Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Peace in the Pond

On Thursday, I ventured out into an area I've never been before on my own. I was meeting a friend and her family at a lake for some chatting and eating, and maybe, if I dared, for some swimming. I'm not fond of driving, especially driving into an area I don't know, it tends to unnerve me. I knew I wanted, no, that I needed to go. So, I went, and managed to find my way there.

It had been a while since I'd seen my friend. Our schedules just didn't seem to match up. And during the school year, with the schedules of the kiddos, it was virtually impossible. This time, the universe worked with us, and we were able to meet up.

My friend has a body that is slim and trim. She's got a few years on me, and rocks a bikini like you wouldn't believe. She was like a goddess, and greeted me with he trademark smile and glass of wine in hand, followed by a huge hug. She smelled like minty herbs.

I wanted to melt into her. Her love spills over onto who ever she meets. Her smile, lights up a room. She is so in tune with her spirituality and faith, that you just tend to feel peaceful when she talks about it.

We made our way to the chairs on the deck, to have a good chat while her kiddos played. It was lovely to reconnect with her. To catch up, as best two moms can with kiddos present.

And then, she was ready to swim. She dove off and into the water with such grace. "C'mon in!" she said.

I looked at the fish in the shallow end, and and raised an eyebrow. "I don't know..."

"The fish aren't like that over here. C'mon in! It's velvety goodness for the spirit!"

After what I've been through, a comment like that was hard for me to resist. So, I made my way down the ladder. I got into the dark pond water, trying not to freak out about the possibility of fish.

She was right. It was velvety. It was warm on the top, and then, you'd hit a pocket of cold water. It freaked me out a bit. I was nervous, but I trusted her. I couldn't see to the bottom. I couldn't feel the bottom (not that I wanted to feel the bottom of a pond, mind you, as it's rather slimy). I was entering the unknown. Soon, I found myself trying to find the pockets of cold water, bubbling up from a spring underneath.

I got out before her, and chatted while she swam. At one point, I watched her lay back, close her eyes, and just take it all in while she floated, trusting the water to support her. That's how she lives her life, trusting in something that is greater than she is. Letting herself be guided and listening.

I enjoyed being in the water, being with her, swimming and feeling the support... of many things. In that moment, I trusted, let go, and allowed myself to just be. My spirit soared, inspired by her zest and love for life.

Yes, it was indeed good for my spirit. Dare I even say it was good for my soul.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Definition of a true friend

In conversation today with a friend I was blessed enough to visit with, we discussed how a friend was really someone who feeds our soul.

I've recently lost one of those people in my life, and he didn't just feed my soul, but many others. He was one of the kindest and most generous people I know. He was regular to this blog. He is very missed.

At his memorial, my little one felt the need to speak and let people know her heart. This sweet little one, stood before a large group of strangers and friend to tell them, "I need to say something." She took a breath and clearly spoke, " Roger... he was my friend."

He was mine too, and the friend of so many others.

And as we sat and chatted about friendship, I realized, that for her and I, friends are the ones who feed your soul. I agree, and for me, mine make my heart sing as well. They are the people I feel safe with. The ones who are there for you fully and wholly, accepting you and loving you as you are. They've "got your back" and you have theirs.

I think that for each person, the definition of friendship is different. But the people who are your friends, probably have very similar definitions.

You can be friendly with many people. But you really only are friends with a select few.

Monday, February 22, 2010

A Weekend Away...

"Give me your hands, if we be friends." - Puck, From A Midsummer Night's Dream

I had the pleasure of being able to run away this weekend, and spend it with four phenomenal ladies. The hands were dealt, the cards laid out, and then the universe stepped in to add its two cents.

It was a weekend where each one of us was given the opportunity to grow and stretch. It was a lesson in honesty and voicing feelings, in connection, letting go, and in discovering what it was like to be me without the walls (and I don't think I'm the only one who let the walls come down). I stepped away from my usual roles into a place where I just was.

