Happy Heart

I was given the most incredible news this week and it has taken me a bit of time to process.

My dear friend Velda who has been battling cancer for coming up on 2 years now. Her prognosis wasn't a good one, but in true Velda fashion, she has shown that damn disease she is not going quietly in the night.

I have been remiss with my blog. Remiss with my friendships. I fill my days with stuff and stuff and stuff. Not a lot of time is spent with Velda. There are many stupid reasons for that, and right now, not one that I want to share!

I was talking to Velda earlier this week and was so happy to hear that her tumours are half their original size or gone completely. From where she started, the journey from there to here, that is wonderful news!

For me, one a more personal selfish level, this brings us one day closer! An extra day of time together to hopefully share with each other some special happenings and experiences.

You Make Me Smile

It was bound to happen and one night it did, poppa came home and it was just us kids... oh sorry that is a Garth song. I got lost there for a minute. What I meant to say, it was bound to happen, that someone would nominate my blog. I think not because I deserve it Velda! More because I'm easy! LOL

1. The winner can put the logo on her/his blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you nominated.

I shall list my nominees and the reasons why.

1. Velda - You are of my heart. My ability to just 'be' is gift not offered by many. I love you!

2. Bre - I tip my hat to you. You've really become an inspiration for me. I eagerly await each new post to see what new challenge your conquered.

3. Cathey - You are one of the most incredible women, I'm yet to 'meet'. You're hilarious in the face of life's challenges and your approach to life and it's many peaks and valleys is the way I would love to tackle things I'm forced to face!

4. Amy - Your attitude is awesome! Your commitment (as much as you are struggling right now) is incredible. You rock!

5. Chiloe - Your stitching is an inspiration and a joy to watch grow.

I never expect for others to follow along and post their own, just consider yourself acknowledged and appreciated!

Feeling Funky and a Fabulous Friend!

It is amazing the difference in perspective from this morning to the afternoon.

My day has vastly improved since my post earlier in the day. It could have much to do with Velda! I've never met a more amazing person in my life and to have the honour to call her friend is really my blessing. I have to say I didn't cry and that in itself is amazing. Our time wasn't as full of as much laughter as some visits, but I walked away from my impromptu visit with a full belly of coke, chocolate and french onion soup along with a new perspective.

I love the freedom I have within this friendship. I'm far from perfect, as much as I may lead you to believe otherwise. I'm free to share my faults and imperfections without judgement and in turn I walk away with a greater sense of myself. The scope of conversation covers most everything and anything.

I didn't realize Velda was posting on her blog about me coming over. That would be my first mistake! Knowing Velda as I do, how did I know see this coming??? In that, I would like to thank each of you that posted to Velda's blog sending me hugs. I got them too, because I was still there when she was reading her comments.

After leaving Velda's today I headed to the gym. What an experience that was! Not an especially good one either. The good thing is I ran intervals for about a half hour and gained 2 AP. WOOHOO!!

The not-so-good part of the gym today was that a high school gym class was there. I'm all for young people working out, I really am, but a gym filled with giggling, screaming teenage girls is not conducive to a good work out. I have a couple teenagers of my own, so I know all about this that and the next thing with teenage girls. They were going on about hot guys weight training. This men would be old enough to be your father for goodness sakes. Imagine the nightmare of trying to get ready for work with these kids milling around. No fun! No thanks!

I have a major rant about my gym. This place is starting to drive me nuts. I know they have financial issues. It's not a big secret around town that the gym is struggling to make payments to their creditors.

My last 2 visits to the gym have presented me with no paper cleaning products. That is disgusting at any time, but this time of year... oh gross! Today there was one hair dryer that worked and it was a hot commodity with all those mini princesses preening pretty. The shower that didn't work yesterday was fixed today. I just don't understand the financial issues here. I feel very taken when at this gym. It has some great features and then when I'm faced with stuff like I mentioned, I get so annoyed. Do I really care there is little flowers sitting in a dish beside the sinks? No, I don't. I care about being able to wipe down my machine after sweating like a mad woman all over it. I want to go to the gym to become healthier not pick up some fugal infection! I shall now step down from my soap box! :)

Thank you to each and everyone of you that posted a kind comment in response to my earlier post, as well as the kind comments on Velda's. A little kindness goes a long way.

Life is Good!

