Girl Talk June 2010

Click on a link to read items from the final issue of Girl Talk.

A Goodbye Note

A Thank You Note

Are You God's Girl?

Dare to Believe

Flash Forward Dawn & Elaine

Graduation... A 20 Year Perspective

Publisher's Note


SPOTLIGHT ON
Miss Shanice Simmons

SPOTLIGHT ON
Miss Lachante Williams

Reflections... A Mother's Perspective

Ten Things a Girl Needs

What's on Your Voicemail?

Thank You

Goodbye... it's never been something I enjoy saying. However, this month I say goodbye after ten years to my teen girl magazine. As I say farewell I'd just like to send a few shout outs to those who have helped along the way...



To those who have assisted through finances, writing articles, editing, stapling, folding or simply sending an encouraging email, thank you and may God bless you always.

To my girls who let me “stalk” you with my camera, thank you for humoring me.



To my readers… you have caused me to grow in my writing, my thinking and my walk with God… thank you.



To my bloggy buddies, thanks for your sweet comments and encouragement on my girltalk related posts.

Love you all,
Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

A Goodbye Note

Girl Talk Magazine has been an inspiration to me. When my mother brought them home my sister and I would fight each other to get one.

In this magazine there are different issues that teen girls encounter in their every day life. This magazine has taught Christian values and also it gave me motivation when I saw what other young women accomplished with the help of God. It helped me to know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thank you Ms. McIntosh for your inspiring magazine.

Sincerely,
Denetra Bascomb




GT June 2010

Graduation... A 20 - Year Perspective

Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Make this world a better place if you can

Twenty years. That’s how long it has been since the graduating class of 1990 sang Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand at our high school graduation. I can still remember that night, how excited we all were. We were saying goodbye to the last vestige of our childhood and moving on into the world of adulthood, with adult decisions, adult responsibilities and less parental guidance.

I remember the excitement as we walked across the stage for our diplomas, awards and trophies. There were hugs, laughter, tears and promises to keep in touch as we said goodbye. That night our class of almost 300 shone brightly with possibilities. Each of us had goals and dreams of our own. The world was ours to conquer. We could not be defeated.

There was no way life could ever be as difficult as our parents said it was. We were prepared for whatever obstacles we encountered after all we were the “Mighty Hawks, Class of the Decade”. Didn’t twelve years of hard labor school, pushy dedicated teachers and, interfering concerned parents prepare us for life?

How overly confident and arrogant we all were not realizing how much our parents shielded us from. However, I’m grateful that they didn’t allow us to take on the responsibilities of being an adult just because we thought we were ready. Instead they tried to train us to make good choices, to want the best for our lives, to not be lazy, to become productive citizens.

So I say to you class of 2T10, the road to your dreams will never be as obstacle free as you would like it to be. But dreams are attainable if you’re willing to put time and effort into achieving them.

You’ll find that sometimes you have to make decisions that are tough and not always popular. Lean on those you trust for advice but remember that ultimately you have to live with the choices you make.

Also, there will be times when you’ll feel as if you’re back on the high school campus as you interact with different personalities. However remember that while life isn’t always fair, God is.

Finally, shine where ever you go. You may not accomplish every goal you have according to your time schedule but don’t ever give up on your dreams. Remember that God is the ultimate dream giver and if you trust in Him he will bring your dreams to pass.

GT June 2010

Flash Forward - Dawn & Elaine

Left, two three, right, two three… Heads held high, shoulders squared, faces wreath in smiles they marched in unison.

They had made it. They had seen many who started with them give up saying it was too hard. They too had battled against the desire to simply throw in the towel and say, “I can’t do this. I quit.” But, they didn’t. Against all odds, after many sleepless nights and countless other sacrifices they were graduating.

As they took their seats Dawn, took the tissue one of her classmates handed her to wipe the tears she hadn’t even realize were rolling down her cheeks. She whispered a thank you as she felt her neighbor on her other side squeeze her hand. They all knew how much this moment meant to Dawn. They had started this journey together and had become fast friends as they encouraged each other to “stay the course no matter what.”

