Sheryl hosted The Upper Room by Mary Monroe, on February 4th at Panera, River City.
Sheryl was an awesome hostess, and it was evident tht she took her "charge" to "heart" (literally) by surprising everyone with a Valentine's Day theme!! All place settings were beautifully decorated with themed party favor bags and an animated rose that "glows" on que. I think Mama Ruby would have said..."Praise the Lord, Sheryl..This heh' is some kinda' fan-cee' place settin'..!!"
Sheryl opened up the meeting with all members introducing themselves and their guests. Valerie introduced her co-worker, Maria, and JayBee introduced her sister, Celeste and sister-in-law, Ann. All of the guests were familiar with "Mama Ruby" and "The Upper Room." The discussion got under way with question "1" in the book, but quickly transcended to other topics and comments. We came to the conclusion that we could not have a book discussion about "The Upper Room" without referencing "Mama Ruby." During the discussion, we would get confused as to what actually happend in which book.
Ka Saundra was on "needles and pins" waiting for us to"reach" question #7 about Mama Ruby's ability to attract male "suitors" despite her morbid obesity. Oh Boy..., when it was time to discuss the highly anticipated question; our respones evoked laughter, various facial expressions and non-verbal cues. Mama Ruby was truly a complex and animated character. Everyone agreed that the meeting was a success and thanked Sheryl for a "job well done." We are also very excited to see that the author, Mary Monroe sent U.S. G.I.R.L.S. an E-mail and signed our Guestbook!! Thank you Mary Monroe for your literary commitment...."Keep writing, and U.S. G.I.R.L.S. will continue to support your work!"
The following amendment has been made to the By Laws: U.S. G.I.R.L.S. Book Club meetings will be set for the 1st Saturday in every "even" numbered month; with the option of rescheduling with member concurrence.
Valerie would like to remind everyone that February is Women's Heart Health Month. Thanks to everyone who wore "Red" on February 3rd in recognition/support of "National Wear Red Day" Please support your local activities and initiatives "Go Red!!" http://www.goredforwomen.org. You can also contact Jennie, who is on the local board of directors of the American Cancer Society Women's Auxiliary, for more information.
After the meeting, one of our guest, Celeste expressed an interest in joining U.S. G.I.R.L.S. She has completed her "due diligence" by reading and becoming familiar with the by laws and submission of her photo and bio information. "Welcome to U.S. G.I.R.L.S., Celeste!!" Ka Saundra graciously agreed to host the book club meeting in April. As always, U. S. G.I.R.L.S. are encouraged to go to amazon.com and write a review of "The Upper Room" as well as past and future book club selections.