It's been a long time since we've gotten together for a Gathering, but it appears that there's a good bit of interest in doing so. As of the morning of 11/5, we have 12 confirmed. We are going to meet on Monday, November 15th, at Mia Margherita in Bridgeport - http://miamargherita.com/ - starting at 6:pm. You can always join in later if you can't make it by 6:pm. Our reservation is under the name of "Liston." [see "covid" addition at the end of this post]
For those of you unfamiliar with Gatherings, they started almost 20 years ago when a few of us would get together from time to time to chat over something yummy (and often make plans to trade massages later). We'd talk about continuing ed, problems with clients, things for sale, new massage creams, whatever might be related to bodywork. Bit by bit, we'd invite others we knew and it developed into a state-wide open group for bodyworkers. It's not a membership thing and doesn't cost anything other than whatever you order for yourself to eat/drink when we get together.
In order for it not to happen at the same time/place and possibly knock out some folks who have standing appointments at that time, we mix it up by the following:
- Date - We meet on the 15th of each month, unless that falls on a weekend. If it's on Saturday, then we meet on Friday the 14th. If it's on a Sunday, then we meet on Monday the 16th. So different days scattered throughout the year.
- Time - We meet over breakfast one month and supper the next, so different times of the day.
- Place - And we meet in Harrison, Marion, and Mon counties, so different locations making it more convenient for some and less for others as we move around.
Usually we discuss the next month's Gathering details at the end of the current Gathering. I try to text it out, but admit openly that I drop the ball as well as don't have all proper names/numbers. The Gatherings are open to all bodyworkers, so please feel free to invite others. And if you see someone's name missing from my text, let me know and I'll try to remember to add it.
In the early days, I sent out an email about what all we discussed so those who couldn't attend could still know what was going on. That email list grew pretty big and became a hassle, so I think I'll just post here each time. So if you miss, just come here for the latest - and the plans for the next Gathering.
If you want to reach me, best to text me (304/365-1076) or email (SerenityNancy@gmail.com). I am lousy at phone calls, I confess, and often my phone is turned off (which means I don't see that you called unless you leave voice mail). - Nancy Goodpasture
COVID: I admit openly that I have some concerns about social gatherings of any sort in this ongoing pandemic. I work hard to keep myself and my office free from covid, and I haven't done anything social in a group for a year and a half. I am double vaccinated and had my booster. I wear a mask at work and everywhere I go. I still don't go into stores (with very rare, brief exceptions). I block at least an hour between clients to clean, ask all my clients about their vaccines, exposure, etc. and schedule accordingly. I ask that everyone who comes to the Gathering be as responsible as possible with regard to covid, and definitely opt out if you have been exposed or are not feeling well. We have a professional and ethical responsibility to our clients, and I am uneasy enough about suggesting this Gathering. But I suspect the numbers will increase within a few weeks and echo the sky-rocketing pattern of last year from mid-November to mid-January, so this is likely the only chance we'll get for at least a few more months.