It's been a long time since I've just let things flow, and stopped worrying about what the end result was. Here I am! I splay my cards upon the table, throwing them down with no real set pattern. The whole deck is there - there aren't any in my hands. I've been so tired of holding in, that I just let go.

Thankfully, it was in the midst of those who embraced it, who caught the cards that fell off the table, threw out their own to let them lie as we chatted, bonded, and shed a few tears. Each of us managed to give and receive this weekend. We stepped away from our roles as momma and wife, and let ourselves slip back into who we are as individuals. It enabled us to breathe, and explore that part of ourselves that is easily misplaced or lost, in an environment where we just are "us" and we are loved.

It's an amazing feeling when you can just be who you are, and let it flow without worry. I found a part of myself this weekend. And I found four other marvelous souls to share it with.

Lookout world... for here I am. And I don't know if I could close that door again... or if I want to.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Best Compliment Ever

This has been an interesting year for me in terms of relationships. There has been a lot of pain, a lot of joy, and a lot of healing. As summer comes to and end, I have realized that I've been truly blessed this year.

I've reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and found something that I was missing. I've found people that I can let go and just be me with. There's no fear of judgment from them, nor that feeling of inadequacy as a friend or person. There are no limits or measurements. I can just let go, and be me. And the beauty is, that I've been discovering more of me in the process.

This has been a full summer of traveling, family and friends. It's been a summer of healing, of pushing boundaries, of whirlwind travel. It's been a summer of fun and love, of creating JOY. Where as my heart was once feeling the pain, it's filled to the brim and pouring over with love. I've been so scared to open my heart. And then when I did, I found only love.

And then this morning, I read this in my email:

"It's rare to find people that we are just free to be ourselves around. You are definitely one of these people for me, and I am SO happy to be one of those people for you. I feel at home with you. It's that simple, that beautiful, and that profound. "

Yes my friend, yes it is.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Powerful Words and Ed

This morning, I was blessed to read the following posted by Ed (so nice to have you back):

While certainly no expert on the subject, I know that life is too precious and too unpredictable to be taken for granted.

And that's really what we do when we get angry at someone we care about, or when we get angry at someone whose approval we are seeking. We take them for granted, since the act of being angry with them, of judging and distancing from them, is to punish them, to seek some emotional equilibrium and that takes for granted the idea that they will be around long enough for this process to work itself through. When we have been wronged, it is too easy to transform someone into an ideal and forget that they are, in reality, a human -- and quite temporarily so.

You can read his full post here.

Now, I really admire Ed. (Did you know that?) Actually, I always have because he is such a vibrant person (at least that's how I see him). In college, he'd walk into a room, and I swear that room would light up, and in moments, he'd have someone laughing or smiling. Even when he was extremely exhausted, he'd managed to say something to get you to smile.

I'll never forget how, during a very uncomfortable situation where I'd let my wonderful ego go ballistic, he sat down with me, talked to me in person, was honest and upfront with his feelings, and, on top of everything else, dared to express feelings of concern for me where others dare not tread (as I was quite prideful then). When it was all said and done, all that really stuck out about the whole messy situation, was that Ed wasn't afraid to tell me, that regardless of the mess I'd made, he still cared and was concerned.

We don't know each other well; we aren't best buddies or anything like that, but as long as I've known him, he has always provided me with food for thought about my own life. Especially since he started blogging.

From what I do know, we seem to been vastly different in some areas. He's able to see things in a way that I don't. And I'm so glad I've people like that in my life (even if it is through a blog), because I tend to think that each person lives life according to their own way, and when you meet someone who sees things differently, it adds a new perspective and tint to your own life, if you let it.

So Ed, I hope I haven't embaressed you or anything, by shouting my admiration for you out here in the blog sphere, but, your last post hit the nail on the head for me. Especially this part:

And it helps take the edge off of family feuds, because when someone is gone, there is no chance for them to right past wrongs. There is no chance to hear them say I'm sorry, or for you to say you're sorry.

