A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned having a picnic in the park with some friends. This wasn't a one time event for the summer. I have actually been having a picnic in the park with friends every week this summer.
It all started earlier this spring when I knew I wanted to get my children out of the house this summer. I knew I wanted to reach out and connect with others this summer. The idea came to me, why not combine the two?
Every week, beginning in June, I have been hosting a weekly "Picnic in the Park". Just a simple plan and an announcement is all that it takes.
Every week I choose a park and a day to meet. I spread the word at church weekly by posting that weeks plans on the events calendar in the back. I spread the word via Facebook through a private message to all of my local contacts.
There is no specific invitation list. Everyone is encouraged to invite friends. No RSVP's are required. No planned agenda is made. Nothing requiring large amounts of preparation ahead of time is arranged.
Each week, all that I do is commit to being at that specific park on that day with a picnic for my family. Others may come and go as they choose, knowing that for a specified amount of time, it is guaranteed that at least one other mother/woman will be there. It is not even restricted to mother's. Anyone that wants to come is welcome.
Each one brings their own picnic and we just hang out, chat, enjoy each others company... and in the process build relationships and deepen friendships.
People. Relationships. Friendships. Community.
It is a vital and necessary part of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. It does not have to require a lot of work, prep, or time to make it happen.
I have found it is as simple as a picnic in the park... and I am enjoying every minute of it.
What simple ways have you found to get together and connect with others?
I love this idea! If only I lived closer to you, Id be there. I may have to try this.
ReplyDeleteHey Donnetta.. a bunch of girls from my womans bible study..we meet at one end of a local bridge, and walked across it for the exercise, and then we went to a cute little rest called the Breakfast Nook, and ate.. we then walked about a half of block over and toured a vintage Bed and Breakfast, and just enjoyed the day..of course we were too full and too tired to walk back over the bridge,lol, but I anticipated that , and I parked my car of the other side of the bridge and drove us all back to our cars..
ReplyDeletePicnic or Bed and Breakfast,, either way.. spending time with friends and family is so importans..
Love the casualness of picnics. We used to do this kind of thing all the time when the kids were little. I think I need to start it again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I, too, wish I lived near you so I could come! I think I'm going to mention that to some of the young mothers and the older ones, like me, too!
ReplyDeleteOn Tuesdays and Thursdays, a few mamas and their children come to swim at my house and I used to get so stressed about it....then one day I thought why? Why would I get stressed. They aren't coming to judge my housekeeping, they just want to swim. And since the kids are older and don't come swim much, I'm grateful for someone to be using it and it gives me a good excuse to use it too!!!
This is such a great idea! Have you gone to different parks each week? And did you find different people (from different places in your life) have come? I love it. What a neat way to reach out and break up the summer as well.
ReplyDeleteI love the carefree nature of your picnic idea. I have a friend who works close to my home (isn't it a shame I don't work as close!). Since she's married and has kids nearly out of the nest, it's easier to have her drop by after work for a quickie thrown together dinner and long languid chats.
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