Long ago younger women learned the ways of life from the elder women in their village. Long ago there were sacred rites of ceremony led by women to celebrate key transitions in a female's life. Long ago mothers didn't raise their children alone. Long ago women had an unbreakable bond with other women. They laughed together. They held each other when they cried. They celebrated together. They held each other up when they struggled. They taught each other.

While some are fortunate enough to consistently find this in today's world, I am not. "My" women are spread out among many countries...and, while at home, I only get tantalizing tastes of it here and there leaving me with a hole in my life that is begging to be filled with amazing women that are a constant physical presence in my life. Women older than me who can pass on the lessons they have learned and prepare me for what's to come. Women younger than me who I may be able to help through a difficult phase. Women of all ages that have a desire to form a deep connection and be there for each other.

I have a vision for what I would like this group to be...but, it is fluid to allow it to become a natural reflection of the women who are a part of it. It's easiest for me to begin with what it is not...

• It is not a superficial social group. Be prepared to open up and share your feelings, fears, and lessons learned so that we all become stronger women. 
• It is not a large group. Membership will be capped (at a yet to-be-determined small number) in order to allow us to bond and feel safe enough for us to lose our inhibitions. 
• It is not a casual undertaking. You will be needed. 
• It is not a religious group. It is a place where religious beliefs are set aside so we can focus on our underlying commonalities.  

It IS a place for sharing, discovery, authenticity, bonding, honesty, discussing, kindness, empathy, mentoring, laughter tears...and, maybe some chocolate!

Each get-together will be a combination of unguided interaction driven by our concerns of the moment followed by a discussion about a pertinent life lesson from a teacher outside our circle...like Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist), Don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements), Clarissa Pinkola Estes (Women Who Run With the Wolves), and more.

(Note: There will be a $5 "donation" per meeting. Why? Due to my recent divorce, my finances are tight and this will help me cover the cost of delicious coffee/tea and munchies. It is also an acknowledgment of your value of my time and commitment to each Meetup you RSVP for. I solemnly promise to devote a significant amount of time and energy to every meeting so you leave with a priceless experience.)