Thrift Stores, Friends, and...Spanish Mass???!!

Last week, I went to the thrift store with my dear ol' pal, Sunshine.  Periodically, we like to meet up in the mornings for a "Thrift Store Thursday."  This involves digging through stacks of used books, and then purchasing the best ones we find.  We are book worms.  We love books.  And we especially love books that are in "like new" condition that only cost a couple of bucks.

Much to my dismay, Sunny has an "uncanny knack" for picking out the most exceptional books--the true "diamonds in the rough," if you will.  And last week was no exception!  (The twerp.)  Sunshine found a witty and delightful little picture book titled, "Friends Stick Together."  (Yep, you read that right...the book comes with "five cool bandages."  HA!)

 This little "diamond" is filled with humorous, honest, and meaningful sayings about friendship.  Some of my favorites include:  A real friend will let you borrow her nail polish.  Half the fun of pizza is sharing it.  Be patient when she tells you the same story for the fifth time.

I admit, the sweet picture book got me thinking quite a bit about friendship and what it means to me.  How do I define friendship?  Do I value my friends and all their unique gifts?  What does it mean to be a true friend?  What do good friends do?  (Besides go with you to buy secondhand books?!)  Here's what I came up with:

(Note:  Not a complete list!  *wink*)

--A friend is someone who will hop on a plane and fly across the country just to spend a long weekend with you.  Despite being scared to death of not making connecting flights and getting lost in Cincinnati!
--When your sassy daughter asks your friend (who is staying with you), "Can I watch you put on your makeup?," you'll know she's a good friend when she smiles and says, "Of course you can!" 
--Good friends don't even see your zits!  OR...if they do, they lie about it!
--A friend will stand by your side.  Even when you interrupt the spanish session of Catholic mass!  (All because you wanted to see the Cathedral of the Madeline, as tourists, and take some pretty pictures.)  Like a true friend, she'll nervously giggle with you, then slip out the door when everyone kneels to pray.

Mama Leisha and Ms. Maria!

--A friend will wear a smokin' teal dress one day, then give it to you the next day and say, "Keep it!"
--Friends cry at airports when it's time to say good bye.  For now.

Have a happy Tuesday!

Hope it's filled with gratitude for good times with good friends!