Living art
Cindy on January 17th, 2010
To improve the golden moments of opportunity and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of living. — Samuel Johnson
Lately we’ve had some wonderful conversations here about the arts — writing and the visual arts, in particular. But in my view, just as essential to “the great art of living” are several gifts and talents that we sometimes take for granted.
These include cooking, baking, nurturing our relationships — and occasionally pulling out all the stops to host a party for someone we cherish. All of this came to mind last weekend when I attended a tea party honoring my friend Norma, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday.
Since Norma’s birthday falls close to Christmas, her daughter Jan had decided to host the party on a quiet Saturday afternoon in January. Wise move. The tea was held at Norma’s church, and Jan, a talented caterer, made all of the tea sandwiches and baked goods. Everything was perfect, from the coral roses and deliberately mismatched vintage tea cups on the tables to the large gathering of devoted friends who came to celebrate Norma.
Clearly, a party can be a work of art. I’ve known Jan for years, and have always admired the creative sense of style she brings to everything she does. Aside from the pretty tables, Jan also arranged a small gallery of photos chronicling her mother’s life from her girlhood in New England to the present. The photos prompted conversation around the tables, and even those of us who’d known Norma for years got to know her better.
Norma looked more beautiful than ever at her tea party. Seeing the sheer happiness on her face as she chatted with her guests on Saturday, I was reminded how important it is to celebrate our mothers — and our elder friends — while we can.
Jan is Norma’s only child, and since I’m an only child too, I understand the special closeness of their relationship. My own mother turns 80 in September. Inspired by Jan’s generous spirit, I’m already planning Mom’s birthday party in my head. — CL
January 17th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Designing that beautiful floral arrangement is an art in itself, with those colors, varying heights and flowers, all of which speak eloquently to us. What a wonderful reason for celebrating, enjoy making those very special plans for your own mom as the months go by.
January 17th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
What a wonderful celebration of life.
January 18th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Love that! What a knack that is to have- not mine unfortunately. But I certainly could see you doing that Cindy!
January 18th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Starrlife, glad you enjoyed. But I don’t have the gift that my friend Jan has for catering … Luckily, I think I can hire her! — CL
January 18th, 2010 at 9:59 am
This warms my heart. And what a loving tribute.
I love hosting and gathering and setting up to watch others enjoy. For the longest time , this was my only creative outlet. The only way to show my heart and soul.
You are so right in this.
You will honour your mother in fine style I’m sure.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
You are so right about celebrating birthdays and honoring the “elders” in our life. I am blessed to be working on the plans for a 100th birthday party in February!
This looks like a lovely tea!
Have a great week and happy celebrating!
xo
January 19th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Great quote. Beautiful party, I’m glad you shared pictures. Looks like living love.