March 24, 2017 (day 24)
I took this photo in NYC in December during an annual trip with two blessings in my life. Our trips to the Big Apple at Christmastime over the years have evolved, as have our friendships and lives. We eat and shop and laugh. That’s pretty much it…with a lot of quality time just being whatever that year calls for. Let our hearts be light, tears, reassurance, watching the light show at Saks a few times, soaking up the magical tree, a musical, a cookie, browsing the MOMA store or just long walks down busy streets. And always the Christmas markets. Other than seeing one another, our primary purpose. Or so we think.
We all have our favorite stops and traditions, and they humor me with my scavenger hunt through several bakeries. They surprised me with a signed Sarabeth’s cookbook this year. Which just looking at brings joy, not only for the gorgeous pictures but for the recipe of friendship I had no idea was in store in those beginning days. Friendship is a bit like dating and then carving out time for letting the connection simmer and surprise. Something that isn’t easy as family life and work life hold great demands. But like Bette Midler sings, “oh you got to have FRI-ENDS”…
We walked a few blocks over on our last day and there was, low and behold, A NEW BAKERY (not new to NY, but to me and that spot we had walked by many times on other trips). So in we went to browse and grab a coffee and toast. One slice smashed with avocado and lemon zest and pretty smattering of paprika(?). The other a French toast theme. Banana slices and drizzled syrup. And as we left there was this sign. (It had invited me in and spoke again as we left.) COME IN WE’RE OPEN AND WE’RE AWESOME. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. (And they were, BTW).
Enthusiasm and a positive attitude go a long way. And to hang it up on the door is a statement. It’s a theme song statement declaring one’s happiness. Let’s do this! And I think about my companions who bring such love and light to the good days and cloudy ones. I am beyond wealthy in the rich and vast relationships that bless my life. Such a cast of characters with common threads and yet so very different from me. I did not know that was okay when I thought wearing the same jeans or same shoes and same haircut were important. Sometimes quickly sometimes slowly as we hear so wisely stated in safe harbors.
So whatever vision you have for declaring your happiness, your “I am awesome” and good day to you, remember this sign. Your theme song. A string of pearls or cape or perfect statement t-shirt. We will manifest what we concentrate on. Rock on and good night.
xo, b
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