Connecting Every Week
We return from a cold walk at the park just as the darkness starts closing in. The house is a haven of warmth from the cold, and the wood stove still puts out some heat. After taking off the layers of clothes we need to wear to keep warm outside, Jim throws a few logs on the burning coals and the flames rise again. We catch up on the day’s news, feed the cat and dog, and slowly relax in this cozy place. But it’s Thursday and we know we will soon be headed out again for our weekly date at the bar.
For four or five years now, just like clockwork, we leave everything behind for a couple of hours and drive or bike, depending on the weather, downtown to Constant Spring. It has become a ritual of sorts. During the week, we sometimes come up with topics of discussion to bring. We always sit at the bar and have our drinks and popcorn but rarely order food. It is mostly about spending time together, uninterrupted, and talking through whatever topic we have at hand. Many travel plans, life choices and business decisions have been born or made sitting at that bar. It is a place where we focus on each other, listen and laugh, throw out crazy ideas and rehash old ones.
From time to time, friends will walk up, give hugs and chat. Or our neighbors at the bar will ask questions, chime in and laugh. But mostly, it’s about a dedicated time to spend together and also enjoy a craft beer.
My Belgian nickname!
Tonight, we have to put our layers back on to go out. But we are lucky, a parking space is available right in front of the bar. Once in the front door, it’s warm and bright. The sound of people chatting greets us as we make our way to the bar. Though our topics are not quite clear, we still find plenty to talk about it. And there is the coming new year to think about it. New plans, new resolutions, new topics! We have already renewed our mug club memberships for 2018 which gives us each a mug made by a local potter to drink our beer from.
Tonight, we decide to have a few onion rings on the side. As the level of drink goes down in our mugs, we forget about the winter cold and make plans to travel out West. We walk through our lives, mostly talking up the good and positive, rarely complaining about the bad. We ponder our fortunes and review bucket lists, and process current happenings. We resolve to continue to focus on what we can do to make the world a better place and not let ourselves be controlled by negative outward forces. And then, we reach the bottom of the mug. We leave a tip and brace ourselves for one more quick cold outing.
Taking the time to review and discuss, to plan and dream, to process and work through, to laugh and cry and drink a good beer, that’s what Thursday nights at Constant Spring are all about for us. Thanks for creating a welcome space where these gatherings can happen!
