The Little Bookclub that Could

We are the little bookclub that could. 

Two last minute add-ons that morning.

Two last minute (10 minutes before) cancelations.

Did I freak out? Not really, but did utter a few WTFs.

Five of us in a rounded corner booth. Deep blue velvet seat -- lovely and girly. That said, I'm not chomping to go back. No GF bread options and that takes out most of the menu. It's pricey too. Better options for brunch, so I'd need a specific reason to go back.

I had idea for the next meeting. 

It's a combination of Priya Parker gathering theory on magical questions and Gretchen Rubin's children literature bookclub. 

What's a magical question? A question the group is interested in everyone's answer AND excited to give an answer too. 

Choose a favorite book from childhood. Re-read and bring to the meeting. This will open some magical questions and be an interesting discussion in a different way.

We tried a magical question at brunch.

What's saving your life right now? 

Barbara Brown Taylor question.

Big or little.

No wrong answers. 

Coffee can be the answer. 

God can be the answer.

And everything in-between.

I loved hearing everyone's answer. Mine was group gatherings. 

Why? I hated groups so I went hard on individual for a few years. Turns out the problem was they were the wrong groups. It takes time, effort, willingness to try, willingness to let go. In this shit-show we need people. I'm grateful for people gathering in kind, inclusive, groups. 

And for the book selection ... I'm chewing on some options. The Secret Garden is an option. Winnie the Poo is an option. The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe is an option. Stay tuned. 

Backing up a minute ...

I ran passed a tree on my usual running route and thought someone put in a fairy garden in a hollowed out tree knot.

Nope, it's NATURE being amazing.

Absolutely darling

Today is an overdue call with my longest friend of almost 40 years. Formally my best friend. We've been having a prickly relationship for the last 5 years. At least prickly on my end. It feels like the relationship swiftly became one-sided. I'm tired of it and slowed down my side of the road this year (after 4 years of trying, waiting, supporting, getting coached). 

We haven't talked in 3 months. 

Is the friendship ending? I don't think so, but I think the best friendship ended long ago. I know she's struggling with some identity stuff (career, middle-aged stuff), but her answer is to puff herself up and deflate me. Insults disguised as opinions. Ignoring my wins. Inflating her life. Wanting me to engage as a best friend and shrugging off her lack of attention to me. 

I could go on, but I should end it there since this is public-ish. 

Every time we talk, I hope we can start connecting again. Long friendships go through cycles and I'm hoping this will change for the better at some point. I don't expect she'll ever be my best friend again, but I think we can stay close, if we can work through this. 

Well, the conversation took a turn. I'll end it here. Hope you have a good Sunday. I have another local political meeting tonight. Trying to get informed. 

Later gators.