Tuesday, October 4, 2016

These are my People - this is where I come from....

I sometimes hesitate to post pictures of this group.  It is a select and carefully cultivated group of friends.  Sometimes this kind of thing comes across as snotty, snooty, exclusive, unwelcoming, cliqueish, rude, uppity, and oh, so many terms.  It is an established event that has occurred 27 times so far.  It happens every fall and spring.  Originally, invites were mailed or emailed to dozens of people.  Many refusals were given and people just weren't interested in spending weekend scrapbooking or crafting with a bunch of other women.  But it's more than the craft.  The craft is a big part of what gets you there.  This is a group of women who shares time and ideas together.  We've had death and divorce affect us.  We've had job changes and life changes.  We have shared so much laughter and some many tears.  And this is the group that is the core.  It starts with the starter list, and when the spaces are all filled, the inviting is done.  So I guess the words above could describe us.  But we are also a group of women who understand the meaning and the need for community.  The need for a sisterhood.  For compliments, criticism and chocolate.  Our lives are not all peachy.  Sometimes they are just plain rotten.  But this is one of the things that keeps us peddling along.  The encouragement and accountability of this group that tells you that your seams are crooked, your word is spelled wrong, and your wine glass needs refilled.  Some of these women hardly see each other except for these 2 times a year, but we fall right into step.
Have you got a friend group like this?  If not, I suggest you start one.  Our shirts this time, with the big fall tree dropping leaves, says "Friendship is not a big thing...It's a million little things."  That's sort of the way we work this.
Another thought...if your husband doesn't have a group like this, start one.  Mine was originally a bowling team that was tired of bowling and would rather throw horse shoes and cornhole.  And they do that as long as the weather permits.  A couple of the guys have big enough farm buildings for indoor cornhole in the winter...that's the season of cards.  500 is the game of choice.  No money changes hands.  Beverage and snacks are contributed here and there.  Monday nights are sacred for this group of friends.  Politics and religion discussions, along with wife bashing, are off limits.  They come when they can, they leave when they need to.  They enjoy each others company.  If they are outside, there is often a fire to sit around.  The wives know where they are and that they are safe and happy.  It's a therapy all it's own.  If you don't have one, start one.  You'll be glad you did...

2 comments:

Be Still and KNOW... said...

This is an amazing group of women. Honored to have had the chance to join one of the 27. Agree.... Groups of friends to do life with are such a joy. We women are blessed that it is easier for French for us... But we benefit when we encourage our "guys" to cultivate a buddy group.

Susan Anderson said...

You are a fortunate woman! My circle, though dear, is much smaller. Many of us have moved away, too, so it's hard to get everyone together.

=)