Wednesday, June 24, 2009

ya ya's

So here is the thing about Ya Ya's -- girlfriends who know you inside and out, who have known you for years -- over the course of two days together you get to be thirteen again.....and twenty-two again...and thirty again. And the journey is just as wonderful, full of as much laughter and as much love, as the first time around together.



There is nothing quite like girlfriends in this world...and I think mine are some of the best ones out there. The seven of us do not get the chance to all get together as much as we would like due to busy lives and the distance between us. But for two amazing days we get to just drink up being in each others presence with no distractions.



A few people asked if Sophie came with me to the cottage for the girl's weekend and the answer is she did not. My weekend with my friends is about being able to focus just on one another for a couple of days. So no husbands, no kids, no dogs....nothing that requires us to pay attention to anyone or anything except each other and ourselves....which as working women, mothers, wives, and dog owners we don't get the chance to do very often. And we miss our husbands and our kids and our dogs....but we return after those two days feeling like we can breathe a little easier again and feeling connected to one another again.



Each one of the Ya Ya's brings something unique and wonderful to my life. Kristin is the kindest, most sincere person I have ever met....and she really listens when I talk to her. Holly is full of soul and thoughtful words of wisdom...words that I am often left thinking about for days. Being with Lynn is like throwing open the porch door and letting the glittery sunshine spill into the house....she is warm and genuine and always brightens my heart.



Nancy has the best advice and she will always stand by you, no matter what....her strength is absolutely breathtaking. Sheri is the friend I have known the longest and she can make me laugh like no one else...those rumbling-up-from-the-belly laughs that you can only have with someone with whom you have a shared a lifetime with and who knows every story, every nuance, every moment.



And Danielle....a joyful heart and my best friend. Her incredible sense of self always leaves a mark of inspiration when I spend time with her. On any given day we are a thousand miles apart....but on any given day there is no space between us. She has been....and will always be...my touchstone in this world.



And those are the Ya Ya's. Our weekend has come and gone...but once again there were moments, conversations, and threads woven that will stay with me forever. I did miss my best girl though...my Sophie. (I will be posting about her later this week.)

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your visit with friends sounds like the best time. Funny how each friend offers a little something unique to the mix. You are very blessed to have such a long-standing friendship with each of them.

Bruce said...

So glad to hear the ya ya's had a great time:)

Sharon said...

Oops...I really didn't mean to post as Bruce...that last post was actually coming from me, Sharon:)
I think it's bedtime now!

Becky said...

I'm so glad you had a fun weekend and made more memories to share!

Hilary said...

Sounds and looks like the perfect weekend. Beautiful, restful photos. Welcome back. :)

The Write Girl said...

Hi Andrea,

I'm glad you enjoyed your weekend. Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to getaway sometime.

Gennasus said...

Sounds wonderful.

I have a couple of long-term friends who I don't get to see very often but, whenever we do meet up, it's like we've never been apart. The best kind of friends.

Joanne said...

The weekend has come and gone, but has also become a part of who you are. You are very blessed, indeed.

gigi said...

It's good to hear from you and to read such a wonderful post about your friends. There is nothing like our Ya Ya's!

Barry said...

Some beautiful, indeed iconic, photos there Andrea. I'm sure your girlfriends enjoyed your company, but so do we.

And we're glad to have you back.

Carolynn Anctil said...

What a great time. It looks like you had fabulous weather too. One of my dearest friends and I went through braces in high school together and now, sadly, she's also going through betrayal in her marriage. *sigh* Some things you'd rather not have in common...

Thank you for your kind words over at my place today.

Carolynn

NKP said...

So wonderful to have friends like that. You are very lucky.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Andrea, It sounds like a great group of friends, having a really good time..just enjoying each others company! You need time with friends..just to recharge sometimes, I am so glad you took the time and I bet they are too. Awe poor Sophie..but I am sure she welcomed you back like only a Border Collie can..wagging her whole body! :)

Jeanne Estridge said...

Sounds like a wonderful week -- and I'm sure Sophie is thrilled that you're back.

septembermom said...

Nothing like good friends getting together. Great photos!

Sherri said...

Great post, Andrea. Earlier this month I booked my flight to Maine for a girlfriends get together in September. It's been three years since our last one and I am so looking forward to that trip! It will be long nights of talking and laughing and some tears I'm sure since we've experienced great losses within the group. We were all born in 1946...lots of living behind us and, hopefully, quite a bit more. :)

Pauline said...

Beautiful photos, Andrea. And heartwarming to read about the warmth and security of long lasting friendships.

laurie said...

wow, this is freaky---your YaYas have the same names as my sisters! Kristin, Holly and Nancy. don't suppose there's a Heidi yaya, too? (my little sister.)

i agree, women friends are crucial. glad you had time with yours.

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Your friends sound very special friends. It sounds like you all had a great couple of days. :-)

Jan said...

What a nice weekend. You deserve it.

b&g girl said...

looks like everyone has a proper summer pedicure! cheers to the ya ya's!