In the audience, Dawn’s dad smiled while he too wiped away a tear. Next to him Dawn’s younger brother and Elaine, Dawn’s best friend from kindergarten beamed with pride as they thought about how much Dawn had accomplished. Elaine remembered how she and Dawn completed their bachelors’ degree together several years earlier after which Dawn had gone to medical school. Elaine had done her degree in Accounting and was now a CPA and employed at a large resort. Elaine knew this moment was a bitter-sweet one for her friend and quietly whispered a heartfelt, “God please give her strength.”

“… and now we’ll have our Valedictorian speech by ….”
Dawn stood up as she heard her name and shakily made her way to the podium. She stood for a moment hands trembling, then began to speak gaining strength as she went.

There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman child and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can

“I quoted that verse of Celine Dion’s song,” Dawn began “because I honestly didn’t think I had the strength to stand before you tonight. However, in the moment when I thought, I can't” you – my family and friends- offered me a shoulder to lean on.

I feel honored and proud to be standing here tonight representing a group of students who have become like family.

I decided that I wanted to become a doctor when I was in high school and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, by God’s grace she beat the odds and was there for my high school graduation and my pre-med graduation. I thought she would be here for my graduation from medical school but it was not to be. Just a two week ago my mom died from the very disease I hope to help find a cure for one day.”

As Dawn spoke, the tears began to flow down her cheeks and that of many of her classmates. “I had speech prepared,” Dawn said, “and for those of you who would like to read it I will post it online. However in lieu of my speech tonight I would simply like to say in honor of my mom.”

Life is short
Live, love, laugh, forgive
Make a difference where ever you go.
And, don’t forget that Jesus Christ, the great physician should always be first in your life.

To our family and friends, especially my dad, thank you for being there with us, for believing in us and never giving up on us. We love you and appreciate you... class of 20—We did it! Thank you Lord!!!

The entire audience stood to their feet and erupted into applause as Dawn, face now sporting a huge smile walked to her seat…

(The end? Or is it the beginning?)
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)



GT June 2010

A Mother's Perspective...Goodbye

by Cleora Williams


It was a Saturday afternoon about five years ago when Bernadine (GT’s founder) stopped by for a visit that actually lasted a few hours. While there she referred to an article in her latest issue of girltalk and asked, how I would feel if dropped my daughter off to an afternoon class and she went off with her boyfriend.

Mortified I replied “Mad” and I went off on quite a tangent as I expressed many emotions: Anger, disappointment, grief and disbelief. Maybe it’s because my daughter was only twelve at the time I could not fathom something like that. She (my daughter) spoke up and said “but Mummy I ain’t do nothing, why you rowing me?” Ms. Mcintosh, of course was quite tickled by my tirade and asked me write what I had just said. And so began my sojourn with girltalk, writing the column A Mother’s Perspective…

Each issue of girltalk that I contributed to, I tried to write an article that I believe could make a difference. At times I scolded, or gave advice and tried to get young ladies to think of relevant issues. But most of all I tried to remind young ladies of how precious they are to God.

And so as the final curtain falls for girltalk (for a while at least), I want to share some advice with you that I shared with Ms. Bernadine McIntosh when she graduated from high school.

“I know you thought it was not ever going to end, but it did. I have news for you young ladies, you have only just begun. Remember to always keep your eyes on God and he will lead you safely through everything. Stay sweet and always stay with God, he won’t leave you or forsake you, he’ll always be there no matter what time it is or what your problem is.

And so with this final issue of girltalk I want to express my sincere gratitude to Bernie (my cousin) for allowing me to express myself via her magazine. And to my girltalk audience I hope that I have deposited something positive into your life through at least one issue of girltalk.

Remember ladies you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, you are precious to him; your price is far above rubies and you CANNOT be bought. I love you, Jesus loves you, do well be blessed.

Congratulations Lachanté on being one of the spotlight teens for this issue, and your graduation from Jack Hayward School; you have come a long was baby.

Kudos!!! Jack Hayward’s class of 2T10: Lachanté, Bria Comfy, Twinkie, April, Joineé and all the beautiful, well mannered ladies from Jack Hayward. Good luck to all the young ladies who are leaving high schools on the island.

