Summer break is over and U.S. G.I.R.L.S. were excited to see each other today to discuss The Turner House by Angela Flournoy. Karen selected the perfect venue, River City Brewing Co. on Jacksonville's South bank.
After greeting each other and catching up on our summer, Karen called the meeting to order by asking her guest, Dianne to offer the blessing. Once we ordered our drinks and entrees, Karen delved right into the questions. Karen pulled no punches when she revealed that she had a difficult time garnering her focus during her initial stages of reading, however once she got deeper into the chapters, the book became more engaging and entertaining. This sentiment resonated throughout the group and we all agreed that while it took time, it was a good read.
Family dynamics were a resounding theme of the book and the meeting. It was interesting to hear the roles of individual family members as Roz and Jackie discussed their sibling's and family roles with regards to birth order. Irish Twins, Celeste and JayBee remained silent during this discussion as this did not appear to be a family challenge for them. It was interesting to hear the different "side-bars" because it seems that some of us really did not know what position we held...or did we, and elected not to say...hummmm, It just shows that families are all different, yet so similar.
The Haint was the "burning topic" of the day because as "Southern Women" we take pride in our roots, rituals, and traditions and don't take to kindly when Northerners "poke" fun at us. This seemed to be the reaction of some of the readers because Cha Cha was portrayed as being slow and somewhat remedial all because he was from the south".
Do Haint's only exist in the minds of men and women from the south? Do rites, rituals and beliefs from Africa remain at the primary "Port Of Call" where many of the slave ships initially landed? Are these customs reserved for those who believe? These are just some of the questions "tossed" around today and could have been discussed for hours!
Several members are direct Saltwater Geechee Descendants, and have been taught many of these customs since infancy. The primary concern with the Geechee/Gullah people is that these stories, (when told), are as they should be and not altered for artistic licensing. This is a position that JayBee elaborated upon because it is one of her passions. The Geechee/Gullah are a breed that could become extinct if our heritage is not preserved by such organizations as the Geechee/Gullah Corridor under the direction of the High Priestess, Queen Quet.
Karen had us to compare and contrast The Turner House with The Twelve Tribes of Hattie and the exchange was very interesting. Some of us loved and hated both or neither...it was comical to hear different members defending their positions.
At 1:00, author Kenneth Thomas, Sr., joined our meeting to discuss his debut novel,
Given, Not Taken. We had numerous questions regarding his synopsis and decision to "pen" this novel. We asked "the tough questions" (with regards to his story line surrounding an interracial love triangle), which let him know we take our literature seriously!
Prior to dismissing, Karen gave each member and guest a Barnes and Noble market tote inscriped with a memorable quote about books/reading. Inside the tote was a note pad, book light and a clever ice tea mason jar filled with candies and granola to enjoy while reading our next novel...Ummmm Hummm, Southern Comfort, ya'll
After the meeting we gathered our toiletry items for the women of Liberty Center Transitional Housing a well as back to school items for the children in foster care with the Children's home society of Jacksonville. We received generous donations from some corporate partners as well. Left is Peggy, a co-worker of JayBee's who donated 90 pairs of socks! Not pictured, is Barbara who donated 4 packages of boys and girls underwear.
Once I returned home, Kim (the hubby) and I decided to organize and count the items. Here is the final tally...Drum Roll, please!:
Girls/Ladies Underwear: 100 pair
Boys/Men Underwear: 136 pair
Girls/Ladies Socks: 84 pair
Boys/Men Socks: 149 pair
Also donated: 5 wide-ruled tablets, 60 No. 2 pencils; 48 balled point pens and 2 bottles of Elmer's School Glue. Wow, what an amazing collection effort...This will help so many children in our community!! Thank you, Thank you, Ladies for your heartfelt support!!!
Pictured right is Shirley with Women of Glass Ministry whose organization collected and designed this HUGE gift basket for Liberty Center.
After the items were all collected, Karen and Dee drove to The Liberty Center downtown to deliver the basket and items collected.
The staff and residents (below) were overjoyed with gratitude for U.S. G.I.R.L.S., guests, friends and business partners who donated so generously to their cause. Thank you Karen for an amazing meeting and and two amazing community initiatives. It always feels good to help those in need!!
JayBee, who is a former Board of Director, of The Children's Home Society delivered the "Back To School" items on August 9th.
The donation room of the Buckner Division was packed with back to school supplies and the staff was very busy "stuffing" back packs for the students
While there, a photo opportunity was captured with Linnie Harrington, Resource & Volunteer Coordinator. Linnie expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation for our continued support!! U.S. G.I.R.L.S. GIVE BACK!!
