Beautiful Girlfriends

Last night was 'Ladies' Night Out' in Port Townsend. Merchants had their shops open late and were catering to women with specials and promotions. I didn't go to any of the stores but I met up with several girlfriends for drinks and laughter and conversation at the Tapas bar, where they make a strong martini! Cynde and I were drinking the Key Lime Martini - they were yummy! We sure had a fun time out chatting and laughing and bonding.

It was nice to come home to a sweet husband and kids who were asleep. My batteries are re-charged.

Speaking of beautiful girlfriends - I'm catching an early early flight tomorrow morning - at 6:15 AM to meet up with Michelle in LA. We are driving to San Diego where she is presenting at an academic conference. Something to do with Berlin and travel and tourism and the Wall. She's so accomplished and smart - I'm so proud of her! I'll just be there 2 days - coming back Monday. I'm looking forward to this change to catch up with her, support her in all the great things she is doing, help her out getting to and while at the conference, and spending time in the warm California sun!

First Wives' Club

It's interesting isn't it - the ups and downs of marriages, of relationships? Relationships are cyclical, with good times and bad times. It seems lately many of my friends are expressing frustration and unhappiness about their current state of affairs. Notice the word current. We all know things don't stay the same - people make changes, situations can and do change.

I love having women friends who are open and sharing and caring and sincere and sympathetic. It feels good to share, to not feel judged, and to listen to others who are having difficulties. It makes me realize we're all in this together, we'll all doing the best we can. No one is perfect, no relationship is perfect. Still, it's hard to feel vulnerable and to share personal, intimate details. I like feeling safe enough with my girlfriends to be able to be so honest.

Also, each of us is different in how we deal with complaints or problems. It's helpful to me to hear about how others deal with 'stuff' or problems or issues.

So thank you girlfriends, for sharing and for being there for me!!

On Saturday September 8th, Karle Coppenrath hosted a wonderful birthday get away at her family's Mats Mats cabin. She thought of the idea, planned, arranged, and hosted the whole shin-dig. If you don't know Karle, she is sweet, beautiful, thoughtful, poised, and gracious. I felt so lucky for her to offer to do this for me. Then I sat back as she invited everyone, gave them all the details and executed the best potluck, most wonderful girl-time, naked hot tubbing, roasting marshmallows, dancing, etc. etc.

It felt awesome to be surrounded by womb-town - accomplished, marvelous, fantastic women supporting each other and enjoying each other so much. The whole day and night radiated love and kindness and goodness and sharing and commiserating about this thing called our lives!

It was just a wonderful moment in time. A day and night to remember with my great girlfriends! I'm 34 years old . . . .what does the next year hold??