Spotlight on Shanice Simmons

Smart, courageous, determined… these are just a few of the terms that were used to describe this young lady to me. I have yet to meet her but she came highly recommended and I know she definitely fits the profile of a Girl Talk Spotlight Teen and role model.

Eighteen year old Shanice Alexandria Simmons is the out-going Deputy Headgirl at Sunland Baptist Academy. She is an honour roll student graduating with a 3.7 grade point average.
Shanice has 5 BJC’s passed with 2As and 3B’s. She is currently taking her BGCSE’s one of which she had to take in the hospital due to ill health. Ironically, Shanice also had to take one of her BJC’s in the hospital. However, this teen refuses to let anything keep her down and faces whatever challenges she encounters with a smile.

Shanice is active in school and church activities including, Soccer, Governor General’s Youth Award, Choir, and Youth Ministry.

How do you manage to maintain such excellent grades? I prioritize my time.

What is your favorite high school memory? Receiving Deputy Head Girl

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Hanging with my friends

Who inspires you and why? My parents are my inspiration because they remind me that they are working hard for me to have it easier than they did. This motivates me to make them proud and also make myself proud so their efforts won’t be fruitless.

What are your plans for the future? I plan to study Medicine at UWI to become a Pediatric Nephrologist.

What played a role in you making this choice? After many years of travelling abroad to see doctors I aspire to become the first Pediatric Nephrologist living in the Bahamas.

What are your plans for your first summer as a high school graduate? Sleep, eat shop and travel...It’s been long school year.

What are some of the difficulties you have faced in life? How have they helped you to grow into the person that you are? At the age of two I was diagnosed with a kidney defect (Minimal Change Disease). It has helped me to be independent because I do not let my family or friends treat me any different than anyone else. It has also helped me to be compassionate especially when I see someone in pain. The reason I want to become a doctor is because it has helped me to realize obstacles in life will arise but it up to you to overcome it... I realize, ya fail if you don’t try so I rather fail trying... What do I have to lose?

What is your biggest pet peeve? Indiscriminate dumping

What advice would you like to give the class of 2011? You don’t have as much time as you think ...Be ye also ready…

Finish these sentences I smile my biggest smile when … enemies expect me to wear a frown
I often dream about… being successful
God is… the author and finisher of my faith
The world would be a better place if… people would work together and communicate effectively.
My future looks…. Awesome!

GT June 2010

This teen graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy earlier this evening.

Ten Things a Girl Needs

1. a place to belong

2. a sense of purpose…

3. chocolate ~at least once per month~

4. dreams / goals…

5. family…

6. parental guidance…

7. true friends…

8. unconditional love…

9. wise counselors…

10. A relationship with Jesus Christ

GT June 2010

What's on your voicemail?

By Wendyann Rolle, class of '07

Ring Ring Ring!!!!!!!!!

“Girl, answer your phone it’s ringing.”
“Not your cell phone I mean your spiritual phone. God is calling you! Are you available or will your voicemail pick up?”

"Hey God it’s me, I am busy now living my life and having fun, please leave a message after the beep and when I find some time I will get back to you.”

Believe it or not, this is what we tell God every time we ignore His call. I should know, that used to be the message on my phone.

Sometimes we get caught up in our own affairs and leave God totally out of the equation. Then when we have a problem we expect him to be there right away. We treat him like a spare tire never remembering him until we need Him. However, the Bible says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you Matthew 6:33

So, as a young lady I have answered God's call and I try to always seek his kingdom first. I must say it wasn't easy I had to give up a few friends and relationships I thought I couldn’t live without. I didn’t do it all at once but gradually with God's help I gave up those things that were hindering me from achieving my full potential in God. In other words, I no longer have a “spiritual voice mail.” When God calls He doesn’t have to ring twice I pick up immediately with a cheerful, “Here I am Lord, I’m available use me.”

So to you that have heard the call I say answer it. God has a plan for your life and you must answer the call in order to fulfill his purpose and reach your destiny. There will be some rough spots along the way but God will turn all things meant for bad around for your good.

GT June 2010

Are You God's Girl?

G- giving
O – original
D – discerning
‘S- sincere

G – generous
I –industrious
R – reliable
L - loyal


GT June 2010

Publisher's Note

Dear Young Lady,
The year is almost half gone already. Is time speeding up or what?
In case you were wondering, I didn’t put out a March issue of GT so I simply decided to combine the March and June issues hence, the two Spotlight Teens.

