That GIRL

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After a long weekend filled with family, friends, and eating, a walk was needed. I enjoy the hills around our home as the wild flowers are blooming and the trees are filling out.

Walking is perfect exercise.  It's easy on the joints, burns calories, and allows you time to reflect.

I should just starting blowing and MAYBE one of my wishes will come true!

My puppy Jade.  She is growing like a weed!

                               Jade 

FRIENDSHIPS ~ Women need Women..

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I started thinking about friendships and the importance of carving time out to be with my friends. The dynamics of female relationships is tough to figure out.. at any age.  Why all the competition? Why can't we share? 

I've learned that the more I give to others, the more I receive in return. 

(Mean Girls is a 2004 American teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters. The screenplay was written by Tina Fey and is based in part on the non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabes0

Janis: See? That's the thing with you plastics. You think everybody is in love with you when actually, everybody HATES you! Like, Aaron Samuels, for example, he broke up with Regina and guess what? He still doesn't want you! So why are you still messing with Regina, Cady? I'll tell you why, because you are a mean girl! You're a bitch! Here. You can have this. It won a prize. 

Lillian: Why can't you be happy for me and then go home and talk about me behind my back like a normal person?
 

. I watched this movie with my daughter and laughed hysterically.  Most of us can empathize with the complexity of the "friendship triangle" between bride to-be and her two closest friends.  It's all about being one up, and of course the TRUE meaning of friendship is lost. 

  We had our first BBQ this weekend and we lucked out with the weather. Lanterns, tiki torches, flowers, it was perfect. The outdoor bar and table were set, people mingling and bopping to the Beach Boys playing in the background.

With all the girls that were attending, I decided to add pink and white flowers, sour gummies, and pink gum balls, in addition to the traditional red, white, and blue for the holiday.

  The menu was traditional BBQ fare with burgers, hot dogs, salads, ruffles potato chips with onion dip, grilled baguette with pancetta, mozzerella, garlic, and basil.  We served skinny margaritas with wine and beer and then finished the evening with ice cream with all the toppings.

It was wonderful to see everyone having fun ~ no drama, no competition.  Finding a TRUE friend is not easy.  We NEED friendship and FRIENDSHIP takes patience, and the COURAGE  to be yourself.  

I tried to teach my daughter and son to rise above the petty stuff and avoid gossiping.  I stressed the importance of taking relationships in stride and allowing those hurtful actions or comments to roll off your back.  I believe if we take EVERYTHING personally, we will have few friends.  People are generally GOOD, however it's easy to let something slip out that perhaps should have gone unsaid. We are not perfect beings and mistakes happen. Generally it's probably a good idea to surround yourself with friends that are more often than not - positive.

I started my long weekend with a girls nite out that I arranged to celebrate a friends birthday.  Depending on the group, this can be challenging.  Some of us work and some are stay at home Moms. Babysitters, carpools, finding a date and time that works for everyone, food preferences, etc..  Frequently I keep it small to avoid all the back and forth emails. I sometimes say.. here is where we will be and if you are able to make it, we would enjoy your company.

I'd burst without my girlfriends!  When we get together we are never at a loss for what to talk about and usually end up laughing until our tummies hurt!

Friendships with women are so important. Take the time to stay connected.  

leslie

 Friendships outside of your family are so important to our emotional well-being.  This post will be the first in a monthly series that will focus on friendships between women.