Girlfriends, book club and conversation - always a great combination!

Last night was our neighborhood book club at my house. As Kris Radish said in her podcast recently, "most book clubs discuss the book for about ten minutes then they just drink wine, talk and laugh." Yep, that's our book club. And we're proud of it!

It is funny to sit back and watch this group of female friends. Some are closer friends than others, some only see each other at the monthly gathering of girlfriends. The age range varies, as does the book preference and appetizer/desert (homemade gourmet or local deli) contributions. We each have different opinions on books, city politics, grocery stores or favorite TV shows. It is the variety and differences that make us interesting and connects us.

I can tell when I've needed to talk or laugh, or when others need to. It seems to be predestined and perfect timing. We laugh, sometimes we cry, we share life. There is something so medicinal about spending time with female friends. Whatever stress is on your mind from the day, the realities of life disappear in the first glass of wine or diet pop. Shoulders release, guards drop and friendships grow just from a little 'girlfriend therapy.'

Do you have a girlfriend group? (Like the wonderful Kathy Cano-Murillo encouraged in her recent podcast?) Start a book club or a crafting group. Maybe just a lunch bunch that meets every last Friday of the month. Invite girlfriends over for brunch or watch a movie together. It isn't 'rocket surgery,'* just make a few calls and be the great girlfriend gathering instigator! Just do it!

* That was used in a movie once. Yep, a combo of 'rocket science' and 'brain surgery.' Not sure which movie but I love it!

Girlfriends make great Neighbors and Neighbors make great Girlfriends!

Little did I know when I found this house eight years ago, that I'd also find a street full of Girlfriends! There's Judy, Anne, Ann (and two former neighbors named Ann!), Karen, Stephanie, Jane, Genevieve, Dolly, Peggy, Sunny, Marilyn, Eula, Pam, Lori, Megan and a whole host of other great neighbors (including great friends and former neighbors Ellen and Dana!). I'm a lucky home-owner on a very nice street.

Today is my neighbor and fortunately my very good friend Anne's birthday. We can see what is on her TV and call to her from the front porch - and usually she is up for coming over, having neighborhood celebrations and hanging out for a glass of wine and conversation. She checks on the dog when we're out of town, waters plants and lets me invite myself over if I'm out of wine and need some girlfriend conversation! I feel so lucky to have a close friend that, well, close!

Do you know your neighbors? Can you borrow a cup of sugar or ask a favor of women in your neighborhood? Start a book club or walking group. Organize a street yard sale or happy hour. Sometimes it even helps to ask them for a favor and make it clear that you'll reciprocate. Women like to help each other out - give them that opportunity and make sure you look for ways to return the favor. Having girlfriends nearby is great! And having great girlfriends across the street makes me a very blessed person! Thanks Anne and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

p.s. If you live in Cincinnati and you need a good realtor, let me know and I'll connect you with Anne, the birthday girl and top realtor!

Bookless Book Club - no stress girlfriend groups!

Thursday night was our monthly neighborhood women's book club. We don't believe in adding stress to any one's life, so reading the book is always optional. Hanging out with your neighborhood female friends is all that is required. In fact, in the summer we take a month off from books and just exchange magazines. It is a no-stress way to recycle and read new publications. And always a fun night!

As we sat in Judy's beautiful backyard garden, we caught up on life. Anne's new bra - partly to blame for that salsa drip on her shirt! Retired and with a social calendar to make us all dizzy, we heard about Peggy's target shooting at a police training camp. Four fatal shots in a row, we wondered how she got out of there without being recruited. Another Ann was taking a break from her infant to have some quality time with the neighborhood girlfriends. With a little nervousness, we heard about the snake in Judy's backyard the day before - right where we were sitting! Stories and updates kept us laughing all the way back down the street to our homes. It was a perfect night and a great neighborhood tradition.

Do you have a book club or neighborhood group? Do you meet up with other Moms or girlfriends on a regular basis? Please share your ideas and stories in this blog's comments.

And, if you don't have a group of women to get together with on a frequent basis, why don't you start one? It isn't hard and, like our 'bookless' book club, doesn't need to cost anything or add any stress. You don't even have to read a book. It could be a monthly gathering to discuss a new topic or a girls group dinner to try a new restaurant. I even heard about a group of women who get together to have dinner together and donate the money they would have spent going to a restaurant to a good cause - like Katrina homes or South African women. Go ahead. See what you can start!

Family Traditions - with Girlfriends who become Family!

This was the third year that I have accepted the invitation from my fun friend Penny to join in on her street 4th of July event. 150-200 current and former neighbors (and random friends of neighbors, like me!) lined the street dressed in red, white and blue. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and trying to sing every patriotic song (lead by a retired military General!), the kids race decorated bikes down the street with the General marching to a boombox of more music. It is Americana on the perfect day to be an American!

I love this tradition. Partly for the hilarious kids and wonderful celebration, but also very much because my friend Penny is family. She borrows/shares things, speaks her mind on politics and books, hosts celebrations thoughout the year, feeds us and equally feels comfortable in our home or with us in hers. Without planning it, she has become a lifelong friend with whom I hope to share this wonderful 4th of July tradition as long as physically possible!

Do you have a girlfriend who is closer than any family members? Or a special group of female friends who have become your sisters? Count yourself very lucky and blessed. And, when invited to get together or do something kinda 'family-ish' - do it! You can never have too many girlfriends and you can't buy the kind of support and love that you will find when you let a girlfriend into your life as part of your family! (Thanks Penny! Looking forward to next year already!)