Hard Core

I am feeling better today, a bit more grounded. I've made myself dizzy trying to define authenticity and finding where I might even begin to locate my own.

I have an idea though where I can start.

Yesterday, I had the treat of being able to photograph a good friend who is going through an exceptionally trying transition of her own..and is at the time now where she is finally coming..no, blossoming.. into her own. It's amazing to watch. I wanted to give her some pictures of herself and family for her birthday next week.

It was great to get the littlest girly girls together too. I told Briones that I knew that her & Sarina were going to be friends forever.

"No, mom. Friends come and go. Family is forever."

I just about melted. She's pretty much right on, though. With one exception.

I told her, "Except for the friends that decide to stick around. Through the good, bad and the ugly. They become your core."

"Like an apple?"

"Like an apple."

I'm not sure where we were going with the fruit metaphor, but I think she gets it. And I totally get that I have occasionally been neglectful of my own core crew at times throughout the years...sometimes because I am so full throttle ahead, in search of what, I often do not know. I am so grateful for my friends, who wait patiently for me to figure out often what they already know.

So, I thank Angie for this gentle reminder. I have to go make some phone calls now. :)