What were we thinking? Fifteen people in our little apartments one floor apart? We were thinking “Wouldn’t it be fun to host friends for Thanksgiving?” Not a Friendsgiving where everyone brings something, but a full-on feast where a motley crew of assorted friends old and new could gather. Appetizers available on the “Mezzanine” where there is a big screen for the football fans and a music studio. On the floor below serving the afternoon feast with the traditional menu of ham and turkey and all of the usual fixings. With a little mayhem, we pulled it off.
Some guests arrived early, and more soon followed before all of the food was finished. Many entered my tiny kitchen, scooping food from pans onto plates, so some recipes were never completed (the milk never made its way into the sweet potatoes with marshmallows and green bean casserole). Both made it to the table and no one seemed to care. Hours passed with lively banter and sounds of laughter and “Could you please pass the _______?” Courtesy of generous guests, there were extra sides and five pumpkin pies. After the conversation dwindled and the “I’m stuffed” moans filled the air, everyone filed back up to the Mezzanine for a spontaneous concert with professional musicians playing along with amateurs.
Seven hours after the first guest arrived, the last one left and I collapsed on my couch, happily exhausted. I’ll take a short nap and finish, I thought. Alas, the neighbors were still loudly partying below my living room, so I headed to my back bathroom for a hot bubble bath and early bed.
The next morning, when I arrived in my kitchen, It looked like a war zone. Some people might see this as a daunting sight and look away. I saw this as an opportunity for a joyful meditation. Fully rested, I had quiet time to fully contemplate the magnitude of the gathering just a day before. I could still feel the energy of the love of close human interaction and the blessings of the new friendships that were fostered and kind words exchanged. All because two people had a crazy idea for a new gathering.
It took more than an hour to do the rest of the dishes, put back the furniture and reply to the many thank you messages. Three days later, I am still trying to figure out who some of the random leftover serving utensils belong to. But the feeling of intense gratitude and smile on my face will forever be associated with the memory. Having survived and enjoyed the celebration, perhaps we will make room for a few more for Christmas. Kroger’s will just have to come up with bigger carts, ones as big as our hearts.
FROM THE SANCTUARY
I celebrated the breathtaking first snow last week by stepping out in my slippers and inhaling the silent beauty before I realized I was freezing my butt off. I took a few pictures and went inside to watch the flakes fall from the comfort of my living room. Nature dozes in these colder shorter days, but we remain active inside. We’re working with the publisher to bring Scott’s first children’s book to life and using that to launch a campaign to get kids and parents reading at bedtime again. I started my PhD studies, which will bring me back to writing intently again. And we’re brainstorming. How to serve others better, widen our range, enhance our ripple, wxpand our physical space. Blessings abound.
Feel the joy of the season!
I feel the loving energy of your celebration as I read your post. Thank you for sharing Mary 🥰