I'm posting on the fly. I just got home from hanging out with Krista and it's been far too long since we've just went for coffee and a good old fashion girl's night. We didn't do anything special, which is the reason that I feel it was a special night.

I have this sense of 'life is good'. I, as always, have things that are causing me tremendous amounts of concern, but all in all, I think things are going well. I love my life and right now, with the aforementioned stresses, that is really saying something!

Thanks KP, for the part you play in the making of my life what it is! You rock! Hahaha that is funny, you're from The Rock and you rock. OMG how funny am I?

Tribute to Pumpkin

It is wondeful this world wide web. It makes the world seem a smaller more intimate place. There are dangers to be wary of, and cautions that should be observed when conversing with others. Are the people really who they are portraying? Who's to know?

I've been a member of a Cross Stitch Crazy board for so long know, I can't remember how long it actually is anymore. Could it be really all that long, or is my memory finally starting to go? I've found many friends on 'my board' as I fondly refer to it. A kinder group of women, you'll never find. The women that make up this board have held my hand, and cradled my heart in the darkest of times. I could never repay them for the friendship, kindness and support they've graciously bestowed upon me.

I've not been a member of the blogging community all that long, but long enough to know I'm loving it. There are some incredible people to befriend. There is entertaining and thought inspiring posts every single day. There have been posts made world wide, that at one time or another I could have written myself. Google reader has become my best internet friend. It is my first click in the morning while my e-mails come in. I love my e-mail so much more now that I have blogger, because it is through e-mail that I find out if I've said something profound or silly enough to prompt another in the blogger community to respond. I love the comments! They are so true and heartfelt. It brings me a wee smile to know you've thought enough to take time out of your busy day to send a kind word my way.

So, in the title, Tribute to Pumpkin, I've made a friend in the blogger community. I can't recall how it is I stumbled upon her blog, but I'm certainly glad I did. I love all things fall and pumpkin, so the name caught my eye and the content caught my attention. I remember one of the first posts I read was about her DH losing his job and the subsequent 'OMG moments' of a life changing event. I was intrigued with how this was going to play out for her! I'm glad to report that things are looking up! WOOHOO to you and DH!!!!

Pumpkin, as we both now read up on each others lives, I have to say - I love your blog. It is the first one I read each day you have a new post. You hadn't posted since Monday and I was starting to worry that things were okay with you. I saw that you posted about your nutty squirrels, so all is well. I will rest easy now.

You handle yourself with class and hilarity in your posts, that just keep me coming back for more. I salute your fight of fibromyalgia (my MIL suffers and I feel so much for her, so I can only imagine some of the things you face) and your dealing with your breast cancer. Your post about body image, had me in tears (I couldn't reply - sorry). Your comments on my blog, about my wanting breast implants, I apologize if my posting my desire was insensitive. I still want them, but you make me sit back and rethink my desire. For that, thank you (although I still really want them - sorry for that too)

I'm a Cadbury Creme Egg junkie. I'm not as bad as you, but it was the Egg that had me thinking of this post to honour you. I just inhaled my 5th egg of the year. Now, when I'm craving, buying and inhaling an egg it is with you in mind. Now, isn't that something that warms your heart?!

I see now, no matter how big our world a friend is only a click, a keystoke, or a blog away. I thank you for your blog, I thank you for your comments. I'm not yet sure if I'm going to thank you for my bigger rear end at the end of the Cadbury Creme Egg season. I'll get back to you on that one!

Big hugs to you!

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times

I just got home from going out for dinner with Kurt, Krista and Mark. It was a very spur of the moment outing and I'm glad I decided to go. I've been so house overwhelmed as of late, so getting out has been good for the soul. It was good food, but the conversation was crappy! Sorry, KP I had to do it!

Last night I went out with Krista. It's been a while since we've had a chance to hang out. We did the Starbuck's and then did some shopping at Home Depot. I'm sure Krista just had a barrel of laughs in there. I made it quick though. Just 2 new door knobs, showed her the laminate flooring and then we were out an on to Pier One Imports.

The house I was telling you about yesterday, the lady had a beautiful wooden table in her dining room. I resisted as long as could and then finally broke down and asked where she got the table. Pier One Imports. Of course, first opportunity I'm at Pier One looking around. The table she had was no longer in the store, but there is a beautiful table there right now. It is on sale too, 50% off. I know I would love to buy and it would pretty much do what I'm wanting, but I just can't justify the money right now. I want to convince myself something awful, but I must stay strong.

