Scenes from a party

We had a small family party last night. There was soup, bread, cheese and cookies.

There was a bar.

There were teenagers drinking. (not alcohol)

We went caroling.

My friend J wore  a coat that looked like it had been made from our dog, Valentine. (but it wasn't)

So much fun. I love my friends and family.

Disappearing

Sylvia Fein, Lady with her baby

I went to a party last night. I love the woman who gave it. I ate good food and drank two party drinks made with gin and fruit juice, garnished with a cranberry. I mingled with people I didn't know, and I laughed uproariously with those I did know. I tried not to be a hater, especially when people talked about their holiday travel plans and where their children were going to college, how stressed they were, how difficult it is and all that jazz. I stifled my impulse to interject with sharp-tongued comments like tomorrow I'm attending a conference about medical marijuana and will be talking with people who hope their kids don't die before they get it. I restrained myself from both being a hater and being impulsive. I embraced my inner Bodhisattva and felt compassion for all people, even the smug. The I that is me disappeared. I thought about this poem.


The Art of Disappearing


When they say, Don't I know you?
say no.


When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering


Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.


If they say We should get together
say Why?


It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.


Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.


When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.


Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.


Naomi Shihab Nye

Good Morning!

As you all know, we're still here.

Groaning with sweets and champagne, true, but we're still -- gloriously -- here.

Our menu for last night included the following:

Eggnog Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream

Gingerbread Cake with Coffee Glaze

Buche de Noel (chocolate cake with ganache)

Vacherin with Cranberries and Raspberries

Traditional Swiss Christmas Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cheesecake with Christmas Candy Top

Cheese Board with Chutneys and Fig

Winter Wonderland Red Velvet Cake

Citrus Salad

Pecan Puffs

Pear Frangipane Tart

Champagne

We had a much smaller party than we'd had in the past, so please come over for leftover sweets and champagne!

End of the World Dessert and Champagne Party Preview

Genoise for Buche de Noel

Swiss Christmas Cookies

Pecan Puffs and Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Winter Wonderland Cake

Gingerbread Cake with Coffee Glaze

Eggnog Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream

Citrus Salad Makings

The Husband and I haven't worked together in over five years, but we're producing, ya'll! I'll be back tomorrow with more pics.