It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and other Christmas celebratory songs were playing on the surround sound as Bonnie (dressed to the 10’s in a red sequined sweater dress) greeted members and guests (with toys in tow) into Mitchell’s Fish Market to discuss Kimberla Lawson Roby's The Ultimate Betrayal.
The venue was breathtaking!! Bonnie with the assistance of her daughter, Ashlee decorated the tables with Gift Bags, Christmas Bells, and Specialty Cookies with the U.S. G.I.R.L.S. logo; created by Kathryn of “Kat Cakes”. To learn more about Kat Cakes, go to her website; http://aphrodyt02.wix.com/katcakes
and be prepared to be amazed. Don’t forget to “like” her on face book, and follow her on Twitter (shameless plug for our cousin)
As each member and guest arrived, you could hear the chatter and sounds of admiration for Bonnie’s creativity in decorating as well as the overall ambiance of the venue.
Bonnie opened up our meeting by "Welcoming" everyone and asking Karen to offer a Christmas blessing followed by members introducing their guest(s). Bonnie introduced her daughter, Ashlee and friends; Gina and Eileen. Dee introduced her friend Karen, Karen introduced her friend, Victoria and JayBee introduced, Sister-in-law Lisa, Niece Celestial and friends Rachel and Deborah “Debbie”
Once the formailities were over, the servers arrived to take our orders. Bonnie had the chef prepare several selections for U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guests to choose from.
We began with a choice of Chowder, Gumbo or Salad and moved on to Entree' selections of Crispy Shrimp Thai Chopped Salad, Fresh Grilled Tilapia, Shrimp Scampi Capellini, Market Cheddar Burger or Chicken Parmesan. For dessert we had a choice of Mini "Sharkfin" Pie or Key Lime Pie!! The presentation of the meal was lovely!!
Bonnie began our discussion of Kimberla Lawson Roby's, The Ultimate Betrayal, with favorite character selections, and the responses were more diverse than expected. JayBee opened up with her favorite character being Alicia’s mother. Even though she did not play a pivotal role in this novel, her reflections early in the book brought insight to those who had not read the series. Jackie joined in with her selection of Melanie, Bonnie announced Levi and Celeste had the debatable entry of Curtis Black. Although Celeste offered a compelling argument, she could not “garner” much support.
FOREGIVENESS….was a topic that evoked much dialogue. Roz began with a story of a relationship she had when she was in college and how you "think" you know someone and you really don't. Celeste talked about forgiveness and Christianity. We expanded our discussion from spousal and "significant other" relationships to friendships. JayBee mentioned that she has been friends with Karen, Rachel and Valerie for well over 20 years, and could never imagine friendships turning verbally abusive as Alicia and Melanie's had. But then, Melanie was dealing with medicinal issues that could have resulted in a mental inbalance, thus her behavior.
We also discussed how some relationships can go from the sandbox and the playground into adult life, but it seems to be very rare. Some of us felt that we simply outgrow friendships we had when we were younger. Roz mentioned how her husband still connects with his childhood friends and expressed how that may be a dynamic that is different for men vs. women. JayBee and guest, Lisa gave some insight into why they really do not have a desire to “commune” with childhood friends. Guests Karen and Debbie gave examples of how friendships (for them) have weathered the “test of time.”
The topic of soul mates really monopolized much of our conversation; there were varying views from the spiritual to the philosophical. Is a soul mate a relationship that is ordained or organic? How do we know when, or if we have met our soul mate? This topic of discussion could go on and on...
Can the criticism by a parent of their child at a young age, impact the child into adulthood? Dee talked about some of the "fluffy" women noted in her family when she was a child. She also spoke on the concern of weight in relationship to health. Jackie mentioned how she (believe it or not) was a “chubby” child and to this day, she exercises excessively to make sure her “inner chubby” does not return. JayBee (a self-proclaimed wellness fanatic) dittoed her sentiments, saying that she embraced her childhood “chubbiness” because her parents "marveled" watching her consume her meals (particularly breakfast) with excitement and delight. She was even "awarded" the nickname “Belly” by her father because her stomach was so big and round.
“Lust or Love”?” How far would you drive for a sexual encounter with an Ex-con? Not far was the consensus. Alicia would travel an hour “one way” to meet Levi in the “sack?” Who does that? We all agreed that the relationship was purely sexual; but wait..., time for author Kimberla Lawson Roby to be Skyped in.
Let’s see what she has to say!
Bonnie solicited the assistance of guest, Celestial to once again coordinate the Skype. At 1:09 Eastern, Celestial gained connectivity (thanks Celestial for always being helpful with our A/V support…U.S. G.I.R.L.S. simply loooooooves Celestial!!).
Bonnie began the Skype by thanking Author Kimberla Lawson Roby for joining us and introduced some of her awards and accolades. Ms. Roby began with expressions of her appreciation for the invitation and how much she enjoyed interacting with her readers. She also mentioned that she and her husband, Will considered traveling to Jacksonville to "surprise" us during our meeting, but some family conflicts arose. We were flattered and amazed at the mere thought of this gesture!!
Bonnie opened up for questions, and just as JayBee was about to take a bite of her Broccoli, she heard someone say, “JayBee” you had some questions. Which meant no one else was quite ready, so JayBee started with her question regarding the introduction of some characters in Chapter 2 that were never mentioned after that. Since JayBee had not read the series, she wondered if there titles, careers, and “stations in life” had any relevancy to the story line. Immediately, Ms. Roby asked “have you read any of the Curtis Black series?” So after divulging that she had not, Ms. Roby explained why readers of the series may have wanted to know what these characters were “up to” which is what we’d surmised, but wanted validated.
Once the Skype was over, Linnie Harrington with the Children’s Home Society arrived to pick up the 100+ items that members and guests donated for the over 1000 foster children waiting to be adopted. It was heartbreaking to hear Linnie speak of the needs of the teen mothers, and children whose ages range from newborn to 18; yet rewarding to know that we were making a difference.
Before gathering up the toys and gifts with her assistant, Linnie gave us a “heartfelt” and emotional “Thank You” for the toys and gifts for the Children of The Children’s Home Society of Florida. Bonnie expressed interest in volunteering with the toy assortment, and Karen expressed learning more about the needs of the teen mothers that are housed on campus. Linnie promised to send additional information to Bonnie regarding these initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn more about the Children's Home Society, Buckner Division: http://www.chsfl.org/Buckner
Before concluding the meeting, Bonnie asked JayBee to present the "Reflections" segment. This segment included the presentation of superlatives for the year.
And the winners are:
Most Amazon Reviews posted for 2015: Celeste and Karen
Most Amazon Reviews overall: Valerie and JayBee
After presenting the ladies with their awards; JayBee showed a montage of photos from all of our meetings in 2015 to the tune of "Good Morning" by contemporary Christian Artist, Mandisa.
Bonnie thanked everyone for attending and presented each of us with a gift bag that contained among other things, a Christmas Angel, with U.S. G.I.R.L.S. hand-painted on her robe. Bonnie wanted everyone to know that the Angel was to symbolize that we all have an Angel watching over us...not only during the holiday season, but always.
The room erupted into an appreciative applause for Bonnie hosting our “Spectacular” Christmas event!
Thank you Bonnie for introducing to some and re-introducing to others, the series of
“Reverend Curtis Black” and family. This is one cast of characters we will not soon forget!!