"Martini Fridays" is NOT an ad for a bar...

Martini Fridays began because my friends brought the party to me. To my home. Seven years ago.

I was flat on my back with a newly diagnosed mysterious illness....fibromyalgia. I had plans to get together with my girl friends on  a Friday night and I had to cancel because I felt miserable. So, I was lying down, cursing my uncooperative body on a daybed in my breezeway. It was a great summer night and I was contemplating an out of body experinece just so that I wouldn't feel anything!!!  I heard a knock on the door and I saw blue eyes and a bottle of vodka...Jane had arrived with all the fixings for martinis.

She pulled up a chair next to the bed, sat down, and handed me an ice cold martini....ahhhhhh!

Martini Fridays was born.

I started to invite all my friends because I didn't feel well enough to go out. They came to me. The funny thing is that none of us are big drinkers. We just needed an excuse to gather, and wherever there are two or more women gathered there is a whole lotta talking goin on! And laughing. And the pain and exhaustion I felt melted away.

Friends are the great pain equalizers!! They are medicinal, they are a soft place to fall, and a compass in the fog, and every now and then they throw you a life line and show up with food or a bottle or a plan.

Martini Fridays continue to be an event. Everyone comes over, brings food, and hangs out. Martini Friday is not for the faint of heart. It takes commitment. A lazy friend won't like it.

Maybe women everywhere should throw their own Martini Friday. No kids (usually), no spouses-just a tidal wave of estrogen that flows around everyone and heals the bumps and scrapes of life.

My martinis are shaken, not stirred. Yours can be whatever you want. 

Your pal
Adrienne