Week 7

Before I talk about the photo of the week, I just want to say how impressed that I am with myself that I have actually done this for almost 2 months! I gotta be honest, I didn't think I'd go this long. LOL! I am truly having the BEST time with this little self made project. So far, it has really made me look at scenes that I am a part of, and really relish in the moment. Doing this has made those small moments mean so much more than before. It has made me pay attention to insignificant moments, and allow them to mean so much more, now. It's been a huge blessing to me, and I am so grateful for the inspiration that caused me to want to do this.

Tonight, my friend, LaTicia, and I took a minute to ourselves, and went and got much needed pedicures. We chose a certain specific red, matched to the color of the red on the Dr. Pepper labels. We called it Dr. Pepper Red. HAHA! We were so excited by this, that we decided to take photos of our freshly painted toes with Dr. Pepper cans. 

After this photo, LaTicia and I, along with my little sister Christine, and LaTicia's daughter Aspen, just got silly. I handed my little sister, Christine, my camera, and the silliness began. That silliness and laughter produced some of the goofiest photos, and funnest memories I've had with her so far.

She might hate that I added this photo......but I kind of love it, so I did. Sorry girl!

I'm not sure if she is trying to save my life, by taking the Dr. Pepper away from me, or if she just wants it for herself. HA!

I think that these photos, while they are not phenomenal, technically, they are perfect for this. They are perfect for me. They show me, really, truly, finding my silly. It's been a long time since I felt worthy enough to laugh uncontrollably, and without apology. It's been a long time since I gave myself permission to be goofy, and silly and have a good time without fearing what people, or even myself, would think of me. I realized, as I was taking one particular photo, how beautiful friendships are, and how necessary they are to a persons life.

I think that so many people discount friendships as a throw away relationship, or that it doesn't matter as much as another relationship. When, really, friendships are SO necessary to a persons happiness, well being, and structure of their own selves. I used to be one of those people who said, "I don't need anyone. I don't need friends." But, really relying on the women, and few men, in my life, that I call friends, and really appreciating what each person adds to my life is mind blowing. Even at 33 years old, my friends influence so many facets of my life. Each friend that I have holds a different role, and participates in my life in a different way.

I choose my friends carefully, because I love them so much, that I would probably do just about anything for them, if I was smart enough to catch the hints that they would drop. HAHA! I choose carefully because I rely on my friends, a lot, to keep me honest, be true to myself, true to my faith, true to my convictions, and true to my family. I rely on my friends to always be encouraging, always be honest, kick me in the butt when I need it, hug me, and lay in bed with me, when I'm down, and push me past what I think my limits are. I rely on my friends to help me to become the better person that I work so hard to become through their love, example, knowledge, teachings and patience. 

I don't trust many people enough to let them all of the way in. I don't give them all of me, and they don't know all of me. I know it's a defense, but it's me, for right now. But, tonight, as LaTicia and I sat on the floor, resting on the back of the couch, my head leaning on hers, feet intertwined, and just laughing and being goofy, I saw a beautiful moment that I just had to capture. I saw me trusting completely, and allowing more of me to shine through, instead of trying to conceal it, afraid of what they might think of me, what they might find inside of me that they don't like, or any other flaws that might be less than desirable.

For this week, I chose this as my photo:

This photo touched my heart so deeply. This is what friendship is to me. That closeness with someone that you can't explain, and that you are afraid to figure out why it works, for fear that you might ruin it. Those people that you can't wait to talk to the next day, and pick up where you left off. Those people that you have jokes with, that aren't funny to anyone else, but you guys. Those people that you can't wait to get home and share what just happened that was so exciting, sad, or infuriating. And those people that would drop anything and everything, and come running when you need them. Those people who know you, without knowing every story about you. Those people who know how to push you, talk to you, and can look into your eyes and know exactly how you're feeling.

I am so blessed to have such amazing friends, who show me unconditional love so often. My friend who would drop her 80 hour work/school week, just to spend 20 minutes walking with me, because I need her advice, validation, or just her sweetheart Kansas hugs. My friend who I haven't known very long, but I feel like I've known forever, who helps me laugh all of the time, and never judges my short comings. My friend who remembers every important date, and brings special treats on those dates, because she knows they are important to me. My friends who support, and encourage, my crazy ideas, and offers to help me grow, learn and improve even more, by allowing me to help them, watch them, or just offer advice. My friend, who doubles as my sister, who calls every morning, just to say hi, and check in on me, because she loves me. My friends who drives across town, just to bring me a card, a treat, flowers, or just lay in bed with me, because they know that I'm having a tough time. My friend who continues to call me from clear across the country, and who never takes offense when our chat times don't match up (one day we will catch each other girl! HA!)

My friends are not just my friends. They are my family. I love each and every one of my friends, new and old, and cherish them so much. No matter how old we are, and how independent we think we are, and how busy we might be, we always need friends. I need those few special people in my life, as much as I need my husband, my parents, and my children. They are so interwoven in my life, that I'm not sure what I would do without them.

My heart is so full of love towards my friends. I hope that I am able to give back, even a little bit of the love that they so generously, and patiently, give to me, each and every day. Thank you all for making my life so much richer, happier, and more beautiful than I ever imagined it could be. Thank you for allowing me, and encouraging me, to be me, and loving everything about me.