Heinlein’s juveniles portrayed traditional families for the most part; good ones with mothers and fathers who loved each other. Line Marriage: Multi-Generational Group Marriage, triads and other unusual alternatives are described in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. Time Enough for Love’s Tersius colony Family features a large group marriage consisting of many of our favorite characters from Heinlein’s other stories-on a planet where the government wouldn’t think of interfering in one’s marital choices and only your very advanced geneticist gets a vote on whom you make babies with. The water sharing ceremony in Stranger In a Strange Land is the best example of Family by choice and has effected families in reality probably more than any other of his books. Church of All Worlds and many other less formal groups including my own intimate friendship network have used this as a model for permanent committed relationships which may shift from lovers to friendship and back again multiple times during an ongoing relationship. Members of a Nest may live together or be “semi residential”. They may live nowhere near each other, but maintain their bonds through phone calls and visits (weekly, monthly, or perhaps a few times a year). The patterns are endless. The common denominator is long term loving commitment.

Which of Heinlein’s writings most affected the choices YOU have made regarding family and relationship structure? Did some other author effect your family choices?

1 pm Pot Luck Lunch Bring something healthy and delicious to share
2-4 pm Group discussions, Hot Tub available

Then that evening:

SATURDAY DECEMBER 16 6pm to???

Live the Dream WINTER HOLIDAY PARTY

6PM Evening of December 16 is LTD’s annual Winter Holiday Party with Hot tubbing and socializing in between the day time meeting and the party. (Crash space available by arrangement when you RSVP)
Latkes (provided by Live the Dream, along with Apple Sauce and Sour Cream), songs about the Maccabees, dreidels, lighted up Christmas miniature houses, and a Winter Solstice ritual. We’ll light the Hanukkah Menorah all candles—8th night! Did we forget a ritual important to you? Tell us and we’ll add it…

Bring stories/songs/poetry to share.
Wrapped science fiction, fantasy or magikal gift ($5-$10) for GIFT EXCHANGE.
Your favorite holiday dish (perhaps one you loved as a child) for pot luck supper—
(big enough for 10 to share.)

Children bring child gifts to exchange with each other.
Children welcome 6-8:30 pm ONLY—Adults only after that.
Sharing our holidays is part of what weaves the bonds of Family in a group like ours. Understanding what is important to each of us during this festive season and how we celebrate it is a way to grow closer and delight in our diversity.

8:30 Solstice Ritual led by our High Priestess Ealswythe (Actress, Author and so much more!)

Clothing optional Jacuzzi (with holiday music playing inside it!) available all afternoon and evening–bring sandals and towels.

Cost $5 for paid members of Live the Dream $8 for non-members.