A Growing Circle

I answered my phone yesterday and got an earful of giggles. No hi, hello or heavy breathing. Just giggles. That would be my dear friend, Pam. Pam is the best giggler I have ever met. Her laugh is unique and I can't help but smile when I hear it. Fortunately Pam is an upbeat person so she shares her laughter frequently and it is contagious. I can't even write what it sounds like but when she really gets going she almost hyperventilates and chants 'oh my god, oh my god.' There is also a dance involved which involves crossing the legs and squatting but I won't go there. I could create a whole blog just about Pam - and I might.

I am one lucky lady. I have a circle of friends whom I cherish. We laugh together, we cry together, we talk, talk, talk, we shop, we dance , we eat, we drink, we fight, we share fears and we celebrate accomplishments . We love each other.



Karen travels in a parallel universe with me. I think of her as my kindred spirit and she helps me stay centered. She is my shopping buddy, a listener and an incredible artist. Ellen is my wise friend, my high energy, talented, very motivated friend who tells it like it is - but always with kindness. She loves a good adventure and could easily win American Idol. Diane is my analytical friend. Quiet, always observing and very loyal, she always has my back - and I appreciate her thoughtfulness. Soul sisters.



Cori is my unpredictable, hyperactive, wild friend. Martha Stewart doesn't have half the flair for style as Cori does. Her hair always looks perfect, she has fun with fashion and color and she is not afraid to flaunt it. She is bold. She is in your face. She cares.



Audrey would give you the shirt off her back. She puts the needs of others before her own - always. She gives so much to so many. She is a thinker. She is a doer. She is dependable. She is reliable.



Lori. Cyndy. Katey. Gigi. Julie. Sue. Cindy. Caroline. Beth. Lynda. Susie. And to all my other friends. I cherish my friendships with each of you - and don't worry - I will write more later about the adventures we have shared (maybe) and the wonderful qualities that you all possess. I am a lucky lady to have you as friends. Thank you. I am leaving my guy friends off this list - not because I don't cherish you but because the friendship is different. Another post for another day. And Ellen DeGeneres, if you are reading this - I would love to hang out with you! I have my Depends ready and I can dance! You would be a welcome addition to the circle.



And to my dear sister, Audrey ( different Audrey than above). I have not mentioned you because you deserve a post all by yourself. We shared the good, the bad and the ugly of childhood. Our friendship has developed slowly and steadily over the years and for that reason I value it so much more. We didn't choose to be sisters but we have chosen to be friends - and it feels so good. I love you.



And my friendship world is always expanding. I am 'meeting' people everyday through my blog. There is something quite addictive about blogging. I have no doubt that there are psychological and sociological studies being done about blogs and bloggers. I don't care about that. I like people and through blogging I have been given a virtual tour of the world - through photos and words. I am often left reflecting for hours about what someone has written. My world has changed because of blogging.



So imagine my surprise and delight when Akelamalu, a blogging friend from the United Kingdom, presented me with this award. My first blogging award. Here it is:



I am such a newbie to blogging - it has taken me all week and much research to figure out how to move the award over to my blog. I am exhausted. But I did it. Now there are rules involved with this award. I can't just accept it and walk off the stage. Oh, no. I sometimes have a difficult time with rules but here they are:

1. Only five people allowed.

2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog. YIKES!

3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and lives in another part of the world.

4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award. ( I think I did this correctly?)

So... four dedicated followers to my blog? I don't really know and I hate to assume anything but here goes:

Bev at How Sweet the Sound

Pink Dogwood

Rapunzel at Rapunzel's Castle

Marg at Home Again

And a new blogging 'friend' is Jennie at Views from my Camera

I hope I have done this correctly. Let me know - I don't want to be guilty of committing any blogging faux pas!

Thank you Akelamalu for this award. And welcome to my circle of friends.