Finding Merry!

Not Merry! That’s how it felt after witnessing customers spend precious pennies at Walmart. Then, listening to news filled with acrimony further dampened my spirits. Two worlds, light and dark, seemed to exist: one very merry, filled with joyous possibility; the other glum and unattached. Fortunately, everywhere, holiday lights are shining brightly outside. Blow-up Santas … Read more

Going to the Wrong Mansion: Missing a Holiday Party

Last week I showed up at the wrong party! My mistake led me to the Governor’s Mansion! Although beautifully decorated, as I wandered around the room, not far from shaking hands with Governor Hickenlooper, it became clear that none of the guests looked familiar. What party was this? My calendar had confused dates for the … Read more

Why “Hola” is Easy!

In Mexico last week, we “hola”-ed everywhere and conversation flowed. With a friendly “Hola”, interacting with new people became easy. What is it about travelling that opens us to conversing with strangers? How might we incorporate a “traveler” mentality into our daily interactions? Oh, to be on vacation all the time! Yes, time was on … Read more

The “Top 2016 Questions”

In 2016 A Table In Time worked with a variety of clients in multiple venues. At each gathering, informal or formal, with or without food, and people meeting for the first time or learning more about one another, conversation unfolded beautifully! Why? Participants brought their best full selves to the table, listened exceedingly well, and … Read more

Toast!

Although adding cinnamon sugar to morning toast works deliciously, I’m not talking about bread! Rather, the occasion to raise your glass to those with you at the table. According to author, Paul Dickson, “a toast is a basic form of human expression that can be used to convey virtually any human emotion from love to … Read more

Conversation Tips from a New England Winter

New England winters can be treacherous! Nor’easters bring astounding amounts of snow, especially to the Boston area, fueled by ocean air and low barometric pressure. Fierce winds batter shutters and houses creak! About ten years ago my family and I experienced a ferocious winter in Hingham, MA. At first, it seemed that everyone was a … Read more

What’s Enough?

Your name or your body, What is dearer? Your body or your wealth, What is worthier? Gain or loss, What is worse? Greed is costly. Assembled fortunes are lost. Those who are content suffer no disgrace. Those who know when to halt are unharmed. They last long. – Tao Te Ching- Verse 44 We have … Read more

What are the Simple “Wonderfuls” on Your List?

Growing up I remember one of my friend’s mom always saying “that everything was wonderful” and actually feeling that perhaps things weren’t as good as professed. “Wonderful” feels full of hyperbole. Yet feeling inspired is within reach. How? When we recognize and trust the simple good in the universe. “Wonderfuls” might include listening to the … Read more

What’s So Funny? #2 Holiday Conversation Campaign

If we observed ourselves often, we’d probably laugh about our obsessions, quirks and failed attempts at conversation. As someone who admires a quick laugh and feels almost relieved by an impromptu giggle, December is a time for adding extra humor into our lives! As everyone knows, laughter provides a release from stress and sorrow. How … Read more

Merrily Converse: A Holiday Conversation Campaign

Dear Friends, Although Thanksgiving was full of gratitude and fun, December’s panic arrived early this week. I became cranky about my “to do” list. Worst of all, conversations stopped at our house as I holed up in my basement determined to master the schedule. Apprehension about the upcoming holidays is about more than timelines. Many of … Read more