Dear Maggie Montlcair,
I read your book and thought you had some good ideas for meeting new people. They just weren't for me because there was no way that I could go anywhere by myself or speak to a stranger.
Then, a few months ago, I was at my library checking out books when I noticed that the library "book club" was about to start. They were reviewing a book that I had read and loved. I was curious to hear their discussion, so I sat in the back of the room just to listen. I went to the next book club meeting and the next. I met several nice women, and we went to coffee. Then to lunch. They invited me to join their water aerobics class. A few of the women were as large or larger than I, so I bought a swim suit and joined the gym. What fun! I'm exercising, having fun, and losing weight. But, most impoortant of all, I now have several new friends and fun activities to enjoy.
I had to laugh when I realized that I had inadvertently followed your advice. I accidently joined a book club and a whole new world opened for me. I plan to join a Red Hat Chapter next week. They are planning a trip to a winery. Thanks for all the good ideas.
Having fun in Tennessee
Dear Fun Loving Gal,
Thank you for letting me know that my ideas worked for you. Of course, I can't take all of the credit because my widowed friends contributed ideas that worked for them.
You deserve accolades for sitting in on that first book club session and then going back. It sounds like you are on your to a happier life. Good for you. M
P.S. Gertie's brother's ex-wife's mother used the excuse of shyness to make other people responsible for her entertainment. Finally, her daughter got tired of being her social secretary and insisted she either be alone or make her own plans at least half the time.
Her mother was mad at first because she had to take responsibility for herself or be alone. She had also lost control of the family. Her passive-aggressive behavior wasn't going to work any longer.
Gertie warns us all to make sure that we aren't trying to control our family through our own weaknesses, real or imaginary.
