Hello All,

I had a long discussion last Saturday with a friend who has been
involved in aa for a number of years, (approximately 23). The
enjoyable part of the discussion was about the AA Chamber of Commerce,
that exists in the Pacific Group, (locally here in North County, etc.).

I asked her if she had attened the Pacific Group meetings. Her answer
was, "Yes." I further asked that she describe them to me. Well, she
replied, "They shake hands with everyone, smile, and want to know the
profession of everyone they meet." "Do you see, I said, there it is,
AA Chamber of Commerce." I asked her how much business she was able
to generate from local contacts through aa. She replied, that it is a
major source of her income.

I mentioned to her that starting a meeting titled, "AA for
Professionals," might be worth consideration, (laughter), after all,
we can do almost anything under, "Special Needs," more laughter.

The book, The Harder They Fall, (2005), has one story in which down
and out producers, scriptwriters, etc. group together to sell kitchen
ware, this is LA, and/or the Pacific Group, as the book implies.

The unpleasant part of our conversation was the discussion of abuse in
AA, (psycholgical, perpetrators, etc.). Sorrowful for me, for I could
not reach her on this level. She listened patiently, and quoted the BB
a few times. I moved to another topic.

If I was to continually look at the most important impact of recovery
on my journey, it would be with people who are willing to meet me at
an honest level, and my intimacy with women. Women with whom I can
share my deepest process, joys and sorrows. This would also include
the social, business context. We have a group that meets once per
month for trips to museums, theater, etc.

Beth