January 27, 2024 our dear Jocelyn graced me with a visit.
She drove in from our northern neighbor and did her thing, which she will talk about in her version of the weekend. Saturday we kept it simple, a lovely dinner. I arrived at 6:00 and we left around 8:30. Wine, appetizers, terrific food, wonderful conversation, a doll for a waitress (Hello ladies!), a crowded restaurant and bar, me with a person I feel like I have known all my life. Jocelyn is simply a human being that puts you at complete ease, is so endearing, kind, wise and some one I am extremely proud to call a friend.
Kinda liking my outfit, on a very grey day, I shot a few extra photos before meeting Jocelyn (content, baby!). I debuted a new do on this day as well. Very similar to the most recent one and both were purchased on the same day a few months back. Yes, I am aware my head looks like a concrete block in the picture that opens this post.
The next day, January 28, 2024, I decided to treat Jocelyn to my Happy Places, not something I would do for very many. First, I picked her up at about 9:15 and we had a lovely breakfast. The waitress, knowing how to get a big tip like our waitress the previous day, greeted us with the beloved (and always noticed and appreciated) “Hello ladies!”.
Then I brought her to my church. She can attest, we were completely loved and welcomed. So many came up not only to greet me, but to specifically engage Jocelyn in conversation. This happened often. I would turn around and she was talking with someone else. The service was so great, a sparkling sermon, a tear-educing solo by a lovely young lady, peace, a time of gratitude and grounding. Bliss. I love this place and was honored to share it with Jocelyn. Watching her simply chat, be welcomed, without me doing anything but bring her in with me was, as the commercial says……priceless!
My weekend with Jocelyn concluded with a visit to our world-class, fabulous Cleveland Museum of Art. Happy Place number two. And just like at church, a few friends at the art museum greeted us enthusiastically (who did not know I would be there). I had no idea who would be there and the fact that I am an integral part of this institution……yeah again, priceless!
My time with Jocelyn….complete ease. We chatted for a bit as we sat in front of her hotel, sharing, her kindly listening to me postulate about our little corner of the world. That smile was on my face the remainder of the day, fondly looking forward to her trip back through town after she enjoys her vacation.
Jocelyn………thank you! You are just a gift to this world.
12 Responses
Kandi, the world is a better place thanks to people like you & Jocelyn and the smiles on your faces tell us all we need to know about how much the two of you enjoyed your time together.
Nice outfits too!
Amanda,
Thank you for the compliment. But there is one small downside being next to Kandi. She is always dressed and accessorized perfectly. Kandi has excellent fashion sense. She is very beautiful.
I am slightly on the plainer side.
Jocelyn
Kandi and the World,
I am the person who should do the thanking.
Firstly, thanks to the world for accepting people who are a little different. Thank you World for allowing me to travel safely. Thank you World for permitting friendships to blossom.
This reminds me of a truly wonderful book that I have. It was published in 1976, “Between Friends/Entre Amis” was Canada’s gift to the United States on its bicentennial. It describes through pictures the world’s longest undefended border. Two great countries (friends) sharing and growing together.
What a perfect way to describe my relationship with Kandi.
Secondly, thank you Kandi. You are my inspiration and support. I have had some tough times accepting myself, and you were my rock and help, to guide me to happiness. You are truly a beautiful host who, with open arms (literally), welcomed me into her home town.
My time in Cleveland is a great example of ENTRE AMIS.
Love to everyone,
Jocelyn
What a wonderful time! Jocelyn, you are a wonderful person to hang out with… Kandi, you’re pretty good too❤️❤️❤️
Sherry,
I hadn’t mention fabulous you yet.
My post regarding our evening is coming out on February 28; stay tuned.
Jocelyn
Kandi and Jocelyn, you are both looking fabulous! I love Kandi’s jacket and Jocelyn’s scarf. It’s wonderful to see the smiles and friendship between you.
Tina,
Thank you for the compliment. I did receive other nice comments about my scarf at the restaurant.
It is impossible not to smile when you are with Kandi.
Jocelyn
Kandi, I love both outfits. The new “do” suits you very well. How generous you are with your time. Certainly the hostess with the mostess. (How trite, lol). I am sure Jocelyn, and anyone else who has visited, appreciate the welcoming vibe they receive from you. I drove from ON to FL on the weekend and as I passed Cleveland, I thought “Kandi is there, I wonder what she is doing”. Maybe someday I can stop.
Jocelyn: you look great and will comment more when we see your post later in the month.
Donna
Donna,
Cleveland is a wonderful city with great things to see, and friendly people to meet. And of course Kandi and Sherry, my dear friends.
My Cleveland visit is chronicled in three parts. Parts 1 and 2 come out on February 12 & 14. They explain my time with Kandi.
Thank you for the kind words regarding my look.
I’m driving from FL to ON this coming weekend; of course with a two day stop in Cleveland.
Jocelyn
I didn’t want to specifically respond to anyone’s comments today, principally for a couple of reasons. One, I was out selling, back and forth to Michigan over the last two days. Life getting in the way.
More importantly, this post had almost nothing to do with me. Yeah, I can eat and drink with the best of them. Yeah, I can put an outfit together. But Jocelyn is a kind soul and a glorious person and she gifted me with her time. And for that, I am truly blessed. Enough from me, another friend takes the wheel tomorrow…..
What a fabulous time for you both and both so lovely dressed
Yes Joycelyn I agree Kandi does know how to put together an outfit
What great post
Jocelyn,
I’m not surprised people openly chatted to you , you look so natural . “Hello Ladies ” just two small words that can mean so much , any doubts about yourself simply float away . We do have so much to thank Kandi for , who knows I might join you sometime in the future when my ( Teresa ) passport finally arrives .
Look forward for your post to tell us more .