Rich: Simply Pretty....

ALWAYS

Talented. Driven. Hilarious. Serious. Deep. Passionate. Critical.

Honest. Clever. Deft. Sharp. Gifted. Asute. Quick Witted.

Oh....... and simply..... PRETTY

You are one of the only people that I ever had legitimate ego battles with.....and I hate to admit.... I lost.

From the banter to the brow, to the long nights and the serious talks, to the moments there were tears and the moments there was laughter...to me you were true to yourself. Thank you for trusting me enough to let me in. I am blessed to have known you.

Stan: My Spare....

Way back in the Day....

During a new store opening, where I was working; My friend Tammy came to me and said "I found him". Startled by her enthusiasm, I turned, looked around and said "You found who?". A 'bad girl' smile cemented on her face, she slyly replied "The guy I want". Simple. LOL.... Yes well... There was not anything simple about what was to come between Tammy and the "H.G.G" ( Hot Grocery Guy). Over the next few days, Tammy pointed him out here and there, but being in a new store, with literally at least a hundred new employees it was really hard to concentrate on just one...*wink*... regardless of how "hot" he was.
It wasn't until the following Sunday (I had heard about the HGG every shift, every hour, every minute on the shift) And FINALLY...He had walked over to our side of the store and I was able to get a good look at him. He had come over and asked me for something but I was really oblivious to what it was he had asked for. Quite honestly I was checking him out and thinking..."This guy? This is the guy Tammy had a crush on?" He seemed nice enough and I guess he was cute...But really, not as hot as she had said...Until of course..... He asked me if I had been listening to him..And when I answered "No actually I wasn't listening"... then he SMILED. And everything that Tammy had seen in him...at that moment I saw for myself. It is amazing what a simple smile can do for a person. I think I amused him that day...Because every day after that, we spoke.
Eventually Stan and Tammy got together and there was drama between them. They were actually very sweet together. But unfortunately other things got between them and it didn't work out. Since, I some how ended up the 'go between', and Stan somehow found my phone number,; he and I began to talk on breaks, after work, before work and eventually on the phone. Most of our conversations began with Tammy but soon we became interested in each other.... Not in "that" kind of way, but in a friendly way...And soon we became very close friends .We would spend hours, grabbing a coffee and going to park in his car. We realized that we had actually met each other more than a few times years before. Stan had actually gone to shool with Dana and Rob. Small world.
Naturally, without notice, Stan became known as my "spare". My spare for Waymon that is. LOL. Actually it was Waymon, that gave him that name. He didn't mind the time I was spending with Stan. Because Stan and I talked about everything that he had no interest in. Basically, Stan got me out of Way's hair...LOL. We have seen each other through some tough times, tough relationships....The moon and the sun. *smile* And he has shared the best of times with us as well. He is unlike anyone that I have ever met...For so many reasons. And there are not words for me to describe how I feel about him. LOL... He was even there when Camryn was born..LOL...Reading the monitors, asking the nurses questions.... Watching me; he would know when it hurt and he would give me that little smile (anyone who knows him...Knows what I mean.) Like he always does...He has the ability to make any pain dim.
Camryn is a lucky little girl to have him as her God Father. And I too, am blessed to have him as my friend.
From Fortinos to Legs, to Tim Hortons at 2 in the morning, to breakups and indecision, to the moon and the stars, to hockey and euchre nights to playing pool, xmas parties to motels, to drive bys and road trips... You are my favorite HGG. LOL

Ponyboy and Sodapop....aka Nicole and Shellie

When I was 10 years old my family had moved from a country style area, where the neighbour's were few and far between; to a small street in the city. Young, scared but excited, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not sure if I met Nicole on the first day we moved onto Rowanwood Street or if it was within the first week. (I'd bet my life that she would be able to tell when we first spoke, what I was wearing and if it had been a cloudy day!! She is just good like that! haha) However, I do remember being taller than her; her blonde hair and blue eyes where a sharp contrast to my red hard and green eyes....And I remember that we became Best Friends instantaneously. The kindred similarities between us was always fun..It was always something new... Our birthdays are one day and one year apart. I'm the older, wiser one of course! ( ok, ok... I may as well be honest, since I will most likely be called out on any mistreats...She is very WISE!! Ok Happy now Nic? LOL) Our tastes in music were the same. *NOTE* I said "were". LOL... Nic is a country gal now!!

We only lived 2 doors down from each other, but Nicole was a constant presence in our house. We had more sleepovers than I can count. Every sleepover, the nights were filled with laughter, to the point of tears. My goodness the things that we did! From writing love letters to the boys in the neighborhood (of course signing other peoples names.. hehe) to playing hide 'n" seek in my house, blind mans bluff in my bedroom, the Lemonade stands, the bike rides and getting lost on purpose...just to see if we could find our way back..To playing chase around the block, and yes to the emergency room when I cut my leg on those tracks....LOL.....And of course to our Michael Jackson collections. We had the best times, the best laughs.