If you saw the December issue of Girl Talk you know that after this issue which marks GT’s 10th anniversary Girl Talk will be going on hiatus. I still don’t know whether it’s permanent or temporary but I’m open to whatever God puts in my heart to do.

In thinking about this issue I wondered, “What would I say to my readers if this is to indeed be the final Girl Talk.” I’ll admit it’s a bit hard. You’ve become like family to me. I’ve met many of you, heard your stories, cried with you, celebrated your triumphs, and seen you grow from insecure teenagers to beautiful, confident and ambitious young women.

Then there are those of you I’ve never met in person but who would email me and ask, “When is the next Girl Talk coming out?” When are you going to write about a, b or c? or simply, “I enjoy reading Girl Talk, keep it up.

All of these things have encouraged me to publish Girl Talk over the past ten years. And truly I’ve learned so much from you in the process.

There’s a quote that says, “There are no good-byes, where ever we are, you’ll always be in my heart.” This states just what I feel. You’ll always be in my heart young lady. I’ll always pray for you, celebrate you, cheer you on. I know that there is a woman of excellence inside of you and I trust that you will allow God to work in your heart and life that you will become that godly woman he has predestined you to be.

Since I can’t find the words to say goodbye I’ll simply say, until we meet again, remember God loves you and don’t ever forget how very special you are…

God bless,
Bernadine J. McIntosh
Founder/Publisher

GT June 2010

What would you say?

I was wondering...


If you were able to go back in time


and talk to yourself


as you graduate from high school,


what would you say?


What advice would you give,


the young, excited, optimistic


you about the future?

-Hoping to use your answers in the last issue of my teen girl magazine.-

Photo credit: Microsoft clipart

Saying Goodbye

In another month I’ll be saying goodbye to my teen girl magazine.

The thing is saying goodbye is hard.

I’ve been publishing Girl Talk since June 2000, almost a third of my life.

I feel like it’s time to take a break I don’t know if it’s six months, one year or forever and therein lies the uncertainty.

How do you say goodbye to something that you didn’t plan on giving up?

My desire remains the same, to reach, encourage, inspire and point young ladies to Christ.

I know my Heavenly father has a plan as to what I should do next and I know He’ll reveal it in His time.

Girl Talk Magazine Dec '09-Feb '10

Click on a link below to read some of the contents of Girl Talk Magazine.

A Look Back

A Place for Me

Choosing Happiness

Grouchy Lainie

Letting Go, Holding On and Moving Forward

Spotlight on Miss Ashlea Archer

What a Girl Wants to Know - Public Speaking

Publisher's Note

This issue of Girl Talk came out very, very late. However I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do. But I have decided after much prayer that as of June of this year I will be taking a hiatus from publishing Girl Talk print magazine. Read the Publisher's Note for further information.

Spotlight on Miss Ashlea Archer

Every day is a new challenge. The closer I get to my career goals, the more confronted I am by things that make me feel sometimes intimidated or even frustrated. The blessing is in knowing that others have made this journey and that the mark in time I have made thus far was through faith, hard work and perseverance.
Ashlea Archer


It was five years ago when I first interviewed this courageous young woman. At that time she was a twelfth grader at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Bahamas with an impressive academic record and big plans for the future. Now, twenty-one years old, Ashlea Archer is following the first phase of her college dream at Florida Southern College. Ashlea has faced medical problems both in high school and since she’s started college but she has an indomitable spirit that refuses to give up.

In high school you dreamt of becoming a heart surgeon. Is that still your goal? Yes, that is still my overall career goal. After graduating from high school I was blessed to work at a clinic on Abaco for several months and take part in the Student Temporary Employment Programme (S.T.E.P.) at Doctor’s Hospital. This experience was definitely a driving force for me to continue my journey. The more I saw, the more I felt inspired to be like the outstanding medical officers I shadowed.

