W is for welcome

I really hope that anyone who visits our home will feel immediately welcome. I love having people over--though it's not happening much lately. Part of that is trying to stick to a better school-night routine, part of it is just getting back into the swing of school and feeling like we need to ease back into this whole school thing.

But I looked at the calendar the other day and October is NEXT WEEK! Oh my goodness. I guess school didn't just start and we really are into the swing of school. Time to send out some invitations...

We're having a family from school over for dinner on Saturday. He's a teacher at the middle school, I've met her a time or two, their son is in Emma's class. (In fact, she's declared that she's going to marry this boy, so I think we may need to arrange a marriage over the peach pie I'm going to make for dessert.)

And I'm thinking, thinking, thinking about a tea party. Mom and I used to have a Christmas tea every year--for nine years straight, in fact--for all of our friends. Hats, gloves, party dresses, bone china cups and saucers, and every kind of homemade cookie you can imagine. So much fun! Maybe something on a much smaller scale to welcome autumn. I really need to sit down and make some lists--who to invite, what to serve, when it could go on the calendar.

I'm also thinking a lot about my knitting group left behind in California. I usually had an open house on Wednesday morning, made yummy things to eat, and invited women in to knit, crochet, embroider, or just sit and talk. I miss that. It's sad that no one really just "drops by" much anymore and my Wednesday mornings at home gave me a chance to connect with so many incredible women. So few women have time just to sit and visit and I loved seeing people come in, sit back, take a deep breath, and just be.

At this point I don't think I could host a weekly open house like that--there is a book to be written with a deadline coming up. But I think I could possibly combine a tea party and crafty morning. Or maybe a tea party followed by a time for women to come and learn to knit. There are several friends who've hinted they'd like to learn...

All that to say, if you're ever in my neighborhood, please stop by. It's not imposing. I love unexpected company and if it's a bad time I promise to tell you so. Otherwise I'll invite you in for a cup of tea and we can sit in my newly rearranged family room and look out the window at the changing leaves.

Comments

[Lisa R=P]

Joanne,
You are such a wonderful hostess and friend. Thank you for sharing your notes from Beth. I printed them and made a copy for a friend of mine who is a Beth-a-holic.

I stopped at the bookstore on Saturday and bought Beth's study on David: A Heart Like His. I am looking forward to getting started with that one -- hopefully I will have some time this weekend to delve in. I have a quilt to finish for my nephew too -- so it might have to wait another week.

After reading your "w" post I said to my husband -- "How do you feel about hopping on a plane and heading to Denver? I want to learn to knit and Joanne is willing to teach me." That made him smile!

Thank you for being you! You are inspiring.

[Holly Smith]

Hee Hee :) I don't know who might have been hinting about learning to knit :) But I do know that she'll stop in sometime and surprise you! OK, I confess, it's me.

You are welcome to drop in anytime here, too. You know the way to my home...but I must say, sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) blinders are needed for the lack of clean laundry being put away :) I'm getting to your plan tonight and am going to try and schedule it. Maybe then I will get it together, sort of.

You are fun, my friend!
Praying for your bible Study!

[Kimberly]

I'd love to stop by! I'm not sure though, that you'd want all three of us there. Pumpkin would be running around, the baby would be crying, and I have no idea how to knit, sew, or anything!
For several years I did a craft day in early November. I had ladies come over to make stuff and bring there own projects. We had food and fun all day. I miss that. If I can get my act together (!) maybe I'll try it again this year. If so, you'd definetely be invited!
I love to do Christmas Teas as well. Think it will depend on the baby this year...
Hope to see you soon.

[julie]

Your plans sound wonderful and inviting... Oh, how I wish we were neighbors!

[Meredith]

Okay, I'm going to take you up on the "stopping in" sometime. I hardly ever head north, but next time I'm up that way, I'm definitely calling you!

Meredith

[party dresses for women]

I love this site and post a lot. You are a wonderful writer, and you really should write some more on this topic