Last month, I called in to a book group in Houston that calls itself the M.I.N.D. Readers, ie Moms In Need of D. They bring their own "D" - dessert, drinks, downtime, whatever. Obviously, I was going to love this group. Even more so, when Cherisse, who arranged for the call-in, announced since the book club was meeting in February, I was now a "Miss February," too. (For any of you who haven't read the book - and really, why is that? - since our bus was a centerfold for Bus Conversions magazine, I'm fond of saying that my proudest accomplishment is fulfilling my life-long ambition of becoming a Miss September.)
As if all that wasn't enough to love this group, Cherisse further informed me they would be enjoying some of the chapter titles from QUEEN OF THE ROAD (again, for those of you in the dark - and aren't you tired of being so? - these refer to martini receipes), in chilled glasses "while soaking up the few hours that our husbands have our children." (They're all moms of young kids.) Clearly, after meeting for four years, this group has it down.
Don't they look happy? Was the it book? Or, the martini recipes? Perhaps both? You be the judge:
From far left: Lisa, Cherisse (the short one - her description), above her is most of Mistye, next to her is Kristi, below her is Briggitte, above her is Cynthia, behind her is Angela, in front of her is Deanna (a fellow, er... lady RV'er and her first night in the book club - hope I wasn't responsible if it turned out to be her last), next to her is Lisa (also new and just moved back to the States after 2 years in Italy) and finally, Jill.
Absent: Kelly wasn't able to come as she was home with a brand new baby (congrats Kelly!) and Brenna just moved to an obscure island in Russia, where she is currently braving some unimaginable snowstorms. Gee, Brenna. You didn't have to go to such lengths to avoid reading my book. A simple, "Not my cup of borscht," would have sufficed.
Note the lone star over the fireplace. Cherisse purposely included it in the shot, because in the book, I make fun of Texans putting their Lone Stars all over the place. Glad Texans have a sense of humor. Even more so, as if I could have come in person, Cherisse assured me she had a "huge yard with a big gate." I certainly hope she was referring to our bus. And, in that case, Cherisse: Be careful what you wish for!
Comments (6)
Great name for a group! I'm stealing it immediately. I live in the boonies. No one will ever know. . .
Posted by Robin Altman | March 11, 2009 10:50 PM
Posted on March 11, 2009 22:50
I'll know. I blog. I will out you. (Mainly 'cause I'm planning to steal it.)
Posted by Doreen | March 11, 2009 10:58 PM
Posted on March 11, 2009 22:58
I totally agree about the group name. I think they will need to start a National group with state chapters.( or we will just steal the name as well!)
kristy
Posted by kristy | March 12, 2009 11:49 AM
Posted on March 12, 2009 11:49
I still vote for stealing. Oh, wait. I'm the Queen. No voting. Just stealing.
Posted by Doreen | March 12, 2009 12:05 PM
Posted on March 12, 2009 12:05
Doreen,
I was so sad to miss out on your call but the 16 hour time difference from Russia is just a nuisance. You'll be happy to know your book was the one and only book that i packed in my luggage and I read it soon after our arrival here. Thoroughly enjoyed it but definitely missed sharing the martinis with my friends.
Brenna
Posted by Brenna Kody | March 13, 2009 12:28 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 00:28
Thanks so much for letting me know, Brenna. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book, but I'm especially pleased it was not the reason for your self-imposed exile.
Stay warm!
Posted by Doreen | March 13, 2009 11:28 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 11:28