What would we do without them? 

But have you ever worked with friends – on a regular basis? 

There are many opinions about this, some are pro and some are con. 

Most of us have various circles of friends.  

• We have our family which can also be considered as the first or the inner friend circle 
• Then there friends from the neighborhood
• Friends from work 
• Friends from school 
• Friends who we know through our children 
• and of course we can't forget our virtual friends. 

Can working with friends improve productivity in the office or business environment?  Most studies say "yes" 

Here are a few questions that you should ask each other before committing to working together:

• How will you react to suddenly being together all the time?
• How will your roles change?
• Who will be "in charge?"
• How will you resolve conflict?
• Will you be able to separate your personal and business relationships?

I have friends who have been working together for years, successfully, they are also husband and wife and parents to two beautiful children. 

Jill and Amnon are two very talented dancers who travel around the world performing

together "Two Worlds"

I asked Jill what is the best about working with your best friend who is also your husband, this is what she said: 

"We get to be together, creating new art everyday together.  We have no trust issues, we both have learned to listen to each others ideas, accept them or not, but always discussing them, and respecting each others opinions.   It is convenient to work with Amnon, we have the same working schedule! It was great when the kids were younger – we just packed them up and took them with us."  "Because we travel all over the world we also enjoy experiencing new places together – that is wonderful, Amnon see's things that I don't and I hear things that he doesn't, sharing this is fascinating."

I asked Jill what she thinks what there key to success is  and her biggest tip she would give to others who are contemplating working together:

Learn to listen to each other! Learn to bend – it is reciprocal!

I know that I have blogged about my trip to San Diego, but I want to look at it from a different angle.  This was an all girls trip and we had a blast, but friendships were made and will not be forgotten.  

We started off by getting together Thursday night at the Sundeck at the Hotel Del Coranado.  Some of the girls I was good friends with already and others I got to meet for the first time.  We had a blast, hanging out, chatting and getting to know each other better. Even though this was a "working" weekend, we knew we would be having fun!  Thunder Bob was celebrating his mother's life and he joined in our fun and bought us drinks and we enjoyed our time with him.  There was some singing (see my facebook video), a bit of a throwdown (plank challenge) and just lots of laughter.

Friday morning we had small group breakfast and beach time!  What fun that was.  While we were on the beach, we were sharing ideas for our businesses, talking about family, and more fun! We explored the island and shared a great lunch!  

Friday night was the first official meeting.  Monica's mother was kind enough to allow all 25 of us to be in her home (condo on the beach!!!) and the apartment was beautiful, almost as beautiful as Monica's mom, Lisa. She shared a beautiful toast.  I will post it at a later time, it deserves it's on post! We got the most amazing swag bags full of goodies.  We each shared our stories and let me tell you, these women have the most amazing stories, rags to riches, debilitating illnesses to great health and overall beautiful people!

It was a long night, but we enjoyed hearing every one's stories. Those of us not on pacific time were really feeling the time change.  Especially the east coasters.  I'm so glad that they hung in there to the end!

After a short night's sleep, we were up bright and early for yoga in the park with Missy Costello (Tony Horton's personal chef!)  She is such a breath of fresh air!  So sweet and led us in a great workout!

It was the most awesome evening and I have learned so much on this trip.  I have met so many great leaders and can only inspire to do the same for other people.  I can't wait for the next trip!

I gave my Friendship Stones to my roomies!  Sherri, Tina and Dani! In our busy weekend, I can not believe that we forgot to get a photo with our stones, but we did.  It truly was a busy weekend! We really had a great time and lot of fun when we were so tired and giggly in the room.  Some of the best conversations were had while we were in our beds in the dark trying to go to sleep.  I have so many memories from this trip that I know I will never forget and am so grateful to have been able to spend time with these truly wonderful ladies!

Guest Blog : Susan Graves Vousden  On of our Facebook Friends! 

Thank you Susan! 

This past weekend I traveled home to attend my 35th high school reunion. I was excited to see all my old friends but also a little nervous. Some of them I hadn't seen in 10 years. All of us are in different places in our lives and I wondered if we would still connect in the way we used to. We planned to meet for breakfast on Sat at 10:00 and I hoped everyone would show up. I was worried for nothing. Everyone showed up..all 11 of us! It was like we had all met here last Sat morning instead of years ago. There was laughter and tears,  teasing and consoling, hugs and kisses, and pictures. Boy were there pictures! Two and a half hours flew by, way too fast.

As I talked to my friends that morning I thought about who I wanted to give my Friendship Stones to. Who needed an extra "hug" and who had given me one when I needed it. I left that morning still thinking about how I love my friends and how different my life would be without them.

That afternoon I gave two of my friends  The Friendship Stone. My one friend I gave the Traveling Stone. She's just moved, is not adjusting well, and needs to know someone is thinking of her. She also left a lot of good friends behind and I knew she'd pass the stone along.

The other Friendship Stone I gave was to a friend I've had for 40 years and she's a great friend to all and a wonderful person. She personafies the word friend and has made me a better person just by knowing her. The third stone I gave was also to a friend of 40 years. She  told me she was proud of me and my strength and honesty and I was one of the best friends she ever had. I was touched and ashamed because I felt I could have been a better friend to her over the years.

