Is it normal to be friends with a teacher?

I had this teacher a long time ago, and she was an incredibly positive influence in my life. She was very encouraging and always stood up for me, so she became my favorite teacher. Every school year since she stopped being my teacher, I came by to visit her after school at least once per year to catch up. One time I came to visit, but she had a hair appointment, but invited me to come with her so we could still talk a little. Other than our little visits, we don't talk at all really. Is it weird that I went to the salon with her to catch up? Is it weird that I feel like I can confide in her and (kinda) consider her a friend?