Let your Flower Bloom!!!

The title for this post is a little interesting due to the fact that it is a standing joke between me and several of my girlfriends. We call ourselves the "clematis club" and yes there are multiple jokes related to that name and we get them all. We even have a little ceremony and jokes about by-laws and sub clubs of the club etc....We are a very diverse group of women who really enjoy each other. We applaud each other's strengths and that is what makes us such close friends. I want to talk about my girlfriends individually so you can get to know and love them like I do. The first one I am going to talk about is "Hi-Mae". She comes by this name honestly and lives up to it to the fullest extent allowable. She is not high maintenance in the way that most people think. She does not spend great deals of money on herself or demand that everything be her way. She is high maintenance in the way that you should be. She has very strong views on marriage, religion and parenting and will let you know in no uncertain terms how she feels. She has a beautiful family and is one of the most organized souls I know. She makes me laugh and has a way with smoothing things over amongst the group that makes her the ultimate diplomat in most situations. She has a way with words and can tell a story that will make you laugh!!! She is an amazing woman and I am honored to call her my friend.
Next comes Leigh-La or for those of you who blog she is tales from bloggeritaville. She has the most amazing spirit and zest for life of anyone I have ever met. She has the most generous and beautiful soul and is always there with a kind word or deed for anyone/anytime. She is an amazing photographer, mother and friend. I often have to tell her how wonderful she is due to the fact that she doubts herself quite often. She feels that she sometimes invokes drama due to the fact that she always tries to do the right thing. I tell her on a regular basis that not everyone in life can handle the right thing and she becomes that persons scapegoat in order to make themselves feel better. She lives life to the fullest and is always doing something fun, eating somewhere cool and she takes the coolest pictures. She is such a wonderful person and friend that I feel blessed to have her in my life.
Then there is Sweetness. She is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. I met her through another friend of ours and I am a better person for knowing her. She always has a kind word for everyone and a smile on her face. She also has a wonderful family and I often describe her as "home and hearth". She too is another blessing in my life.
Then there is "Diva". Hmmmmm where to begin with Diva....She is a sassy, beautiful, funny person who knows her mind and is not afraid to speak it. She has the unique ability to laugh at herself as well as others. She has faced some struggles lately but always is able to rise to the top. She is the hostess with the mostest and I can't imagine our group without Diva. She is generous to a fault and will make you laugh out loud anytime you are near her.
Oh now it is on to "Happy Hour". She is beautiful and has a smile that can light up the room. She is the type of person who always has a smile for you and will lend a hand whenever one is needed. I salute her commitment to her family and the way she will always champion an animal in need. She is a wonderful person who makes me smile.
Then there is "T". She is my neighbor and friend. As we became closer friends I introduced her to the group and she has blossomed from there. She looks like Beverly D'Angelo and is very reserved with her love. Once she gets to know and like you, she is as loyal as they come. She is a beautiful person and wonderful mother and wife and a phenomenal friend. I often say about "T', that still waters run deep. Our friendship is a treasure and she has been there for me at some of my worst moments.
One of the newer members of our group is "Thriller". I have known her for a while but it was not until the past year that I could truly call her a friend. She is funny, beautiful and a committed friend who will stand up with you in times of need or when you just need to let your hair down and have a good time. She often thanks us for our friendship, but it should be the other way around. She is one of the most kind hearted people I know and a rare gem as a friend.
And last but not least is "Luda". Now "Luda" and I have a different relationship than most as we also work together as well as being friends. She is like my sister from another mother and we often laugh at each other. She is as anal retentive as they come and I know if I need the truth about something I can go to her. She will let me know in no uncertain terms whether I am right or wrong and I love her for that. It is a rare person who will give it to you straight and love you despite being "difficult" (that is what she calls me). She is an absolutely amazing mother, wife, daughter, grand-daughter and friend. She is the one you want to have your back in any situation. What a gift I was given when she came into my life.
We as a group have been together for the death of parents and siblings, divorce, graduation of a child, weddings and just about any other crisis you can imagine. Always there for each other in the good times and bad. We share a bond that surpasses economic class, religion, politics, generation and upbringing. It is those differences that make our friendships strong. We all have certain strengths and talents that are called upon at any given time. I remember something that I read one time about a mother telling her daughter not to let her friends go during her lifetime. She said that there are times in our lives where nothing else will do but a good girlfriend. So, now you can see how blessed I am, and I hope that you take the time to feel blessed too! Call your girlfriends, make GNO plans and let them know what blessings they are in your life...I just did!