Today was the Christmas lunch at the quilting guild that I joined when I moved to Napa Valley. I attended my first meeting with them in September. Missed November since I was "home" visiting family and friends. It was an extended visit, 3 weeks, because we had decided that we would not be back up for Christmas. Too much uncertainty about the driving conditions and the airfare is pretty outrageous. It was good that Lynn was with me to drive back because it allowed me the time to weep off and on for the drive back. I didn't have such emotions when I drove down in August, maybe because it was all new and exciting, I had a cat traveling with me, or it could have been because I knew I was coming back in late September for a quilting retreat, and then again in November. But this time I don't know when I'll be back. Anyway, back to the party today.
This is a large group, over 100 women in attendance. There are a small handful that I recall their names, and have spent some time with them in two other small groups they were kind enough to invite me to. But I still go in, and feel completely, totally alone. After about 10 minutes I catch the eye of one of the few I recognize and I pull a spare chair up next to share the end of the table she is using.
I look around this room of women, and try to remind myself that I was "new" before. Twelve years ago when we moved to Lynden and I went to a guild meeting. It took about 6 months before I really felt like there would be someone maybe saving me a seat nearby.
This group is having a retreat in mid January and I am signed up to attend. Three days and nights together should enable me to get to know some people. Worst case scenario is that I'll get more things finished up, quilting wise. Best case would let me find a new June, Pat, Shirlene......
Or will I become content and happy to be alone?
1 comment:
Shocked would be more like it! Maybe you should shoot for once a week. That would be a pleasant surprise. :)
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