Friendships

Friendships are funny things, aren't they? 
Over the last year, I've given the subject of friendship a great deal of thought, not only while watching the relationships here on Critter Farm develop and grow but also through experiencing them in my own life with (gasp!) other humans.

Often, friendships begin slowly:

A little bit of curiosity and a friendly face can usually get the ball rolling:

Some friendships seem effortless:

Like those that are clearly built on a common interest:

...or those that share common personalities:

Sometimes friendships develop in the most unlikely of places:

...and these are the ones that often turn into something truly special:

Some relationships thrive on the "opposites attract" principle:

Occasionally relationships come into your life completely by chance:

and then delight you daily with their perfection, making you wonder how you ever lived without them:

Then there are those friendships that grow ever-so-slowly but, one day, take a huge leap forward in trust, taking the relationship to a whole new level:

There are others, still, that may always need to work hard to prevent misunderstandings and work out the kinks:

Bottom line, you just never know where a friendship is going to develop:

As long as there is trust, the possibilities are limitless:

So never rule out the chance that a friendship might form:

... for you might miss out on something amazing:

And so, in a bit of a sentimental summary, as fortunate as I have been to witness the relationships that have grown here on Critter Farm over the last year, I have been equally blessed with the friendships (online, in person, long-standing, new and rekindled) that have grown in my own personal life over this last year. 

If I had to choose one adage to best express my experiences these last twelve months, I would choose "when one door shuts, many others open".  I have truly lived this lesson this year.  As 2011 ends, I am very thankful for the people who call me their friend.  My life has been enriched because of you. 

Happy New Year.
 ♥