The Measure of a Man

Where do we start?  Our group headed out of town for this meeting for an overnight stay in Canton.  It was a much-needed girls' weekend away.  Usually Erin drives from Canton to meet with us, but this time the tables were delightfully turned.  We got to see her beautiful home and meet her sweet family.

We ate dinner at the only restaurant in town where one can get a margarita but not fresh spinach.  After a lively time talking and catching up we headed to the place we had rented for the night.  It was a cute place on 12 acres.  We headed outside for a few pictures.

(wearing reverse applique shirts Becky made for the group)

Aren't we adorable?  We are even more adorable when trying to make a "jumping picture."  Apparently, we were unable to make it happen, but we sure had fun trying.

Two anonymous group members frantically read the remaining few pages in their books while Erin and Jackie opened bottles of wine.  Erin was in favor of using a traditional bottle opener, while Jackie preferred the "knife method."

We had a great book discussion.  Our group is authentic, open, and not afraid to talk about the deeper things of life, spirituality, and emotion.

• This was definitely a reflective book on life/spirituality instead of on his acting career which disappointed some.
• Several of us watched a movie of his, or plan to watch one because of curiosity about his acting career.
• Nancy had a unique vantage point into the times he talked about in the book because she grew up in that era when segregation was wide spread.
• He seemed to view his work as reflective of his identity so he chose respectable roles
• Jackie was dubious of his true convictions throughout the book
• It was interesting to see how far he came from his humble beginnings and how racism didn't affect him in the same way it might have affected others because of his upbringing in a society that didn't teach the devaluing of humans based on skin color.
• We talked about the lack of motivation for the people in power to examine themselves or make changes toward justice

Fun Facts:

Erin made us a fabulous breakfast Saturday morning complete with mimosas!

And while this isn't really fun, it is a fact...this was Jackie's last book club meeting with us.  We will miss you, Jackie.  

We shopped till we dropped at Canton First Monday Trade Days.  In fact, the one of us who claims to not be much of a shopper was the biggest shopper of all!

We all took home beautiful watercolor bookmarks made by Erin.

Becky, frightened by a gigantic bird on the drive home, cussed in the most rapid succession Nancy had ever heard.

It was a wonderful weekend, greatly enjoyed by all.