Christmas Dinner

December 4, 2021 by Jennie (JayBee)

Hostess Jackie held nothing back when she announced our call to action after our October meeting. Soooooo, we were all excited for our VERY FIRST "Pajama Book Club Meeting" We met at 9:00 a.m. in our festive PJs; sitting amongst our holiday decorations - There were Angels, Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Santa Hats, Reindeer and loads of laughter when we all joined. There was one "tidbit" that our hostess did not mention...Author Pat Simmons was on our Zoom call. There was a notable surprise on the faces of several of our members when Jackie opened the meeting by introducing her two guests.

Ms. Simmons began by telling us about her writing career and motivation for her 2020 holiday novel, "Christmas Dinner". She also mentioned that she was excited that we allowed her to join and that she simply wanted to be a "fly on the wall" during the meeting.

Jackie began our discussion with our thoughts on the book. The basic consensus was that it was a good "feel good" Christian Romance. Some felt the book began slow and mundane, but elevated somewhere around the middle.

We continued our dialog with church attendance and thoughts surrounding this topic in the book. Jackie opened up about her childhood expectations and appreciation of church attendance. Valerie mentioned how she "serves" at Impact Church on designated Sundays and how that enjoyment fuels her soul. YES, this question made it obvious that all of our members have church ingrained in our hearts and spirits.

When we discussed Darcelle's reaction to not receiving the promotion she worked so hard for, there were varying perspectives. Jackie revealed that she felt Darcelle was over confident and Celeste felt the opposite. There were vantage points that were justifiable for both arguments.

Even though Darcelle was recruited for her financial position out of college, I felt the book fell short with regards to corporate diversity and expectations in 2020. Are we (the reader) expected to accept that a publicly traded company did not have any African-Americans as executives? A privatized company, maybe, but not a major corporation. Be it Disparate Impact, Disparate Treatment, or another form of discrimination, there was something improper transpiring with regards to employment equality. Although this was not the primary topic of the book, many felt it was a glaring topic that was "skimmed" over.

There were several concerns about the way Evaston and Darcelle met. Karen (along with others) had issues with leaving an auto dealership and going on a "mini" date with a virtual stranger. Dee mentioned that she has been married for a number of years, therefore she does not know today's dating norm, but she could not see attaching to someone so quickly and going on a date.

Depression was discussed, as well as some of the signs. We of course, talked about the stigmas associated with mental illness and all it entails. Ageism, parental guidance and the Church were also looked at with regards to navigating this topic. Do generational viewpoints have anything to do with reactions to mental illness and treatments? I was inclined to share a message of a recent 17 year old boy's suicide in Jacksonville that was a result of depression. This was not to bring the meeting down, but to come full circle that mental illness brought on by depression in a noted killer of adults but is a lesser talked about killer of our youth.

Bonnie had an inspirational message regarding the passage in the book (yes, I said passage) where Miriam appeared from nowhere. Jackie asked who we thought Miriam was? Bonnie responded that the meaning of the name, Miriam is "Peace" and how she strategically seated herself in the middle of the anticipated conflict. Bonnie's response and rationale was quite spiritual and soul stirring. Valerie interjected that while she enjoyed this section of the book, she invited the author to read "Looking for Hope" with regards to expressing spiritual and mysticism in prose.

It was agreed that receiving spiritual messages can come in many formats. Members recalled receiving messages in sermons, songs and while praying.

Jackie thanked Ms. Simmons and she in turn, thanked us for the feedback (both positive and no so positive); and expressed how much book clubs meant to her, and that she had 3 other meetings to attend. She also announced her 2021 novella, "Waiting For Christmas" that was released yesterday.

We ALL expressed how the book was a good read for the season and we enjoyed the ending. Ms. Simmons signed off as we waived and made the heart symbol. What a joy when an author attends!!

We all thanked Jackie for the LOVELY Christmas Candles she presented to us at our Veteran's Day photo shoot and Liberty Center Transitional Housing "drop off".

Speaking of Liberty Center, I would be remiss if I did not mention our Christmas Random Act of Kindness initiative that was introduced by founding member, Karen. Period Poverty is yet another stigmatized topic that is not discussed. Research shows that 1 in 5 American Girls have missed school due to lack of access to period products. This is why we were ecstatic with the response to this need. Together, we collected OVER 20K feminine hygiene and incontinence products for the girls and women of Liberty Center!! We also brought awareness to social media and garnered over 20 new followers who are committed to making a difference. Now, this is what I call a sisterhood that reads and has a heart for giving. #UsGirlsGiveBack!!

Jackie's guest, Brittney Anderson, owner of Bountifully Sweet Luxe, told the story of how she began her home decor business and the success she has enjoyed. She also shared her story of being a Mother of a child with autism.

Thank you, Jackie for a wonderful Christmas Dinner book talk, and for offering author, Pat Simmons a seat at our table. The message was timely and humbling.

Merry Christmas Y'all!!!!