How close are you to achieving your goal? I complete my undergraduate degree in Biology/pre-med May 2010. The next step is medical school which can take anywhere from 4-9 years. The time is somewhat extensive because I desire to specialize in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

How is college life different from high school?
The difference comes into play when you are faced with the responsibility to remain focused. There is no one to “supervise” your decisions so who you are comes to light as you are faced with adult decisions.

How do you handle being away from your family for extended periods? This is honestly best answered by the fact that I like to keep busy. I am very involved on my college campus and this helps to keep me focused. I also have wonderful friends who have become like family to me. Moreover, my sister has recently joined me at college so I definitely feel closer to home when I am with her.

Was there ever a period when you were not focused? As far as a moment when my focus lapsed, that would have to be second semester of my junior year. I was diagnosed with tumors in my breast and had to have surgery. This was a trying time because it placed physical pain on me as well as a lot of emotional strain on my family. I felt very overwhelmed at times and did my best to attend classes thankfully, my professors were very understanding. Shortly after my surgery one of my best friends died from a medical condition. I felt like my world was crumbling but by the grace of God and support of amazing friends and family that semester is behind me.

What do you do to unwind and have fun? I am really bad at taking breaks. But, I love exploring so I might take a bike ride with my sister if we have a free weekend. Long drives and shopping are also a fun. Also, one of my favorite things to do is sing (and I will be learning to play guitar soon). So, my friends and I can get into a music room and have a jam session, that’s always a great time.

One thing I noticed about you as a teenager was your passion for your faith. Was it difficult to maintain? It was difficult when I tried to walk it out alone. God divinely set friends in my life that have the same goals for spiritual growth that I do. In addition, my sister is also very strong in her relationship with God and she uplifts me in prayer as I do for her.

What advice do you have to encourage young ladies to follow their dreams? Perseverance is critical. My father tells me that a dream cannot become a reality until you wake up and map out a plan. Also, investigate what the qualifications are for your dream. If it is a college/program you may need certain grades, community service hours, letters of recommendation etc. Do not let the work intimidate you instead allow it to motivate you. "You can do ALL things through Christ Jesus!"

Choosing Happiness

As the series showcasing Adrian Monk one of my favorite TV detectives comes to an end I thought it fitting to do a follow up article to one I wrote on Monk a few years ago entitled “Not Quite Perfect”.

“In the last episode I watched, Monk had an opportunity to take a test, which if he passed would help him get reinstated on the police force, something he wants more than anything. Unfortunately for Monk he did not pass the test...” GT Mar/May 04

Fast forward to present day. In the second to last episode Monk finally achieves his aim of getting back on the police force, but guess what, he is totally miserable. The thing he had been working towards for twelve years is now his and he is not happy.

In a scene that made me smile Monk said to his psychiatrist, “I was happy! Why didn’t you tell me I was happy?” This time Monk voluntarily quits the force and goes back to what he enjoyed; being a private detective. The reality of being back on the police force did not live up to the fantasy he had built up in his mind.

If you’ve been reading GT long enough I’m sure you know I found a lesson somewhere in that right?

The lesson…? People achieve a goal, and it is not always what they expect. The picture perfect situation they create in their mind is not the reality they find themselves in. This is because we get so caught up in dreaming about the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey.

Instead we often say,

‘When I get __________ I’ll be happy.”

“If I could just___________ I’ll be happy.”

“When I finish___________ I’ll be happy.”

However, like Monk we eventually realize that happiness is not a destination, a thing or a person it is a daily choice.

What do you choose?

GT Magazine Dec '09/Feb '10

Photo credit: Microsoft clipart

A Place for Me

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”~ Charles Spurgeon

“You made it!”
“ Congratulations!”
“Well done!”
“Good to see you!” “
Praise the Lord!”

I can imagine the excitement as the snail probably the last animal to arrive, made its way into the ark. The journey had been long and difficult. There were many obstacles to overcome along the way but finally tired, but excited, by perseverance the snail reached the ark.

The thought that came to my mind as I read the above quote was, a place for me. There were many animals on the ark, tall, short, beautiful, not so beautiful, fast, slow etc. The small, slow seemingly insignificant snail in today’s world may probably have been overlooked. However, there was a special place reserved on the ark just for that snail. The ark was not complete without the seemingly insignificant little snail.

