As you many be aware, I love to cook. Along this school of thought, I also love to bake. This works out well because I have a family inclusive of three teenagers who all really love to eat.
Tonight a very dear friend hosted her Annual Cookie Exchange. Whoever came up with this concept should be a Peace Prize recipient, because the cookie exchange brings much happiness to many, smiles to the masses, and generates large yields with little effort. The world would be a much happier place if everyone baked a few cookies and met for one huge party to exchange delicious edibles with his or her neighbor. But I digress...
This year I have been struggling with getting into the Christmas spirit. Money is tight, it has been a busy time of year, there has been sadness in the lives of many people close to my heart...I'm just not feelin' it. But this event I look forward to - not so much for the incredible deliciousness I bring home with me (which, I must admit, is quite fantastic, because my friends all enjoy baking just as much as I do) but moreover because it is an evening when we all stop our busy schedules, have a drink, enjoy dinner with one another, and just catch up. We just don't do this enough throughout the year.
And not only do the women come together, our daughters are part of the evening as well. While this may not seem like a big deal, it really is. This is a wonderful way for my girls to see not only the importance of surrounding themselves with amazing women, but to take the time in one's life to enjoy them as well. I could never relay this lesson with words; seeing is believing. My daughters baked our cookies with me and celebrated the people in our lives we share them with. Indeed, my cup runneth over.
I am so blessed and truly thankful for these women in my life. And yes, while the cookies are really good, they pale in comparison to the women who created them and the time spent in celebration of one another.
The feeling is mutual, Beth! It's always fun to spend time with you, and tonight was no exception. Of course, I know you just wrote this post to schmooze up to Marj....bwa ha ha ha! ;)
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Beth. As I get older, I appreciate the company of my women friends more and more; it feels like an absolute necessity and vital link to sanity, perspective, and wisdom. Women get so much better with age! I also echo your sentiments about "holiday spirit" this year. It feels indulgent and almost reckless to celebrate when so many are hurting. On the other hand, tough times remind us of what's really important - not the 'stuff', but the experiences.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for posting the link to Facebook.