Come Visit with Me Today at Reluctant Entertainer

Good Morning Sweet Friends & Readers,

Come join me today at Reluctant Entertainer!

I have wonderful news to share with you.  Today, I am guest posting at the delightful blog Reluctant Entertainer written by Sandy Coughlin – one of the nicest women I know.  Sandy’s blog – as the name implies – guides all us “reluctant entertainers” to become more comfortable about opening our homes – and our hearts – to family and friends.

Once you start reading Sandy’s blog – as well as her book by the same name – you will be delighted by her encouraging and gentle tone.  It’s like a warm and loving hug from a sister.  And that’s just how I feel about her!  I’m confident that as you get to know Sandy, you will grow to love her just as I have!

“From Fussy Washington Attorney to Hill Country Hostess”…Come read my guest post at Reluctant Entertainer

Enjoy!

Love,
Mary

The Importance of Sharing a Meal

We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.

Epicurus

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher whose purpose of philosophy was to attain the happy, tranquil life. And I can’t think of any better way to attain a happy life than to enjoy a meal with others…whether it be friends or family or maybe someone you’ve only just met. Even dining with a pet can sooth the spirit and bring a smile to any animal lover’s face!

The Joy of a Multi-Generational Meal

When I was single, my “family meal” often consisted of dining with my two Boston Terriers Popo and Katie. :-) These days, I have the blessing of enjoying dinner with my husband and son. But something special to all of us is having our folks join us for Sunday dinner. We often include some of our friends as well. It’s a wonderful time with good food, fun conversation, and the making of warm memories not just for us but most importantly for our son.

I especially enjoy watching our 13 year old son interact with my 86 year old mother – his grandmother – as he shares with her the latest in modern technology. My mom is always in awe and her response to his electronic acumen always make our son feel like a genius. (This word may be a bit over used by MasterCard but…) Watching my son and my mom together is priceless.

More Than Just the Sharing of Food

The other day, a friend of mine posted a video on her Facebook page that touched my heart. It is the story of a man who truly understands the importance of sharing a meal with others. Certainly physical nourishment is important but when we share a meal together we share much more. We share our time. We slow down for if just a minute and show that we have time to take interest in others, to care for them, and open our hearts to them…to show them love.

I’d like to share this video now with you:

Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

St. Francis of Assisi

Before I end, I would like to say a special thank you to Sandy Coughlin at Reluctant Entertainer whose writings have inspired me to be more confident about opening my home to friends and family for sharing a meal and more.  Sandy inspires her readers to invite others into our homes and put the focus on making our guests feel welcome and comfortable and not worry if things aren’t perfect.  It’s not about us, our homes, the skill of our cooking…it’s about the love and friendship that we offer to others.  Thank you Sandy!

I’d love to hear about a meal you’ve shared with others that holds a special memory in your heart.

Now I’m going to go have lunch with my son!

Love,

Mary