I'm going out again on Friday night. Krista, Mary and myself are going to Lisa's for the evening. It promises to be a great laugh. It always is when we're all together. Usually it is only Mary, Krista and myself, but we've now added Lisa to the mix! I love it. We don't get together as often as we would like, as you can imagine co-ordinating 4 schedules of 4 very busy women, it gets to be a challenge. I think some times that makes the time together that much more special.

I've never been one to make friends with girls all that well. That is until recently. I have some incredible girlfriends. I couldn't be more blessed with the women I call 'friend'. Each friend fits a different need and demands different things from me. When I say demands, I in no way mean 'demands' as a negative. I guess, brings out something different in me. It is wonderful. I get to be me, the real me and they still love me for that. What could be better. Each friend has come in to my life at different times, in different ways and represents a small piece of me on so many levels. I truly am blessed with the quality of women I have surrounding me! For those of you that read my blog, I thank you and I love you.

For those friends of mine, that are Internet friends, you too, represent something very real and special to me. You're my far away 'out there' friends. It is a wonderful feeling to get up in the morning, after a late night blog post and read your comments. To know you took the time out of your day to give me a boost, a kind word, a kick in the or whatever it is you've done. I thank you too. Never for a minute under estimate the value of your typewritten word. I thank you too, and count myself blessed with your support and friendship in my life.

I love you!

Seriously, Slippers

Is that what I think it is? Another needle craft? Seriously? (Said in full Grey's Anatomy tone).

Pam and I went to Kathy's last night so I could learn how to stitch. I know how to stitch, but that is all I know how to do and calling what I do knitting is stretch by any stretch of the imagination. If I get into trouble I don't know how to salvage my mistakes. I would have to keep plugging away with my mistakes and all. I'm a very tight stitcher, which I knew from my previous endeavours with yarn. I have graduated to tight stitches and not squeaking yarn against needle. It was painful to watch. You wonder how I would know how it is painful to watch. Hmmmm. Could it be the bang on impressions done by Pam, at my expensive. She thinks she's a funny girl. I have to agree, but don't tell her I said so!

I'm hoping to turn the above supplies and instructions into Aunt Maggie's Slippers I keep calling them socks, but I am honestly hoping to have myself some slippers at some point in my life. I'll try to be optimistic about this and say, 'I'd like to have them in the next couple months or so, before the spring anyway!'

Stay tuned for future updates and to witness the nightmare or the triumph. I'm not sure what the end result will be, but it promises to be fun, if not a little frustrating too.

Random Ramblings

I make no promises about this post. It will be all over the place as is the thoughts in my head.

Part of what I need to do is update my stitching goals. I have finally pushed my dear friend Velda over the edge. She got her head into my stitching rotation (love ya) and rearranged things for me.... you freaking Virgo you -- me too, I know! Apparently all my starts (startitis) has been driving Velda crazy. Who knew? I had no clue! Okay, maybe a little bit I did. Anyway, I'm getting distracted picking on V.

With Velda's help I've fine tuned my WIP list in hopes of seeing some finishes before the new year. The following is how things are going to go. I option the right to change my mind! No, seriously I will change my mind.

• Love With a Capital L - until I'm sick of it. Is that possible? I want this hanging on my wall by Christmas if not sooner.
• Hydrangea Harvest - 30 hours should finish this up
• Job's Tears - 30 hours should also see this one complete
• Wildflower Rhapsody - just started, but is a gift and I should get plugging away on it.
• Summer Breeze - I need for this to hang above my front door. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be living in my house (for various reasons) and this is a very emotional piece for me, so I really want it completed sooner rather than later.
• Halloween Fairy - This is such a small piece. What has taken me so long to complete it? Oh ya, all these other pieces!
• Enchanted Fairy - This one will be started around Christmas but will not be finished for ages, I'm sure of that!

Thanks V, for your help. I'm very much a scatter brain right now and need this as a distraction to keep me focused. Strange comment, but you get it right?

I want to tip my hat to Krista and Velda. I posted a couple days ago about challenging myself to walk, run or bike the equivelant of a trip to Yankee Stadium. No surprise in the fact in who is there pushing me forward, encouraging me and offering to help in getting my butt in gear, but the two of you. I truly do not know what I would do without the two of you in my life. By the time this is all said and done you might want to do away with me and I will understand if you do!

