It was a summer night and while my husband was out of town for his annual BOY WEEK, I decided to have another annual “GIRL NIGHT” at my house. “Peony Week and Girl Week” almost always coincide with one another at my house each summer. It’s the perfect time to have my lady friends over.
I envisioned a hot night out on my sun porch, poolside with some of my oldest closest friends. Instead, our unpredictable Minnesota weather gave us a chilly, rainy, 60 degree day that dragged into party time hours. Well, never mind. When I’m surrounded by the warmth of friends, “girl food” (Veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, chips and salsa and a few other favorites) and libations, I knew it would be fun despite the weather. By the time everyone gathered in the kitchen, the rain outside no longer mattered. The warmth had taken over and I was amidst some of the people I have loved the longest.
This year I decided to incorporate a small hostess gift for party attendees. Thanks to my husband’s new position at Gap Inc. and a generous spouse employee discount, I ventured into a few local Old Navy stores. I found a small collection of items for each guest. Including; a navy, zip up, hoodie sweatshirt, a white tank top (because who can’t use one of those?) two pairs of cheap flip flops and a small little zippered make up bag. I love nothing more than another reason to shop, even if that means finding something useful or fun for friends.
What is it about being around old friends though that I find so heart-warming and soul fulfilling? Do any of you feel similarly? Is it because they have known me for forever and a day? They’ve seen me at my best and occasionally at my worst, yet somehow they are still here. This particular long-time friend group means much to me. I have known all these ladies since Jr. High School and a few from elementary school. Four of us pictured here belonged to the same church, were confirmed together and a few of us even attended church camp together in elementary school. All of us pictured here go wayyyyy back.
I’m known as a “connector” among my closest friends. It’s commonly me who brings people together. I acknowledge that I’m an extrovert and enjoy social gatherings more than I’ve discovered some of my closest friends do. I often ponder why it is that I have many friends who describe themselves as introverts. One would think that extroverts would tend to bond together while leaving the introverts to enjoy their peaceful solitary times. I’m always thrilled when I can convince the introverts into attending a group night out. That said, I do have a few friends who predictably decline these party offers. I miss their presence but I’m happy to spend one on one time with them. Mostly, if a person tends to be extroverted, I think being with and connecting with people most anytime is satisfying.
If being with friends is one of the things that brings me joy, I’d love to hear what brings any of you joy too. Please share!