The past two meetings have been all about closing down 2015, and opening up 2016. Hilary reminded us all that the symbol of doors and gateways represent opportunity, or a path, which seemed like an apt way to think about closing down this year and opening up our next year. There are so many iconic doors and gates!

• Massive stone India Gate, in New Delhi as well as Gateway of India, Mumbai
• There is the chilling metal-work gateway at Auschwitz Concentration Camp
• Gates of Argonath, from the Lord of the Rings
• The hot gates of Thermopylae,
• The Brandenburger Tor, symbol of Berlin, and Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris
• There are many iconic doors as well,  including #10 Downing Street, Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door, & Bilbo Baggins round door  – who can forget that?!

Other things open and close as well:

• Ears work best when open, as do parachutes, hearts, and minds.
• Mouths work best sometimes quiet; sometimes speaking.
• Books, windows, locks, jars, bottles, boxes and luggage all open and close or store important stuff like air and olive oil! Yes – we also got to hear all about olive oil and it was amazing. Who knew there was such controversy? Thankfully, Kristin gave us a list of better olive oils to use!
• Locks, cabinets, drawers, zip lock baggies, and envelopes also open and close. The list is endless.

Tom reminded us about the classic movie, The Bucket List, with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Two big, most important questions were: 1. What brings you joy? & 2. Do you bring joy to others?

That was the perfect segue to a heartwarming Table Topics discussion reflecting the theme of the day, presents. Participants shared an actual cool heavy chunk of naturally forming copper (very impressive), and the gift of life through the presence of a friend during a challenging time. A small child’s handmade sewing box was both a gift to a dear mother and gift to the son who learned she had kept it all those years when he found it years later. Other gifts included a 1970s walkie talkie radio device and a classic sewing basket that demonstrated that while we may not know that we want, those who really know us, know how to love and truly support us. Beautiful.

As we close out 2015, we wish you and yours the very best for a peaceful, happy healthy New Year. We hope that many wonderful doors open for you in 2016. Please join us at the Firehouse on Tuesday @ Noon! See you next year!!