Friday Faves-Thoughts on Friendship

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      Sometimes I think about what kind of a friend I am.  I have some very dear friends who mean the world to me and I know in my heart that throughout our relationships, they have been much better friends to me than I have been to them.  I just can hardly believe how kind and thoughtful they are and I truly want to be more like them.  When my sister passed away, our dear friends from the East Coast were traveling in the North West.  But, when they heard about my sister, they went out of their way to come down to Arizona to see us, just for a few hours before we left for California for the funeral, to give us their love and comfort.  That was such sweet, touching display of friendship. 
      The 3rd week of August is National Friendship Week and the 4th week is Be Kind and Thoughtful Week.  With school starting and with all of the focus on treating one another better so kids don't end up broken, these two special weeks are a very timely reminder.  So, for Friday Faves we are talking about what being a friend means to us. 

"True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable." ~David Tyson

     Two of my dear friends live many states away from me now.  But, when we get together, we can pick up talking as if we had been together the day before.  We can be silent with each other and it is not uncomfortable.  We can laugh with each other and be understanding of each other.  I love that about our friendships. 

  "Sometimes, being with your best friend is all the therapy you need."  

     Lindsey and I both agreed that quote is so true! I especially feel that way about my husband, who is my ultimate best friend.  When I've had a rough day, just being able to talk to him and know that he loves me in spite of my short comings or insecurities is great therapy. I hope I am that kind or support for him! 
    Whenever my friend from Michigan is in town for the winter months, we always meet at a favorite restaurant and sit and talk for hours.  I know that it has been therapy for both of us as we chat about our struggles with life, worries about our children and all of the happy things as well.  I cherish those moments with her.
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   Alicia mentioned her friends who are so loving and giving and never give a second thought to helping her out if she needs it.  I know Alicia is not a very needy person, so that is really sweet to notice those people in her life.  
    I found a quote that I really love and turned it into a printable.  You can frame it or make it into a card.  But, I hope you like it.  I am going to put it up to remind me of the qualities that I want to improve on when it comes to being a friend.  

I love this saying: "A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden. It has a very much deeper meaning than the obvious. You may want a frame a little larger than the one I used. Just print it off and cut it to size.

Or you can just make it into cards for your friends.

Owl on fence friendship print

   Here are a couple of more quotes that I really liked.  This next one reminds me so much of Madalynn and her best friend, Charley.  I can't tell you how often Charley has come over and I have found these two girls asleep, one on the couch and one on the love seat. 

"Real friendship is when your friend comes over to your house and then you both just take a nap."

     And who hasn't had this "AHA!" moment?

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You, too? I thought I was the only one." ~C.S. Lewis

     

      I have friends of all ages and sizes that I have made long ago and very recently who fit in with that description.  It is so much fun to find a "kindred Spirit" as Anne of Green Gables would put it. So, here is how I am going to strive to be a better friend: 

• Be more observant of the needs of my friends and listen without judgement.
• Be willing to give of my time and talents without a second, selfish thought.
• Reach out more often and don't let so much time go by without letting them know how much I love them! (Hey Kelly and Ruth!  Hold me to it!)

     So, what do you notice about friendship? Are you the friend you would want to have? Tell us your thoughts, and have a wonderful weekend! 

Because I love Winnie the Pooh! You can click on this and order it on Etsy.