Anger has always been an issue for me, and reading your post, suddenly, I realized just how much of my life I've wasted being angry, how many people I've hurt or pushed away to whom I may never be able to apologize, how I could be spending my time being grateful for what I have, and being appreciative...

So thank you, Ed. Your words maybe just for your ownself to read 10 years from now, but today, your words have reached out and touched my heart where it really needed to be touched. And, I appreciate them and you.

And in light of that --

For those of you out there who read this, and those that don't even know this blog exists, if my actions (particularly those involving my ego and anger, but not subjected to only these) have caused a rift, hurt feelings or any other type of negative action (or reaction, depending) -

From the depths of love within my heart, I am sorry.

I apologize for not being more appreciative and letting you know you were appreciated, for letting my anger and ego have the better of me. Know too, I am grateful for having you in my life. Whether it was for a moment or a lifetime, whether you be flesh and blood, a stranger on the street, a friend who I've lost contact with ... you have touched my life in some way. And I appreciate that.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

To a dear friend...

I'd like to take a moment, to congratulate a dear friend of mine on his impending fatherhood. I've known him for over a decade, and I know in my heart, he's going to be an awesome dad.

Congratulations dear friend, to you and your beautiful wife. What a wonderful journey to embark on.

I am SO HAPPY for you!

And, if you need any advice, you know where to find me. :)

Of course, this means that our friendship is now bumped up to that next level - sharing the kid experiences, and dishing out kid advice! Whoo hoo! Parenthood!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Quiet Healing

It’s been quiet on this end. I’m on vacation you see, and I’ve been having a marvelous time. On Monday, I had a lovely day spent with a dear friend of mine, and had lunch with someone I’ve known most of my life, but who I’m excited about reconnecting with. (And who I’m very thankful for treating us to lunch – Thanks!) That evening I met up with other dear friends, where I was treated to even more good conversation, and the best steamed crabs ever. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent with family, today with more friends, and tonight, I had the pleasure of reminiscing and chatting with Charming – in person after 5 years.

Charming, I didn’t get a chance to tell you, that you look wonderful, and that talking with you tonight was simply lovely. In fact, it was very healing for me as we reminisced about the past and I was able to talk about things I hadn’t thought about in years, only to realize that I could look back and laugh now. It was so nice to know, that regardless of the space between us, we’ll always have that connection. I feel as though you’ve got some really wonderful things in store for you in the coming months.

After talking with Charming, I’ve decided, that I want to write about other people in my lives, who’ve touched my life in some way. However, I’m going to give them nicknames. This way, you can have fun guessing who is who (just don’t post real names if you figure it out please, although you can ask in regards to clues or initials), and, get to see my perspective of the individual’s presence in my life.

My visit here has been full, but healing for me on many levels. I feel as though I’ve been reconnecting with bits of who I was and who I am. It’s been an interesting journey this week. Emotionally all over the place, but, it’s working itself out.
I wish I had another week to be here. It’s been nice not having to plan things, coordinate schedules, and rushing around. Instead, I’m just enjoying things as they are, and what I have. That’s all I can do. Be present and enjoy.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

The gift of friendship

Once upon a time, there was this shy, awkward girl who's youth minister believed that she had the gift of leadership and promise. He pushed and prodded until she relented and interviewed for a special youth leadership program known as High-LI. After almost botching her interview (she was saved by interference and perserverence of her youth minister), she was accepted into the week long program.

At this program, there was another participant: a cute, boyishly charming, popular blond guy who showed promise of being a great leader. We'll call him Charming. Somehow or other, these two managed to form a friendship. (Probably because after mentioning she was a lifeguard, he managed to dunk her in the pool; more than a few times.)

They lost contact for a bit, until one day, while walking across her college campus, she found herself delighted and surprised to meet aforementioned Charming. With grace and humor, he already seemed to be popular with the boys (and attracted much attention from the ladies, though, I do think he was a wee bit oblivious to this).

