a circle of (fictional) friends
I often mention that I wish I had friends to meet up with at a coffee shop in my town. A group of girls to just connect with in person every now and then. I can count on one hand the friends I have made in our town since moving here three years ago. I am, though, very lucky to have made other dear friends in the area and down in Portland, but they aren't really able to meet for tea or wine one night a week after work.
I have talked about how in college I felt like the books that lined my shelves were my companions. The authors and characters were kindred spirits in my life, reminding me that I was not alone in my way of looking at the world. A person who spends a lot of time alone needs this. At least, I need them: These companions in the form of characters in books and also movies.
Thinking about these things led me to have this thought. Imagine if I could create my own circle from the characters I adore. As though there would be a world where I could invite these fictional women to meet me at The Mandolin Café for tea on a Friday afternoon. I imagine this to be a bit like Thursday Next's world (but maybe without the high-stakes crime) where people can move from the real world to the book world.
Imagine if I could just ask these women I admire and adore if they would meet me for tea? Who would I invite? Well, lately, I have been drawing quite a bit of inspiration from a few ladies who can be found in the fictional world. Elizabeth Bennet, Kathleen Kelly, Elinor Dashwood, Princess Ann (though if she were to spend an afternoon over tea with these ladies, she would, I think, want to just be called Anya), and Amelie are the first five who came to mind. Wouldn't this be quite the group?
My next thought was, of course, what would I wear? What bag would I carry? As I happen to be in the habit of creating bags lately, I decided I would have to create something new for the occasion. A bag that would fit my journal, a book of poetry (as we would of course be sharing poetry), my little coin purse/wallet, and the cookie I would bring home for Jon as he wouldn't be able to join us but how he loves the cookies at The Mandolin Café.
I think I would pair my bag with my twirly, off-white skirt and red eyelet top. Maybe some brown flip flops as not to be too dressy. Don't you think I can have tea with a princess while wearing flip flops (if that said princess is trying to blend in with the regular folks)? Something tells me she might have a pair herself when she visits me in the twenty-first century. And, I am quite convinced that Miss Elizabeth Bennett (or shall we say, "Mrs. Darcy" [insert swoon here]) would indeed have a pair. Well, maybe not. Hmmm...maybe little ballet flats would be a better choice.
Who would you invite into your circle of (fictional) friends?
(The Purse Project was the inspiration to use this vintage tea towel as part of my new bag. Love the way the texture of the towel looks with the linen of the bag. The purses made by people who sent their photos in on time for this month's Purse Project can be seen here.)
from the little room, this is me
Reader Comments (14)
I can see myself written all over this post. I would absolutely insert myself into the list you set out and would, perhaps, add Anne with an 'e' Blythe (nee Shirley), just to spice things up. I can't imagine this particular group would be at a loss for topics of discussion. And, in good conscience, I'd have to bring along a young fried of mine who would positively be beside herself should Mr. Darcy show up to escort Elizabeth home.
Fascinating post. I can relate to books/characters as friends, too. Your bag is terrific and sound like it holds your essentials perfectly. Good for you having a poetry book as one of your must-haves.
Oooooo, I love the idea of this!! I just sent you an email with an idea of where to meet, but I forgot about how awesome The Mandolin Cafe is & that would be a great as well! Of course, I'm not sure I'll be as good company as some of these amazing women mentioned here, but it would still be fun. Cheers and peace, Deb
you are freaking phenomenally fabulous.
love your dreaming ~
i've posted mine here as i got so excited about the whole prospect!!!
http://www.leonielife.com/journal/2007/06/invite-someone-dangerous-to-tea-sark.html
love, blessings, mindfulness,
leonie
What an absolutely wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading this; I had a smile on my face the entire time imagining this lovely tea time. (and I just watched "You've Got Mail" two weeks ago..)
Your new purse is adorable.
Here's to fine tea time, books that touch us and dreams that take us to magical places.
Have a wonderful weekend beautiful you.
How I can relate to this. Where you moved town (I assume), I moved country and even though I've met quite a few people here that are from my country, I still feel like I'm on a completely different wave length and speak a different language. Maybe from a far and distant planet. The only ones I can have a decent conversation with (and get excited about poetry)are sitting on a shelve or lying next to my bed.
Maybe I should invite some of them for a lovely cup of coffee...
I have spent the morning catchin up on the blogs I love to read. I have been in the hospital and since I came home I have felt too depressed to do much of anything. Reading this post was amazing. Knowing that there is someone dealing with a similar situation and a kindred spirit. I love that you created a circle of friends and used your amazing gifts of imagination and creativity. I feel less lonely after reading this post. Thanks.
I was sent her by the Goddess (Leonie, that is!) b/c we are truly kindred spirits!!
Books and characters are truly so real to me sometimes I feel silly.
Once upon a time I had an amazing community of friends. Since we moved I have not been able to recreate that experience and am LONGING for it deeply. We are moving again and I am intending to find it and settle in.
This was beautiful and I am thrilled to discover YOU!!
We are moving to Vancouver, WA so perhaps we can find our way to tea together someday.
Mark and I often giggle about who we would invite to our fantasy dinner party - I might have to decide who to invite to my own girlie tea party. That way I get to have TWO parties!!
This made me smile, and also brought tears to my eyes.... You can inspire the full range of emotion ! Your writing, and sharing is incredibly beautiful... What a sweet, darling person you must be.....
It is so funny that you wrote about being able to spend time with a circle of friends, as I had a dream last night about such a gathering and you were there! (I know we have never met in person, but I have seen your picture.) It was a lovely dream!
I will meet you for tea/coffee/wine any night!
No, I'm not a stalker, just a reader who loves your writing and your soul. I'm moving to Seattle in 2 weeks (from Chicago), and I know that isn't too far from Tacoma.....
i know what it feels like to be lonesome for girl-time; all of my friends have moved away, and i too miss having someone to meet for wine or coffee :)
my people: kathleen kelly (i want to be her!), vix from summer sisters by judy blume, nicole from tender is the night by f. scott fitzgerald...that's just to start. such a fun idea!
xo
what a delicious circle of friends...