I hosted a part last night. It was a lot of fun and I believe everyone had a wonderful time. I had a wonderful time, and I was all invigorated and abuzz with excitement afterward. Sometimes this sense of promise and excitement confuses me, makes me wonder if I might, at one time, have been more of an extrovert than I give myself credit for. But no it is not true. When asked what I inspired me from the conversations, I realized I still hadn't processed it all yet. Still haven't processed it all,
(Moisés approved of the flowers
And as excited as I was, I needed that bit of quiet time in the evening, after everyone had left. I needed, and still need my quiet time this morning, time when I reflect back on conversations and let them lead my thoughts down their own meandering paths. I always savor the morning after, the remnants of cleaning up and putting away, and the way these small physical activities guide my musings and lead to new insights and perspectives.
And I realized that it is the entire process that I enjoy. Preparing the table and preparing food is a way of preparing myself, of opening my mind and heart to fellowship and the communion of good company, to the sharing of food and words can open our thoughts and hearts. I get all organized before hand, and then, when the guests arrive, I tend to cast that organization part aside and just go with the flow, let myself enjoy and participate and watch and listen and be in the moment of the party, wherever that takes us all.
And then, there is the morning after, a time for reflection, a time to enjoy that special meeting of memory and hope and promise and wend my way down new paths.
