--Christmas Dinner at the Community Center last evening. A drawing, some good jokes, conversation, shared food, and bring your own wine. What's not to like? We are about five minutes away from the center. With a population under 5000, no one has far to travel. The Community Center is unofficially the Senior Center (according to some). Members are in their fifties on up, but we are all young at heart, so we downplay the "senior" part. --Exercise Group. We meet twice a week for stretching, aerobic dance (hey, I'm John Trivolta!), and weight lifting. We follow Jane Fonda's Fit and Firm videos. Boy do I ever sweat. I have exercised on my own all my life, but it's more fun as a group. We recently topped it off, by going out to lunch together.
--Blog gatherings where you encourage me and boost my self-esteem as a writer, and I try to do the same for you. What would I do without your kind words when I need them most? --Book Club next week at my home. We are discussing The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron. Suspense, romance and humor all tied into one. I highly recommend this novel. I can't seem to put it down, it's that good. It's been a fun break from the YA and Middle grade books I'm reading. As a writer, I am enjoying the author's humorous language and character development. Attention Dog lovers: this one's for you!
--Cozy Comforts, a group that meets to make blankets for the needy. I recently pulled out my crochet needles, tired of saying "someday" when I have time again. I can always find time in the evening when Vince and I watch TV. Why wait?
--Bible Study: we are studying the book of Ephesians, one of my favorite books. We pray for each other and share our life stories.
--Church on Sunday. Small is the key word with churches in Desert Aire, although I run into attendees everywhere I go. Attendance varies (we do our best). I consider myself a Christian first and a Lutheran at heart. I come from a long line of German and Norwegian Lutherans. One German ancestor (a great uncle) evangelized half the state of Missouri in the late 1800s. --Finally, a family gathering for Christmas dinner on Christmas day. There will be eleven of us this year. Prime rib, last I heard.
What are some of your
favorite gatherings?
Celebrate the Small Things: To join, visit Lexa's Blog for the rules. We post every Friday about something we are grateful for that week. It can be about writing, family, school, general life or whatever. Originated by VikLit, co-hosts are: L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge and Katie @ TheCyborgMom
Sharon M. Himsl
Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011.
Published with Evernight Teen:
~~The Shells of Mersing
What a heritage to have an uncle who evangelized Missouri. That is one great legacy!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've always wanted to write about him and a great grandfather and their families who traveled from Tennessee to Missouri. There's a story there!
DeleteHow lovely and very full! I follow a blog I met during the A to Z which is called Bridge and Beyond. She helps the homeless by donating hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, wash cloths, etc... from people who have knitted or crocheted these items. She, of course, does many herself. I am grateful for all the bloggers who follow me and looking forward to tomorrow where my hubby and I are going over to a fellow co-worker's home. She is graciously having a Christmas gathering with all she works with...it is a small group:)
ReplyDeleteYes, I know of this blog! She has opened our eyes to homelessness, which sadly, exists everywhere. But her message is positive...there is always something we can do to help. All the best to you and your husband for an enjoyable time at your co-worker's home. Christmas gatherings especially take time and effort to prepare. I still remember a neighbor's delicious chocolate fondue one year.
DeleteLife - so full of meaning for many of us. Thank you for sharing this slice Sharon. Right now we're down at the sea, back home tomorrow when we'll be a family with our two sons over the festive season. Each moment will be precious.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can smell that salty sea air now. Enjoy! And blessings to you and your sons as you celebrate the season.
DeleteGreat post, the best things in life are always the smallest things, Loved the read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
And may you find joy in those small things too Yvonne. Merry Christmas.
DeleteI keep wanting to attend a yoga class, but my life is so busy in other areas that I never manage to get there. Am very compelled to attend church each week, yet even that isn't a given. We were gone all last week, visiting family on the west side. Then there is the frequent babysitting of the grandkids. Baby Siloam is still in the hospital, awaiting a time when surgery will be possible, possibly in January. She is five months old now.
ReplyDeleteYou and I have discussed exercising for years. Try the yoga, Cathy. It's motivating to be in a group. Remind me to send you an exercise to link the right/left brain with Tai Chai. Blessings to you and your family, and continued prayers for Siloam!
DeleteWhat a big list of fun activities to be grateful for! I love that you have such a small town and yet have so many people to socialize or exercise with. I hadn't heard of the book, but I think it sounds great! Have a wonderful weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteI think being in a small town has made a huge difference. We lack 'big city' services (my biggest complaint), but I'm discovering advantages. The book is great. Can't recommend it enough. There's a surprising plot twist (talk about clever!), but I won't spoil it for you :)
DeleteYou've got so many wonderful things to celebrate, especially with Christmas almost upon us:)
ReplyDeleteYes, thankful for that. I still need to shop, but all the Christmas decorations are up. Have a wonderful Christmas!
DeleteSounds like you had a nice time. I love gathering with friends and family all year long, but it's extra special at Christmas. There's just something magic about it.
ReplyDeleteTrue. We just had Christmas carolers come to our door. Loved it. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a lot of lovely things to celebrate and family gatherings to look forward to. Hope you have a great Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and same to you! I'm not as overwhelmed this year. Shopping online for gifts I mail helps. Really takes the pressure off.
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