Today was my turn to host our monthly writers’ meeting and of course I was in a tizzy. Poor Thobile (my helper): I made her scrub and polish the floors, wash and iron scatter cushion covers, wipe and polish every flat surface we can find, sweep the yard and every flat surface outside the house, bought fresh flowers to make the livingroom more cheerful...
I know it’s a crazy way to behave and goes back to my childhood where I had a pushy Aunt for whom nothing was ever good enough or clean enough, but sometimes I can’t help being a maniac when I expect guests. Thank God Thobile is used to me... or is as crazy as I am, I’m not sure which. Yesterday she decided to trim one of the trees in the back garden with a saw. She says it was growing too big and getting in the way for people to pass. Tired after all that cleaning, we decided to buy baked eats rather doing them from scratch.
Then only one writer showed up. She's someone who has freelanced for more than a decade, and our kids attended the same pre-school and have had lots of sleepovers over the years. So we had a lot to talk about - catching up on personal news, parenting, the writing life, finding work, sharing job leads, brainstorming article ideas and marketing and how we can co-market each other. It was fantastic. Pity the writers who didn't show missed this session. I'm definitely going to keep in closer contact with this writer.
5 comments:
After all that work, only one writer showed up? :( But sometimes one-on-one sessions are so much more effective. Glad you ended up enjoying the day! (and your house is sparkling!) :)
Judy, South Africa
Thanks Judy. I was a bit miffed. Especially becauase I ended up with a lt of savoury snacks. But the writer who came also has an 18 year old son, so I sent her home laden with goodies to feed "The Locust."
I guess the purpose of the circle is to be there for those who need to gather at the time. Sorry to hear about all the scrubbing of floors. I can so relate. I think I also had a figure in my early years who made me die a million shames if I failed to reach perfection in my home. My house in its natural state is not something I would wish to show the world... enough said, except, I would have been there if I was in SA.
@Anita - I am looking forward to your coming back too. And this writer who came - I think she's someone who we'll have fun working with/co-marketing with. She's writing veteran and I'm sure we'll learn lots from her. And she lives very close to you and she's looking forward to hosting a meeting too. So it is a big step forward for our collective...
Sorry I couldn't be there. The sturdy steed has let me down after six years of selfless and constant service. Yes, the Getz has finally collapsed, but it's not terminal. As soon as I find the part that is needed, she'll be galloping to the next meeting. What is it with us women though and trying to be perfect because we perceive ourselves to be less than? I used to have that the-house-can't-be-too-clean for guests thing going but either I go tired or realized no one else's house was perfect either. I do envy you your autumn clean up though. My crumbling castle could use a bit of that...So like you to share the goodies and sorry again I missed the meeting. I know I could've learned so much. Next time...
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