I wanted her to know I was there for her everytime she touched the stone and I promised myself to touch base with her every week.

That evening was the reunion. It was a great success. Everyone had a wonderful time. I spent the evening watching my friends and thinking how empty my life would be without them. Each one adds a different dimension to my life. I have many new friends but my old friends are the best. They knew me when. They know where I came from and why I do what I do. They love when me don't always love myself. I was honored to be able to spend time with them on this special day. I was glad to be able to show them what they mean to me.

It was so much fun.

I can't wait till the 40th!!!

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It was a chilly day in Vancouver, Canada and I was famished.   I stepped into Medina Cafe so hungry, any small and quick cafe to grab a sandwich would have sufficed.  I was in dire need of wifi to finish some communications with clients.  I should have known by Canada's European roots, this was no quick, American cafe.  

Feeling kind of lonely with my husband off with some colleagues, I clung to the menu for comfort. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but isn't it true? As much as one wants to be independent and confident to have a good time despite the absence of our significant other, it always feels like something is missing.  No matter though, the menu was a great, flavorful distraction.

Keeping my clients in mind, I caught the eye of the waiter and asked him where the nearest wifi location was.  Well, I tried to ask him, but I actually joined a chorus with the woman sitting next to me who simultaneously asked the same question.  

Her name was Cathy.  Unwittingly, she was exactly what I had a craving for.  Her and the Breakfast Tagine I ordered.

What started as a quick bite turned into a long brunch with what seemed like an old friend.  Cathy was an interior designer/architect from the Toronto area.  We connected on our passion for color palettes and textures.  She advised me on designers to use in my San Francisco neighborhood for our new office space.

In the end, I handed her a friendship stone as a souvenir of our impromptu brunch.  I was left with the memory and surprise on her face from the simple gift.  It reminds me to this day to how letting go of how busy or lonely you are can be one of the hardest things in life but taking time to make a new friend is oh so worth it.

Every summer, usually for the best part of August I pack my bags and together with my daughter we travel to Ontario Canada for a visit with family and friends.

I have been living in Israel for 28 years, but come summer time I become a Canadian again!

This trip however I knew ahead of time that it was going to be different.  My mom who is getting older (and wiser) has not been well so we are basically staying with her and not traveling as much as as we usually do.   Mom lives in an assisted living complex, the average age being 80 – all of the sudden I feel really young!

I have been cooking – cleaning – doing laundry etc…oh yes this is a working vacation!

We also have played bingo – watched movies with the girls (again 80 and over) and gone on short but nice walks.  Spending time with mom is good.

Don't Look at my Cards

Mom is the serious Bingo Player

I want spend time with my close friends.  So I called my "girls" and explained to them the situation. Of course they said no problem we will come to you.  Mom goes to Dialysis 3 times a week for 5 hours so we are available to do stuff during those time slots. 

Last Saturday my Girl Jackie and hubby surprised me with a visit on the way to visiting her father in law in another city.

Sunday my oldest and closest friend Debbie came in from Toronto with her hubby and took us sailing for the morning on her father's boat – then picked up mom and went for lunch together,  Debbie and I  have been friends since the day we were born – we are second generation friends, our Mothers' were Best Friends too.

What an amazing gift friendship is. 

My oldest closest friend and My Princess 

Friday, my Girl Eve came in with her daughter and we spent the day at the African Lion Safari.

We were 4 little girls having fun! 

The girls played together and got along amazing.  I even had a ride on an Elephant!  I love the elephants – except I think that their eyes look sad all the time.

 MJ asked if I had a Friendship Stone in my bag, (of course I did) she asked if she could give it to her friend! I thought that was a wonderful idea – so the two of us gave Mom and Daughter a unique gift to remember this day of Friendship and fun.

Second Generation of Friends

That was fun! her name is Lilly

Now we all know that Facebook is great for connecting friends right?  

A couple of months ago I found a high school friend on Facebook(she was only in school with me for a short while but made an impact on my life) .  Claudia had come from Chile and had traveled to places that I had only dreamed about! 

She is beautiful!

Well last week I noticed that she was on Facebook…Said hello and told her I was in Canada visiting my mom.  She told me that she would be at her father's close to my mom's place – so we planned to meet. 

It has been almost 29 years since the last time I saw Claudia but when she opened the car door…. she looked as beautiful as she did when I last saw her!

Claudia was being silly and we loved it! 

We spent a great afternoon together (she brought her 6 year old princess)  - The two of us walked the paths down the Hamilton Waterfront , caught up with each others adventures in life as the girls scooted in front, and 

MJ and I gave them Friendship Stones to remember the day – Claudia received a Traveling Friendship Stone – she is a traveller – it will be fun to watch her stone travel the world. 

Ice Cream is an international language for kids! 

We decided to go at the last minute because we heard the water would be calm which would make a HUGE difference in terms of the sea sickness. Unfortunately, my older sister and her family did not join us.

Whales…..

More whales…..

Tails….

