“It is never too late, no matter how old you get because anytime or any point in your life you can always have a chance to make a difference. You can always make a change for the better no matter what background you derived from. You can always do your best and be all that you can be because you will always be uniquely you. It is why it is always wise to listen to your eternal heart, your eternal instincts, and what it had always strove for and/or to do because really anybody can make a difference not only in their own lives but in the lives of others. It is never too late to shine; never.” George Eliot
There was an interview with Morgan Freeman recently shown on FACEBOOK. Evidently, he didn’t come from a privileged place in life; he had to work really hard and face many obstacles to overcome his background to get where he is today. The interviewer asked him about people believing that status in life or early history (family and environment) determined how successful a person could be. His answer was succinct and he used one of my favorite expressions: _bull s___! A person has to want a certain something badly enough and work hard enough and believe in oneself enough to be successful.
Then I was looking for a quote to start off this message with, and Eliot’s quote above sort of jumped off the page at me. For me (in my own little world and at my stage in life), success is being active in groups or in social activities that allows me to learn new “stuff” and to interact with smart, funny, experienced, and beautiful people. My formula for achieving this success is different from others; the differences are OK; what works for some is boring or inspirational or a disaster for others. What works for some just doesn’t appeal to me – but that’s OK too. Everyone has to find the formula that works for them. Being Newcomers allows us to make a difference in our lives by connecting with new friends and learning things with and about current Newcomer friends. It allows us to contribute to our community with monetary support and charitable acts. It gives us the opportunity to shine that we might not have if we weren’t part of this very special group.
Our 2023 fashion show and luncheon will be on March 9th and Chicos fashions will be worn by some of our Newcomers members! It will be a wonderful event so mark your calendars, even if you are not a regular luncheon attendee. Please note that our luncheons are normally scheduled for the second Thursday in a calendar month (except for July and August when there aren’t any luncheons). Bluegrass is wanting us to confirm the number of reservations for a luncheon a week in advance of the luncheon which is a new thing for us. Please help us out by making your reservation in accordance with instructions that are included in this newsletter and reminder “blasts” that are sent out to the membership.
Speaking about luncheons, last month’s affair had some good things about it and some bad. Kay Solar, one of our new members, gave us a talk about our health, goals, and commitments. We welcome her and all of our newly enrolled members! More than 50 ladies attended the luncheon and we saw some faces we haven’t seen in a while. Unfortunately, the bad things center around the food itself. Over the years, Bluegrass has struggled with the quality of their food; recently they have been plagued with staffing issues. A cynic would say that they are in the business of providing food to large groups and what occurred in January shouldn’t have happened. Others would offer that restaurants all over the country have been experiencing these kinds of problems. We are going to meet with the Bluegrass management team prior to our next luncheon to voice our concerns and hopefully to get reasonable assurances that our food quality will improve significantly in the future.
February is well known for some special days and events, but did you know that International Sword Swallowers Day and the National Shower With A Friend Day are also in February? Hmmmm… You can also celebrate the International Day of Woman and Girls in Science if you’re serious minded. National Care Givers Day honors those who give so much to take care of those who need their help and special attention.
I wish you continued good health, peace, and happiness.
Carol
