After a week of thick fog and low temperatures... it was a sunny 72 degrees as Sharron welcomed U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guests to the The Chart House located on Jacksonville's lovely Southbank to discuss "Glowing Embers In A Dying Fire" by Elissa Gabrielle and Angelia Vernon Menchan. The tables were set with holiday decorations and the interior ledge was lined with Christmas Stockings adorned with the U.S. G.I.R.L.S. logo. Christmas music was playing and everyone was dressed in festive holiday attire.
We were all excited and filled with anticipation for our holiday meeting because we knew Sharron had several surprises in store. We knew she invited one of the co-authors of our book selection, but we were not sure what Sharron had prepared with regards to the "action items" she assigned.
Sharron hired a professional photographer to capture all the moments of our holiday meeting.
Once everyone arrived (author was not scheduled to arrive until after the initial discussion); Sharron began the meeting at Noon with a formal "welcome" thanking Celeste and JayBee for lending moral support for her 1st time hosting. She also acknowledged Karen's attendance as she is currently on medical leave. We continue to pray for her swift recovery as she recuperates.
The book discussion was intense and the exchange lively as we once again took the journey with Pashen and Valentina. The topics of why women remain in abusive relationship as well as African-Americans infatuation with various "hues" of our skin tones immediately took center stage. Roz interjected a "real life" experience with her family regarding skin tone.
Another topic, (which interestingly enough did not "directly" relate to the storyline), that was on everyone's mind, was the book cover. It was noted that very few of us thought the book cover was a good representation of the content. Some felt the cover eluded to a Lesbian relationship, and depending upon the resolution of your computer, possibly an interracial lesbian relationship. Regardless of the extrapolation, everyone agreed that the cover could have been more appealing or at least, cohesive.
It's 1:00 and Angelia Vernon Menchan, one of the co-authors, arrives for our book
talk!! Because we all had varying views of the book (once again, always a sign of a good book club) we were anxious to hear her perspective...what she wanted her audience to "take away."
What we immediately learned (and were surprised to hear) from Ms. Menchan is that the book was "semi" autobiographical with nuggets of Pashen from her own life experiences. It is safe to say that revelation rendered some of us speechless (well, maybe not speechless, but silent for 5 seconds - which is a feat for us!). I think knowing that the novel is fact based evokes a new set of emotions with regards to a critique.
Ms. Menchan also mentioned why she and her co-author used their literary licenses to have Valentina "dabble" in illegal drug activity and Pashen in underage sexual activity -the characters had to have at least one (1) flaw and those were the ones (fact of fiction) she and her co-author selected...They could not be perfect! So, enough said.
Drum Roll, Please: Time for the Thanksgiving Top Chef" votes to be cast. JayBee announced all the contestants and presented gifts in order of "dish/dessert" submission. Dee was first to submit her entries, so she was allowed to select first. Next were Celeste, Karen, Roz and Bonnie.
It was a Chocolate Landslide with Roz taking "Top Chef 2014" honors with 6 votes for her Chocolate Cake with Heath Bar Crunch! Roz won a lovely Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold Bangle Bracelet!! Runner ups were Karen's Blueberry Pound Cake with 2 votes and Celeste, JayBee, and Dee with honorable mentions. Well done ladies...I said it once, and I'll say it again...U.S. G.I.R.L.S. can cook!!
What came next was so exciting and unexpected. Remember the 2 recipes Sharron asked U.S. G.I.R.L.S. to send her back in October? Well, she complied them and authored a lovely spiral bond cookbook to share with all of us. To be quite honest, it looked good enough to mass produce and publish. That just may be a thought...hummmmmm? I can see it now, U.S. G.I.R.L.S. Cookbook on the NY Times bestseller's list, press releases, interviews, jet setting, book signings, "O" Magazine, The Food Network...okay, slow down, Dream Weaver.
Dee received a superlative gift for being the first to submit her recipes to Sharron in October. Kudos; once again Dee is 1st to get it DONE!!
In addition, Sharron presented Christmas Stockings with the U.S. G.I.R.L.S. logo that contained a travel mobile charger (can always use that) and Peterbrooke's signature chocolate covered popcorn..."YUMMIE"
We were all excited to learn that Angelia Menchan came "armed" with several books for us to purchase. She even had a devotional book, entitled "Words From Your Sister" that was excellent for gift giving. What an honor to have a local author who has penned numerous books join us.
Sharron concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and wishing us a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Sharron, a HUGE "Thank You" for hosting a lovely holiday meeting at Jacksonville's iconic Chart House. Also the inclusion of Angelia Menchan was the icing on the cake (no Top Chef pun attended) Truly, a Christmas to remember.
