OK. So in a previous post I had indicated my MOPS table got together and we made hats for our Tea & Testimony. Sure we could have bought them. After all the Kentucky Derby is soon and appropriate hats are readily available. We could have individually purchased our hats and shown up on our designated date wearing them; but where is the bonding? Where is the fellowship? Where is the spirit? Where are the memories?
MOPS is what you make of it and why do things half way? Why sell ourselves short? Why take away bonding opportunities and time spent with friends? So we put 4 dates on our calendars. Day 1: Day for us to individually go shopping for our hats. Day 2: Day for us to get together to go shopping for ribbons, bows, butterflies, feathers, and whatnot's. Day 3: Assembly Day. Day 4: Tea & Testimony Day.
Day 1 is pretty obvious. Most of us went to Michaels to purchase our straw hats and other little findings and fixings. However, not everything was purchased. Day 2 is a day where some of us were able to take a trip down to Long Beach and go to this warehouse where they sold all sorts of ribbons and bows, tulle, and the like for very reasonable prices. Come on, lunch, and shopping with the girls, Good fun! Day 3 is our assembly day. Hot glue guns, and all assembly pieces in hand we gather for a morning of eating, gabbing, crafting, and laughter...[I have an awesome table]. Day 4 we show up proudly wearing our individually designed hats to Tea & Testimony.
Again, sure they could be purchased. But take a look at mine. See those peacock feathers? Those peacock feathers came from Beth's peacocks. Yes, her real live peacocks. No she didn't chase a bird around and pluck it of its handsome plumage. they drop feathers now and again and she's collected them. Those feathers are special to me because they came from Beth's birds. OK, I'm a sentimental schmuck. We've already established that.
The hot pink tulle I wouldn't of thought to use without the girls suggesting it to me for the pop! The feather boa...the butterfly...all were purchased but we all laughed and played and had a good time building our hats. So my hat is special to me because not only did I make it, which to be honest was a lot of fun. Disregard the hot glue fingers one gets when playing with hot glue, we had a great time. The memories we shared as a table will stay with us.
I don't know about your table but my table is very involved. We meet for breakfast. Playdates. Movies with the kids. MNO's. All outside of the pre-arranged MOPS functions. We are INVESTED with each other. If you aren't then you should try a few get togethers.
So my challenge to you, if you should choose to accept it, is to get more involved with your table. So what if not everyone can attend. So what if its just two or three of you that show. Get together and have fun ladies! I mean that's why you're hear right? To find commonality with your peers. To build friendships? How you gonna do that unless you work at it? Invite! Invite! Invite! Learn to say yes sometimes!
Go shopping. Meet for coffee or lunch. Go to the movies together. Take the kids to the park. Go to Disneyland together. Do a movie night at home. Have a slumber party. Get your nails did. Have a game night. Scrapbook. Sew. Bake. Start a cooking club. Take a special class at the gym together. Hike. Go to the SPA. Find something most of you can agree on and jump in! You're reward for accepting this challenge? Genuine friendships that last.
Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa
in standard solid color of choice. Make sure it contrasts with scrapbook paper
, 2 for each pennant
and finally the dismissal bell rang! Now how's that for a day in Kindergarten?!