After so many months in isolation wondering if I’d ever meet friends, my relationship garden as suddenly bloomed anew. I’m truly blessed. Finding my little country church has not only helped me grow spiritually, but also to grow as a valued community member and friend. This week, it’s evident. I belong in this sweet little town. Home Means Nevada. Winterpast is mine.
It all started when a church girlfriend invited me to play cards with her group at the Senior Center. Filled with eager anticipation, I looked forward to meeting a group of chatty women anxious to size up someone new to the community. A “Newbie” is always of interest with women in the know. I’m no different in that respect. I’d be honored to be their “Newbie”. Besides, they’d clue me in to important survival tactics. Always trust a card-player to know things.
Intimidated, I joined them at the game table. Four women examined their cards as seriously IRS auditors. This wasn’t just any old card game, but an intense coterie of four playing a game called “Hand and Foot”. They explained, in as few words as possible, the game was a form of Canasta. That’s when my heart fell. NOT CANASTA!!!!! I’d failed before I began.
Challenge me to a rip roaring game of “War” or “Go Fish”? I’m your partner! A lightning fast game of Bunco, I’m in. But, Canasta???? One needs to think. You need to remember who holds what and cards already played while using 13 decks at once. Helmet-ed by silver hair, my subdermal blonde roots, originating deep into my brain, were misfiring. These women took turns explaining all THEIR rules, which differed from hundreds of versions of the game. Drat. I couldn’t even study for weeks to understand this. Tailor-made rules.
Watching for an hour, I tried to understand the purpose of the “Foot” and in what order the “Hand” was played. Never mind the rule that you got an extra 100 points if you picked up exactly 22 cards to begin the game. And yes, one of the ladies did get the bonus. Never have I ever, and I probably won’t ever again. These women are way above my mental ability. After an hour, I thanked them for letting me watch. I’m happy to report I have three new friends, along with the friend that invited me.
When leaving, I found the August activity flier on display near the door. Yoga. Line dancing. Exercise. Bingo. Scrapbooking. Art Journaling. Choir. Cooking. Knitting. Quilting. All long with lunch for $2.00. Such a deal. An autumn writing class is needed. I just happen to know a pretty good author that would love to offer her services.
At the Tee Pee Bar and Grill, it was fun to visit Waitress Diane. Getting to know people is an art. Finding my way as a real desert gal, I’m meeting other women that are similarly content. Not a lot of high fashion skirts and stilettos in these parts. Nope. Just casual clothing that breathes as the temperature soars.
The lunch tab arrived way to soon. There’s always much to learn when lunching with a new friend. After 15 months, it’s refreshing to realize I’m not the newest kid on the block anymore.
Women are unique and powerful individuals bringing intelligence, intuition, and grace into their worlds. Distinctive gifts we have to share. How refreshing it is to acknowledge the differences between each other, appreciating the innate beauty and purpose found in each.