“A friend is someone who makes it easy to believe in yourself.” – Heidi Wills
The best gift I’ve received through blogging is my friends.
Friendships Discovered Later In Life
Friendships discovered later in life challenge my perceptions and add energy to my days.
Sharing moments with unique individuals expands my world and creates fresh experiences. The older we get the more difficult it becomes to have unfamiliar experiences. Injecting some novelty into our lives keeps our minds sharp and helps slows down time.
I’ve written before about my friends Ally and Patti.
They both came to visit me in Toronto last week.
The trip was special because Ally allowed us to share a significant moment in her life, she appeared publicly for the first time dressed as her true self.
You can see the joy radiating from her after Jamie finished her makeup.
We choose to honor the event by taking some commemorative photos in a public park.
For the first time everyone else could see the Ally that I see.
It was surreal and magical.
It was a unique adventure for all of us.
I was thrilled and honored to share this experience.
While they were in town we also squeezed in playing pool, thrifting, a new vintage store, manicures and pedicures and visiting an amusing interactive art exhibit called The Fun House.
I’m forever grateful to my blog for providing me the opportunity to meet such interesting individuals. The memories I create with my friends make my life infinitely richer.
Life without friends is like a garden without flowers.
I hope you’re cultivating plenty of friends in your garden.
Do you have any friendships discovered later in life?
If so, how did you meet?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
“Surreal and magical” is the perfect way to describe it! You opened a door for me which forever changed how I think and feel. You created a possible future for me I never thought I could have. Your friendship and support make my life infinitely better. Thank you, Suzanne. Really.
Ally, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!
Woohoo!
Here’s to friends!
You are most welcome girlfriend : )
Thanks for this wonderful reminder of a special trip. I think mid-to-later life friendships are extra dear. We have to truly choose each other. Ally, you are the bomb! xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Ally, you are so beautiful! Thank you for allowing Suzanne to share this moment with us.
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Thank you, Sherry!
how wonderful that you shared such an important moment in ally´s life!!! you all look so happy and beautiful! hooray for having friends!
xxxx
Hip-hip-hooray I say : P
What an incredible experience for Ally and I think these friendships that we form later in life can be even better than our other ones. We are blessed to have this avenue available!!
XOXO
Jodie
I totally agree Jodie.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post! It’s always amazing to discover friendships later in life.
https://colorandgrace.com/
Thanks Grace : )
How wonderful to be part of Ally’s special moment. The joy the three of you get from one another’s company is almost palpable – I can feel it radiating from the screen.
xxx
It really was a blast : )
Posts like this keep me going, that all the hate that is spewed on the Internet is offset by goodness and humanity like this.
I love Patti’s blog.
Ally rocks!!!
I also enjoy reading your blog for the same reason.
The utter happiness showing in Ally’s radiant smile really says it all. You haven’t only made her day, I’m sure this will be a highlight of her life! That photo of the three of you – three gorgeous ladies – is a tribute to what friendship is all about. Friends made later in life are the best! xxx
Thanks Ann : )
Soooo thrilled to see Ally go out as her true self. Congratulations!! Cheering and cheering again. I can’t think of two better people to share this experience than you and Patti. You are all beaming in the photo together. The park is a perfect setting. And how fun to have makeup done.
Blogging has certainly enriched my life in so many ways, including my friendship with you and other bloggers. It’s so difficult to find friends in later years with so many demands on everyone’s time, so I’m extra appreciative. A great feel-good post. xo
Thanks Melanie.
What’s more hopeful than Ally’s radiant smile on this important occasion shared with loving friends. I hope Ally has many more memorable experiences like this one and I’m grateful that she wanted to shareher joy!
I was happy she allowed me to write about it as well : ) Thanks Jude.
How fantastic is that! Ally is one lucky girl to have Friends like that to share such a special occasion with! And how fabulous she looks! That dress is perfect!
Ally, I hope you would like to show yourself on my Fancy Friday linkup party this Friday!
Thanks for your positive energy Nancy : )
This is wonderful ! I remember that I thought it was a shame that Ally wasn’t her true self when we were in Vancouver for the big blogger meet-up you, Sue and Melanie organized. But I know these things take time. And America isn’t the easiest place for her. The Netherlands are more liberal.
It must have been a very special day for the three of you. And you were all looking perfectly.
Greetje
I agree that other countries are more forgiving than the US.
Thanks Greetje : )
woww, what a lovely and moving post!. Thanks for sharing these pics of all of you looking so gorgeous and happy!. Blogging makes our lives more interesting for sure, and making friends is one of the best things it provides!.
besos
Thanks Monica : P
What a great post! I enjoyed seeing Ally and her smile shown through in these photos. Everyone should be able to be themselves 🙂 and feel good. Sounds like a wonderful day with friends. Love the pictures. I have met some wonderful ladies through blogging I consider friends, it really is a great reward from blogging.
Thanks for sharing!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I agree, the world should allow everyone to be themselves.
Thanks Jess : )
Those are lovely photos of Ally – she is radiating happiness and self-confidence! I agree with Melanie’s comment about how it gets harder to make new friends as one ages, and I’ve been so grateful for the friends I’ve made through my blog.
I agree, we don’t have as many opportunities when we are older. Blogging has been really helped me make new friends.
Thanks Shelley : )
What a lovely post! You all look so joyful and like you’re enjoying each others’ company so much. Ally you look amazing!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
We really do have fun together : )
Thanks Emma.
On behalf of Ally. . .
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
It grieves me to know that Ally has had to wait 60+ years to appear as herself in public. What a gift you and Patti have given her with your support as well as the other bloggers who also encourage her to live authentically. By the way, she looks gorgeous!
This made me so unbelievably happy. Thank you for being a good friend that allowed our wonderful Ally to shine as herself and take this step!