They were all vying for my attention.
The glitter, sparkles, shoes, handbags, cupcakes, flowers.
Only the best would be chosen.
It had to be perfect, it always does.
Next came the words, loyal, honest, thoughtful, generous, fun, caring, beautiful, understanding, unforgettable, sincere, treasured.
Choosing a birthday card for a friend. A moment not to be rushed.
An opportunity to pause and really, truly, madly, deeply think about this one person and all they mean to you.
The chance to write down a message and express the thoughts that never really get said.
An occasion to celebrate an individual person in your life. It is their day, let them know and how much you value them and their unique input into your life.
The landscape of friendship is as varied as the array of cards before me.
I have a treasure trove of friends……Girlfriends, galpals, soul sisters, buddies, partners in fun and frivolity, companions, supporters.
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. Anais Nin
Each and every one of them adding a rich texture, and vibrancy to my life. Allowing light into my dark places, releasing me from judgement, exposing me to new thoughts, ideas and opportunities.
Friendships carrying me and helping me get to know myself better.
Friendships formed at school and work. Intense, strong bonds enduring time and distance.
Friendships nurtured as we in turn began to nurture children. Fumbling our way together, supporting and cheering each other along .
Friends I have had for decades and friends I am still getting to know.
I have friends I see often, daily, weekly and monthly.
Friends I see occasionally, school holiday catch ups and annual get togethers.
Friends I rarely see, interstate long distance friends.
I have a new type of friend now. The friend I have never met, never made a cuppa for, the friend whose birthday I don’t even know, who’s address starts with www. My online friend.
Many would argue some of these people are not my friends, they are acquaintances. Labels and words that do not matter to me.
How do I know if someone is my friend?
I feel it.
It is instinctive.
It is two-way, they will feel it too.
A friendship occurs when people choose to invest in a relationship.
Giving of their time, their emotion. Sharing in joy and laughter, tears and pain.
I have strong, deep, close friendships built up with many layers. I also have relaxed, fun and easy-going friendships.
There is one common trait in all my friendships
WE SHARE
We share time together, bottles of wine, stories, tips and ideas, Facebook status’, jokes, cakes, holidays……….
Take a moment right now, lean back close your eyes and soak in the beauty of your friendships.
Delight in their ability to nourish you.
Leave a brief comment below celebrating your marvellous friendships and let me know how they nourish and support you.
I dedicate this post to all my wonderful and amazing friends and thank them for unfolding my wings and sprinkling me with glitter.
This post is part of a theme based link up on Project Underblog.
Head over there to read more wonderful posts about this months theme, Friendship.
Proud to call you friend <3
Likewise wonderful friend
Friendship has to be easy, fun, stimulating and shared. The opposite to friendship is isolation in my mind. Friendships feed me differently to my roles as mother, wife, daughter, boss, mentor, etc…. Friendships have to be safe for me. I need to know that the person who is my friend is genuine and is pure of heart…..anything less, they are just an acquaintance and often not the person I want to call a friend. BTW – Appreciate that I can call you a friend! 🙂
Kelly you are spot on, friendships do feed us so very differently to all other roles we may have. Feeling safe is important and trusting the other person. Love that you are my friend too.
I am so grateful for your friendship and support in this www world. Beautiful post, girlfriend!
Thanks Mo, right back at you
AWWW I love this post!!! Maybe it’s because I’m an only child, but friends have always played such a huge role in my life as they really are part of my family. Well said!
Amanda so true many friends do become the family we choose. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Karen this is a wonderful post (and a wonderful blog as well.) This is my first time visiting you here and I’m delighted. You left a kind message on my post today at Focusing on Life and I responded to you there, but we never know if people have the time to stop back in and see if there was a response or not. So glad you’re with us there, and now I’m so glad I found this blog here!
Judy I totally love Focusing on Life and tickled pink you stopped in here.
Beautifully said. Thank you also for the wonderful quote. How true that is.
I like to send Thinking of You notes in the mail randomly to help my friends understand how special I think they are. Having people in my life who let me love them openly is so important. Thanks for making me think of my friends again. It touched my heart.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Random notes in the mail, your friends would be deeply touched. So happy you stopped by.
Enjoyed your post! As a midlife person, friendship changes over the years…you cull out people that are less fulfilling and lean in to those that offer a reciprocal exchange . My writing partner and I have been friends for almost 30 years but live on opposite sides of the country!
Barbara Long distance friendships are special and to be your writing partner as well. 30 years what an achievement.
I have two friends–one from junior high and one from high school that are my best friends ever. But I have been able to cultivate a few in my recent years who are special too. Of course, my husband and also my mom are truly best friends.
Oh Tammy, I love that your husband are Mum are your best friends and new friendships are exciting too. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a wonderful dedication and expression of how we as Bloggers can develop true and sincere friendships despite distance and lack of face to face contact. Simply through shared experiences and expressions of our passions. Thank you so much for sharing….
Tiffany the online friendships and joining in with the amazing community of blogging has been the greatest bonus in my blogging adventure.
What an awesome post! I love this and can truly relate to it, on so many levels. I have lots of online friends and it’s hard to explain to people that don’t work/socialize on the Internet…lol. Also, I’m glad to know I’m not the only who stresses over choosing a birthday card.
Thanks for linking up with The Blogging Bunch!
Carrie keep on taking your time with the cards, it is so worth it. Yes as bloggers our online friendships are such an asset and hard to understand until a portion of your life is lived online. Thrilled to meet you today.
This August I was blessed. Had a dear friend come and stay with me for a week. She lives in New Zealand and we haven’t seen each other for 16 years. Felt like 16 weeks within minutes of our reunion. Then at the end of the month a dear friend drove two hours to come and see me when I was across the country settling my daughter in at uni. She and her husband stayed the night at the b and b with me. So wonderful to see her. Love that she made the effort to see me and spend quality time.
I agree that the right card is sooooo important for birthdays! Also love it when folks write a little message – so much better than just signing their name.
Love this post – nice job online pal!
Kelly you guys are my first online friends and I adore having you all. Those 16 years would have melted away when you saw your friend.
Beautifully written! Friendships are so important to our lives. I must say, like Carrie, a lot of my friends are ones I have met online. I suppose that’s part of working online.
Thanks for joining the Saturday Showoff Party at The Blogging Bunch!
Online friendships are one of the greatest benefits to blogging I have found. Unexpected too. Had fun at the party.
I have been so blessed with friends both physically and online! I have just lately been blessed with new online friends through my blog!
I love your blog and glad that you participated in the Showoff Linky Party!
I’m so very thankful that we ‘met’. You Karen, are an amazing woman, person and friend. Looking forward to getting to know you a whole lot better and reading about your delights in fabulous Australia.
Oh Tami right back at you. Your kindness spills out all over my keyboard whenever I read your words.