One of the really wonderful things is the friendships that I have made with three women that were instant connections - Donna, Janice and Pauline. One can never have too many friends! What is interesting about these women is how easily I connected with them. I remember when Janice and I finally met face to face - we laughed at how similar we were in appearance - both vertically challenged, same shaped glasses, greying hair. Our lives were even mimicking one another - living on sailboats, losing our partners withing 6 weeks of each other, a passion for photography. The bond that we shared as we worked through our grief is the glue in a friendship that now is so much more than just a friend to share the burden of loss. Now it is a friendship of sharing new beginnings and the excitement and fear and uncertainty that comes with it. And then there's, Donna. For those of you who know Donna, you know how blessed we are to have her in our lives. Again, when I met Donna, it was like looking in a mirror. Well not physically - she's much taller and slimmer that moi. I'm not sure that I can put into words the feeling of connectedness that I have with Donna. When we gave each other the exact same card when I was leaving for France - it was unbelievable (and yet not) not only to us but to the people who were still there when we opened them. Donna has this incredible vibrant, joyful, genuine energy that is balanced with a serenity and peacefulness. Qualities that I hope I also share with people. And now there is Pauline. I actually met Pauline before Janice and Donna but just briefly. She drove me from St. Jean Pied de Port to Bordeaux when I finished my walk and we talked non stop. We kept in touch sporadically over the next year and then reconnected in France. We are getting to know one another as we pursue our shared idea of a hostel along the pilgrimage route. We both agree on the need to be honest and clear about what we are getting into. It would be a shame to lose a great friendship over business. I think we are on the same page that we just see where this journey leads us and maybe it's not about owning and operating a business together.
When I think about how there is always room in my heart for more friends it confirms that one day there will be another partner in my life. I didn't have to give up my friendship with, let's say, Heather or Lisa to be friends with Donna so I don't have to give up Jean-Luc to have another love in my life.
Having said that, I was recently thrilled to experience the feeling of being attracted to a man again and not instantly comparing him to Jean-Luc and not feeling like I was cheating on Jean-Luc. No don't get excited - nothing is happening. I don't even know if he straight, gay, married or single and he lives in Biarritz and he's a smoker - hey, but he owns his own hotel and a Harley Davidson!! It was just fun to flirt and it confirmed that there's hope. There is still a spark smoldering - just need to find the right fuel.
So that's where life is at for me now as I start to wind things up here in Eymet and hit the road again. Looking forward to all the new adventures!! And new loves?!