When I entered grade 7 (or was it 8?) my parents moved yet again. This time we moved up to the mountain, which at that young age, it seemed as if we were moving to another country. We saw each other as much as we could and when Nic's mom allowed her... she would come up and spend the weekends with me. I remember sometimes having to take the bus all the way down there to pick her up, because her mom wouldn't let her take the bus by herself...LOL... I introduced her to the new friends that I had met; Brett, Dana, Rob, Larry and Ken. Without effort we all became pretty good friends. Since I had started highschool, Nic and I did drift a part for a while, We still spoke but not as often..And I missed her desperately. But it just happened. Nicole joined me at the same highschool the following year and once again we became close. Inseparable really. Her weekends were spent up at my house with Brett and the other boys. We had great times...Driving in the Jimmy with the boys....drives to Kings Forest so we could take long walks, going to Zoo's pizzeria to pick up Rob after work. Hehe.

What I love about Nic the most, is her honesty. She is the most honest person that I know. I mean really...That's how she works. She always, always calls it like she sees it. If I was acting like a jerk...she would call me out on it. If I was doing something that she didn't like or knew I would regret in the morning...she would tell me. She saw so much in me that I didn't even realize. And regardless of the shitty mistakes that I have made or things that I have done without thinking...She was always there when I needed her. And I was there, when she needed me.

23 years later, we still have a laugh or two about our past. It's different now, being all "grown up". Or is it? Everything has changed. We live in different provinces/countries. Our children. Our lives. The only constant is our friendship. Which is in command every time we talk. It just happens. Months, years can pass but when the connection is finally made..Everything but our friendship has changed. Maybe it's because of the time that has past and the growth that we individually have made. The losses we have experienced... Each in our own way; we have learned to appreciate the people..the relationships that we each have. You have always been my best friend, the ambassador of all my secrets, indiscretions; all of my mistakes and triumphs. You know me better that anyone. And anyone who knows me...LOL...knows who you are. Even if you haven't met them personally, they have all heard about you. They know you are my best friend and I know whatever life throws at us...You always will be. I love ya Nic....Forever and always.

From playing chase, to frosting fights, to the Mtn Brow, to Brett, Dana , Rob and through Dennis and the Party pit, to Michael Jackson and the HUGE battery pack that used to stick out on the side of your head when you wore the Lighted Michael Jackson Visor (I was so jealous...my visor didn't light up.....Now? Not so jealous..haha) to the letters, and the Christmas cards, the 'snail mail' novels that I would write, to email, and messenger....You are still and always be my favorite Nickel. CHOW FOR NOW...I GOTTA PLOW...

Hessie: The other half of the 2 dancing piggies...

Hessie and Sheshie (circa 1975)

From the womb cuz... Literally!!

QUOTES about Sheshie and Hessie

"What one didn't think of...the other did" - Anyone that ever knew us.

"Running around naked, arm and arm like the 2 dancing piggies from Hee Haw" - Aunt Lin

"What makes you think it was us?" "What reason would we have to freeze Veronica's bra?" - Shesh and Hess

Some things that remind you of Hessie and Sheshie

The Monkees

The Beatles

Laughter

Grapes and Things - Hess losing her shoe

Any and All the torture (but in a loving way..hehe) that Tessie (Tina) and Bessie (Wendy) had to endure.

Quad running (poor Pete....LOL)

The Cat Burgler ( C'mon Wendella....lol..it WAS funny.)

Brett: "I'm going to be an actor"

October 6 1984

My family had just moved. For "change"...Or so we were told.... Once again I was heading into the unknown; Already missing my best friend Nicole. It seemed like we had moved 100 miles away, but in reality it was only a 15 minute drive. Of course at 12 years old you don't drive, you are not allowed to take the bus by yourself and one is just learning that 'telephone time' is the MOST important time. (at least for a girl) *smile*.

I saw him sitting on the side of the building, wearing shorts, a white polo shirt and a burgundy sweater. The Aviator sunglasses (20 years later; who knew the aviators, would be a fashion "must have"??!!) covered most of his tanned face. He was by himself and only looked up as we drove by. Our eyes met, only for a split second and he smiled. I will remember that smile...That 'first smile' forever. I giggled with my sister and said "did you see that?" And of course she didn't.

Being in a new environment, for days I just walked around, not knowing anybody and dying for the promised sleepover that weekend, when Nicole would come up. In the meantime I saw him twice more, sitting in the same spot. But unlike the first time, he was never alone. Girls were sitting beside him, in front of him...All giddy, vying for his attention We did share a smile once or twice more. In the hallway, we would d pass each other and simply smile or say 'hey'. But neither of us would say anything more.. He was cute, I must say. And of course I had already told Nic all about him. *giggle*. I had heard one of the girls he was with, gush is name.... "Brett".

