Hey there,

Happy HAPPY Saturday to you!  The word just makes me smile on its own. So there you have it. Welcome back.

Yesterday we were chatting about safety nets and showing support for your pals.  This is kind of related - I was GOING to say "connected" but....well you'll see!

Have you ever had a connection with someone you barely know - that woman in the check-out line behind you, that seemed to be on the same wavelength as you chatted about the latest decor magazine? Or a connection with a childhood pal that still lives in your heart decades later? Or those friends in your inner circle that finish your sentences?  You have? Fabulous. That's what I am talking about today.  THOSE kinds of connections.

As a child I felt a connection to Helen Reddy (yes THAT Helen Reddy).  Her career took off in the US when I was 12 so she was on tv and the radio 24-7 for many years.  However, this was far beyond that usual fan stuff - listening to her albums, making scrapbooks, attending the concerts, watching the tv appearances, etc.  Did that, loved it all.  No, this was a connection that was so comfortable that it felt it had been there far longer than that first 45-record.   Many years later (ok math whiz - DECADES later),  I have been blessed to have been able to discuss it with Helen herself.   She totally gets that kind of connection.

At that same kind my Bestie (love that word) in grade 1 was Kathy.  She lived across the street and we became inseparable from our first meeting (my Mom thought it would be lovely if I went over and introduced myself - at 6 yet!) We were bestfriends for the next decade - same classes in school, hung out after work at her home, then after dinner, spent an hour or so on the phone!  Here we are 33 years later and Kathy (now Kate) and I have the very same connection.  Nothing has changed except we're a bit taller!  Now we do live a bit farther apart (actually - different postal codes) but thanks to email, phone calls, and at least one annual visit, we're still connected.
 
A few years later, I made connections with many people from around the world - 40 in fact! (yes, I liked chatting on paper even then). Many are still friends today.  One pal, Becky (yes YOU!) was the sister I wished I had back then.  It was instant bond.  Then as life progressed with many moves for me, we lost touch BUT in 2009 we were reconnected.  That's an entire other blog!  Thank you Universe!!  When I feel a genuine bond with you, it doesn't go away.   Becky was always my sister, and I feel the same way today as I did back in 1976.

This year, I have crossed paths with some amazing people - some were one-time encounters through other pals and others happened when I reached out on my own.   Timing and serendipity and all lovely things.  Even if we don't see each other very often, or circumstances have changed, the bond is still there for me, and you're in my thoughts.  Just saying.  Loyal gal. *insert smile here*

Enjoy your Saturday and we'll get caught up again tomorrow.

Linda