Sweet friends ~

Right now, at this moment, I am so very thankful for my sweet friends. I have been blessed to have several wonderful friends and I simply cherish them.

My friend Becky, I have known since I was thirteen years old, is still such a wonderful friend. She's a little older than me and she doesn't realize it but I've always looked up to her. We aren't able to talk as often as we used to but when the phone rings and it is her, it's like no time has ever passed and we pick up right where we left off. Isn't that the best? Our lives have gone in separate directions at times but still, through it all, our friendship remains steadfast.

I have another wonderful friend, Dawn. Can you believe it, we have the same name? We went to high school together and are still such great friends. She has a successful business and I'm so very proud of her. She's even lost 120 lbs as she has grown this business of hers! She is an amazing woman and is an amazing business woman as well. She's currently writing a book about a woman owned business and also about her losing weight. She has always been my cheerleader, no matter what I've decided to do. If I were to tell her, "Dawn, I'm going to start a worm farm and breed worms!" She would be my cheerleader and say, "What a great idea! You can do this!" What a treasure to have a friend like this.

Of course my business partner and sweet friend, Cindy. We get along like peas and carrots. I've not known Cindy long but it seems as though I have. She's incredibly talented, has amazing taste in antiques and is willing to give you anything you might need. Cindy reminds me of my husband so much (I've been married to him 26 years!) She's realistic and tough on the outside but has a heart of gold and would do absolutely anything for you . . . Thank you for your friendship, Cindy!

And I have other friends, maybe not for such a long time but they are of the most wonderful kind. Friends that even though you don't have them in your day to day life, they have hearts of gold and are just plain out wonderful people. Even though I did not grow up with them, or experience a lot of life's trials with them, I love them, too. They are the friends that you automatically love and appreciate because you can feel their goodness immediately.

Joy, you sweetie, you are one of them and Jeni, you are too! Thank you both for being so good to me. And also, each and every one of you, my blogging friends. I feel the same towards you also. You lift me up and cheer me on. I know I say this so much but I feel the need to. Thank you for your sweetness!

Tonight, my heart is full. You women are my steel magnolias and I thank you ~