Not too long ago a dear friend and I enjoyed conversational banter for almost ninety minutes on the phone. It had been a while since we’d connected. We shared fun stories about random stuff, touching also on a work challenge and my kids’ lives Yet for a few days afterwards, I had a nagging thought … Read more
Sometimes we just don’t understand another person’s viewpoint. We’re befuddled, even distressed. This is particularly evident during an election year. Many of us, myself included, shy away from making too many political references. Or, for others, posts on Facebook seem like the only safe place to be fervent. This past summer the “Nuns on the … Read more
Undoubtedly we will disagree with people. For whatever reason, we don’t see “eye- to-eye”. Around the table, we struggle to thoughtfully engage with our perceived adversaries. During an election year differences feel especially heightened, limiting the depth of our interactions. In our minds, consciously or subconsciously, we’ve already decided that meaningful conversations aren’t possible. Why … Read more
Every person can create and engage in thoughtful conversation around the table. When glancing around a friend’s back yard last weekend, filled with 24 guests for a “Summer Send Off “ party, I was amazed: each guest was fully participating in dialog with someone else. No one was quiet! Guests seemed to glide easily around … Read more
Sometimes people don’t want to engage in conversation. For whatever reason, at that moment in time, “small talk” or the opportunity for deeper dialogue doesn’t hold sway. Even when guests are rude, I know it’s not personal. Still, why the rush? Where are they going? Are there some secret codes that I’m missing? Whether celebrating … Read more
Have you ever gone to a gathering, surrounded by chatty guests, yet felt inexplicably alone? Although the room is full of happy people, conversations lag and you find it difficult to know what to say next. What has happened? Sometimes we lose our sense of wonder and appreciation for the gifts right in front of … Read more
This past weekend Slow Food Denver and A Table In Time offered its second “Dine-Around” opportunity focused on the theme, “Celebrate Local”. Guests, most meeting for the first time, gathered at nine different houses for lively conversation and a delicious meal. Gracious hosts prepared food sourced from their gardens, farmers markets and favorite vendors. Questions … Read more
It hasn’t always been this way…that we could “Google map” the nearest coffee shop and quickly identify where to find our morning liquid gold. Only recently has coffee become readily available. In an interview with Phil Goodlaxson, owner of Corvus Coffee, he reminded me that coffee houses historically have been a place for political discussions, … Read more
When political topics come up around the table, there can be an elephant in the room. One guest voices a strong opinion, maybe too verbosely, and others respond, but not everyone. There’s quiet and then another comment and again some silence, signaling that not everyone at the table agrees. The environment has changed. Guests feel … Read more
Some friends are very comfortable sharing their political views on Social Media, rallying others together, and expressing an opinion. I’m more reticent which isn’t to say that I don’t have an opinion. Frankly I can loose my sense of humor sometimes, which shuts down the conversation. And, I just don’t know all the facts! Although … Read more