Hi Everyone,
It is through stories, legends, and myths that we learn morals, make a connection between the young spirit and the old spirit. How often we forget the importance of our own stories, the treasured imaginings of our childhood. Our November book The Little Country by Charles de Lint reminded some of us of our childhood fantasies and returned us, like Peter Pan, to our lost worlds.
Saturday, November 21, was a memorable book club as we spent the day wandering in and out of the spectacular homes featured on Butler Symphony’s Christmas Home Tour. Who wouldn’t want to live perched atop one of Butler’s most elite neighborhoods in the Buckners’ home or nestled in a pristinely landscaped private golf course in a house like the Bagliers’ home? Between our touring of homes, we discussed The Little Country over lunch at Chili’s Restaurant. Becky, Cheryl, Ginnie, Jody, Lori, and I attended along with junior book club members Makenzie Smith and Kristen Barnhart. My sister Theresa also joined our party which made a group of nine women enjoying all topics of conversation!
Although I could go into considerable length, as is my usual routine, in my response to de Lint’s work, I have little time at this moment. What I need right now is a count on who will be attending our Christmas book club dinner. Becky wants to confirm reservations at St. Jude’s Country Club for our group. Our bookless meeting will be on Saturday, December 12. We will meet at Becky’s Victorian home in Chicora on Water Street at 5:00 P.M. for drinks and appetizers then drive to St. Jude’s for dinner at 6:30 P.M. Husbands and friends are welcome to join us.
Consider the evening a continuation of the Christmas home tour or a preview of what you missed if you were not with us to ooh and awe at some of Butler’s Victorian homes such as Tom Panei’s residence on N. McKean St. Butler’s own Picasso, Mr. Panei’s home is tastefully decorated in an eclectic mix of modern abstract art and historical pieces. The Nanni home, also on N. McKean St., and the Rose Haven Bed and Breakfast on N. Main St. dating back to 1826, also gave us glimpses of the Victorian architecture which you will see on your visit to the Ferguson’s Chicora home.
“A good book reflects the reader as much as it illuminates the author’s text.” I agree with this quote of Peter Groninan's from The Little Country. Come and join us for our holiday celebration, and “reflect” the books we have shared throughout our 6 years of reading together.
Yours in Reading,
Tammy
