Last night I had the gift of sisterhood. I was lucky to host my book club. We don’t really have a fancy or cute name – it’s just the book club. But this is a group of women who have been meeting once a month for almost 20 years. Over the years we’ve had a few lovely ladies join and a few lovely ladies leave due to home moves, work schedules, or busy schedules. But they know they are always welcome back.
Over the years we’ve read a pile of books. When we started, there were no tablets, Kindle’s, or reading on mobile phones. There was not social media. Most of the book club is now digital, but a few of us diehards prefer the old school physical book.
Over the years we’ve also lived a lot of life. Most of us weren’t married when we started. None of us had kids – now, most of us have two or three. We’ve celebrated the best of times – marriages, children (with many joining book club in their infant car seats in the early years), personal joys and professional success. We’ve also survived deaths, miscarriages, divorces, infertility, job loss and transitions, and other challenges. You learn a lot about people over this many years and the longevity of friendship is a gift.
For me, these were some of my first friends when I moved to Seattle. Sometimes we don’t see each other in between book club meetings. But there is a comfort, familiarity and trust always.
Our format is simple – someone hosts and serves wine and appetizers. Someone leads the discussion of the current book chosen. Someone brings a yummy dessert. And someone chooses the book for the next month. Super easy. Super fun.
Occasionally we go big. For years, we had overnights to Whidbey Island – the ultimate sleepover – with great friends, great drinks, great discussion and the occasional living room dance party. This year, we went huge and several of us spent Mother’s Day plus a few days in Las Vegas. We had the best time. Sun, shopping, great dinners, and a few fun nights out. I’ll leave it at that. But it was an absolute blast.
Last night, I had the ladies at my house. Only one of us (not me!) actually read the book this time. We used to do much better on the actual reading front and this year – for real! – we are committed to returning to the voracious readers and active discussion of years past. Instead, we had tons of girl talk and I got tons of great advice on an upcoming house remodel and the perfect kitchen lay-out identified.
We enjoyed a fair amount of wine for all and the most brilliant handmade (not by me!) blackberry pie with a gorgeous lattice crust. I gave each friend a hug when they arrived and a hug when they left. I love these girls.
Making time for friends is so important. I never regret a moment. And I’m so grateful for the laughs, the tears and the memories.
I love you book club.
The Redefining 
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