Female Friendships Forever
The first time I ever set eyes on Shelly was in a photo posted on Facebook by a local plus size store. Shelly was a popular shopper there and I have a memory of staring a very long time at her picture and reading the comments posted about her and the dress (of my design) she was wearing. For whatever reason, I felt something unusual when I looked at the photo....not sure quite how to explain it. I'd like to share this story of my girlfriend Shelly and our enduring friendship.
Months later I was having a shopping day in my studio and in walked Shelly. I recognized her right away. Not so much from the picture, but as someone familiar. She said "I didn't know you were that Diane Kennedy" (of her favourite Serene pants) Since that moment, we've become fast friends.
How do you explain meeting someone for the first time but feeling like you've known them forever? It turned out that Shelly lived only about 6 blocks from me and soon she invited me over to her charming apartment. It's like deja vu being there because everything in her apartment, the colours, the objects, and the furniture all felt like I could have picked them out myself. Even the artwork on the walls and her jewelry had a weird feeling of association. Then we discovered that Shelly and I are only one day apart in age...both Virgos and both turning 50 that year.
Shelly really believes strongly in the power of women. It's her mantra. I've met so many wonderful new friends through Shelly. She's great at bringing people together. Shelly has been a Fluevogs collector for years and introduced me to the manager of the downtown store. (you may notice that Fluevogs are worn in many of our photoshoots) She loves to show off her amazing collection of shoes, here with the shorter version of her favourite Serene pant; The Casting Capri.
Shelly is also very involved in our local community and works tirelessly to help promote local events. She was hugely involved in New West Pride for many years. She's worked on many large projects including one to improve our local hospital. Wherever we go together in the city Shelly runs into someone she knows; in fact, she's so well known around the city, she is affectionately named "The Queen of New West".
I just want to say a heartfelt "thank-you" to Shelly for being such an amazing person and friend and for all the love and support she's brought to me and my business. It's so important to nurture and sustain friendships with women as we grow older.
With Shelly in my bubble, this year we'll celebrate our 55th birthday the same way we did on our 50th together. At midnight (right between our birthdays) we'll cram 55 candles on a birthday cake and light it on fire! 'Cause we're two very hot chicks!
