I wrote this blog post a couple of years ago, but it’s still true. Since that time, things have changed some. One friend has gone on to Heaven; Fran has moved and Robbi hosts the luncheon friends, the Cozy Critters circle has lost a couple and gained a couple. The circle is truly elastic.
Do I have a circle of friends? Hmm? I don’t know. Circles are a round, closed line. That sounds pretty cut and dried, doesn’t it? I guess if I have circles of friends, the circle is elastic, it stretches to include more and more and in no way keeps anybody out; only invites others in. That’s the kind of circle that got together at the mall yesterday for lunch. Six of us, Kathy, Jeanette, Barbara, Mary Jesse, Joy, and I sat around the table eating and talking. Maybe next time there’ll be more.
Today, another circle of friends will be here for the cozy critique. Hopefully, everyone will feel able to gather around a different table, my mother’s hundred-year old table for coffee, cookies, books, and lively conversation. Peg, Jane, Judy, Helen, Nancy and I. And anyone else who would like to join us.
At Fran’s, I’ve met a new circle of friends. That circle may change from month to month, as new people come in. At Fran’s house, everyone is welcome.
Other circles include family, friends with whom I’ve traveled quite a few years, a friend who has been my best pal for more than fifty years, new friends I meet at book fairs and, of course, those internet friends I’ve never seen in person but feel as if I know them anyway. As an author, I’m privileged to include as friends the people who are cozy mystery fans. We share a bond of enjoying a mystery, a zany sense of humor, and a desire to have a satisfying ending to a tale.
Yesterday and last night, rain fell on Northwest Arkansas. It was great! When droplets splashed into puddles, those raindrop circles spread out, colliding with more raindrop circles until the puddle was a muddle of circles dancing joyfully in the rain. That’s the way with friendships. I guess circles, after all, are just people who share a common bond, who like each other, and enjoy being together. And those circles never shut anyone out but invite others in.
As Jethro (Darcy and Flora’s cat) says, “Life goes better with friends.”
http://pen-l.com/Mystery.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-
What a lovely way to start my day; with you and our stretchable circle of friends! Thank you for being a connection! Please give my love to the Cozy Critters today. I like knowing some things stay the same…like your Mother’s 100 yr old table continuing to provide a gathering place for friends and family! I’m glad I got to share in that! Thanks, Blanche!
Fran, I’m so glad your circle stretched to include me. Friends circles are stretchable to S. Carolina and beyond.
“..And beyond”…you’ve reminded me of years ago when I first really understood what that meant; Jim had orders to move from DE to IL and my Bible study leader hugged me and whispered; “See you in Heaven!”
That fact has comforted me in every move since!
Blessings on your day, you’ve certainly blessed mine! : )
Thanks so much for your reassuring comment, Fran. That’s a neat remembrance to take with you, wherever you are. And, thanks for the warm times at your house with friends, happy chatter, and lots of delicious food.