My head is racing which seems to always be the way anymore. I'm exhausted. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I'm drained. I have nothing left to give. I've a headache from Hades or rather a stress knot across the top of my shoulders, so tender it's not to be believed. I'm really starting to neglect myself as of late and on every level. I seriously need to step back from the ledge before I jump!

Off to stitch or read or both since I'm at work.

Chocolate, Coke, Chai Tea and Friends

I had the most wonderful afternoon with my stitching and a most wonderful woman. I had so many things I could have been doing today, but instead of all the things I should be doing I did something I wanted to do, not saying I don't want to do the things around the house. Both things bring me joy and satisfaction, but one thing can be done at another time. I don't always get to spend time with Velda. So, today on a whim I ended up on her couch with chocolate, coke and my stitching. The Starbucks Chai tea came later.

I don't get to spend the kind of time with Velda as I once did which is very sad for me. I thought she's at home alone, not really alone, but without adult interaction for the most part. What better way to get away from all that needs to be done here than to be with a friend sharing life experiences and all the wonderful things girlfriends will talk about and cry about! It is a refreshing moment to be in the company of one you love and trust explicitly! I know you read my blog, but it is not with that in mind I write this (okay right now, maybe), but I love you like you have no idea! Thank you for a great afternoon! You rock.

Stitching progress while at Velda's today. I worked on the curly cues on my Love piece. It was mindless stitching so I could listen and pay attention to Velda, even though we didn't look at each other while we stitched! I always feel so rude when this happens, but from one stitcher to another we both understand it's not rude, just stitching time when we're together! I'm happy to report I made some good progress on the curly cues. I think at last count it was 7 completed of the 20 - woohoo! 5 hours of the required 10 complete. Should have an updated photo by Sunday!

It's A Wonderful Life

Wow! What a wonderful life I live. I sit here just baffled at the idea of where my life was not too long ago and where it is at this very moment.

There is no one particular thing that has happened or any one person responsible for my sense of peace, and peace is exactly what I feel. There are many contributing factors to my happiness. I have the most amazing friends in my life and I couldn't make it through one day without each and every one of you. I know I could survive, but I guess what I'm really trying to say is that it just wouldn't be the same without you. I share my day to day life with two amazing young ladies that bring me such happiness, although I struggle with both girls at times, I still am able to find happiness within my relationship with each of them. I don't even know where to begin in trying to explain the feelings of peace when speaking of the man in my life. Those that know me well, know of what I speak. Whether he gets it, one never really knows. He is too cute for words. I'm still struck by moments of 'Wow!'

Cute Boy and I went away together last weekend which was a total blast. I was a bit fearful that after the weekend ended I'd have a feeling of let down. That feeling of what do I have to look forward to now kind of thing. I did delay my return to reality a bit longer than I should have, but all things considered I didn't stay away too long. Being away for the weekend and having no pressure from anywhere, being 'just' a girlfriend, not a mother, not an employee, not a cook, not a cleaner, nothing more than just 'me' being a girlfriend... nothing could have been better. I couldn't put a price on a gift like that, not ever. The weekend away was just what this weary, sometimes wrung-at-both-ends woman needed!

My life is not without worry right now, and how I'm not going insane is beyond me. I'm trying very much right now to look at things from a positive perspective. I can't do anything to change the stresses in my life, so I'll deal with each issue as it arises and not panic. I knew the moment of stress with which I'm dealing would happen. It was always just a matter of when, never if. I know without a doubt I'm in a good place mentally or I'd not be able to handle this current stress with such calm. I think I'm finally growing up. Imagine that one for a good laugh.

I do have some great things to look forward to in the next little while. I'm hoping when I wake up in the morning I can find the gumption to go for a run. My first run since Thanksgiving. I've skirted the issue long enough. I'm tired of feeling overweight. I consistently wear a size 4 and I'm whining that I can't fit in my 2's and 1's.... get a grip. Run is what I want to do, so that is what I'm going to do again. I miss it more than I thought possible.

I'm going to be getting together with Mary and Krista this coming weekend. I always look forward to these getting together with these incredible women. I can never do justice to the fun we have, especially when trying to put it to words in my blog. I try yet fail miserably. The best of women, a barbecue, Corona and Cute Boy's Raspberry biscuits. Awwww, life is sweet!

