Cream of the Crop...

Friend: (noun) 1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts 2. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade 3. An acquaintance, one who is not hostile

I am truly blessed to have the most wonderful friends. Some I have known a relatively short period of time, others more than half my life. A few of them I talk to regularly, some once a month, and there are even those I talk to just once or twice a year. I've learned that the time between conversations and the distance between the places we call home, are irrelevant when you are talking about a TRUE friendship.

There are celebrations that come along with being "twenty-something"(as I like to call it) like engagements, weddings, bridal showers,baby announcements, and house warming parties for many first time home owners. It's such an exciting time! Each change bringing about new beginnings and joy for those you call "friends".

The definition above just doesn't do justice in describing what a friend can be. There are all types of friendships, and I am lucky to have the ones I would better describe as...

The Lifer- you know you will always be friends with this person, you know their family, you almost feel like family. They have been there through all the ups and downs life has had to offer. They've seen you at your weakest and stood by you.

The Good Timer-you always have a blast with this person. Not that this person can't be a very close friend as well, you just usually find yourself having some of the most fun when hanging together. This person cheers you up by taking you out on the town- it's how they "help" when you need it

The Twin- This friend is the one most like you. They could finish your sentence. You trust when they give you advice b/c you know they "get it" when there's a problem. They might not look like you, but they are your twin just the same.

The Inspiration- you are inspired by this friend (not to be confused with envy). Maybe it's that they have no fear to travel, explore, do different things, or accept change and roll with it. Whatever it may be, it's what you love about them and what makes them who they are.

The Updater- you can't wait to update this person on anything and everything going on. Good or Bad. This may also be a person you trust to tell things and receieve a non-judgemental response. Often one of the very first to know of any new news in your life.

The Smiler- this friend is also one that you love to update on new events in your life. The one you may not get to catch up with quite as often as the "updater" due to distance or schedule. BUT everytime you do get to swap stories, it's like story time in school where you get to exaggerate and laugh out loud (literally) at the others events. You always leave the phone conversation or email trail laughing and in a better mood than when it began.

The Long Distance Friend- (apologies for the lack of creativity in the name :)) This friend is one of the furthest away in distance, but still very close to your heart. You may not get to catch up with this person very often, but when you do it's like you pick up right where you left off. You are commited to being a part of special events no matter how far away they might be.

I have girl friends who fit mainly one of these categories, and some who can't be defined by any less than ALL the definitions above. I'm one of the lucky ones I know...

"I held on to the ones that always stayed true, got rid of the ones I saw right through,here and now I toast to you,My FRIENDS for LIFE, My certain FEW.."

D.A.D.

In honor of Father's Day....

There are many ways to say it: Daddy, Pops, Papa, Padre, Father, and I've even heard kids use their father's first names...But mine, well mine was just Dad. He was a teacher of sorts, a coach, a friend, a loving husband, an uncle, and a brother, but the thing I think he loved the most was being a DAD to me and my two step-brothers. Although he and I both hated the word "Step" and it was almost never used (except to explain why their was only 6 months difference between me and my youngest brother ;). They were his sons, no different than I was his daughter. He taught me/us a lot....

He taught me the difference between "wants" and "needs". Most of us are already blessed with all we need (a roof over our heads, food to eat , family members who are likely some of our best friends, and a job to keep us busy and make us feel productive) but spend too much time thinking about our wants, never realizing what all we have.

My Dad taught me the importance of laughter. My Dad was the funniest man I have ever known. There was never a time when I called upset over something silly that he didn't laugh...not at me, but with me. He would find a way to make a joke out of it..and soon I wouldn't be able to remember what I even called about. Even the night before my dad passed away he took a sudden turn for the better, sitting up in his hospital bed for the first time in days, making jokes and giving us one last good laugh to share with him. "The most wasted of all days, is one without laughter"

When I was young, I was one tough cookie! I said what I thought with no regard to the consequences, had just as much fun playing with G.I Joes and toy cars as I did with barbies, and loved trying to do whatever my brothers could do, just to prove a girl could do it too- especially ME. I wouldn't even take off my jeans to take silly pictures in dresses (wore them underneath from time to time to make everyone happy) I remember my youngest brother taking karate lessons at the same time wrestling was really big on TV. Over one weekend spent at my dad's house he was wanting to try out all his new moves- so like a good sister I stood there letting him show me what he learned ..not knowing I was a real demonstration for his karate moves and my oldest brother's slick WWF tricks. I was having a fit when they actually kicked/hit me. My Dad, again laughing at how I was carrying on, said "well I guess you better learn some karate of your own huh?" "You can't ACT tough and expect to play with the big boys, you gotta BE tough". He wanted me to be tough and take up for myself. . and although I dress a little nicer, and have a little more lady like way of getting my point across these days- I'm still a tough cookie Dad!

