I am writing my second book, which will be the second part of a trilogy. I know the title, but will withhold that information until a later date. Two of the characters in "The Magic Pouch," since the first writing have become dear friends. It made me ponder what is a true friend? The question has never been one that I did not know the answer. A friend is that person who will always no matter what, be there for you. They will tell you the cold hard truth when you need to hear it. They know how you think, what you are apt to do and see all of your greatness or flaws.

Now, the harder question is why are acquaintances just that and never more than that? What causes one person to be your friend for life and another a passing shadow or worse someone who comes to hate you? I am fond of saying that some will hate you for your mere existence. This is a brutal truth. Very difficult if you are seeking the approval of others. The flip side of that is that friend who overlooks all of your flaws and inconsistences and loves you just for being you.

It would be a wonderful world if we could fall short of judging others. Would it not be a better place if we could just agree to disagree and not ridicule or belittle others simply because they view things through a different looking glass? The world of what if's not a game I usually play. I am way too pragmatic. Judging others is built into our DNA. It protects us from bad situations or warns of impending danger. We cannot simply turn off who we are. For me, I am grateful for the friends that I have. I hope you are as well.