Our family has been hosting an 18-year-old Swedish exchange student named Lea since she arrived back in August to begin experiencing life in the United States. She fits right in with our family and has been enjoying her year, which has been flying by. Lea quickly made close friends at the local high school in... Continue Reading →
Music and Connection
Earlier this week, I was talking with a friend who has been actively involved for years with the Washington DC-based music non-profit Sitar Arts Center, which provides otherwise unavailable access to quality music education and fosters community. My friend was simply gushing about how enriching the experience of working with this organization has been for... Continue Reading →
Small Kindnesses
In the rush of everyday life, interactions with others are often brief, and pass without much notice. Or the people around us become a source of frustration, causing us to think, “Why can’t they drive faster so I could have made that light?” or “Why is that person in front of me in the express... Continue Reading →
Book Recommendations
Reviews on Goodreads and other book-oriented websites are always helpful when I'm trying to choose my latest reading material, but we've said it before and we'll say it again: our best source for discovering interesting and enjoyable books is always through word of mouth. Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and other connections are great sources of... Continue Reading →
BHM: Notable Quotes
In honor of February's Black History Month observance, Language of Friendship has compiled several quotes from black leaders and artists who inspire us. We hope you'll add to the collection in the comments below! My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. --Desmond Tutu If you find it in... Continue Reading →
In the Deep Freeze
Here we are in the middle of winter, with much of the country experiencing extreme cold and snowy weather. Depending on your perspective, this time of year can feel bleak and isolating or cozy and invigorating. I'm trying to focus on cozy and invigorating, but that's not always easy to do with chattering teeth and... Continue Reading →
Marriage and Friendship
Marriage is a journey that not everyone makes, and the trip isn’t always easy. But the foundation for most successful marriages is a durable friendship between partners that can strengthen the physical and emotional bond. When a couple manages to stay married for 50 years, friendship has likely taken on many forms and deepened in... Continue Reading →
Fighting Fires
California dreaming turned nightmarish this week as wildfires roared unabated through Los Angeles County. Entire communities that were thriving and beautiful just days ago have been reduced to ashes. My talented LA-based friend and artist Zoe created the illustration above and penned a powerful letter to the fire to convey her feeling of living with... Continue Reading →
Prioritizing Friendships
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the relationships that matter most to us. Friendships are critical to our lives, providing support, joy, and a sense of belonging. However, during the busy months leading up to the new year, it's easy to let some connections slip. As we shared... Continue Reading →
Happy Holidays 🎄🕎
Somehow it's that time of year again when the days get short and the parties get long! However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we hope that the season is filled with friendship, connection and love. All of us at the Language of Friendship wish you a very happy holiday season and new year filled... Continue Reading →