Tag Archives: friends

The Family We Choose

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Friends are important to me. Really important. Every single book I’ve written has a strong female friendship in it. Hmm…I wonder where that comes from?
Seriously though, friends are the family we choose. And that’s pretty cool. You don’t get to choose the family you’re born into. Maybe they’re loving, supportive and fun. But…maybe they’re not.

But friends. This is where we have all the control.  We get to choose the people that we want to spend time with. Choose well and your life will be richer. Choose poorly and…well, maybe not so much.

I am so fortunate to have been surrounded by some incredible ladies that I’m proud to call my friends. Some of those ladies I’ve known a LONG time. There is one group in particular that I’ve known for decades. For lack of a better, much cooler name, I refer to them as my ‘high school friends’. But these girls are so much more than that. And really, I’ve known most of them longer than that. Kerry and I have been friends since we were about three when our mom’s formed a ‘play group’. Really I think this was a way to pawn off your kids on other mom’s once a week so they could have some peace, but whatever, it spawned at least one life long friendship. Alli and I met in Grade one and have been besties ever since, and the rest of the group came together mostly in Junior High when we were thirteen.

There’s something very special, and yes, a little scary about friends who’ve known you for so long. They know everything. Like, everything. The good, bad and the sometimes ugly less cute. And they still accept you were who you are.

We were there for the first kisses that melted our hearts, the subsequent break-ups that we thought would crush us; driving lessons, first cars, and first speeding tickets; sneaking out, getting caught, grounded for life; parties, camping excursions, trips around the world. And then later… babies, university, weddings, travel, careers, more babies and…

Everything.

We’ve all grown into pretty awesome women. (I may be partial) And we’re all so different from one another, yet the friendship remains. We all have busy careers, most of us have families, and we’re all just crazy busy and I don’t get to see all of these ladies all that often. But when we do get together, it’s as if no time has passed. It’s easy. It’s fun. And every single time, I have a great time and wish I could see them more.

As a group, we try to make it a priority to all get together for dinner once a month to celebrate birthdays. A few weeks ago, we turned the birthday ‘dinner’ into an overnight ladies trip. So. Much. Fun. Our conversations have changed so much over the years that I’m sure our thirteen year old selves would be shocked. My stomach still hurts from all the laughs we shared and I can just imagine what we’ll be talking about in another ten years, or twenty…

The only picture you’re allowed to see…

Old friends know your past, your present and if you’re lucky…your future.

Thanks, ladies!

How about you? Have you had some of the same friends for decades?

Female Friendships = Wicked?

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Last night I went to see the production of WICKED with a group of friends. I LOVE this story because it’s an excellent example of female friendship and just how complicated that relationship can be (and usually is). In my experience there are all types of friends.

The one you’ve had since you sat together in grade one.
The ladies you see at the school when you pick up your kids.
The super athletic motivator that gets you out the door for early morning runs.
The group that knew you in University when you already had life figured out.
Your sister, cousin, aunt or of course…mom.
For some, they’re the first people you want to tell when you have good news.
Others, are there when you need a good cry.
And of course there are friends who know absolutely everything about you and love you anyway. (or maybe more)
A good friend can be your biggest cheerleader, a smart reality check and a swift kick in the ass when you need it.
If you’re lucky, you have a few special ones that are all of the above rolled into one awesome package.

It’s true that women’s friendships can be complicated, but that’s what makes them so worth it. (and also why I like to write about them)
So watch this video from one of my favorite songs in Wicked and while you do, think of those special women in your life. You know, the ones who make you laugh, cry, sing, shout, cheer, and…smile! And then…share it with them. :)

The pictures shown in this video are of the two stars of the original Broadway Production, Kristin and Idina throughout the show and rehearsals.

I’m curious. Do you have a friend who’s left a ‘handprint on your heart?”

Do people come into your life for a reason?

Hey, while you’re here…click on the ‘Stay in Touch’ button to the right so you don’t miss any exciting news about my novel, Nothing Stays in Vegas to be released later this month. There may be giveaways in the future…