The Fabulous Gigi – Happy 57th and A Tearful Announcement!

Wednesday is Gigi’s birthday…but I celebrate it holding back tears.  Next week will end my last school year to teach at her side.  By the end of the summer, she will move to another city.  She will be art teacher for another lucky school and she will be the right arm of her single daughter as they raise two granddaughters together.  Both Gigi and her husband have new jobs provided in perfect timing …for a couple who places family at the top of their priorities.
She has been
The Lucy to my Ethel
The Lone Ranger to my Kemo Sabe
The French to my Vanilla
The Dolce to my Gabbana





We are kindred spirits in so many ways.  Gigi is the one who gave me the idea and the encouragement to start a blog almost three years ago.  She is the one who has convinced me to take six weeks off and write a book.  As I enter my house each day, I smile at the colors of the walls…selected by Gigi; and the artwork over the fireplace…uncovered by Gigi at a resale shop.  For fourteen years, our classrooms have been practically back to back.
She has been at my side during thrift treasure hunts…Chico’s sales…Fashion Night Out runway shows…and special events from Tim Gunn to Soft Surroundings….Starbuck’s , Mexican food and garage sales.  My closet boasts of garments she encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try.   We have laughed and cried over so much of life…
Now, many of you will say thank goodness for technology…computers, phones, blogs, etc.  Of course, we will still communicate.  But, it will not be the same.  Anyone who knows what it is like to have a prayer partner understands the intimacy of the friendship.
I know she will be missed on this blog…I have actually received fan mail for her over the years.  I want you to know that we gave her a fun name in the beginning of the blog, because neither of us knew where it was headed.  I would like for all of you to know her name is GAIL.    We will be blessed to occasionally see her until August and then it might be a special guest appearance every now and then.
Happy Birthday, Gail….thank you so much for the gifts you have given me…gifts of courage, encouragement, confidence, wise advice, and companionship.  There will be a huge hole in my life without you.  BFF!

(The clothes, the jewelry, the style are all from Gigi’s favorite store, CHICOS
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone…hug a friend today!

23 Comments

  1. Ah, it's so hard to say good-bye when our best friends move away. My heart feels for both of you. I love how you describe your friendship (french to your vanilla : > ) and I am sure the love will endure over the distance. xoxoxo

  2. Happy Birthday, Gail!
    I can hear the sadness in your writing. Wishing the best for Gail on her new beginnings. I hope we'll get to see her once in a while on your blog.
    Big hugs to you, Pam!

  3. Happy Birthday Gail.

    It sounds to me like you've been a trusted friend, co-worker and advisor. Don't be a stranger just because you're moving away!

  4. A new beginning for you and your friend. I Skype with my BFF and it's almost as much fun as being together. Good luck to her and you as you adapt to this empty spot in your life.

  5. Ahhh Pam this brought such tears of recognition of your loss… What a beautiful tribute to not only your "Gigi"…. but to the importance of friendship. Sending you both much love during this transition. Love of friends always will prevail… sometimes it just looks a little different 🙂

  6. Happy Birthday Gigi!! I hope you keep using your fun name…sort of like my art name is Karena!
    I know Pam will miss you terribly and I look forward to seeing you on guest posts!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  7. Life is so temporal, yes? Glad you have such a good friend in Gigi.
    xo,
    MH Willia

  8. Oh Pam! This almost makes me want to cry! She really has become a part of your blog, fittingly so, as she is such a part of your life! When I moved to another city 1 1/2 ago, I left behind some really close friends…kindred spirits as you say. And while we still keep in touch, it's just not quite the same. I hope you and Gail (she'll always be Gigi to me!!) are able to visit each other often! You friendship and mutual affection come through so warmly on your blog! Much love to you my friend!! And love and hugs to Gigi too!! Serene

  9. Happy Birthday Gail! It's so awesome for you two to have found a friendship like this. That kind of relationship does not come to everyone. It's sad for you since she will be away, but what a great adventure for her to be with her family and start a new job. Good luck to you both!

  10. Oh, that is sad… I can understand how you feel!
    How far will you be apart from each other?
    But it doesn't mean the end to your friendship although it will be different.

    My partner and I live in a long distance relationship. Probably even more challenging and not always easy to deal with. But it works and we are planning for the future even it will take a couple of years.

    All the best for both of you!

    Annette
    Lady of Style
    follow me on Facebook

  11. This post brought a tear to my eye. I have been following your blog for many years and I have always felt the kinship between you and "Gigi". I also know that friends like her do not happen every day. You were certainly blessed to have her in your life and I thank you for sharing that friendship with all of your readers. Happy Birthday Gigi and all the best on your journey.

  12. Oh Pam~I'm feeling this with you lady. What a special friendship you share-all next door in classrooms but spilling over into real life and fun. You will miss her-but no doubt the depth of your friendship will extend over the miles. I promise you, it will.
    Lovely post of friendship and love.
    xx, Heather

  13. Big tears rolling down my face. Lucy to your Ethel? That one got me! You two are so very blessed to have each other. Consider you will always be a part of each other's heart, always. Bless you both.

    Thanks for sharing!
    With great affection, Cathy

  14. I wish you the best Gail … and Happy Birthday a bit late. I am glad you have such a wonderful friend Pam. I'm sure you will both look forward to the new adventures you will share when you visit each other. Hugs to you both! Susan

  15. It's so hard to watch a friend leave…I know it will be different but God must have great plans for both of you! Hugging you…and Gail!

  16. I know you will be sad to see Gigi move
    It is so hard when your BFF moves
    I have a BFF moving at the end of June to VA
    So sad!!
    Brett

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