get joyful get crafty get real: Book Club. A Must.

For years- YEARS- I didn't read for pleasure. Don't get me wrong, I loved a good magazine or I'd read articles online about politics or the news, but reading a book for the pure love of it was NOT HAPPENING. No interest. Fast forward 10ish years and I am now in TWO book clubs. And I have serious love for them. I am blessed to be married to a man that not only totally gets me but he also gets that women need women time and he supports me taking time to spend with other chicks.

Here is a peek into my psyche- the reasons I Love & Need my book clubs:

1. I have WONDERFUL friends. Book club is a great excuse to get together
2. Test new recipes
3. Moscato on a week night
4. Every few months I get to be the hostess (which I adore! there are definitely ladies that are "better" at it, but I LOVE hosting!)
5. Oh! Then there is the books-- I read FOR PLEASURE now which has forced me to sit down and relax. I had no idea that I sucked at relaxing. Sure, once or twice a month I'd scrapbook and that was good (post later on this AMAZING-ness), but reading is something that can be done daily to just chill. And I would much rather read than stare at the stupid box that is the television.
6. The "extra" of the night- getting updates on each other's lives: kids, parents, jobs, travels, struggles and victories.
7. I work from home. I heart my job. Muchly. But being at home all day where I now have full conversions with my Doberman has proven that I needed something to GET ME OUT OF THE HOUSE on a regular basis. Hence the TWO book clubs.
8. Two book clubs:
- "Monday Night Women's Christian Book Club" consists of some lovely ladies that I know from church. We usually choose books written by Christian authors and/or have Christian themes. We meet every six weeks.
-"Firefly Book Club" consists of this beautiful mix of some of my favorite women EVER. Family (Lisa T, Danielle & Lise not pictured), friends from high school and college (Kristine & Crystal, Lisa M not pictured), a neighbor (Amanda), a crafty friend (Katie) and a new friend (Gail). We meet once a month.

My Firefly Book Club