The best of friends

I have known Pippa since our children were tiny and we were both young mothers dealing with the joys and traumas of life and finding kinship in the way we saw the world. She is the best of friends and has been by my side during so many of the important times in my life. We have grown to know each other's characters and always feel comfortable together- we laugh and cry in equal measure. We've been on holiday, had parties and many adventures. We both share a deep love of the countryside (hers is a more active love...) and she is an amazingly talented sculptor.

I missed her dreadfully when she married and moved to Devon but her husband Andy is a brave man and he copes with my frequent visits and he too has become a friend.

There had been some changes of plan which meant I have stayed with Pip and Andy for five days. This was such a treat as we normally only manage short visits and it was so good to have a chance to spend some relaxed time together. Pip understands how I can't manage strenuous walks and that I will sometimes need to have very early nights, so I feel at home.

I had a yearning to be by the sea and we caught the sunshine on some happy pottering walks and beach wanderings. Spring has come to Devon and the glowing green of the grass and sparkling blue of the sea was beautiful. 

On my last day, Pip took me on her favourite walk along the cliff path at Bolt Head where we looked down at the beautiful beach at Starehole Bay. It has been a perfect start to my adventures.

We talked non-stop over the time we spent together and I think that we have nearly caught up...!

When a best friend marries

There was a time when I was younger, when our weekends were filled with weddings. Now it is a more unusual event, therefore a particularly special occasion.

When my dear friend Pippa married Andy this Summer, I felt so happy for her. This picture, taken on the beach just after the ceremony, shows the sense of fun and love they share-

I'm certain she has chosen wisely

After all, who can resist a Pirate?

I have to admit however, it is hard when a good friend moves away and starts another phase of their life.
Pippa has lived 'just down the road' from me for 18 years and several times a week we would be around each other's houses catching up on the vital minutiae of life. In fact, she is actually part of my house, having carved our hearth stone for us when we had the grand redecorating

Not a great photo but I had to include it!

She is a stone mason, a sculptor and artist

Pip's Polar Bears just before they were sold

Egg Lady (I was the model)

One of my favourite lino cuts

We have shared each other's highs and lows over the years. Our children have grown up together and there was rarely a party or a meal that Pippa was not part of

And Beetle is always a part of everything too!

And goodness, we have had some great parties! The most recent being our ' Saints and Sinners' party at a local church

Pippa, one of her twin sons Adam and me

Pip looked fabulous as a bad fairy!

We have been on so many adventures and holidays-

In Yorkshire for the Andy Goldsworthy exhibition

Cut off by the tide in Devon!

Pippa took me to Spain last winter to celebrate my 50th Birthday. We had the most amazing holiday in Granada and Cordoba

It's such fun to go away with a friend who shares the same love of art and the unusual. Although I have to admit, that meant we spent quite a lot of our time enjoying wonderful meals in beautiful surroundings...

I know she will be happy together with Andy in her married life and I also know that I will always be a welcome visitor to her new home in Devon. After all, life may bring many changes but good friends remain!