Book Club Folds

I had been so excited to join a group of mainly older women for book club at the quaint café each month on a Thursday.  My very first book club was cancelled due to a power outage.  It was rescheduled for the following week which I attended.  Being new at a cosy group is always a little intimidating but I thought all went well.  The next month it was cancelled due to most of the group not reading the book.  This month I was told by the café owner; "Come storms, high water or whatever, we will have book club, even if it's just the two of us."  Then she cancelled. Her neighbour had passed away and she needed to attend her funeral on that day.  Of course I understand.  Then she decided a seasoned book clubber should hold the group in her own home.  Then it was all downhill from there.  The person in question decided it was not for them and suggested the club fold.  It did. I can't say I was devastated as I was only a newcomer.   I had read the book for the month by John Marsden, 'South of Darkness.'

I told myself at least I read books I wouldn't normally chose myself.  Not all was lost.  This month I had already booked Merv's support worker for the extra two hours of the respite shift.  I was loathe to give it up.
Then I remembered I had met up with an old friend a week or two ago and showed interest in viewing her recent photos of Japan and Italy.  I messaged her and arranged to meet her at her house at the time I would otherwise had attended the book club.

What followed was wonderful.  We caught up with news and revisited memories we had long ago shared.  She gave me updates on her children and I sat in awe at her magical photos of Japan and the ancient trees heavy with cherry blossoms.  They were magnificent.  My friend had gone to spend time with her daughter who travels all over the world dancing.  She now lives in the US and works there and abroad.  Mothers and daughters share an amazing bond. 
I had just spent the better part of the day with Mel.  She told me she had a wonderful day and I agreed with her. Sure we had shopped, walked and talked but just being together brings its own magic.

I love photos but before I knew it I was checking my watch.  I had to hurry home to relieve the support worker of her duties.  The time with my friend had stretched to over two hours and we hadn't yet finished seeing all of her amazing photos of beautiful Italy.  We exchanged stories of this most intriguing country.

I hope I have the opportunity to spend more time with friends.  It means so much to be with friends and share and talk together.

As for book club.  Will I join another I ask myself?  Maybe not for awhile.  I may just chose what I would like to read until then.

White Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Japan  

The Pull

"It's the pull", he said. 
"The pool?"  I replied. 
"Yes Mum, it's the pull," he repeated.
"What are you on about?"  I questioned.
"Sex, Mum!" he announced. 
"In the pool?"  I questioned with distaste.

"No Mum,  PULL not pool."

"Oh" I said, "The pull, what does that mean?  I am totally lost here."
He goes onto explain the obvious.  When a couple have sex their relationship will often continue even if they have little in common.  Hmmm, yes we all know that.  What I didn't know is that it's called; The Pull!
Well that makes sense, I say.  Mel's engagement has been called off but she remains with Damien.  They do have quite a lot in common but she finds his moods difficult to deal with.  He is self centred and never gives her presents but she stays with him.
Hmm, Dustin reminds me, "It's the pull!" 
I laugh, he is right. We stay in relationships which may not be the best for us and accept bad behaviour from a partner.
What can I do?  As always I will just be there when she needs me whether its to talk or pick her up and take her home.
As long as she is safe, that is my one concern.
I laugh, it's the pull.  I better remember that!