Make New Friends, But Keep The Old, One Is Silver And The Other's Gold!

Being alone in a new city, new life and new culture can do one of two things, it can scare the crap out of you and bring out your inner snail tendencies, or it will force you to go out and make a way for yourself. Always one to never know a stranger, I have been able to make some great contacts which have led to great friendships.....and this week, was no exception.

Shortly after moving to Southern Pines, it was easy to see that shopping and fashion are not mainstays in this small town.  Nordstrom was calling my name like a long-lost friend desperate to reconnect.  Go figure, the closest shopping, as I knew it and a Nordstrom, was over an hour away in Durham.  The distance would never stop me from visiting a long-lost friend and Nordstrom was just that to me.  I decided to spend an entire day meandering aimlessly around the Streets at Southpoint and of course started at Nordstrom.  As I walking with that bounce in my step that magically appears as I make my way to the shoe section and soon the makeup department, I was approached by a bubbly and beautiful woman that worked for Trish McEvoy.  Being a Trish fan myself, I decided to stay and play around with some new looks with my new friend, Caroline Winchester.  Caroline is a renowned make-up artist for Trish McEvoy and she and I hit it off like peas and carrots.

Just a few of my favorite Indy girls and my new sister!

Caroline has become my savior of daily life, as soon as we met, she was stuffing my hands with business cards for a dermatologist, dentist, facialist and hairstylist.  If it was not for this lady, I would not have felt as though my ability to narrow down and seek out the best of the best would be possible.  Caroline is the first person to give you the jacket off her back if needed and is so willing to help in any way possible, even me, a stranger!

Caroline, knowing my past in pageants from our initial conversation, introduced me to a fabulous girl named Jocelyn.  A former pageant winner and makeup artist, Jocelyn and I too have become fast friends.  I was fortunate enough spend time with Jocelyn over salads and ice water with lemon this week and really picked her brain about pageants in North Carolina.  Following in Caroline's footsteps, Jocelyn has given me great insight and contacts that will allow me to put my best foot forward as I prepare for Mrs. North Carolina.  Jocelyn and I have more in common than either of us imagined and sharing stories with her and hearing of her adjustments as an Army wife, have helped me see further into the complex mentality of our Army husbands.  Thank you Jocelyn!

I am so blessed to have met new friends....but still, I miss my Indianapolis girls more than words can say.  I hope each of you thanks a friend today for being there by your side and thank God above for bringing new ones into your life unexpectedly, everyday.