The friendship grew stronger. If she was down, there was always Charming. If he was down, he always managed to ring her. They had a ritual you see, where they'd meet for dinner, hug, then chat until both were feeling much better. They'd end the evening with a hug, and both were recharged and ready to take on the world.

She saw the light inside of him, and he always saw the light inside of her. Whenever she felt down, or depressed, or believed herself to be a horrible person, he was there to wipe her tears and give her a hug. Eventually, they feel pray to the evils of VAX and email, and the dinners became less and less. Gradually, as they each found different partners, graduated, and found different ways of life, communications dwindled.

Dinners became rarer and rarer, and once she moved to another state, the dinners and the emails trickled to almost nothing. Occasionally, she'd hear from him if she sent out a hello, and sometimes not at all.

Charming, I know you read this on occasion. I hope we get the chance to meet up this week. Five years is a long time. Talking with you on the phone, hearing your voice, was wonderful. It was a great reassurance to know, that even though we are far apart, we'll always have our friendship. And maybe, next time we won't let so much time pass in between emails, but just in case it does... know that you are never very far from my thoughts.

And just so you know, I've a box of letters I keep and reread on occasions. Several in there are from you.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Friends

I've had many friends in my time. At one time, I could count them on hands, feet, and then some. Now, I find that through the years, my friends have dwindled down. There are those friends from before, that were always there when my life was full of drama and in crisis, but now that I lead a different, less dramatic life, the connections seem to have dropped. I have friends over the internet, friends I don't see often, but are close to my heart, friends that I once wished I was closer too, friends that weren't really friends, and then there are people in my life who want to be friends, but I'm not sure if I want them to be friends. ;)

There are friends I remember, but have since lost touch with, and friends I wished had kept in touch more. I've lost friends to significant others who didn't like me, distance, gossip and the like. there are even people out there, who were once very close friends, but whom I rarely if ever hear from. So, who knows if we are still friends, or, two souls that've drifted apart on different paths.

Today, a dear friend of mine, who I hadn't seen in a while (*cough* 5 years!) but was able to see a few months ago, sent me a beautiful gift of pictures of flowers he took. Thanks Dear! - Ya know who you are. It reminded me, that there are those friends out there, that are far away, that are there when there is no drama, that are there if you need someone to listen to you, that are just there, with lovely little gifts, for no reason whatsoever. I am blessed to have a few of these. :)

This friend in particular, has a special soft spot in my heart, as when I lived in MD, he'd cook for me on occasion, totally supported me through my grandfather's death, and, stood up for me when someone had made a mean comment about me. This meant a lot, because at the time, I had lost a lot of friends due to miscommunications, misperceptions, and probably a plethora of other things I don't care to go into at the moment. But he remained, and was a wonderful support. I don't know if I told you these things or not dear friend. I'm very thankful that the blogging world has enabled us to reconnect again.

So here's a nice cuppa raised to my dear friend! Thanks for the good times, thanks for the support, and thanks for all the little things! Love ya babe!

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Fate, or How I Met My Canadian Luvs

There are those people that you hang out with. There are aquaintances. There are friends those that you just connect with. The ones that you know you've know before. There are friends that you see on occasions; friends you've known for years; friends you'd do anything for; friends on varying levels (ones you can talk to about everything, ones you can talk to about some things). But then, there are the ones that touch the core of who you are on a soul level that you can't explain. They are so completely endeared within your heart, the bond you share is closer then family or blood, and unexplainable connection that transcends space, time, you name it.



I am very lucky to have quite a few people like this in my life. The "luvs" of my life. Friends that you just want to be with because you both nurture each other on a soul level. Friends you just can't get enough of, because your time together is so precious - even if it's baking muffins, walking around the block, or cleaning your house. Friends that know when you need a hug, and respond intuitively. Friends that you can spend all day watching play video games, or who go with your craving of a BLT late in the evening (when you are pregnant and can't get near the emat section!). Friends who cook for you, nurturing you with food too.


