I pick my friends like I pick my fruit…

My Ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don’t go ’round trying to be what I’m not
I don’t waste my time trying ta get what you got
I work at pleasin’ me cause I can’t please you
and that’s why I do what I do
My soul flies free like a willow tree
doo wee doo wee do wee

“My soul flies free like a willow tree.” hmm. I’m working on that…

I heard this song riding on the train this AM and this particular verse stood out to me. Friends. I think this word is often misused and abused. And I say this as a person that has a lot of friends, and by a lot I mean, I can count them on more than one hand.

I consider a friend someone that I can share my life with–in good and bad times, someone that gives and gets advice, someone that I look up to, someone that inspires and encourages.

I used to think good friends were hard to come by, until I realized I had several. When you are a good person, you attract good people. I don’t talk to them all daily, or see them that often. Some I’ve never even seen in person (yes, I’ve made friends with people online–it took years of personal fellowship though). I didn’t used to think that was possible, but it absolutely is so. When you have something in common with someone and you share parts of your life with them and hold confidences, I consider that friendship. I don’t take any of it lightly. You get what you give.

Even saying that, I pick my friends like I pick my fruit: carefully, cautiously. Thoughtful of what I’m ingesting as nourishment. Ponder on that: thoughtful of what I’m ingesting as nourisment. Do you uplift me? Do I learn from you? Do you feel the same way about me? Some people have maintained friends simply because of time and history. As long as its not toxic, I can live with that, but there must be some new memories, some new lessons to keep the friendship afloat. Other people you outgrow with the seasons and I can live with that as well. No hard feelings, just moving along and moving on.

And if you don’t want to be down with me
You don’t want to pick from my appletree…

I think I’ve done a good job of maintaining my apple tree. At 29 years old, I know its not complete, some will rot and fall off, others will grow; but I’m good with where it is right now!

and just because, another song about friendship that I adore.

I actually blogged about this song in particular and briefly touched on friendship here.

What about you? Do you think you do a good job of maintaining friends? Making new ones? Any favorite song(s) about or that remind you of friendship?

Don’t know what I’d do without you…

“Friends are the family that you choose”-UNKNOWN

I’ve always liked this quote. I know some folks that say their siblings are their best friends and I’ve always admired that. I think its great to grow up with someone and actually get along! I know more folks that love their siblings, but don’t really LIKE em that much, or just don’t see it in a friendship kinda way: its family, so its more, but its different. For those of you with siblings I don’t know which side you fall, on, but regardless, we all have something in common: friends. our chosen family. this song is for them.

I don’t know what I’d ever do without you
From the beginning to the end
You’ve always been here by my side
So I’ll call you my best friend
Through the good times and the bad ones
Whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and
That’s you as my best friend