I got to go hiking today with my mom and her good friend Karla.  We walked the White Cloud trail that winds through the hills around Sun Valley.  The views are really great.  I grew up here, and the hills and mountains make me feel alive and at home all at once.

The wildflowers were still out a little bit, the mullen was everywhere, we saw two little chipmunks, and the morning rain made the hills smell like sagebrush.  The best part, however, was spending time with Mom and Karla.

The two women have known each other for probably 20 years and have been good friends for the last 10.  I like spending time with them.  They enjoy each other immensely and ask nothing in return.  Do you know how rare that is?  How lovely?  There’s no pretense, no performing.  Just being.

When I measure my friendship – how good a friend I am to others – this is the measure I use.  Can I just love the other person?  Can I let them be themselves and give myself permission to do the same?  That’s what I see when I spend time with Mom and Karla.  It’s beautiful.

Thank you, ladies!  You are beautiful.  Your friendship is something bright and wonderful in this world.