I went to the new members meeting of the Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers club and...I dunno.
The meeting was at the home of the president, Midge, and there were eight other "newbies" there beside me. For an instant, I thought I was back in Sunrise Bay, with a group of anything-but-offensive, nice-as-can-be, courteous-and-friendly-to-a-fault, boring-beyond-words Women of a Certain Age, one of whom mentioned she had lived in horrible Riverside, but only because her husband was on the faulty of whatever rinky-dink college is out there. Guess she had to get that in, so we knew she was a woman of substance. (She wasn't on the faculty, you understand, but as with so many older women I know, her husband's accomplishments seemed to define her status.)
Midge, who's the president of BCNN, mentioned she had been a decorator and, looking around her large and surely hugely expensive home, one wondered how that could be. The only possibility is that she smoked something and fell for the Queen Victoria 1885 style of home decor. Massive mahogany tables and sideboards held artificial flowers, lacy doilies, and wood, metal and papier-mache figures and there were curio cabinets, a grand piano, ruffled curtains, velvet valances, plush chairs, and--incredibly--several of those drearily cliche "family dressed up in eighteenth century clothes" photos. Every flat surface was filled to the horizon with doodads, knick knacks, pictures, and statues; I'm sure they each had a story, but nobody with a life would want to hear it.
After a talk by Midge, we were asked to gather around three laptops, where we were given a tutorial on maneuvering around the BCNN website. We were also given a two-page sheet illustrating the moves and clicks. I did find it refreshing that--no ands, ifs, or buts--members are expected to be reasonably adept on the computer. All communication is sent by e-mail, as is the monthly newsletter and the membership roster.
Actually, Midge and the attendees weren't bad in the main, aside from taking themselves--and this group--so seriously and perhaps I have a tendency to be unfairly judgmental. (Oh, no, Mimi, you are the absolute SOUL of open-hearted acceptance!) Anyway, I've decided to hang in with the club. With 300 members, I can surely find some kindred spirits--even one would do--to hang with, as the unlovely saying goes.
Went home to spend several hours revising, then copying my info sheet for "Acting for Everyone," which I'll bring over to Mary at Holiday Retirement shortly.
Went to Ralph's for food and looked here and there for a desk for the guestroom/study. So far, I haven't found anything I really want to buy, but I'm considering a few pieces.
2 comments:
I am stealing these words for sure "with a group of anything-but-offensive, nice-as-can-be, courteous-and-friendly-to-a-fault, boring-beyond-words Women of a Certain Age, one of whom mentioned she had lived in horrible Riverside, but only because her husband was on the faulty of whatever rinky-dink college is out there. Guess she had to get that in, so we knew she was a woman of substance. (She wasn't on the faculty, you understand, but as with so many older women I know, her husband's accomplishments seemed to define her status."
You have captured the lovely women who live here at my retirement community. Their values have not progressed since the '40s and 50s.
I had my identity long before I met my spouse. However I have used his status for a little one-upmanship
with some of these biddies.
I'd rather have a feisty female friend than 10 of these 'all smiles and sweetness ladies'--- not easy to find, but they are there.
Yes, Pat, I actually thought of your background and accomplishments when I wrote that. Rich had an illustrious career, but the significant factor is that you don't (and never did) hang your identity SOLELY on his--you don't have to. Yep, I'm going to continue in this group--it's mildly enjoyable--but also search out those with whom I have more in common. I had Aline and Marge in Sunrise Bay and I know there are more like them.
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