it takes time

to write a blog post.

b's blog posts serve as reminders to myself of the minutiae which criss-crosses my addled brain at any given moment. Essentially, I write a blog post for ME.

At the same time, by publishing such nonsensical trivia to this site, the missives become my gift to blog readers who happen along now and again. Whether your visits are by accident (clicking on a Google'd link) and only a few seconds in length, with no possibility of return; or if you are a regular visitor, purposely stopping in to linger for a quick read of aforementioned snippets.

Perhaps the mental meanderings of 'b' helps to pass a few entertaining minutes online. You stop in and there might be something of worth. Like a laugh. Or a bit of music. A memorable image. Movie or book reviews to excite. Craft ideas to inspire. A discussion of food to activate the salivary glands. A curmudgeonly bone to pick.
At best, a pondering.

All well and good.

For anyone who is a 'regular', please know that if the interim between my postings seems lengthy, it is not due to disinterest of, neglect of, or a indication of complete abstinence from blogging. It is that I am contemplating subject matter for the next post. Gearing up for the next composition. Sleeping on it. Awaiting the muse.

Blog post writing is all too often easier said than done.

Blogging takes a considerable amount of time. It uses a great deal of mental energy (which I seem to have less and less of nowadays). Writing a blog post also requires a tremendous amount of editing (though these posts may not reflect that effort).

Bottom line, in order to produce a post I might consider worthy enough to publish, I work hard at it. Yes, even in this 'anything goes' format.

'Just so ya knows', it took over 45 minutes just to write this.

Later, gators.
People to see, things to do, cookies to eat.
xo

The Small Dinner Party

What's not to love about The Small Dinner Party?Especially when it is a little (don't panic now - just a tad) - formal in presentation.

The Small Dinner Party should not be an uptight affair. Never overdone. What it could/should be is just a bit more stylish than a crowd of people eating out of serving dishes, using paper plates/cups, plastic cutlery. Nothing at all wrong with that, mind you. It's still a party with good times to be had. It just ain't The Small Dinner Party.

For The Small Dinner Party, you bring out the good dishes, whether they be stoneware or china, lacquerware, glass or mix and match. Use drinking vessels that are a pleasure to hold. REAL cutlery. Serve indescribably tasty food. Refreshing drinks. It's taking the time to set up an honest meal and inviting a handful of good folk over to share it. A winning combination of all these factors can turn staging a dinner into a creative, memorable, delicious event.

The thoughtfully prepared dining experience can be every bit as enjoyable as sitting alone and eating KFC with your hands, straight out of the 'bucket'. More thrills than wiping the residual fried chicken grease from your mouth with those skimpy paper napkins. To be sure, The Small Dinner Party can be oodles more satisfying. I repeat: oodles.

Let's plan The Small Dinner Party, then.

Ingredients for The Small Dinner Party

Guests, 4 to 8 in number - it would be nice to dress up a bit for the occasion (as in no shoes, no shirt, no service!).

Everyone seated together at a dining table (eating while standing is for crowded art gallery openings or sporty tail gate parking lot parties).

The dining table is set with coordinated dishware (not necessarily matching or too terribly formal). It's a pleasure to spend time at a table decked out in color, sheen and texture.

Mood lighting (As I get older, I really appreciate being bathed in soft lighting).

Tasty fare, any style, so long as it is prepared with the freshest ingredients and 'plated' (in lovely/smart-looking/novel serving dishes) to tempt the senses even before the first mouthful of food reaches the palate.

Mood music (be it your fave rock tunes, jazzy jazz, classically classical or what have you), played not-too-loudly in the background - is optional.


At The Small Dinner Party, being mindful of a classy, fun or even a themed presentation is an important part of the overall enjoyment.

Other Small Dinner Party Must-Haves:
Stimulating conversation,
on a variety of topics (effortlessly and seamlessly incorporated into conversation throughout the evening), to enliven the group repartee.

Every guest feeling comfortable with participating in quick n' lively banter of ideas/anecdotes (those who 'monologue ad nauseum' are cordially NOT invited).

Active Listening (apart from appreciating the tastiness of the meal,
active listening is the responsibility of every guest at The Small Dinner Party). DO invite friends who are capable of balanced exchanges in conversation; who have at one time or other demonstrated the unique skill of integrating others into easy chitchat. The Ho-Hum Braggadocio, who speaks almost exclusively of him/her self, need not apply for invitation to The Small Dinner Party. He/she can stay home - alone - with that bucket of KFC.

Insight (conversing with others, there are always numerous opportunities to learn and discover).

Lots of good-natured laughter (for a good chuckle heals the heart and soul).

YES PLEASE and HUZZAH!
for
The Small Dinner Party.

Your invitation is in the mail.

With Heart from Paul

Now THAT, my dear - is a tattoo worth having!

Here's a crazy video of what happened...