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Book Club We will discuss The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaug on Aug. 12, at 9:30 am at the Lodge. When she was approximately three weeks old, the court report listed Victoria's birth date, birth location and biological parents as unknown. Until she was eight years old, her social worker failed to find her a suitable adoptive family. They always gave her back because of her behavior. She was brought to the country to live with Elizabeth who teaches her about flowers. In spite of love and a promise to adopt her, the lack of communication and trust caused events to take place which sent her back to group homes until she was 18. At 18, she was taken to The Gathering House, where she was given three months free rent and $20 for food and told to find a job. While living homeless in San Francisco, she met Renada, who gave her a job. For the first time, Victoria knew what she wanted to be… a florist. At the flower market she meets Grant, whom she communicates with through flowers. Flowers are message-laden but do not elicit a response. Vanessa Diffanbaugh includes Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers to further explain the choice in arrangements given to the various customers and others. The story is divided into four parts. The first part is called Common Thistle, which means misanthropy; Part two, White Rose-a heart unacquainted with love; Part three, Moss-maternal love; Part four, New Beginingsdaffodil. On Sept. 10, we will meet to discuss Stephen King's time travel book entitled 11/22/63, when Georgia Colemen will lead the discussion. New readers are always welcome. Info., Doreen, (951) 769-1913. ~ Doreen Sanders African American Culture Club On June 22, the AACC held its fourth annual "Freedom Day Celebration." This was the first year it was opened up to include all our Four Seasons neighbors and friends. It was well attended by all. By all accounts, it was a "rousing success.'' The Ballroom was tastefully decorated to recreate the era of an 1865 picnic celebration. The AACC members brought the kind of potluck dishes that would have been brought to the picnic during that era. Needless to say, the members outdid themselves with a wide assortment of delicious, tantalizing foods that was absolutely scrumptious and more than a "gracious plenty." A feast was had by all. The program educated everyone on the meaning of the Juneteenth celebration through readings, songs, and dance. The performers were great. The program was inspiring and beautiful and gave us a true sense of why we celebrate Juneteenth. The event reinforced the past by recognizing the sacrifices and perseverance of our ancestors and our ancestor's hope of a better future through getting to know and understand others culture and history. Only then can we begin to breakdown our prejudices and injustices, acknowledge our mistakes, and develop the wisdom to reject bigotry, hatred, and racism. Only then can we live up to our country's high ideas of freedom and equality when we practice freedom and equality for "all." To all who attended, to all who prepared and bought your favorite dish, and to all who made our celebration a joyous event, our heartfelt "Thank you." ~ Roxie Elliott Eileen and Pete having a wonderful time Committee: Betty Ann, Cookie, Roxie, Wanda, Rheuben and Toni CLUBS & GROUPS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2013 29