Last evening was the most social occasion we have had in many months. Now that the dust from the big upheaval is beginning to settle we have time to meet old friends, make new friends and enjoy some relaxing time. Plus it has given me much to think about - like hostessing in a village where the immediate emphasis seems to be getting the new precinct organized rather than seeking a laid-back life of ease. The social timbre of this community is different than any other phase of my life and it will take some time to decipher the unspoken customs and expectations of the residents.
That said, last night's circle included two friends I had not seen for several years. Have I mentioned before that I once served on the count arts commission? My term expired about the same time as DH announced that we needed to sell the house and move. Without a clear understanding how long that process would take I withdrew from many volunteer activities and the result was that I lost contact with many artists and community volunteer friends. One was Barbara who is an excellent water colorist with a large body of works in floral and 'plein air' paintings. And then there is Susan a fellow art quilter and vegan who has taught me much about healthy cooking. I follow Susan's blog from time to time as she and husband Richard enjoy life in San Miguel Allende, Mexico. What I learned only recently is that Barbara and David have been living there for the past year and were back in town only to refresh their home for a second year of renting before returning for their second year in Mexico.
Only DH's lack of hearing minimized the evening's enjoyment; our hostess did her best to seat him with a guest on his right but the dining room noise level was just high enough to interfere with his reception. Plus he is concerned with knee comfort as he prepares for upcoming surgery to alleviate arthritis. Bummer.
Asked of me during the evening: can you contribute to the art gallery when the show changes in October? Our hostess, Betty is also the chair of the Art Committee that arranges resident displays in the center's long hall. Never fear Betty - had been wondering myself what to do with "Pear Squares" a wall hanging that won Honorable Mention for some years ago in a quilt show and what had hung in the guest bath before the move. Now there is far less wall space in the villa and no place to hang my treasured word of color and embellishments. Maybe there is a second life for it after all.
The unspoken irony here is that once upon a time I was the Gallery director in our church and both Susan and Barbara exhibited in several shows.
Found in the mail box after dinner was the invitation to a luncheon to acquaint Precinct 15 members prior to selecting representatives for the campus council. Here we go again.
Today's agenda: eat less. We had a major thunderstorm last night - soon as it's daylight I must survey the lawn and flower status. Another day.
B
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