Tea, talk, token

She dropped by late morning with her two children, before heading back to the city she once left the capital for. She placed the children in front of the telly with the two films she had brought and explained to them that they were going to watch a film, have a snack and mummy was going to have a cup of tea and talk to her friend. Me. Loving kindness. There was no discussion. The children happily entertained themselves and we had a long chat that lasted for hours.

We haven't seen each other for more than a year. Twenty-five years or so ago we got to know each other through being part of the same gang of girls. May be our mutual interest in riding and horses made us a little bit closer, but there were differences that also held us apart. Then we found each other again. After years abroad (me), children (her), moving and new friends (me and her) we started talking again at a funeral... An authentic vintage friendship was crystalised.

Had we lived closer I think we would see each other every week. Our lives may appear very different but we find our connection through our mutual interest in yoga. Not just the practice, but the approach to life.

She was talking about opening her studio, expanding her business. She was talking about months abroad, escaping the winter but more importantly deepening her practice and allowing the family a different perspective of life.

When she left with her two lovely children (who did join us after a couple of hours), I was warm inside and filled with our vintage friendship.