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Friends in "Junk" Places

As I grow older each day I realize what a friend is and who friends are.

A "friend" according to our dictionary means:

1. A person whom ones knows, likes and trusts.

2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

3. A person whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement.

And the list goes on.

Over the past six months or so I have become a "regular" at a few local antique shops.  I began "popping in" periodically as I drove past each day for school drop-offs and pick-ups.  I would "pop" in to check out the fresh finds and would then find myself chatting away and getting lost in "junk" conversation.  The poor gals who listened to my babble probably dreaded seeing me walk through the door.  But overtime as I continued "popping in", I found myself conversing in more than just "junk".  Our conversations led to home, children, being a mom, gardening, my cowboy boots that I am dearly attached to.  These cowboy boots in fact are the same cowboy boots I wore so much that the leather sole was worn completely off, just the thin foam padding insole was showing.  This also meant that I couldn't wear the boots in wet weather or my feet would become rather wet.  After oh I don't know, 8 months of that worn look, I decided to take them to our cobbler for an updated look.  I just couldn't stop wearing my boots! My feet are at home in them!  

Once again, my babbling continues.  Back to the conversing with fellow "junkers". 

My weekly "pop-ins" became a conversing with "friends" time.  

I am a stay-at-home mother of three.  The one's who read this are aware of that tidbit.  I began motherhood working full-time without seeing my sweet little girl much during the day.  Baby #2 came and I began to stay home.  I'm social.  I like to chat.  I like to mingle.  I like to be around folks my height.  It was a major adjustment in the beginning, but I found ways to stay social.  Here I go babbling again!  

Eventually after the third child, I had my oldest in pre-school where I met several beautiful moms whom I am close to and enjoy to the ends of the earth!  This year my baby went to kindergarten!  This also led me to pass these antique shops I discussed previously in the babble FOUR times each day!!!  Yes, FOUR!  Now, if you know me I cannot pass ANY antique shop without stopping, especially FOUR times a day!  And so it began, the weekly "pop-ins".  

It's interesting how life happens.  We are all led down this beautiful journey.  Where we are headed we don't know, but it's what we grab as we go.  I am thankful I grabbed at the chance to have my "pop-ins" even if it meant for five minutes.  I have met the kindest, strongest, dearest ladies and fellow "junkers".  We all connect in a way that is frightening to some (my husband, he always knows when I am talking "junk").  I have a circle of "friends" whom I know, like and trust.  I have a circle of "friends" whom I support and share interests.  I have a circle of "friends" of whom I could not get through the day without because we share a common thread, junk.

Thank you my dear friends for the opportunities you've provided to me.  This mama needed them!

Keep on Junkin'!

Scrap-Brat

Future Junker!