In honor of John Jackson Welch III...the first one to make me feel tall and strong (even if it was riding on his shoulders ;), the first whiskery kiss I was ever given, and the first man I ever gave my heart to...My Dad

Southern Treasure....

I didn't think we'd make it. I never thought we'd finish...

Remodeling our house that is! We began demolition on another project at the house this past weekend- THE KITCHEN. It is the LAST of the rooms to be completely gutted and put back together. Next week is 2 years from the date we moved in, and I never thought I would have grown so attached to a house that at first glace.....well let's just say I didn't see her inner beauty and potential ;) BUT we've made it through all the 30 hour weekends spent covered in paint, sand dust, and sweat. We've lived and slept in what felt like a construction site at times, but it's been well worth every minute of it so far. However, my favorite parts of the house are 2 places that haven't been re-done at all..the covered front and back porches. They are both fairly nice in size and I just love sitting out there after work relaxing or during a storm in the summer months.

There will be many Southern Treasures shared in Dixieland Delight but the first is one for the home...long/wrap-around front porches. I love the grand entrance feel that a large front porch gives. There is something Old fashioned about them and full of Southern charm.

My dream home would have a wrap around porch not only on the first level, but a second level one as well with a spectacular view.

These porches below, some simply decorated with little more than a rocking chair or porch swing, others outfitted for entertaining guests and decorated as an additional living room, are all stunning.....Most of the pics are of homes in or just outside of Charleston, SC- one of the most beautiful cities in the South

Welcome to my daydream by the ocean

Today would be a fabulous Beach Day! Nothing above but Carolina Blue skies and climbing temps! I love everything about a day spent on the beach....The way running through the hot sand always comes first before finding a good spot, the soothing sound of the waves crashing, the first time your hot toes hit the cold salt water, the always present breeze...ahhh what I wouldn't give to trade in my day at the office for a beach chair, a no make-up morning and a tasty "umbrella" drink by the water :)

XOXO

Summer time and the livin's easy

Although summer doesn't officially begin until June 21st, it's heating up and I am in total summer vacation mode...aka daydreaming daily about my college days where June-Aug meant laying out at the pool covered in tanning oil, drinking cheap beer, dinner if I remembered, outdoor local music almost every night, shopping for clothes I didn't need, an occasional few hours at a part time time job, followed by a late night out with friends...only to wake up and do it all over again. Things sure do change...



Now summer has come to mean: smacking the snooze button if I can even find the darn thing at 7am, putting in that 9-5 up here on the 37th floor of my office building in work clothes and heels that are slightly uncomfortable (but sassy I might add), an occasional outdoor concert if the cover charge or ticket price isn't too high, a good glass of wine (who I am I kdding, the cheap stuff still works ;) with a home cooked meal, and as far as pool time...what pool?? The only pool I see on a daily basis is the one right outside of my office window on the top of some high rise condo that I can't afford. And if on the off chance I do get some pool time in...it's no longer about the tanning oil, but rather about Coppertone Waterproof 30 SPF or higher- terrified of wrinkles. Dang it, I forgot about the dog again- I do feed him and take him for walks I promise!



All that being said..I wouldn't change a thing! I have graduated and am now part of that "grown up world" that seemed so far away for so long. I am renovating a home and building a life with my best friend who also happens to be the love of my life. I am greeted at the door every day by a 3 yr old (21 depending on how you count) who never loves me any more or less than the day before. I am surrounded by a supportive family, and dependable friends. Life's pretty darn good!



I will be devoting the rest of this month's posts to my "Summer Loves" in preparation for the season :)



Happy Tuesday!