Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Ad Hoc Book Group



Today I did one of those things I do every year, often with little success - I planted seeds in peat pots. I'm not sure why I haven't yet learned this life lesson that this doesn't generally work well for me. I just like to think it's because I'm optimistic. And I planted things today that I've never planted before.

Today I planted lots of sweet peas and hollyhocks. I've never had any of either and they both seem perfect for me. Sharon, landscaper friend extraordinaire, tells me apparently I want a "cottage garden." I think she's right. I've always wanted a profusion of plants and blooms - of all different sorts, living harmoniously. I have no idea how to achieve this, of course, but I feel all the more inspired to try because Sharon has generously made my front flower bed ready to receive plants. I have had success with some things from seed, so maybe this will be a banner year for me.

It has been a long day for me. I had one of those days that has happened a few times since surgery - I could have stayed in bed all day long. I mean ALL day long. My body was saying, "please, please, please, let me sleep... I need to sleep... please, don't make me get up... I need to rest." Unfortunately for my body, I had a board meeting tonight and had to prepare for it, so that wasn't possible. But very shortly I will be laying my body down for some much needed rest.

I'm thinking about another ad-hoc book group to discuss "The Geography of Bliss." It was a great book and I think it would be a good one for a group to discuss.

The ad-hoc book group is very ... well ... ad-hoc. When I run across a book I think friends would enjoy I just send an email and post a note on the blog saying, "hey, lets get together and discuss this at some point in the not too distant future." I'm guessing this will be April or May. I'm just not up to entertaining yet. Anyway, eventually I'll pick a date and whoever wants to come over can come, I'll make dessert, and we discuss. So, if you think you might want to do this at some future time, pick up a copy of "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner.

I like to give people plenty of time to read the book. I think you will find this book wonderful. The first page tells you this guy can write. If his name is familiar it's because he has worked at NPR for years.

I also don't have a schedule because I think this is a key to getting groups together these days. I don't think anyone wants to have another "second Thursday every month" event on their calendar for a group where you're going to be missed if you're not there. I know I don't. This way there's no commitment beyond one night and one book. If you're reading this and interested, consider this your official invitation. I will post details here as they develop.

In addition, I think we'll soon have a writer's group in Hutchinson. I've talked about starting one off and on and have an opportunity to meet with a number of other writers at an upcoming event. So, I'm going to ask if any of them would like to get together on a regular basis to discuss our work. Again, we may do it ad-hoc. We'll see how that all develops. But, I'm excited by the possibilities. I have a couple of folks who have emailed at various times asking if there is a group, so soon we'll be able to say "yes" to that.
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