We all feel insignificant sometimes especially around people who seem smarter, more talented, more beautiful or more creative than we are. However, just like there was a place on the ark for the snail there is a place for each of us. God gave each of us talents and special gifts and there is a place in this world for each of us to use them. However, like the snail we have to keep our goals in sight and persevere in spite of whatever obstacles we encounter along the way.

(Previously published on GT’s blog)

GT Magazine Dec '09/Feb '10

Letting Go, Holding On and Moving Forward

December 31, 2009, whew! Where did the year go? The last day of the year is always one of reflection for me. Won’t you join me, for an abbreviated journey? Okay, here we go…

Someone has said or done something, whether deliberately or unknowingly, to wound us this year. On this last day of the year let’s decide to let it go, even if they haven’t acknowledged it.

“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

We all probably entered this year with great expectations. Some of them came to past and some of them are still dreams waiting to be realized. Hold on to them… Let’s go into the New Year holding on to the thought that although our dreams may not be realized when we want them to, surely in God’s appointed time they shall come to past.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3

At some point during this year we may have been less than Christ like and the enemy often tries to bring the memory of past failures to haunt us. However let’s remember the Apostle John’s words and move forward in our walk with God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1 (emphasis mine)

So as we enter 2010 let’s let go of the negative, hold on to positive and move forward into a brand new year with the expectation that the same God who kept us through 2009 will be with us through 2010.


Originally published in at Laced With Grace December 2007 edited for GT Magazine.

A Look Back

The Clock of Life
By Maudlin December

The clock marks the passing of time
As it flies like a bird through the air.
Turning seconds to minutes to days
To weeks to months and finally years.

From the minute we take our first breath
Withdrawal of time has begun
The account will remain active
Until our allotted time on Earth is done.

So we must use our time wisely
Add something to our credit each day
The years will come and go like the tide will flow
But we can only reap what we took time to sow

Grouchy Lainie

“Hey Lainie,” Dawn said cheerfully as she caught up with her best friend for their walk to school.

“What are you so happy about?” Elaine replied grumpily.

“Uh oh, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” Dawn teased. “Girl, it’s a New Year, in a few months we’ll be graduating, I thought you’d have a smile on your face every day until then.”

“I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed this morning. Do you know how cold it is? It’s inhumane to expect anyone to be out in this. Besides, what are you so happy about?”

“Nothing really, I’m just choosing to be thankful and happy.”

“Really?”

“Uh hmm, Last year I remember one of my “facebook friend’s” did a weekly Thankful Thursday list and tried to get everyone to join in. A lot of other people joined in every Thursday and listed what they were thankful for.”

“Did you?” Elaine asked.

“Nope, you know me, I hate making lists. But reading some of the lists other people wrote inspired me so much I decided this year I would like to try to focus more on the things I’m thankful for. So, I’m just practicing being thankful every day.”

“Sounds like a lot of work to me. What can you find to be thankful for every single day?” Elaine asked.

Sure seems like you can use that today,” Dawn teased. “I can think of ten things right off the top of my head Dawn said,” starting with my mom’s cancer being in remission, that fact that I have only a few months left in high school, my grades being good enough to make the honor roll…

“I guess I can probably think of a few things too Elaine said. But I still don’t feel like it.”
"How about we make a pact to help each other be more thankful this year?” Dawn suggested.

“Sure, I guess we can give it a try” Elaine answered.

“Whenever one of us forgets to be thankful the other says, T squared.”

“T squared?” Elaine said questioningly.

“Thankful Thursday or if it’s not Thursday, Thankful Today,” Dawn replied.

“I like that,” Elaine said, “sort of like a secret code.”

“Uh hmm,” Dawn said then continued, “Lainie…”

“Yeah?”

“T squared”

“Hey no fair,” Lainie laughed. “You didn’t say we were starting right now. But anyway Dawn, I’m thankful for having a friend like you, who sticks with me even when I’m in a grouchy mood.”

See that wasn’t so hard Dawn said, and I’m thankful for a friend like you too. Now let’s speed up before we freeze our, you know what off.”

The two girls continued walking, laughing and talking the entire way.



This was written originally for Thankful Thursday but I rewrote it for Girl Talk Magazine