This is what brings me full circle. Where I was, to where I am right now, stresses and all, I'm right where I want to be. I've said it a few times, I wouldn't change a single thing if it didn't put me right here right now. I would gladly take every mistake, every tear and every heartache if it is that that has blessed my life as I know it today!

Sweet Dreams

Spend It Like Ya Got It!

What a night I had last night and get your mind out of the gutter! It wasn't that kind of night, ALMOST as good though, okay maybe that's a stretch because nothing much compares to THAT! Sorry, Pam. I love ya, but nothing compares to THAT!

In all the craziness of preparing for Christmas things have not been getting done like they should. I worked a day shift yesterday so I figured I'd make a great dent in all the things I needed to get done in the evening. That worked for a short time, until Pam came over. I was able to make 2 batches of shortbread, but 1 batch is garbage....stupid story. I then made a batch of Peanut Butter Fudge, awwww peanut butter, oh sorry that was supposed to be my inner voice, while Pam and Princess made a Ball Art Jar (pic coming soon, hopefully). I don't know if I was having more fun making my fudge (not) or listening to the two of them.

The girls and Mike were off to the movies so Pam and I hit the town. We went to Michael's for an hour and half, drooling over all the things we would like to learn to do. What a blast! We ended up spending a wee bit of money, but not too much, all things considered. Velda, if you're reading this I got another of your 12 day presents. I love and want to keep it for myself, but that is really nothing new!

The next pit stop on our travels was Starbucks! Why oh why did I ever suggest Pam and I try Starbucks? I'm soooooo sorry. Last night was my treat. We take turns since it is so darn expensive, but worth every penny! lol I can't wait to go next time because of course that one is free. Not really, but it works for me!

Off we head to Walmart. Let me tell ya, this 11pm shopping thing can get scary and fast. Again, I didn't spend very much. I did buy the most beautiful centrepiece for my kitchen table. (pics soon, hopefully). Now, I said I didn't spend much, but notice I've not said much about Pam? This woman was too funny. I was using the racks to hold myself up when laughing at her. She bought and bought and bought. I was no help, but she knows when she needs somewhere to set up her box house I'll help her find waterfront property. It might be in front of a puddle, but I'll have tried. Pam, honey, spend it like ya got it!

While at Walmart we hook up with Mary T (Pam's friend, and becoming mine too). After our exhausting shop (poor Mastercard) we come back to my place for a drink, fudge and shortbread cookies. We really needed the sugar rush after the workout Pam gave her Mastercard.

I had a great night considering I was going to be spending a quiet night home alone while the girls were out at the movies. Thanks Pam for always being here for me even when you don't even know! You truly are the greatest and I'm so happy to have you in my life! It is days like this that are so good for the soul.

A Year In The Life

This day is a day I've been waiting for now for some time. This day marks what was a very sad day at the time I was living it, but now looking back, a day that was inevitably going to happen. I just was never in a place that I would have thought it would be a good thing, or something I was strong enough to endure. Today is the 1 year anniversary of the final day in my marriage. It is this day, one year ago my husband and I decided to call it quits. I couldn't be happier today and that is somewhat of a gift in itself, if anything is. I will not have this entry be something of sadness, because it is anything but sadness I feel today. It isn't that I'm without emotion of now raising my children in a broken home, but with all my heart I think it is a happier home for them with only one parent that is happy, rather than two that are just going through the motions.

I dedicate this post today to the things I've learned in the last year. There are many, they are simple, they are anything but, and only a few things would I change. I will live the next year of my life with the same openness to change and life being what life is, as I did this last year. I would wake up some days in the last year and not know what was next to challenge me and with that same spirit I look forward to this coming year and everything I've yet to do, be and experience.

Things I've Learned In The Last Year

• I'm stronger than I ever believed
• I'm not as strong as I wish to be
• My daughters are amazing and have taught me more about myself than most anyone
• I dislike fighting
• I've been blessed with the most amazing friends a person could ever have
• I must have music in my life most every minute of every day
• Out of heartache good can come, really heartfelt good
• I like myself much better than I have in the past
• I have more friends that I would have known only one year ago
• Each day is a gift. Don't waste it.
• Corona is one heck of a drink!
• Corona tastes best with friends ~ Mary and Krista can attest to that!
• Never give up. Tomorrow could be the day that changes your life
• Laughter heals your heart better than anything else
• Coworkers you think are just that, turn out to be more friends than ever imagined
• Being a single parent is exhausting
• A broken heart will heal
• Music can and does heal most anything
• I'm softer and think more which in turn makes me quieter ~ imagine!
• I'm not afraid to feel for another and do so deeply
• I can not and will not judge the now, by the sins of yesterday
• I fight becoming bitter, annoyed at actions, but not bitter
• I'm okay being alone, but right now I don't have to be
• Want and need are worlds apart
• Things I used to think important, I don't now
• The grass always seems to need cutting
• I will always struggle to maintain the balance between what I want and what is expected of me
• I used to take people for granted and now work to change this
• I hate asking for help which in turn shows weakness not strength
• I'm thankful for everything that has put me right here right now

