I made a “pact” yesterday with my FRIEND, John.
John Lee Bartholomew Taggart is a young man (younger than both of my boys) who was born in England, teaches English in other countries, has seen more of the world than I daresay I ever will, and is a genius writer/blogger.
John’s recent post (entitled Old Friends (Ireland)) on Storytime with John struck such a chord in me that I had to comment. John commented back right away :), and in five minutes we decided to make a pact. The Friend Pact I’m calling it.
A 51 year-old lady from Mars, PA and a 23 year-old young man from wherever in the world John is at the moment have decided that we are going to not just be friendly to people. We are going to be FRIENDS with as many as we can.
Just like the friends John recently met in Galway, Ireland.
Whenever you get to thinking how you can make a difference in the world….. or what your purpose is on this earth….. start by simply being a friend.
It might be much grander than you believe.
Smile at a stranger. Watch it light up their face.
Hug for hello and hug for good-bye…. And hang on. Be the last to let go.
Listen to people with an open heart, open mind, and with all of your presence. Your time and attention is a gift to the recipient.
Tell your story, own it, and know you are who you are because of it. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t be boastful. Just Be YOU.
I have always loved quickly and easily. I love to say “I love you” to my family and friends.
To me – everyone I meet is a friend (unless they somehow prove otherwise). No proving your friendship here. I accept you as my friend.
Are you in on the The Friend Pact my friends? Let’s not just be friendly, let’s be FRIENDS!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS Marty has always wanted to visit Ireland, so Galway has moved to the top of my bucket list! I hope to visit someday, and can’t wait to meet my friends. 🙂
the creative life in between 
And this is why you are one of my special friends. What a warm and open heart you have, Jodi. It shines through in all of your posts — whether celebrating a wonderful new recipe, fun times with friends and family, or a beautiful handcrafted card. XXX And I’m eager to read John’s post too.
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Thank you my sweet friend, Barbara! You always say the nicest things 🙂
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Love this my FRIEND 🙂 Your posts always bring sunshine! Thank you! And my husband and I long to visit Ireland someday too!
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You are so welcome, My FRIEND! 🙂
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful Jodi!! Loved this post. I surely would love to meet your friend too over a beer at some Irish Pub in person. So cool. By the way, did I mention, I love your blogs and hopefully soon, your will tutor me in getting mine started again—aka Rob or Oh Rob!!
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Can’t wait to help you Oh Rob! xo
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I loved this! This is a wonderful idea. Also, I loved your picture of Winnie the Pooh and Tiger! I have met a wonderful young man (about 23 yrs. old) from Singapore (on WP) and we email back and forth. He and I have become great friends. It has been a nice warm friendly friendship. (Too bad, he much too young for me 🙂 ) LOL
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This was lovely! Brought a smile to my face, and a tear to my eye (don’t tell anyone!) 🙂
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I’ll never tell 🙂
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Such a coincidence reading this post cause I was just talking today about how I really like Irish people (tho I’ve never been to Ireland) ;). The advices are really wonderful Jodi.
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We Irish people are way cool. Lol! Mind you this one has been excited in England for 37 years 😀
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Haha, now you have got me excited to visit.
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Beautiful Thought! Love it!
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I can attest to Jodi’s sincerity. I happened to “like” her comment on John’s post and, well, Jodi and I have already gone out dancing!
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I love this Monday morning post, Jodi! I have a few forever friends and it seems as if we’ve made such a Friends Pact. Make a difference: A smile, a kind word to all, big or small!
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Glad to meet you here:) For me a smile or kindness to others is a given (to everyone you meet). But friendship is a little bit more involved than that. You keep up with them, you do things for them. You spend time with them. Friends can be closer than a brother, or sister!
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Glad to meet you too, Jesh. You are right, friendship is a bit more involved, but that is the goal. Maybe it can’t be that kind of friendship with everyone – keep up, do things for them – but we sure can try to treat those we meet as “friends” by doing for them when we can with what we can – even if it is only once and at a chance meeting. I think if you read John’s blog about his “friends” in Galway – you’ll get what I mean. But point definitely well taken, my friend! 🙂
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What a brilliant post and a great idea. Oddly I just posted a very long article on how much the community here on WordPress has helped me. There really is a great sense of community and a shared sense of purpose. 😃
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Thanks, Alan – just read your post. Well done, and I look forward to getting to know you, my friend 🙂
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