I may not see these people all the time, but I make the most of the time I do spend with them. These are the people that you don't hesistate to make time for (as opposed to the ones you make excuses to not spend time with). The ones that leave you feeling really, really good and rejuvenated after a visit. These are the friends/family/spirits of my heart.


Almost five years ago I found myself married and living in another state with no job, no friends in the area, and a terrible case of imobiling shyness. I'd quit my job in the corporate world that was literally killing me in the physical, mental, and creative sense. I didn't know who I was, or what I was about. I felt alone, and afraid, and my hubby (who'd been living the bachelor's life for a good 4 years) had no clue what to do with a new wife who'd taken over his place of living and wasn't dealing well with her bout of self-doubt. (He'd work all day to come home to a messed up house and me playing the SIMS.)

Eventually, I discovered a group of fascinating people who were to become some of my dearest friends, and was opened up to a world that encouraged following your own intuition, the presence of energy, and Reiki. Soon after I'd been attuned to Reiki, we ended up going to a wedding of my hub's old roommate who we hadn't heard anything from, except that he was getting wed.

At the wedding, we sat in the church, chatting with some friends, feeling weirdly out-of-place, but dealing. It was then I saw the two most interesting (and gorgeous) people there. Were they twins, or just siblings? I wasn't sure, but I'd figured on twins. One wore a suit of a shade of green and plum that reminded me of a gangster and had an Asian character tatoo on the back of his neck/head. The the other wore a silk Asian gi??? (I forget the name for the outfit - think something Bruce Lee would wear - the black jacket with white knots up the front, mandarin-type collar). I turned to my hub and said, "Now I bet those two guys are fascinating people. I'd love to meet them."

We went back, greeted the bride and groom with your classical congratulatory bit, and headed to the reception. Now, the neat thing about this reception, is that instead of numbers, the tables had words. The couple sat at a table designated "Complete". I forget the other words, because I was floored by the word for our table: "Fate".

As we sat down and wondered who we'd be sitting with (the only other people we knew were part of the wedding party, thus were way up front, while we were in a back corner). This didn't do much for my shyness, or anxiety at having to meet new people. And then, I saw them. That mysteriously intriguing duo walked through the door. It was then I knew. I just knew, that they would be at our table.

I informed my hubby of this. He just looked at me. (You know the look.)

We watched them meander about and talk to people, until they made it to our table. Then, before I knew what I was doing, I blurted out, "I just knew you'd both be at this table." I was wainting for hubby to slide under the table, and I would've joined him, except, these two fascinating guys connected with me. They were just as cool as I thought they were, if not more so. I loved talking to them, it was as though we knew each other from before, and I didn't feel so out of place with the other people at the table.

They were kind, and sociable, and fun-loving. We talked about Reiki, about where we lived, and little things. I left with email address, and thought nothing more than I'd met some cool people. But inside, I yearned to be friends.

When we got home, I jotted off an email, not even expecting them to remember me, but they did. And that following September, they actually drove down to visit us. I was so nervous, having only met them at the wedding, and now they were visiting us. I hugged both of them, not really sure what to do, because there were two of them, and shaking hands just didn't seem to feel right.

Needless to say, they now visit 1, 2, sometimes 3 or more times a year. Eventually, we'll get up to see them. They are a part of my heart, and uncles to my child. We fondly refer to how we met, and the Fate table. And I'm sure the border patrol loves the story too. :) I think one still has the card from that table. The ironic thing is, that we keep in touch with them, and haven't heard from the bride and groom in ages.

Fate. Were we "fated" to meet? Who knows, but these guys have become very dear to me and our little family.

And so dearest Canadian luvs, know that I am thinking of you this day. Sending you heartfilled hugs, and spilling over with gratitude for your presence and friendship in my life. Looking forward to seeing you soon, eh?