Last week 19 very excited women over 50 converged on Coolangatta at the Gold Coast, for a few days of fun and laughter, catching up with friends.
I was one of those excited women who flew in from all over Australia and New Zealand. I couldn’t wait to gather for lunch on that first day with this group of happy, funny, authentic women who have become my special friends. We met online 10 years ago and have had a few meet ups over those ten years, which were fun with lots of laughs.
Even though I don’t get to see them often, we keep in touch daily. via our closed Facebook group. In this way, we keep up with all that’s happening in our lives, celebrating the triumphs and sympathising with the disappointments.
Over those three days at Coolangatta it was wonderful catching up in person, hearing about and exchanging photos of grandchildren and generally touching base with each other again.
We roomed together in various apartments which added to the fun. At times we went our separate ways, depending on our interests. Some shopped, others, including me, walked in the sunshine, and others relaxed and chatted in the spa. A group went to Brisbane to see a show.But we always met up for lunch and dinner
I couldn’t get enough of the sunshine and walked every day. It was a huge relief to leave winter behind for a few days. On Saturday night, we met for what we termed a ‘soiree’ in one of the apartments. There may have been drinking, singing, dancing and lots of noise. It was a fun night that will stay in my memory for ever.
Even though we don’t meet in person all that often, we have developed a strong bond, and I have no doubt we will be friends forever. We are all non judgemental and accepting of each other. To me, this type of friendship is very precious and perhaps even a little unusual.
At the end of this fabulous and fun weekend we said our goodbyes, knowing that we would catch up online very soon. I’m looking forward to our next mini getaway together whenever it may be.
This poster was read out at the Souree. It says it all about our friendship and special connection with each other.
Do you have a special friendship group? I’d love to hear about your friends. I do reply to all comments.
Jennifer! sounds like a lovely time. I belong to a group of women who meet each year too and it is wonderful. Yes, the wine flows, the tunes get cranked, tears are sometimes shed… but I always end the weekend feeling replenished.
Finding a tribe (or even two) is wonderful!
Sounds like you’ve found your tribe Agnes. It’s a beautiful thing
Hi Jen, I’m so pleased you had such a wonderful time together. What a wonderful friendship group you have maintained through Facebook. It is a true mark of friendship when people don’t see each other often but can take up where they left off when they do. I’m glad you enjoyed the sunshine but sad I didn’t get to see you. Definitely next time! Thanks for sharing your fun and special time with us and being part of our #MLSTL community. Have a great week! xx
Thanks for your comments and your interest Sue. We will take a raincheck on a catch up.
I’ve never been one for large gatherings of women Jennifer – I always feel a bit overwhelmed and bamboozled by so much talking and noise. That being said, I loved your group of women friends and the fact that you all get together but also do things that suit your different personalities. What a wonderful blessing they are for you – and I loved the quote and pinned it.
#MLSTL 🙂
Leanne I know exactly what you mean. Usually I would run in the opposite direction of a large group. I’m ok up to four people then I get a bit lost. These friends are really precious to me, even though I’m usually the quiet one in the group.
That’s such a lovely post to read Jennifer. What a great group of friends you are and what fun you had together. I love the reading about finding your tribe, that’s a very special thing to find. #mlstl
Pleased you enjoyed reading about my friends Deb
Love that you have found your tribe, and what a wonderful group of friends. Can only imagine how much fun you all had together.
Thanks for your comment and for visiting Jo