Happy New Year

Awarded to those that have touched my life during the past year, this is my 2025 Friendship Awards. If you’re a winner, you’ll get no trophy to hold up high nor a gift bag to take home. What you will get is honored for being one of my favorites on social media during 2025.

Favorite New Movie

I’ll start the year’s awards off with my favorite movie and line from 2025. Unlike the past, this selection wasn’t difficult.

Wicked: For Good

(Don’t Get Me Wrong; The Movie Is Excellent)

‘Wicked‘ and ‘Wicked: For Good‘ have seemed to mirror my life. It’s almost as if I’m Elphaba and being seen as ‘Wicked’ by some whom believe they’re Glinda. In reality (please correct me if you think I’m wrong) Glinda was nothing but a conniving, sell-centered, egotistical little bitch that thought Emerald City evolved around her.

The only real power she ever had was that of persuasion. She could’ve ridden that fake bubble, in ‘For Good,’ into the middle of town long before and told the folks the truth. Thus, sparing Elphaba all of her grief. Then everyone would’ve lived happily ever after. Except of course for Oz and Madame Morrible.

Like too many real folks, Glinda’s ego was bigger than life itself. However, through it all, I found solace in a line of Elphaba’s …

“Just look at me, not with your eyes, with theirs.”

Their eyes didn’t matter because all of you were looking at me through your eyes. A mere script change that shows your kindness and sincerity. That has meant a lot to me! Now let’s meet the real winners through my eyes!

Make Amends Award

‘Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does goes on‘ and for the third year in a row, this award goes to Casey. Prayerfully, I wonder if “This will be a day long remembered.”

Hang Out 72 Hours With Award

She has picked my brain for a while trying to figure out what makes me ‘tik‘. But sometimes I’d like to know how she ‘tok‘s and can imagine picking her brain like she does mine.

Yes, Agnieszka you win this award. Hidden inside me, there are still some things you’re not fully aware of. Although I know a lot about you, I’d love to discover more too! Imagine trying to help heal someone after they’ve gotten to know the healer’s techniques too. That would make for an interesting article.

All kidding aside, our dreams and curiosities have brought this on. From a stage play in New York to a lunch in Boston Common and a journey to Mackinaw City for some vanilla fudge, we could do it all in 72 hours. That’s something designed for ‘True Friend‘s,’ and that’s what you are to me!

Young Wild and Free Award

There is no doubt that ‘Young, Wild and Free‘ belongs to Tracy, who actually prefers going by her pseudonym, Feral Heart.

The singer / songwriter, author / actress has been one of the nicest souls I’ve met on social. She’s been in my corner from day one with love and words of encouragement.

Thinking for years she’d been helping me, to recently being credited in her second book, ‘The Empath’s Survival Blueprint‘ as helping her, we’ve discovered a special bond. It’s about time ‘The Universe‘ gave us our own piece of ‘Heaven‘.

Favorite New Follow Award

With so many new faces this year, ‘Favorite New Follow‘ should’ve been the hardest. But it wasn’t and turned into a one-woman competition.

You’ve all seen the Christmas Card and read the story behind one of the ornaments she sent me. I have friends I’ve known my entire life, and some that are or were really close that haven’t said a word of encouragement during my struggles nor cancer fight, even when asked.

Michelle is different. She’s the cup that poured into mine when others had drained it dry. In return, I’ll do the same for hers. She’s remained silent battling her own problems and at ease with our friendship while cheering me on. I couldn’t have found anyone better to offer ‘A Little Kindness.’

Gave Me Hope Award

To say 2025 was hard is putting it mildly. Every conversation with Agnieszka in what to expect after hearing of cancers return had come true. Ruminations of everything, including the dreams, of ’23 hit me daily. And hit me hard. I tried to change what I could but to no avail. Then Janaina entered my life.

I would’ve never thought I would meet a truck driver that believed and knows God. From being raised by her grandmother to a terribly failed marriage, her life resembles mine. It’s no wonder we hit it off.

She’s reminded me of Christ and His works. Rather than just praying for His help, I’m now believing He is already within me doing what’s necessary, along with the doctors, to heal me. Janaina, you’ve ‘Been So Good‘ this song is for you.

