Heidi was one of those girls who always had a attention from boys. In fact, when we were in sixth grade - I remember the older boys even noticed her. At the time, all I could think was how much I'd like to look like her... I was also jealous of her house - which was immaculate. Her mom seemed young, hip, and was an interior designer who was always doing cool things with decor.
One weekend, I spent the night at Heidi's house - and she had a fight with her older sister. After the argument, her older sister was talking to some boy from the doorway of their house - he was in a car on the street, and I peeked out the door too. The boy yelled, "Who's the fat chick?" My heart sank into the pit of my stomach... I remember Heidi's sister yelled, "You are mean, get out of here" and Heidi put her arm around me and said, "I guess we are both having bad days..."
We were friends through junior high, but we went to different high schools - and lost touch with each other. I saw her once in the hallway at the college we both attended, and then I didn't hear much of her until we reconnected on Facebook.
I was blown away by her pictures - the Heidi I knew looked the same, just taller and more muscular. The reason I was blown away by the photos, is because Heidi was living a life that I aspire to live, and admire greatly. She is an incredible athlete - marathons, triathlons, and aspiring iron man participant - and Vegan to boot! I felt inspired instantly, because though Heidi was always fit - I didn't remember her being an athlete. She clearly had developed that in adulthood and it suits her!
Heidi has been supportive of my blogging since day one. She has read it faithfully, commenting where she relates, and has sent me so many supportive emails along the way. She is always making raw Vegan concoctions and yesterday, I got a package in the mail...
Heidi sent me some of her homemade goodies!
She also sent me this beautiful card - so thoughtful!
These two are beyond good. On the left, "Maca Goji Berry Bites" and on the right(my favorite) "Cacao Cherry Bites" They are both filled with complex textures and flavors - and are surprisingly satisfying! I LOVE them!
Above is her "raw granola" and it too had flavors and textures that beat any granola I've tasted. Once again, a little goes a long way - and I felt so much more satisfied with it compared to typical granola.
These are "lime macadamia nuts" - a perfect combination of sweet and savory!
Finally, pictured above are the "Curry Cashews" which have a subtle curry flavor with a sweet balance. I enjoyed them last night at my 2 hour faculty meeting - they hit the spot!
I will be hounding Heidi to send me the recipes - especially for those bites... YUM - I will also continue to encourage her to open her own business.(Maybe we should team up?!) Every one of these was better than anything I've tried in the store, or even locally made here. Making things with love and intention = nourishment!
I am so grateful to have reconnected with this childhood buddy of mine. I have changed a lot since the age of 12 too - and though I still might compare my outsides to hers(my insecurities have deep roots) I recognize that we are much more alike than different. She got attention from boys - but that didn't make her feel any more secure in herself. Not to mention, there are often problems that come along for women who get constant attention for how they look... Heidi is so much more than her physical appearance.
She is determined, intelligent, thoughtful, giving, supportive, energetic, kind, compassionate, creative, talented and loving.
Our life experiences have taken us along different paths - and yet we, like so many women, can relate to the struggles of finding yourself in this sometimes cruel world. We have both gravitated towards a love for health, and a passion for sharing a message of hope with those who know they want to make a change for the better.
Heidi is an inspiration to me, as much as she is a support - and I am so grateful to still call her, friend.
