Look what flew in….
Yep – this is what we do in Mars…
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. 🙂
I can’t think of a much better way to spend a Fall Sunday afternoon than a hike at McConnell’s Mills State Park on a crisp October day with an all-time best friend.
McConnell’s Mills is only 30 minutes from our home; and I am shocked to say it has been years since I have visited. That will not be happening again! Janet and I spent three glorious hours hiking around the beautiful state park.
Enjoy the adventure with us.
Cheers & Hikin’ Hugs,
Jodi
Oh what a glorious TWENTY FIVE hours I got to spend from 11 am Saturday to 12pm Sunday with some of the best of besties at our Annual Girlfriend Camp 2014!
What started like this…
Toasting the beginning of Camp with Prosecco, Limoncello and Fresh Raspberry Cocktails
What happens @ #GFC2014 stays at #GFC2014
…ended like this…
but I skipped a few things in between….
So first – Meet the campers: Camp Host – Yours truly… “Tipsy”
Our Amazing Activities Director “Chitfaced”
the Baby – or should I say “Babe” of the group – “Bombed”
Social Media Director “Buzzed”
The tart “Pickled”
The Lovely “Loaded”
And the Terrific “Toasted”
Every camp has to have craft time – right?
And goody bags and gifts from friends….
Silly glasses and blowing bubbles…
And Camp Activities…
Minute to Win It Buzzed Whippin’ it good
Minute to Win it Top Technique!
Minute to Win It Loaded with …. errr…. Vaseline on her nose
Minute it to Win It Cotton Ball Challenge
Minute to Win It TEAMS!
And #Selfies…
And Smart A$$es…
And “Take our Picture!” s…
to refreshments….
and group photos….
and when in Mars, PA – you must visit the infamous spaceship in town square ….. go there in camp jammies….. in the rain….. and find random (somewhat sober) people to take your picture…
And the best Chef Merv made us an amazing Morning After Breakfast – and this is the only photo we will share of the morning after…
Because some things that happen at Girlfriend Camp, need to just stay at Girlfriend Camp!
Thanks for a great time “girls!” Love ya!!! Couldn’t have had more fun – Until GFC2015….
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Birds have to eat – even when it is pouring down rain.
But really, Buddy – couldn’t you have waited a little bit longer for this torrential stuff to stop – eh?!
Look how SOAKED this poor little guy is?
———-
I’m thinking it is a true sign of – ahem – middle age – err – approaching senior when you start loving to watch birds…. Please prove me wrong friends, and say it isn’t so!
When Marty first started putting up birdfeeders and watching birds and getting bird books and binoculars and telescopes and citing them by name (we think this is a rose-breasted grosbeak, but correct me if I’m wrong), I laughed.
(Just like when he started listening to country music years ago, and I poo pooed it, until one day I realized I was singing along too!) OY VEY!
But Dangit – I gotta say – I’m into this bird watching stuff now too!
Our back deck looks out into the woods, and it is practically a bird sanctuary.
To just listen to them singing all day is quite amazing, but to see them flying around, feeding, sometimes fighting over the feeders, bringing their families in – wow – it’s quite mesmerizing. (Sure beats the multitude of episodes of Housewives and Kardashians, which I have finally and completely tired of!)
Look at this cute little one waiting it’s turn.
Yep – I’ve become a bird watcher…
I’ve yet to capture my favorite pair of yellow finches. I think I get so fascinated watching them, I forget to grab my camera.
I also want to capture some of the other woodpeckers (several varieties hanging out here) and the beautiful orange bellied orioles and vibrant red cardinals, but have not been successful yet.
Even Mikey likes to watch them…
And they tolerate him 🙂
Yep – bird watching in our backyard is better than Bravo – any day – rain or shine….
at Life In Between.
Cheers and Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 