I’m not so sure Facebook is all that unusual a way to reunite these days, but the social media site sure springs to mind as I consider this week’s conversation starter supplied by our gracious Belle Tuesday, Beth Webb Hart.
Tanya’s friendship request opened up a floodgate of high school memories. I remember grinning when I saw it, almost as broadly as my old basketball teammate was smiling in her profile picture. Twenty-five plus years had come and gone but the look on her face still said, “I’m a ham. Don’t you want to be a ham with me?!” I did and we are.
Facebook has never been the same. Thankfully, however, we’ve been able to reconnect in real-time, too. One of those visits corresponded with my presentation at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge last year. It seems timely to discuss it. Unfortunately, the festival will be in full swing this weekend without me. I’ll miss participating, but I must admit, a large part of that will be a missed opportunity to enjoy my old friend’s company.
Tanya calls The Red Stick home these days. She met me on the grounds of the State Capitol that weekend to escort me around and never have I had a more entertaining guide.
We paused in the middle of our loud and raucous reunion as my presentation neared.
“Where are you speaking?” Tanya asked.
“On the third floor of the Capitol building.”
“Uh,oh,” Tanya said. “I’m not going to be able to get through security.”
Now, that might be an unusual statement coming from some people. It didn’t surprise me that much coming from Tanya, although I was instantly curious.
“And why not, missy? Is there something I need to know? Are you a felon?”
Tanya laughed, denied any criminal underground connections and explained that she was packing, knives to be exact, two to be accurate. I really can’t explain that other than to say that we’re from Northeast Louisiana and well, Tanya is a caterer. Enough said. Now, get this, we eventually found another homeboy who happened to be working a nearby tent to hold Tanya’s hardware while she accompanied me to my presentation, where a good time was had by all—or at least by me and Tanya. If the crowd didn’t enjoy the overflow, I’m not sure we should have to take the blame!
Treasure those friendships, y’all. They add flavor to life’s gumbo!
Hugs,
Shellie
Shellie
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is a writer, speaker, radio host, and Belle of All ThingsSouthern who eats a lot of gumbo on the banks of Lake Providence, LA.
Has Facebook reunited you with high school pals?