After we saw our last one off to college, I had planned to broaden my horizons by reading a little more and doing something for myself. Farming has a way of deterring from that notion very readily.
After a full day of winter farm chores, I come into our nice warm house just wanting to collapse at night. But I pushed myself to ask a few friends what they thought of starting a book club, something I had in the back of my mind for quite a while.
There seemed to be interest so another gal and I decided on a time and place to meet. She asked several of her friends and I asked several of mine. The end result was altogether we have anywhere from eight to 12 ladies meeting once a month at a local restaurant.
Some of us have a glass of wine or a mug of beer before we eat, some have a soda while others have a mixed drink. When we are seated at the table, we order our meal, and as we wait, discuss the book on the agenda that night.
Our first meeting was an organizational get-together where we discussed how we will choose books to read, where we will meet, who will be in charge of sending informational emails to the group and lastly, what are we going to call ourselves? One gal mentioned that we should all bring a few book titles to the first meeting, as well as suggestions for a book club name.
After reading a few of the suggestions amidst hysterics, we agreed on GAB, which stands for “Girls and Books.” How clever and so appropriate. We do much gabbing and we are all girls who love books. It was a perfect fit. I offered to be the “secretary.” The job entails emailing members approximately twice a month, once just after the meeting, keeping those who could not make it informed of the decisions as well as emailing again one week before the next meeting, reminding everyone of the time/place and what book we are discussing.
We’ve found we are a diverse group consisting of teachers, school secretaries, nurses, farmers, as well as a couple of retirees. We meet around 5:30 p.m. or so, discuss our book, topics of interest, our children, occasionally world events, our jobs and any other matters of concern that are on our hearts. The thing I enjoy most is the conversation as well as getting to know the other women. I’ve come to realize we are fast becoming friends. Plus, we have a common thread: we all just love to read.
My husband is not a reader. He proudly says he has read but one book in his entire life. I sigh. I love the library, the smell, the serenity, the expectation of a great read. I love books, holding them solidly in my hands, the feel of an open book upon my lap, anticipating what I will learn between its pages. I enjoy discovering the nuances the writer uses to develop the plot of the story, the method in which the author integrates the characters and, of course, I love a great ending. I anticipate my chance to read, the stolen opportunities where I allow myself time to sit. I find it’s better than a bowl of ice cream and that is saying a lot, for I’m very fond of Bordeaux Cherry Chocolate ice cream.
My husband has been known upon occasion to stop at the library and pick up a book for me when he goes to town for cow feed. For a good long while I used to think, “Tsk, oh, what a wonderful thing for him to do, taking time out of his busyness on the farm, how sacrificial and loving! He wants to bless me.” One day I thanked him as usual and then he burst my warm and fuzzy bubble with: “Then you’re quiet. And I get to watch what I want on TV tonight!” Oh. Mercy.
Girls and Books. It’s a delightful night out once a month and I look forward to it with great anticipation. Tonight I think I’ll enjoy my book accompanied by a nice big bowl of Bordeaux Cherry Chocolate ice cream. Why not?
(“Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift!” Ecclesiastes 5:19, The Message Bible)
Categories