Friday comes and the anticipation of my friend coming is quickly kaboshed when I hear my mom talking to Nic's mom and I hear her say "well, I hope she's feeling better". Devastated, I head back into my room, close the door and find solace in My Michael..... Michael Jackson that is! (Don't laugh, it was the 80's and I was only 12) I stayed in my room, thinking that I will never see her again and really did not like my parents at that moment; for making us move and taking me away from everyone, everything that I had known. While wallowing in my own sweet sorrow, I had fallen asleep...Until I was abruptly awakened by the familiar sound of a flamboyant, almost crass voice..That I knew I recognized.Blissfully, I jumped up out of bed and literally collided with another friend; BooBoo. My dad had known I would be crushed when I heard Nic was at home sick, so he stopped by and picked up Boo. Elated we started to scream and jump around, talking deliriously.. My dad put his hands over his ears, shook his head and simply sighed "girls".

Once we settled down, we had made our way outside, so we could talk..Privately. LOL. Basically, so we could just talk about the "what's goin' on" in my old neighborhood. We sat back on the slide in the deserted playground and watched the clouds pass as we talked animatedly. Laughing, giggling. Over to our right, Brett and 3 of his buddies were playing volleyball over the fence . They seemed pretty cool. And of course I had already given BooBoo the lowdown on him. *smile* However, I had never seen his friends before. As a matter of fact, until that moment I had never seen friend with another male. LOL

Almost an hour had passed when Boo pinched my arm. My eyes flew open and to my surprise, Brett was standing in front of us. He smiled at the shock look on my face. I returned the smile and ever so coolly said "hey". He replied " I'm Brett and I'm going to be an actor". This made Boo Boo and I giggle. I replied "An actor? That's cool. My name is Shellie and this is my friend Boo Boo". We, of course had to explain the whole Boo Boo nickname. Her real name was Rachelle but everyone and I mean everyone called her BooBoo. It was a cool way to break the ice. He then asked us if we wanted to join the game. We both shrugged like it was not a big deal and joined in. Brett introduced us to his friends; Rennie, Shaun and Ken, and asked me to be on his team. Come to find out, Rennie thought I was "cute" and wanted to get to know me.( Later on Ren became my first boyfriend. It lasted about 2 years. nuff said.lol.) Throughout the game we all got to know each other a little better. We talked about music and of course the glitz and glam of Hollywood, and Brett's earnest want to become an actor. After the game we sat around on the grass and shot the shit for hours. It was pretty cool. I could see already that Boo Boo had a thing for Brett. I didn't mind though, 'cause Rennie was kind of cute too.hehe

Our entire weekend, was spent with these guys. And on Sunday when it was time for my dad to take Boo home, I was devastated all over again. Deflated, I sat on the same side of the building as I had seen Brett for the first time and watched her and my dad drive away. I sat there for more than a few minutes and as I was about to get up to leave, I suddenly inhaled the already familiar scent of Calvin Klein's Obsession. I turned and looked over my shoulder and there was Brett. He came and sat down beside me and didn't say too much, but what he did say made me laugh. HYSTERICALLY. 3 hours later, my thoughts had changed a little. Maybe living up here wouldn't be so bad after all. *smile*

Feb. 1985

Although Brett and I went to different schools, we spent a lot of time together. Daily, and then nightly on phone. Just chatting about nothing, about everything. Our weekends were spent comfortably together...Playing volleyball, talking sports, coming up with a title for the movie he was going to write, direct and of course star in. We talked about music and everything else that teens discuss. We became fast friends and without even noticing, we became the best of friends. Brett finally met Nicole. And in return I met his "boys", Dana and Rob. Soon we became a core group of 5. Only Nic was able to contribute to our adolescent antics, solely on the weekends. For the next few years we spent almost everyday together, after school, after dinner, weekends. We helped each other through the normal things that teens go through.. The crushes, the girlfriends,the boyfriends, the issues with our parents, issues at school. We helped each other through all of those things...Laughing and sharing priceless moment the entire time. We watched each other grow and without knowing it, helped shape each other to whom we have become today.

July 8, 2006

I don't look back and smile about the times we shared. I am blessed to have only to look to my side. As we wait again with great anticipation to see what will happen next. 22 years later.....And Brett is still here...And Nicole.... And Dana... And Rob. We have grown up, our families have grown. Some of us are married, some have kids. I look at our picture that sits on my desk and I know that we all will have each other forever and for always. For, we are each others childhood. From Kareoke Bars, to Elvis impersonations, VAMP, long drives and getting lost on purpose, ghost stories, true dare double dare, to the now infamous Egg and the birth of a chicken to Letterman, to the rabbit in the forest.....LOL.....Brett has a gift, many gifts really ...And my sore ribs from the laughter, everytime I see or talk to him proves it. He will always be my favorite actor. Love ya BJ


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DANA*********SHELLS*********CLINT*********BRETT