Sunday, May 4, 2014
I just spent two days with my college roomie, whose name also is Judy….. in Safety Harbor, Florida.
Again the circle of life shows itself in all its magnificent glory, found in the bounty of a lifetime friend.
Judy and I both had moms who were Christian and dads who were Jewish. Both of us went to the same Congregational Church in Manhasset. Judy was from Sands Point in Port Washington. I was from Manhasset. Two towns. Two girls. One church. She was cool. Too cool for me. I was a dork… unmemorable. I knew her. She didn't know me. Then…. years later, we were arbitrarily assigned as roomies at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Despite my reservations and apprehensions at the time: we have been dear, tight friends since. Two Judy's. One light, with her half of the room decorated in camouflage olive green. One dark, with her half of the room covered in Lime Green & Pink! One Judy who loved ice growing on the windowsill, cooling the air. One Judy, who loved heat and warmth. No wonder today, one Judy lives in Denver. One Judy lives in Florida.
I am Judy 1. She is Judy 2.
The grand circle of life's meanderings didn't stop at college. It just so happens that Judy 2's parents used to own the Safety Harbor Spa, lived and retired there. Just over an hour north of me ~ that detail provided a lifetime of annual visits, and the ability to have at least 24 hours of never enough talking time. Both of Judy's parents are gone, but there are a handful of folks who have been part of her life for her lifetime. They are her family. They are her friends.
This week-end Judy 2 arrived and stayed at SUSS's house ( Suzanne). Suss arrived in the US over 40 years ago from Denmark as Judy 2's au pair. As it turns out, Suss met a fetching Indian gent who worked with Judy 2's father, fell in love, married and created a fabulously warm, welcoming, bright, energetic family. Suss is 70, a widow, and grandmother to 5. She is petit and very blond, blue eyed, lovely lady. She has lived in the same home for 4 decades. Just like me. She designed every inch of her home. Just like me. She has lots of windows, glass and Mexican tile. So do I. In so many ways: her home is simpatico with me: open to lots of folks from all over the globe. With the Safety Harbor bay front as her front yard, lots of windows, Mexican tile, a mix of modern and antiques… with things from years of travel: Suss's home has a soul which speaks to mine. Looking out, you eyes graze on sea grapes, mangroves… and the delicate and striking pink of spoonbills, lollygagging on Suss's pier…. with the outstretched span of the bay looming in the background. Beautiful in the evening with city lights glittering far beyond the bay. Beautiful also in the grey of a stormy day, making the pink of the spoonbill even more glorious in the contrast to a gray sky.
Judy 1, Judy 2, and Suss had a grand girls' day, going to see the movie "The Other Woman". Funny and a perfect rain day diversion, we sat and talked, dined on Thai food and enjoyed the easy camaraderie and banter of gals, including Suss's eldest daughter.
This morning included the advent of men. Suss's son, and then her longtime friend, who she refers to as her brother. For me as the 'new kid' on their block ~ It was pure delight to see the affection, experience the laughter and feel a part of this extended family, which now also, hopefully, includes me. I feel privileged.
For those of you who are not familiar with Safety Harbor ~ it is a small town, built in 1917. Before that, it was a magical place known for its 'curative waters'. It is just one main street. Filled with old town charm. A wee tiny gem on Florida's west coast, where history is appreciated.
Have a great Sunday.
Smiles, as always, and thanks for visiting
Judy
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