NOTE: Even if you decide you are not up to reading my "ramblin's" check out the photo gallery at www.gsmackeen.smugmug.com select Friends/2011/Summertime and ENJOY !
Now to get down to the serious stuff-relationships. Have you ever dissected your friend timeline over the years? What begins with childhood friends & family relationships quickly evolves to adult friendships that seem defined by your lifestyle. In high school and college there are your peers who you hope to remain in contact with but often life and circumstances get in the way...distance is often the culprit-in the early '70's we did not have the internet!! Your first job introduces you to co-workers who become your friends-common ground is important. First marrieds congregate to first marrieds, then as parents you congregate with other parents-too often your children define that realm through sports teams, school activities-remember when you were identified as someone's mom? You then become an "empty nester" and again you are defined by those around you who again find themselves a twosome and then we become WHAT? Later in life you seem to relate to your friends even though you may not have as much in common-the subject of parents, children, grandchildren, work, play remain constant. I love to hear the stories of other friends and their grandchildren-it does not bore me-I find it entertaining. Someday I hope to be able to do the same. Parallel lifestyles do not seem as important as I get older. I remember the "first friends" and the newer friends-both share history, stories, good times, sorrows, losses - FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE. I found this saying appropriate - strangely written on a bathroom wall-
"Be happy with what you have and you will have plenty to be happy about."
This is my newest "happy" thought. My best to you and yours!
HAPPY SUMMER !
HAPPY SUMMER !