Dec 13, 2013

Sue MacKay's Favourite Time Of Year

Who doesn't love the festive season? Catching up with friends and family while enjoying chocolate, champagne and gorgeous food is always a treat.

On Monday night I went out with my writing group for our annual, end of year, cocktails and dessert night. Except this year we had dinner with our drinks, not just dessert. My hips took a hit with roast salmon followed by French meringues and cream. Yeah, okay, when you do something, do it well. Did I mention the talking? We're women, probably didn't need to, but boy, are we good at it. It's so much fun.

These are the people who laugh at my ridiculous goals, drink bubbles with me to celebrate my successes, and make me toughen up on the numerous occasions when things don't work out.
In short, these women are very important  to me, and I treasure their company, wisdom and friendship.

This time last year there were seven in this amazing group.

Now there are four.
Four who still meet up, that is.


Yes, there's Lovecat Barbara DeLeo in front of me, along with Nadine Taylor (our newest member), and Iona Jones.

For those who have abandoned us - or so they think - the internet makes sure none of them are that far away, even Deborah who has headed to Canada. We keep everyone in the loop and know what's happening in their writing careers. We can still cheer each other up or give stick when it's needed.

We have another member who has never lived in our town, let alone the South Island. Our phantom member - Lovecat, Louisa George, who manages to get a word in occasionally via texts or Skype.

There is a downside to this little celebration. Iona loves to crack the whip and in January she has us putting our writing goals for the year on paper which she then hides away. None of us keep a copy, and I know I never remember what I wrote down. Just when we're getting settled with our drinks firmly in hand and the laughter growing louder Iona brings out these pieces of paper. Yes, right. Such a spoilsport. Just as well we're well and truly into those glasses by then. The laughter gets even louder, and the eye rolling can be frantic. But it's always quite surprising how many of those goals all of us have met. Which has to be celebrated in the customary way, of course.
And now it's back to facing another year of tapping the keyboard and dreaming of outrageous success. Oh, and thinking up some achievable goals to put down on another scrap of paper to have a darned good laugh over next December.

Do you belong to a group that's super special to you? One that supports you in your endeavours?

16 comments:

  1. Hi Sue,
    What a lovely pic. It's obvious you're all having a lot of fun. I suspect that sharing goals and work over the years helps any group bond - that combination of work, problem solving and celebrations, not to mention shared interests, is bound to draw you closer. I've got the same with some cherished writing mates and I can't imagine giving up that camaraderie and support for anything.

    Here's hoping you all have a wonderfully productive and fun-filled year in 2014.

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    1. Annie, these writing friends are so important. They understand what it's like to hide away for hours on end making up things.
      Best wishes for your next year, too.

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  2. Sue, that dinner sounded amazing and the warm-hearted, talented company you keep, fabulous! (hee,hee!) Miss you all. xx ms

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  3. Sounds like a fabulous time was had by all, Sue!

    My writer's group does that "recording of goals" thing too. But we save the opening of the previous years goals for our January meeting (where we set our new ones). I really like it…but maybe that's the champers we drink prior to the opening of the envelopes. ;-)

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  4. Yes, Margie, you should've been with us. But we can nag from a distance.

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  5. Michelle, yes, definitely need a glass of something delicious before opening those pieces of paper. All good fun, and keeps us on our toes.

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  6. Aww, look at you all- a very special group of lovely, supportive and fun women! I have other groups of friends I spend time with but this one is very dear to me, they understand what we're all going through like no one else can! And who knew that there is such a thing as long-distance nagging? There is no escape!

    My next year goals? To spend more time in Blenheim!

    (ps. See you next week!) xxx

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    1. We'll hold you to that, Louisa. Will start nagging on January 1st.
      See you soon.

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  7. Sue

    It is always lovely to catch up with friends I have friends from work that I love to have drinks with from time to time and we really vent about work but at least we all understand it hubby listens but doesn't really get it the girls always do and of course I have my romance reader friends and we always have a fantastic time discussing new books and recommending them

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  8. Helen, there's definitely something special about the girls getting together, no matter what brings you there in the first place.

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  9. Sue, I had to chuckle at Iona bringing out those goals you'd written down in January! Kudos to you all that you'd all mostly managed to meet them over the course of the year!

    There's nothing like a lovely girlfriend luncheon or dinner!

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    1. Sharon, I'm sure you could picture her cracking the whip!!! Seriously, it's a great idea. Definitely agree there's nothing like a girlfriend get together.

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  10. Look at the lovely ladies! There's nothing like the bonding formed over many wines ... errr, words. :-) I too am blessed with a most amazing critique group, even if most of the critiquing of late has been re the coffee and cakes! We have been meeting for around 10 years, once a month, and at least once a year we run away to a bach (crib to you from the SI) for a weekend of writing. (And lots of whining/wining and eating too.) It revitalises us and our muses, lets us escape from the real world for a short precious time, and gives us that all-important 'girl' time too. I love my girlies (they call me Mother Hen but I'm really more Grandmother Chook!) and I think the feeling is mutual. It's a precious thing to share and I'm ever-grateful we met each other! Happy Christmas, girls, and happy writing and goal-setting in the New Year, and please, please hang on to that precious bond you have. Truly priceless!

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    1. HI Clare. You're right, these groups are so important. We also have weekends away in "the cottage" for writing, whining, wining and eating. I love these times where girl talk is understood.

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  11. I'm so jealous of your little group - some of my favourite people!

    I love getting together with writing friends - and I think your tradition of writing your yearly writing goals is fabulous!

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