I am deviating from our regularly scheduled program to tell you all about some fantastic clubs I’m involved in. As an adult, I feel it is extremely important to not give up on the concept of play. Our daily lives can be bombarded with responsibilities and adulting, even to the point of forgetting that we are grown and don’t have to ask our mommies for permission to play with our friends. I refuse to settle for a life that keeps me so busy that I cannot enjoy thriving. So here are a few clubs I’m involved in and a short list of clubs that I wish existed!
Memphis Rum Club
Yes, you read that right and it is NOT a typo. I am a member of the Memphis RUM Club. We do not run, whatsoever! I was in the middle of a hypnotic scroll on Instagram when I came across one of their posts and was immediately intrigued. I clicked on their profile and soon found myself signing up to join. My first meeting was at Mary’s B.O.T.E. in Midtown. I had an opportunity to sample the highlighted rum of the night, ask a ton of questions (because I knew next to nothing about rum), and even got some really nice swag. Ever since, I have not missed a meeting! And why would I? I get to learn about new rums and sample them. I’ve also made two new friends, Kelly and Michael. Hi, y’all!
The 901 Readers’ Collective, aka Silent Book Club, and the Raleigh Library Book Club
I am a member of several book clubs in Memphis, and I read all of their books. I do not, however, actually attend many book club meetings. I’m easily irked when I attend a book club meeting and we spend less than 15 minutes discussing the book. I’m also easily irked when I am at a book club meeting and end up reading another book or searching for my next book because no one is talking about the book we gathered to discuss. (Oh, and leaving once the book discussion is completed is also frowned upon.) So, yeah, I only actually attend two book clubs: 901 Silent Book Club and the Raleigh Library Book Club.
At the Raleigh Library Book Club, we actually talk about the book the entire time! A full hour of book discussion! Each member gets a chance to take the lead on selecting our next book and leading the discussion. Recently, we’ve read The Troop by Nick Cutter, Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, and Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill. We even had a Book Bachelor event and added 3D-printed roses to our books! This club is awesome. Our next meeting is May 20th. For more information, check out the Memphis Public Libraries website.
Sometimes, I want to be in the presence of people, but not “peopling” with them. I know I’m not alone in feeling like this. The 901 Readers’ Collective, aka Silent Book Club, is the perfect club. This club meets at different locations around the city, and there is no assigned reading. You simply show up with your book, sign in, and begin reading. There’s a brief break where you can share what you’re reading with those around you, but it’s not necessary. It’s the perfect opportunity to be social while quietly reading your book. Heaven.
Sidenote: I also enjoy the Fit4Mom Book Club, but I haven’t been able to attend a meetup due to scheduling.
Other clubs I’m a part of:
• Sewing and Crochet Club: I love to sew, knit, and crochet. My kids sometimes call them my old lady crafts. We meet on Saturdays at the Raleigh Library. All information can be found on their website. I’m also thinking about hosting a Summer Beginner’s Sewing Club class. Thoughts?
• Supper Club Memphis: I’ve recently joined them and can’t wait until my first meetup. I love a well-dressed, good time with food!
Clubs I wish existed:
• Tea and Biscuits Club: We meet and drink a variety of teas paired with cookies.
• Cozy Video Game Club: We meet and discuss the current cozy video games we’re playing. We also share any tips and tricks we might have. Those with portable gaming devices are welcome to bring them and play, too.
• Nature Walk Club: We take nature walks through the woods. But the walks shouldn’t be too long; otherwise, it’ll become a hiking club and I’ll be tempted to quit.
• Painters’ Club: We bring our painting supplies to a location and paint whatever we want. We can also share techniques with each other.
• Kickball Club: Let’s be clear, I am not good at kickball. But I will be a freaking delight to have on your team!
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s an assistant principal and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