Hats off to the following people that have made a special difference in my surviving the last year. Not surviving in a desperate sense, but in helping me figure out myself and where I was heading when I was so overwhelmed with it all.

In no way does the order mean anything other than the way the thoughts fell out of my head.

Pam I don't know where to begin in thanking you for all you've done for me. You've done it all without expecting anything in return. You were the first one I called and you dropped it all to be there for me.... I mean dropped it all! You left your friend and family in the mall parking lot for me! I thank you, and now looking back I crack up at what I asked of you and what you gave that day. You always were and still are only a phone call away.

You have now taken this 'leave us alone' approach to the whole sordid mess of this divorce. That 'we/us', when I first read it, brought me to tears. It was that statement when I knew you were in this for the long haul. You would remember this 'anniversary' date when I would forget it.... you're too much and I'm so thankful to have you in my life. 'We' are so close to the end, but still so much to be done yet.... keep that phone line open for the call forwarding when the pressure increases. I might just take you up on that offer. Now, 'GitRDone'

Mary Sweetie, how I love you! You're one of the most amazing women I've the pleasure of calling friend. I couldn't love you more if I tried. You've been sooo good to me and good for me. You've given me some of the best advice and showed me by example what it is to be a strong independent woman. If I can come out of this learning one thing it is I'm blessed for you in my life. Taking me back to this day last year, "OMG, I'm not wearing any socks".... what the hell? Love ya, hon!

Velda Where do I begin? The support and friendship you've given are priceless gifts, of that I'm sure. The wonder of our friendship is in the comfort we have with each other. Sitting quiet, finishing each others sentences, never needing to finish them, the laughter, the tears are just a few things that come to mind when I think of you!

I think back to a few things you've done for me over the last year and there are many. I can still burst out laughing at the image of me on your couch in my sad little state curled up in your purple blanket I love so much, with you strutting your stuff in your purple presents. Too funny, you and your purple fashion show. That scarf and flip flops, still hilarious. The afternoon with Pam and the whole 'Moanona' (don't even know how to spell it) still gets me laughing uncontrollably. Now who's the smitten kitten?

Simple words will never come close to imply what I feel for you and what you represent to me. I've said it before and I'll say it again I'm so blessed to have you in my life. I'm the one that really comes out on the winning end of this friendship! Love ya, sweetie.

Krista, Wee Krista Starting at the beginning is probably best! We started this friendship of ours prior to the end of my marriage. I'm so thankful for that small start. If not for those few outings I'd have missed out meeting one of the most amazing and inspiring women. How different, and not in a good way, would my life be without you in it. I'm so glad you were like a little kid in kindergarten and sent that e-mail.... what would I do without you?

Without you I'd not have had such a fun experience of my 'first' Corona! I thank you for that. Even me spilling it all over the table with my little thumb! The acohol abuse, imagine. I couldn't count nor would I want to know how many I've drank since then! My UFC Buddy and the alcohol abuse that first UFC at my place, scraping the spilled liquor in the blender... gotta love it. Painting with you is too fun... get it done and get the drinks a flowing. You marathoning home from Boston Pizza is too funny and still brings on the giggles.... Chariots of Fire inspired was you! You'd think all we did together is drink, but I know differently!

As we age it is more difficult to make friends, but with you and I its as though we've been friends forever. I hope forever is exactly where this friendship is headed. I look forward to that 40th of yours since I had to miss the 30th. Just think it will be a 10+ year friendship at that point! Tammy Turtle loves Wee Krista.

Debbie How you've grown to mean so much to me in the last year. You've always been here for me in your own sweet way. It took this past year for me to see for what it really is ~ a gift. It just hit me one day I've been friends with you now, longer than I've been married. For whatever reason, that just amazes me. You've been through the home pregnancy test for Princess, the first split, the second split and now this final split. If was a big moment in my life, it was usually with you I shared the day. Your generosity the last year is second to none and I am the one the comes out the winner in this friendship.

