Book clubs in the house, in the bistro, and most definitely in vogue: it’s my second this month. I appeared at my first book club where I’ve ever, in person, showed up at someone’s home to discuss my own books–my life, my work and world–with strangers. The best part? The connections made. Having another mama to now go with our daughters to see Annie at Bass Music Hall in a few months… hearing their stories–I just loved it.
I love when you find yourself surrounded by people who couldn’t give a shit about blogs or the web–they’re simply not part of that world. That’s what I like. Maybe it’s because it allows me to feel "different," "special," but in truth, I really don’t think so. Why I like being around "offline people" is because we all share our stories without worrying how they’ll be retold or twitted. There’s no self-consciousness. We’re just women in a kitchen–what I grew up seeing on TV, or in the movies, but not so much in my own home.
I don’t remember my mother inviting many friends over. She mostly spent time with her sister, which means I grew up with my first cousins… which is a life I’d never trade. I love those memories; they smell like strong coffee. I love and miss my cousins and wish everyone would just up and move to TexASS.
The house of my childhood, despite being my mother, my sister, and me, was never a house of women. Yet, it’s still the life I always imagined for myself. A kitchen life. Filled with secrets and sauvignon. A world of women who mother, who want to mother but can’t, who wouldn’t mother if you took them prisoner and forced them to lick wax out of the ears of Christmas elves. Women any way. Girl Scout troop leaders, sorority sisters, lawyers, marketing executives, sisters. In a way that first book club I attended is what family feels like: clicks and cliques around an island kitchen with another bottle being uncorked.
Book clubs, or even getting together under the pretense of a book, a majong game, or a stack of cards for (dare I say it) Bridge, Bunko, or "Ballsy Stampers & Scrappers" nights… is right up my alley. I love making new girlfriends and hearing all about their girlfinds. I think I’m finally at the point now where I’m eager to make new friends, try new things, and really get out there. I think this comes with the sprouts being older and far more managable. I’m not as nervous anymore. Then again, when work hits, I hate to say it, my life becomes the pajama house existence that I know oh so well. Speaking of which… I’m off tomorrow to Los Angeles for exciting work meetings! I’ll be out there until Thursday… staying with a dear girlfriend, whom I met at one of my book readings. I feel so lucky.
A YEAR AGO: Advice Needed
3 YEARS AGO: Catchin’ Yankees With Honey
4 YEARS AGO: White
