To friendship…
Much of what is marvelous
about my friends
is their ability
to bounce back
from just about anything
life throws at them.
They seem to reclaim control
of their lives
with a vengeance…
Happily,
their retribution
only
consists of
love,
empowerment,
and a whole lotta swagger.
This reclaimed control
should be the standard
by which everyone
should make
their
comeback to reality….
no matter how difficult
the journey may be.
Cogliere l’attimo!!
I have been the unlucky recipient
of many blows to the heart
by some pretty unscrupulous characters…
and let me tell you, sister,
the urge to strike back
is as strong as my morning cup of java
or
the scent of cheap perfume
on the waitress at the corner diner.
But, I digress…
I have some
unbelievably
talented
considerate
beautiful
brilliant
friends
who rock
the word
CLASS.
My most treasured friends
are a collage of “keepers”
from childhood,
the “wild years”
(you know who you are, ladies) 
and a few
who have irresistibly
swept into my heart
in recent years…
Beyond the obvious affection
for these amazing
individuals,
I am always intrigued by
their story…
which mysteriously
intertwines with mine
somehow
in some obscure way
we just “know”.
One particular friend
has taught me to be appreciative
of what I have
instead of what I’ve lost…
Another
has shown me,
hand in hand,
that you are not defined by
life’s imperfections…
but rather
your reaction to them.
Huge difference.
I am blessed beyond words
to have
such incredible friends
who have my back
and believe in
Supporting Your Local Self.
With
a little help from your friends
I believe you can conquer the world…
one kleenex at a time.
Cheers
to
all the characters
who
make my world so beautiful.
Ti Amo
Lisa xo
Dearest Lisa, what a beautifully written, wise and touching post!
What would we do without our treasured friendships…through thick and thin…
special blessings are these beloved souls!
Love this post, and am honored to call you friend
(And someday we shall meet, cara Lisa!)
Baci e abbracci,
- Irina
Hi Lisa,
What a heartfelt post. It amazes me what the human spirit can endure and still bounce back. So many of us can relate to some extent, personally or knowing someone, that has been through trials. If it wasn’t for God, my family and some close friends, I don’t know where I would be today.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I wish you the best!!!
xoxo
Heidi
WHEW…..I am finally here. Yesterday I did not have the WONDERFUL opportunity of visiting my cherished friends, YOU FOR ONE….and foremost….but this is absolutely wonderful and TRUE. Every quote, every sentiment, every bit of what life has brought each one of us always brings us here:
That we NEED EACH OTHER and that we are the only evidence that there is a BRIGHTER LIGHT on the other side of existence. WE ARE ALL WE’VE GOT.
Oh Lisa, I have been thinking of you, calling you, and knowing that you have been very busy, but I KNOW you are always thinking of all of us and those who are important to you! I am so glad you have this understanding because I was missing you yesterday…..but we went for a HUGE HIKE and got back so late!
OK….enough here….I am hoping that this week we can connect?
THIS IS A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE to all of those WHO LOVE YOU and WHOM YOU LOVE! BRAVO! ET……JE T’AIME AUSSI MON AMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! BISOUS, Anita
Dear Lisa,
I hope you realize how much YOU, sweet wonderful YOU, mean to those that seek solace in your company, either face to face or via electronically transported words . Thank you.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Thank you, dear friend, for your special visit at my place!
)) Who’s with me? 
You have one of the kindest, most generous hearts….
Lots of love…ok, everyone…group hug!!
xoxo,
- Irina
Have a beautiful day, dear Lisa!
Oh my lovely Jersey Girl,
This post made me cry BIG alligator tears. You have truly been one of those blessings that have been there for me when the sword of life cut through my heart. Thank you for your beauty and never ending grace. I love you!
xoxo
Kate
your forever Honorary Jersery Girl
That’s a lot of powerful wisdom packed into one post, Lisa!
Much there that I needed to hear, thank you.
XO,
Anne
I can’t imagine a better friend.
~Helen xoxoxo
I love this post. Your photo choices, as I return here, just make a LOT OF SENSE with the sentiment and I thank you with a heart that is lacking the words to express gratitude. All I can say is that I had the most WONDERFUL MORNING TODAY, hearing a voice of friendship, joy and much wisdom.
Like I said, not a day goes by that you are not with me in some way….
thank you.
merci mille fois.
grazie
gracias.
You are WONDERFUL Lisa! Anita
Lisa,
Now who’s the powerful writer? Beautifully expressed. I especially like your words reminding us of our influence on people and their lives…even when we don’t know it. A kind word, an “atta girl!”, small things that at the moment don’t seem like such a big deal, but to the recipient mean the world.
I can only hope that my friends feel this way about me. I know I do about them.
Thank you,
Deb
Good morning dear Lisa! I have a quiet morning here and it is the perfect time to come to take in all the LOVE you have expressed here on this gorgeous post. I surely have come to learn what makes a good friend, and so much of what you have expressed here is what I have been learning. Being a good friend is the greatest gift of all for in living with yourself and knowing that you are doing your share to make life better for someone else is what being a friend is. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!!!!!! Anita
BRAVO!
Magnificent! Beautifully written and filled with such powerful sentiment.
We are thrilled with your proposal and have the swatches ready for your review. I must tell you, Lisa, your invitations were such a hit we anticipate an explosive turnout. I am so grateful for all your help and VISION. Bilancia Designs will now be on my “speed dial”! Merci!!!
~Celia
Hi Lisa,
You are an AMAZING person! I love your BLOG and these inspirational quotes. I am going to borrow and share as ‘my quotes of the day’ with family and friends. I treasure our NEW long-distance friendship. I wish we could be geographically closer and spend quality time together. I am jealous of your relationship with my Bros! Good people shouldn’t have to deal with heartache and crap in their lives…..unfortunately it happens. Be calm on the surface even when you are paddling like crazy like a duck below! I borrowed this quote from Taylor Swift, “There are two ways you can get through the pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you to dream bigger, to work harder.” Enjoy your day….thinking of you. xoxo
Good morning Lisa,
Thank you for coming by to leave a comment. Your visits truly are always a highlight to reading my comments. I hope you will have time to enjoy a long weekend; you have worked so hard all summer long! LOVE!! Anita
Lisa!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to come by my post. It was so nice to see you. It is a lovely day here, but I am feeling a bit empty…..perhaps a moment at my harp will help!
I hope your next adventure will leave you a little time so that you can relax and enjoy the fall colors that I am sure coming your way; they have already started here!
Wishing you a beautiful day, dear Lisa.
Anita