twenty something years later,
i have the same best friends.
we regularly meet for lunch, just the girls,
to catch up, refuel and seal our bond a little tighter.
during our lunch on friday, i kept thinking about how easy it is to
completely be myself when i am with them, even if i initially plan to hold something back,
i find that i never edit anything, it feels easy and natural, even if it's not the best of me.
they accept and love me no matter how dark the day or how ugly my thoughts.
yet i find myself (more frequently) saying mean words about others and that the judgmental
impressions i cast are just the opposite of the love i receive.
so i have set a goal for myself this week to make a conscious effort to let those whose path
i cross to be free to their true self.
for me to accept them without harsh judgement based on my opinions and beliefs
because they have as much worth to be loved, even if it's their dark day, as i do.
and nothing says i have to make them part of my life, i just have to allow them to be who they are.

happy mother's day!
i hope today you feel the
warmth and protection of a mother's love.

my new succulent named "E.T.'s fingers

another trip to new orleans,
this time to celebrate a birthday at jazz fest.
a last minute decision to ditch work and
school (the birthday boy's 17th)
and celebrate with a mini road trip.
it was an awesome and exhausting day,
but worth every second.