Lean on Me: The Power of Friends

Katniss and Peeta from "The Hunger Games."

So grateful for my gal pals. Tonight, eight of us were at the book group at Jeanne's house. This time around we read The Hunger Games. The themed menu included blue-potato salad [because heroine Katniss's name refers to a blue tuber, Karen said], leafy green salad with goat cheese [Prim has a goat and trades goat cheese], sweet berries [the story involves poisonous ones], good bread [Peeta is a baker] and the hot chocolate Jeanne and I stirred up in her kitchen for dessert [Katniss and Peeta dunk their bread in hot chocolate at the opulent meals when they go to train for the games].

I am so grateful for the laughter around that table tonight. For the pouring of ice water and wine, the passing of bread and fruit. For being able to look around that table and see the eyes and the smiles of my friends. For a touch on the arm, a glance over the glass pitcher of yellow tulips. For the wry comments, the funny ones, the kind ones. For a chance to talk about my Bobbi Brown Citrus lip gloss with Karen, seated on my right. For Karen and Elly whipping out their smartphones to look up details [who played Peeta in the movie, and info about our next book choice]. For Anne, arriving after work at the soup kitchen. I'm so grateful for these women. And for little Nikki, whom I saw later, and for caring Barbara, who walked her dog with me and mine tonight.

BTW, the book was about leaning on the power of others, too, in the wilderness of life. Like Katniss, we're all warriors in a way.

Good night.

TCOY

1. Tried to speak calmly. Searching deep inside myself.
2. Book group!!!!
3. Walked Sug around block once.
4. Leaned on my friend.