Coffee in hand and a quiet table at a favorite cafe greet me on a Monday after a week away. It feels like mid-afternoon. The day is in full swing, perhaps time for an afternoon “pick me up”. Truth be told, it’s actually 7:30 am and the day has only begun. Despite jet lag, the … Read more
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
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
At a recent A Table In Time gathering we had one hundred guests. Despite a common spiritual thread and consistent opportunities to see one another, dinner guests came to the table not really knowing much about each other. In our daily lives we focus on “to do’s”, life’s many logistics, leaving little time to go … 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
Groundhog Day and me don’t get along. This holiday was just “observed” on Feb. 2nd. For the full 4th grade year, Lisa Figuro called me a “groundhog” almost everyday. It was my first experience with bullying. I’m done talking about it! Further, at A Table In Time, we like winter and many states benefit from … Read more
I was hungry for more in life, including joyful conversation! Full of tech-like sound bites, social events felt stale. My harried pace interfered with listening well. I struggled to get to know people. Can you relate? So, last January I “changed it up” and started hosting monthly gatherings, a dinner or lunch, to nurture community … Read more
Sweet rewards! After each gathering, guests felt enlivened, refreshed, even transformed. Since my husband and I had hosted the get-togethers, we had begun to create a connected conversation community. We made new friends. We supported small businesses; we reveled in the meal and relaxed evening. We had fun travelling locally without leaving our home. After … Read more
Conversation is about intention. To be heard, explore specific topics, authentic connection, face-to-face and sharing life. Enable the telling of our stories around universal themes; shed external agendas; appreciate our full selves; simplify the meal; let others participate in bringing food. We all have food stories- great way to start introductions. The evening flows and … Read more
Let’s get people together whether I know them or not. Like an “Airbnb” for conversation concurrent with a meal around the table. Maybe not knowing them would be better so guests don’t feel constrained by social niceties. Guests must feel safe and warmly welcomed. How to create the right environment? Hosted gatherings to learn what … Read more