Because You’re You Award

‘I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason‘. While others come in with no motives at all and they use social media to simply find some happiness in life.

‘Because of You,’ Liz, you have found yours and mine at the same time. From a good morning gesture, to the joy of expecting nothing but some friendship throughout the day. You epitomize what social media was meant for. Honesty…

Most Encouraging Award

When I think of these two young ladies, I hear James Taylor‘s ‘You’ve got a friend‘ playing in the background.

However, Juilana and Juliet have become more than friends. They’ve become supporters, confidents and cheerleaders for me. They’re always there in spirit rooting me on with inspiring words of wisdom. They’ve supported my site in more ways than expected with untold visits and compliments to my stories. They’re simply the best and that’s why they’re the ‘Most Encouraging.’

Lifetime Achievement Award

She’s the one that’s been here all along. The one I don’t see every day and the one I’ve actually watched grow up right before my eyes.

Her name’s Lily and it’s as if we’ve known one another a ‘Lifetime.’ She was a youngster when she began following me and loved to draw. She still does to this day. Did I mention she takes photographs, too?

That’s one thing about social media; you get to see people grow. You see them change ‘for good‘ and when they stick around for life, it’s priceless. That’s you Lily, always stay ‘Forever Young.’

Stranded on a Deserted Island With Award

We’ve known one another for quite some time. Yet haven’t gotten close until recently. That changed when she gave me my ‘last fuck‘ a couple years ago. (A ‘last fuck‘ in a bottle ornament) Bet you thought I was going elsewhere with that.

Shiny is weird, like me, and dances to the beat of her down drum. A self-proclaimed ‘Hippie’ she loves life, practices yoga and hangs out at the beach. To me she’s ‘Maid Marion‘ of Robin Hood folklore and is independent, beautiful and loyal too. The perfect partner to be on an ‘Island in the Sun‘ with. Watch for her ‘Meet Me‘ coming soon!

Can’t Wait till We Meet Again Award

With all I’ve been dealing with the past three years, I’ve felt my life sucked. There was no ‘fun‘ involved as everything was focused on doctor appointments and healing. That was until someone ‘smiled‘ and said ‘Hi‘ to me in Mackinaw City this past summer.

Yamaly did just that and we immediately hit it off. However, the next day I was returning home. We continued to talk and text afterwards, and I’d eventually return for another visit. That’s when I discovered life’s fun once more.

Yes, all it took was a little kindness and the desire to get to know one another. Next year I plan to return and the two of us will go parasailing. Something she’s already done and says is even more fun.

I can’t wait to ‘When I See You Smile’ again. Yamaly, this is for you!

Couple of the Year Award

Scrolling through social media, I see a lot of individualism. People showcasing themselves and dying for attention of that 💗 clicked while not showing their spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend in the next room. I suppose that’s all fine. But I think it’s even more important seeing a real person sharing the things that real people do.

Jennifer and Michael are as real as they come. She shares portions of hers and her husband’s adventures in Southern California for all to see. She’s even shared one of their most recent wedding anniversaries from a picturesque resort in Utah. And how beautiful it was.

From Disneyland to Disney World and Rock-climbing walls to a Mother’s Day filled with sweets; Jennifer and Michael this award is yours as is the song below! Social media needs more just like you ‘Forever and For Always.’

Forever Award

We spend our entire youth being wild and as we age our dreams become heavier. But I’ve never stopped imagining nor trying to fly. For the last three years, she’s kept me a loft from halfway around the world. She’s messaged, called or VC’d after each appointment or procedure I’ve had, and I absolutely love her to death.

Loren, no matter where we’re at, we’ll shine under the same sky. You’ve brightened my days, kept my ego in check and I can’t imagine life without you in it. Our hearts will wonder, but we’ll always be there to embrace one another’s happinesses and sorrows. You are ‘Forever‘ even if we’re apart.

From Me to You

I’d like to thank everyone for being a part of my life. The past year has definitely been tough. But with friends like you, it’s been manageable and I plan to kick cancer’s ass one more time and find something new to write about. However, from this moment forward, you’re all award winners and I wish you the best during the New Year! Love you all!

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