The laughter I've shared with you is something I cherish above most anything else. When the office door gets shut, look out because we're up to no good. I know without fail I can tell you absolutely anything, show you anything (I'll try to keep my pants on), ask you anything and depend on you for most things as long as it doesn't interrupt your sleep. Just kidding! I love you, but you knew that already!

My Cross Stitch Friends People will look at internet friends as not 'real friends', I beg to differ. You woman, and you know who you are, are some of the best friends a person could have. Who would have thought a simple craft and a place to share the love of that craft would bring such love and friendship to my life. To think I've never met so many, and will probably never meet you, I feel like you know me better than some I share my 'real' life with.

There have been phone calls, e-cards, e-mails, cyberhugs and overall support for all I've done and yet to do. You offer a safe place for me to share the trials and successes of my life. I can not thank you enough for never giving up on me and encouraging me to put needle to thread again after such painful comments which threw me emotionally off balance for sooo long.

I look forward to the many years of friendship yet to be with each of you. I love you like you'll never know and I'm blessed to share in the parts of your life you give each day.

Leigh ~ Girl, how I love you! I will never be able to do justice to you and what you bring to my life. You came into my life as a family member and you've become so much more than that. You are a friend and someone I'm more than blessed to have in my life. This relationship we share could have gone either way with the end of my marriage, but I believe it is this love of each other that has enabled us to continue this friendship and let it grow and not suffer from outside influences.

In the earliest days of my marriage demise, it was Mike and you that were holding the net when I was freefalling! I thank you for that and so much more than simple words could show, I love you like no other. It is fate that brought you to my life and your wonderful spirit that has kept you there. I love you, sweetie!

Cute Boy I've mentioned you many times throughout this blog without using your name, but today I feel I have to give you your due in the process of the tipping of my hat to those who have been instrumental in my growth.

We have known each other and been friends for years which makes this new element to our relationship so much easier. I have a trust in you that makes these new, exciting steps all the more exciting. I've said it many times, wherever we travel in this journey together, I'm thankful for everything that lead me to you. I would take every hurt, tear and mistake ten times over, if at the end of the day it is with you I'm sharing my life. You represent to me a faith in another I thought I'd given up on, but one look from you I'm thankful for the risk.

You bring out the best in me. I'm in such a wonderful place right now and it is with that thought, I thank you. You're so good to me and even better for me. You challenge me, you inspire me to be a better person than I thought I could be, you show me how it is to not give up and you do this with a softness I appreciate more than I think you're aware. The simplicity of what I feel for you, is that I absolutely adore you and with that there is so much more. Every day I learn more about you and even more about myself. Wherever we go, whatever we do, as long as I'm sharing these things with you, right here, right now I'm right where I want to be! I look forward to what tomorrow brings! May you never question the depth of emotion or commitment I feel for you.

The Value of a Friendship - ode to Velda

There is no value that could ever be attatched to the gift of a friend.

I had the most amazing day with the most amazing woman. Over the years we've been around the block a few times. It has been the challenges of our life that has probably taught us most about each other. I know we're alot alike in many ways and vastly different in others, but I know without a doubt whatever my need, I'll always have you in my corner.

A simple 'Welcome to the neighbourhood' from you one Hallowe'en night and how many years later we have this friendship that respresents so much to me. You bring a grounding to my willy nilly ways and a laughter to my foolishness. You never hesitate to ask the hard questions and give the space and time I need to find the answers. I can't imagine the number of sentences that never get finsihed, at least not by me, maybe by you, but most definetely not me. You welcome me to your life with a hug (every time) and I couldn't love you more for each and every one. Who would have seen this friendship grow so strong? I surely didn't see it, especially through the troubles we had. I think the troubles, as sad as they were at the time, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

We may not always agree with what the other does or believes, but the support is something never questioned. I have a confidence in your belief in me that brings tears to my eyes. I know I can tell you anything without judgement. Deep from the heart feelings that you just let me throw around. Sometimes I don't even let the words come and you know what they are ~ you're priceless. Blessed is I, loved is you.

Never for one minute, wherever this road leads in our life, question my love and respect for you. You are a most amazing woman and I'm so thankful for the day we became friends.