All Hail the Leo Lion Queen

Today is Jenny Two Times' Birthday. It's the first year in many that I am not there to organize a gathering to celebrate her. I woke up thinking about her, our shared journey, our past and our future. I woke up wishing I could hug her.

There are so many things I love about Jenny, about our friendship. Here are a few:

We have history. I can remember precisely the moment I knew I wanted to be her friend. She walked into Baskin Robbins to visit The Tomato. She was wearing jeans with the material down the sides like the hippies wore in the 60's that she had made herself, a bright blue top that set off her beautiful eyes, some perfect pair of shoes and a hat. She had a uniqueness that drew me to her. I was run of the mill when it came to self-expression back then. I hid and blended whereas Jenny expressed herself, her creativity, at every turn. And we were only 16. Then mix in all the celebrations, cryfests, big life changes and little moments and you have quite a rich friendship.

We laugh. There are moments where Jen Jen and I are so lost in our laughter we can't catch our breath. Where just hearing her laugh makes me laugh more. It's full bellied and deep. No matter what, we've always found our way back to the shared humor. And she totally lets me tease her mercilessly. Bonus!

We cry. When Jen feels, she feels it through. She's so in touch with her well of emotion, she doesn't flinch when someone else taps into their own. I've seen her inconsolable with sobbing and her eyes damp from happy tears. She's rushed over upon hearing me tearful on the other end of the phone. To be able to be present in the face of such emotion without flinching- that is true friendship. I love that we can go from laughter to crying back to laughing without missing a beat.

We "get" each other. I don't have to over-explain myself to her. Or if I do, she let's me run off at the mouth processing out whatever is currently tripping me up. We know each others issues and yet, we still want to hear more. Jenny listens with her whole heart and shows up for people in a way that constantly inspires me.

We are honest. Jen asks pointed questions and doesn't just pass over the difficult topics or shy away from saying the hard to hear advice. She calls me on my shit. She encourages me to be more myself through each challenge. She doesn't let me wallow for too long in my misery- keeping a watchful eye on me, my heart, my best intentions. She is an archeologist of authenticity.

. . . I might be miles away but not in my heart. I love you, Jen Jen!