the art of collecting

What can you do without? I know that moving somewhere is always a challenge. In the past I've noticed that I haven't held on to places I've lived. I've been able to let them go and move forward, excited to feel exhilarated by my fresh surroundings. I have to say that this move by far has been the hardest for me. For the first time I don't want to move again. I'm ready to stay, make friends, and not ditch them like I have in the past. It's making me miss all the friends I've collected along my way that much more. Not to mention the places I've been as well. Maybe it's just the fall weather, the crisp in the air, and that nostalgic floating of leaves in every step but I can't help but wish I had my friends here. I have a few, from the past. It takes time to grow those into close ones though and there is something about having a close friend come over - maybe it's the lack of explanation, the lack of talking, or perhaps it's the ease of talking. Adam says I get on the phone and talk to my friends about nothing.

 I like to argue that talking about "nothing" is what makes having such good friends lovely. He also apparently isn't listening when we discuss world hunger or the meaning of life. You know, 'cus that is certain to come up with goods friends.

 During this time of "thanks giving" I want to mostly recognize the friendships in my life. It is a given that I love my family, my sisters, my brothers, my funny nieces and nephews. And not a "given" in the way that you have to love your family. I genuinely "love" my family. But they deserve a whole special post and I'm always going on and on about them in some post or another

 I've had some of my friends since I was 6 years old. If you do the simple math that is over 25 years. Through all of life it amazes me that we can still have so much in common, that we can still find so much love and friendship between us. It's pretty amazing.

 Of course there are newer friendships that feel just like the 25 year old ones. Or the ones that you don't speak to that often but when you do it's like no time has passed.

 So today I'm writing about how lucky I am to have such good friends.

 I hope you all know how much I miss you (even if I don't have a picture of you on this post).

 You are welcome to come to San Francisco any time to visit. I have a second bedroom waiting for visitors. 

 It might not be as warm as Costa Rica or as beautiful as Italy. I mean don't get me wrong, I'd much rather being there with you.

But I'm here. Which of course is a pretty good reason to come drive across the Golden Gate Bridge

I've been looking for excuses to hike in the redwoods or explore a new city restaurant.

Or we can just sit around my house, happy to be with a friend. Thanks to all my friends for making my life so great. I miss you and am thankful for that as difficult as it is to move - every single place I've been - I've collected a few more of you to make my life that much better. You know I'll be singing the same tune if I ever move from here. Hopefully it's to a farming commune that I can convince all of you to join so that I can selfishly have you with me all the time. And have some goats, because I'm simply dying to have a few goats in my life. Love you friends!