Pondering The Essence Of Friendship

Today was a day off from both my jobs. A much needed

day of rest. It was a day of wearing a flannel nightgown.

I emailed friends that I hadn't spoken to. Sent out a few "thinking of you cards". Watched "Law and Order". Talked on the phone. 

Looked at old and new photos.

I thought a lot about the relationship of girlfriends ...

a very serious subject and I smiled.

My friend Beth and I grew up in the same home town before kindergarten

and have stayed in touch through the years - we each have 2 kids.

 Many moons ago she moved to Florida. Miles don't matter.

      I see friendships that amaze me. They bring me such joy.

I have younger cousins that are so close they have been like sisters

since birth. They skype, they sleep over, they text...

it is a sight to see. My cousin Linda has always been my sister - we simply mesh, crack each other up

and are as different as night and day in many ways.

 We're first cousins.

She has clued me in to what a strong woman

I am and that the Mondelli woman are survivors.

By listening, laughing, sharing and

most of all being a living example.

Woman have the talent of picking up where they left off.

Be it a move, a busy family life, life crisis, health concerns,

career pulls, divorce  - we're just there for each other aren't we?

There for each other.

And if you're especially blessed, as I have been -

you have a best friend like I do. Pauline and I have been friends since

1st Grade.

YUP.

We grew up together in NJ. Went through homework sharing, bikinis,

swimming, boys, the Rolling Stones, concerts,

Cat Stevens, the Hippie era, high school, first cars, first jobs,

first kids, long hair, short hair, car pools, Tupperware,

Pampered Chef, craft business, summer cookouts, back yard sun bathing,

Jersey shore, teenagers, my first husband, parents aging, surgeries,

wine tasting, our children's weddings, my cancer, her move, my move....

You Get It!

So today I was thinking

about girlfriends....

how we can talk to each

other when our day has been bleak

or when we want to share a joyful moment.

I had a terrifc day off because I thought of all the special

times I've shared and witnessed with the

very special women in my world.

hugs and kisses, jenn

Special Treats and Bountiful Blessings!

this is my computer at 7 am this morning....

I love my job and my students even more.

Grace is a student aide in the high school I work in and helps me endlessly and with great enthusiasm on a daily basis. She also tells everyone she is my daughter and hugs me when I don't expect it but really need it. Grace is a special gift to me. I have many in my life.

That has been how my story has been since I started to write it again on September 26th of 2010. I left a very traumatic marriage and fell into nothing but love from friends and family. The rippling effect has snowballed ever since. GOD is such a loving Lord.

I write this story because of joy, strength and wonder.

Wonder because I didn't have a clear understanding of the people that surrounded me and truly how full my heart could be again.

• Full Circle - Good Listener - Kind Heart
• Taking Time For Oneself
• Fearless
• The Beauty Within
• The Grace of God
• Faithful Friend
• Heart of The Home

So now I'm treating myself to gifts of healing,love and joy of the spirit. Seeing friends more... working a little less. School will be out on June the 16th. I will continue with my part-time job with with adults with special needs.

I just bought a size smaller jeans

had a pedicure with a pal

shared sushi with a sistah

savor the garden

root for the Yankees

enjoy a few outings with friends

not be afraid, make new friends, keep the old
and hang out during the summer and continue on with my story.... jennifer

And I'm Setting My Goals and Soul Free!

Whoopee! This weekend my dear friends rallied, dragged me out of my protective walls - and said "enough!". Besides, the weather was gorgeous, I love being with them and I've been thinking and working far too much anywhoo!

I ran to my friend Mary's after school (well, she needed a ride home),

sat on her deck (she smokes and my Asthma doesn't like it)

ordered Chinese food - yummo - listened to music and laughed our butts off

my butt reappeared Saturday am

I relaxed all day Saturday until my friend Emily called.

We survived her divorce. Dinner was on the agenda...because are sisters and friends.

I was to dress up. Feel "girlie".

Margaritas and Mexican Food

then on for a night cap and Reggae music

Sunday morning seems musical when you count your blessings.

I have made an effort to deal with stressors, meditate,

think of others, breathe deeply and enjoy.

Silence is healing, smiles are gifts, sleep renews.

God is great.

my toes wiggle

Crissy calls..we're off to the county fair!

we walked for hours, saw quilts, cowboys, babies, ate ice cream, watched newborn piglets suckle (they are actually cute then), rides that must be excellant throw up machines, foods like soft shell crab, fried shrimp, pulled pork, roast beef, fried potato chips, cotton candy, candied apples, and other artery hardening items.

I had 1 water, 1 ice cream...with sprinkles

and my birthday isn't until the end of September!

my first yoga class is tonight

and it's only MONDAY!