girlfriends

when I turned 13 I finally got to have my ears pierced. to celebrate the blessed event I was allowed to invite a handful of girls to witness the ordeal and hang out at the mall together. notice I said girls, not friends. I was lacking in that department, real and true friendship had yet to meet my willing eagerness. as I delivered an invitation to one of the girls, another girl I hadn't planned to invite was visiting her, so I dashed back and gave her an invitation as well. I never wanted to be excluded so I would never do so if I could avoid it. that extra invitee would become a significant person in my life; Melyssa and I have been friends since we were 14 years old.

our freshman year in high school we met Tiffany. our sophomore year she changed schools, but we were able to keep friendship fires a light. and so through many years of finding ourselves and exploring the world we have been pretty constant, even if that meant popping in and out as we got older and our lives got larger. at the end of January Tiffany called and me and said she had bought a ticket to visit Melyssa, who now lives in Seattle. we have been talking about a trip up there for ages and she was hoping we could go together. after a resounding YES from my sweet husband, I almost fainted with anticipation! this is the amazing mossy tree in Melyssa's front yard. She and her little family live in a darling place in an amazing town. there was no better place to get away and enjoy some time with these amazing friends.

This weekend was all about reconnecting and PLAYING, like any self respecting mom with kids would do on a vacation with out them. we did all the sights. the ferry to Bainbridge.

we braved the intense cold at Pikes place market. Tiff, Missy and Lauren smile for the camera. Lauren is Missy's daughter. what a jewel, so sweet, she made being away from my own three more bearable. doting on her was a joy.

and we made plenty of time for relaxing. we relaxed while we got pedi's. we talked over great food, we hung out and watched lots of reality TV (how I am missing Ninja Warrior) and confessed long lost secrets and laughed at crazy high school stunts.

and when the world shut down because there was a skiff of snow on the ground, we went shopping anyway and caught a flick. I can't even explain how renewed I felt after a few days with these two amazing women. what an amazing gift to be in their company.

I came home determined to remember that feeling; that I can be amazing too. and I think in another day or two, I might be able to wrangle it back. thank you for a fabulous week Melyssa and Tiffany. can't wait to make it happen again SOON!