I’ve been a bit of a hermit crab lately … or, more to the point, a crabby hermit. Working myself into a dither wondering when, for the love of Pete, invoices will be paid, does nothing to liven conversation. Invariably, someone will ask, “How’s the freelance gig?” At which point I stutter about, shrug, and say “So … {exasperated sigh} … you know …” as I stare off into obvlivion.
It’s not pretty, my friends.
So while I have gone out here and there, I haven’t invited anyone in for months. Until Tuesday.
Tuesday evening my friend Mandi came over for dinner. Considering my track record, I did fairly well. I did forget to put the walnuts in a bowl; and since I didn’t want the salmon to get cold while I found a bowl, I simply plopped them on the table … in a Ziploc baggy. Even better, I did so while asking, “Wanna nut?”
The way I figure, there’s a reason I’m not rich, famous, or married to a politician.
All things considered, it was a lovely time–a good reminder that I need to do this more {and not just because Mandi brought me a wee book that just happens to be 102 years old–squee!}.
It also reminded me of how we’re all different. I recently heard of a woman who hosted a family gathering, but refused to let anyone in the house for fear they would ruin something.
The funny thing is, the older I get, the less importance I place on things. Don’t get me wrong; there are things that warm the cockles of my heart {as you may have noticed}. But more than anything, I want to surround myself with meaning. I don’t want to collect something simply for the name, the price tag, or the prestige associated with owning it. The things I find most worthy of my investment are those of sentimental value … those I can build a memory around … those I can share with others.
Sure, it may not make me worth more, but I feel rich all the same …
I am so with you on all counts! I am terrible with having friends over! But not because I have pretty things at home(actually, my place is pretty bare!), but just because I'm not a very good hostess. But I am a great guest ;o)
Glad that you have a great time with your friend. It's great when you can just "hang" without the need to feel too proper 🙂
glad to hear you had a good time with your friend – that's all that matters (this is something I try and remind myself of when the house is a mess and someone stops over!) now the next step for me is to bring out the nice stuff on just a normal day 🙂
🙂 Your evening sounded wonderful! I wish I could spend more time with some of my friends! Those are the little luxuries that make life rich! Making memories is priceless!