.  And by the time I picked up my camera, my outlook on life had completely changed.

It was such a lovely reminder:  the little things we do for people can have such an impact on their spirits, can't they? 

Today, please share your images of the little gifts we give each other (symbolic or otherwise) that can help raise our spirits.

(Crossposted at Chookooloonks)

Comments

[littlepurplecow]

Beautiful.

[beth]

here is my little symbolic gift that I give to you all.....



http://moredoors.blogspot.com/2009/08/flying-with-hope.html

[georgia]

not the best photos, but they show the gift and sweet gesture i received.
http://jorjah-b.blogspot.com/2009/07/jorjah-befriend.html

[georgia]

which coincidentally, were from beth--the person who left the comment above mine.
:)

[Angela]

Beautiful picture. I like your line about the calming effects of quality loose leaf tea and some fresh banana nut bread.

I would like to introduce you to my favorite tea - http://www.angelstea.com - I gave it to all my friends as a gift and they loved it. =)

[kosenrufu mama]

here all my gift!!!....
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/08/riposo-tra-i-boschi_15.html

[Marcie]

My gift to these two best friends..and their pups:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=905

[Caroline]

How about remembering to love yourself? Now that is a gift we could all use a little more of!

Peace.

http://whimsywispers.blogspot.com/2009/08/love-youself.html

[kristin]

beautiful post i needed this today. thank you.

[djbeat]

what a lovely shot. for me, gifts are simple; something that moves me or makes me smile or better yet what i give, teaches...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3867022594/

[Jessica]

Reflection is a gift . . . having the time to be able to reflect on yourself, your mistakes or successes and make sense of it all.

As well, reflections in mirrors or glass around us, reminding us of our permanence and impermanence all at once.

http://quotidian-photography.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-170-august-28-reflection.html

[Claudia@ DipityRoad]

How about a gift of celebrating Imperfection?

http://www.dipityroad.com/

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

[Amie aka MammaLoves]

The idea of fresh banana bread alone is such a calming thought.

[Joe Ferrucci]

Love the light, and the color. Dope.

http://joeferrucci.blogspot.com