For me, not only was seeing those incredible animals up close and doing their thing,

• like feeding,
• flipping their tails on the water to get more fish up,
• diving  
• waving at us with their fins

.. but the interactions between the cousins was just as exciting.

They are cousins…… they are friends!

Jilly and Mama 

Each of Jill's youngsters checked out my sons braces.  They had fun discovering any type of food that was available on the boat (I guess seeing the whales eat made them very hungry.)

It was an hour ride out to where the whales are, and an hour back.  

Why is it the way back is Always Longer??

That was a great time to just relax, catch up with each other and see how the kids entertained themselves. ,

"The journey is as important as the arrival"  

In this case,  the arrival of seeing so many Whales all over the place, searching for the blows so we could go and see a different group of whales, was more exciting than our journey,  but I loved the journey as well.

You are on the boat, no where to go, the sun is shining, the wind in your face, and you just have to relax and enjoy the free time and togetherness.

There are some people that miss out on amazing moments because they focus on what you might be doing,  like riding in a car, or 4 hours on a boat.  

I always say, it really doesn't matter what we are doing, as long we are doing it together!  

Together,  Together… life is sweet,  especially when there are some whales in the middle!!

Happy Whale Watching!!

“Good friends are like stars…. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

"Thank you for being my friend, I am here for you always"

As a child, I got to go on tons of family vacations with my grandparents during the summer. Each year, we would go somewhere different. Up until I got into high school, I was well on my way to visiting every state in America. How exciting would that have been. Friends, extra curricular activities, college, marriage and eventually children got in the way of me finishing my trek across the country and after awhile I had forgotten about this quest that I now want to add to my bucket list.

It has been several years since my husband and I have gone on a vacation together. The last one that we took was sort of like our babymoon before my daughter was born. We travelled to Hilton Head, South Carolina with my family and had a blast. I was three months pregnant with Luci and was exciting about spending this vacation with my husband as our last big hurrah before becoming parents.

Now almost three years and two kids later, we are setting off on our first big vacation as a family. Sure, we’ve gone to visit family but the farthest that my kids have traveled in the car is about 2.5 hours one way. This summer we are jet setting with my family again and the destination is Sunset Beach (North Myrtle Beach), North Carolina. Luckily we are renting a condo and not staying in a hotel. Since both of my children are still very little, we need pack n plays for them to sleep in because otherwise no one is getting a good night’s sleep. 

On a side note, our rental property has one pack n play that they have available for their guests, so as far as packing goes for us, that is one less HUGE thing that we have to bring. Packing for small children is never fun for anyone, let alone packing for a 10 hour trip (one way), plus 4 days in a condo with a total of 9 people.  I will say that I have whittled down the sheer volume of things that I used to bring when I would just go for an overnight with one child.

This past holiday weekend was a test to see how minimalist I could get be but still have all the essentials that we need. And I have to say, I did pretty good. For one overnight with 2 kids still in diapers, I manage to pack all 4 of our clothes into one suitcase. I have a good feeling that packing for a long weekend vacation will be no sweat! All I need to do is add in a beach gear and a pack n play and activities for the car ride and our stroller….oh wait I might need a bigger van!

As far as this car ride goes, we are planning on traveling at night time when the kids are supposed to be sleeping, so we should be able to get pretty far without too many distractions, hopefully. This will give my husband and I a chance to rekindle the most important friendship, ours through the winding mountains of Virginia while trying to catch a little shut eye here and there. I’m so excited to head to the beach this summer for some well needed R & R! While, I still will be taking care of my kids at least I can say that I did on the beach with my wonderful family!

Abbey Fatica  is the owner and publisher of Living My MoMent. Created in April of 2009, Living My MoMent offers FREE advertising and promotion for MoMs and DaDs who have small businesses and blogs.

About Lori 

I am Lori Webb and I am the founder of Indspark! I started Indspark! to combine my various professional and personal background to help entrepreneurs with a special focus on women and early phase business endeavors. I have worked in branding, fashion, media, retail management, customer service, design, communication and education. I hold a Master of Science in Information Technology (Design, Communication & Media) and a B.A. in Theatre and English. As an infomaniac, I am a dedicated lifelong learner and have a range of addition certifications from baby signing to creative thinking to natural heritage interpretation. 

My diverse background provides you with a unique and thorough look at your brand (think: multi-sensory) as well as providing you with new perspectives (think: technology & trends) on how to create or improve its experiential reach.

I am also currently completing my first book, Entrepreneurial Profiles, which will also provide international  “indspark” for entrepreneurial spirits worldwide. The book is a diverse and global look at 21st century entrepreneurship. There are now over 110 entrepreneurs connected to the project from around the world. The first book of the series will be out Fall 2010. 

Join the Facebook fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/entrepreneurialprofiles

This is what Lauren Steinman Watral has to say about herself

The theme, he pondered, would be to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Novogrodski family arriving in the United States. 

Thus, a birth of a reunion.  

And enjoy they did! 

The sounds of “hmmmmmm” and “yummmmmm” and “ohhhhhhhh” and “wowwwwwww” warmed my heart and soul to provide a little of the past to the Grandma’s descendents.