Let’s Shuffle Tiles and Feed San Diego!
If you've ever read any of my other blog posts ─ and why wouldn't you?! You may remember me mentioning that mahjong players are a community. In fact, you may have heard me blather on about it quite a lot. Only because it's true.
When you know how to play mahjong you will have an immediate connection with all sorts of people from every imaginable background. You may play by different rules, you may even learn something new when you play with others. (Wait! What?!) Either way, with mahjong in common you may not care so much that your tablemates are into Star Wars when you're all about Star Trek. Yes ─ there IS a difference!
As we barrel closer to the potential insanity of the holiday season, hanging with your mahjong community can be the only thing keeping you from telling your wacky Uncle Walter what you really think of his political views.
Before you head back to the kitchen to smash ten pounds of potatoes and make a gallon of gravy, with your house guests trying to 'help', an afternoon of making pungs, kongs, and quints with your besties will fortify you.
Those few hours of tile shuffling with your squad might be the difference between finding thoughtful, one of a kind items for everyone on your gift list or giving up and just ordering a case of eco-friendly toilet paper for them all. (Actually- not a horrible idea! Check out www.whogivesacrap.)
Julia Roberts famously said, "Mahjong is making order out of chaos". And there are times when that order, the ritual, the fun of the game, and the time with our community is just what the doctor ordered. And, as part of that community we also try to give back to the larger community around us. The National Mah Jong League sets a great example in charitable donations. All over the country there are roughly a bazillion fundraisers using mahjong play as the draw.
Beginner's American Mahjong is proud to be a part of that tradition. Before the season becomes a peppermint and pine scented whirlwind, or you're up to your eyeballs in latkes, we will be hosting our 3rd annual fundraiser for Feeding San Diego- the local arm of Feeding America. This organization does tremendous work to assist people right here in our own backyard who are struggling with food insecurity. This year the need is greater than usual, and we're here to do our part.
Please consider joining us for an evening of mahjong, yummy food and beverages, and community! The halls will be decked, the candles will be lit, and the tiles will be flying! Er, no- no flying tiles please. Register your table of four, or meet new people by adding your name to the list for singles. It's easy- just send us an email to register: bam@beginnersmahjong.com We hope to see you there!