GROUP PROJECT: I am looking for wholesome stories about a time you were invited to someone's lunch table, literally or metaphorically. When did someone make you feel welcomed in? Looking to include your story in a future post!
At my first internship, fellows all ate together in a dining hall. The tables sat 8, so the ninth person to come to lunch would have to start their own table and sit alone while they waited for others to arrive. I remember feeling so nervous when I realized I was that ninth person, but the group of 8 already seated told me to pull up a chair and join their table instead. And then, as more and more people arrived, we continued to extend the invite until 15-20 interns were all seated together around a table for 8! As the youngest and least experienced intern, this attitude of there always being room for one more at the table left a huge impression on me and it’s something that I always try to replicate in social situations!
I went to volunteer for a day at a lighthouse on an island to help with yard work and other projects. After talking and getting to know the lighthouse keepers they invited me to stay the night with their nieces joining. I had only packed a day bag but they shared all the necessities I need. We ate dinner outside together and we raised a toast to “saying yes!” I can still feel how that night felt and was in awe how they made room for me at the table and I didn’t have to do or give anything, just be. That generosity healed something in me!
A few months ago, my dad was out of town, and he received an invitation for a baby shower. (His second-cousin was expecting) I knew that he wasn’t going to be able to attend, so I went ahead and let the hostess of the party know. She responded to my message inviting me to come instead, even though she hadn’t seen me since I was a child. The night before the party, she let me know that my boyfriend could come as well! The party hadn’t happened yet, and I was already feeling immensely cared for and welcomed.
Fast forward to the next night, and my date and I walk into a crowded venue. There were a few people I recognized as distant relatives, but more that I didn’t. Luckily, a group of relatives that I knew decently well happened to be crowded together near the door, and they quickly noticed us, embraced us, and pointed out other relatives who I did know. It meant the world to me!
A little while later, my date and I were standing at a table away from the crowd, and a sister of the mother-to-be approached us. Until then, I had never met her, but I knew of her because the previously mentioned relatives pointed her out. What stood out about our interaction was that our conversation lasted more than five minutes. It didn’t feel rushed, nor did it feel surface-level. It made me feel like I belonged at the party, which was invaluable.
Of course, at every family gathering, there are the ultra-extroverted aunts, and this party was no different. Although they can be a little wild, they never fail to make one feel welcome. When my date and I greeted them, they immediately hugged us, chatted excitedly, and pulled my date onto the couch beside them to enthusiastically interrogate him. It was a fun, light-hearted moment, and although it was overstimulating, it meant so much to us!
Toward the end of the party, the father-to-be announced that a family picture would be promptly taken outside, so my relatives all started urging me and my date to go out with everyone else (meanwhile, I was worried about where I’d leave my food!). When we got outside, the grandpa-to-be told my date to get in the picture. Simple as that gesture was, it communicated a huge message that they wanted him to feel as though he was a member of our family.
Needless to say, I’m honored to be related, even if distantly, to such fabulous hosts!
I was talking to a very nice customer at work. Casual small talk, what do you do? How was your day? etc. He mentioned that he was the director of the jazz band at my college. I expressed that I’ve always wanted to sing jazz and he immediately let me in. When I learned that I had schedule conflicts with rehearsal time, he took time out of his office hours to be with me while I practiced. When the performance was right around the corner, the rhythm section used their own free time to rehearse with me too. Throughout our private lessons, his kindness stood out to me. He was gentle with his critiques and enthusiastic with his praise. He recognized my previous singing experience and worked that language (I normally sing classical) into his advice. And when it came time for me to start improvising during solos, he acknowledged my apprehension and allowed me to write my solos beforehand without having to truly improvise. He truly made me fall in love with music again and introduced me to the world of jazz in a patient way. He emphasized that we are performing for the love of music and jazz, rather than perfection. I’ve never felt more welcome into an ensemble before.
Ooo this is a great question! Honestly, I have not found a favorite yet. I have one...but wouldn't recommend. I'm very curious about the brand Hawkins New York, because they have some beautifully timeless designs!
Oh I love Edith Schaeffer! I read The Hidden Art of Homemaking last year, and it was such a delightful read. Encouraged me to do things for the joy of it and to do it for others. 💕
I lived in Southwest Florida through middle/highschool the amount of added stress the humidity levels added to my life was unthinkable. I'd remember wanting to pull out all my hair :) every :) other :) day. I think my hair is still recovering from my straightening "techniques" LOL
By trial and error, we figured out it works best on desktop for current subscribers! So sorry for the inconvenience, I have no control over it, but wish it was mobile app too!
GROUP PROJECT: I am looking for wholesome stories about a time you were invited to someone's lunch table, literally or metaphorically. When did someone make you feel welcomed in? Looking to include your story in a future post!
At my first internship, fellows all ate together in a dining hall. The tables sat 8, so the ninth person to come to lunch would have to start their own table and sit alone while they waited for others to arrive. I remember feeling so nervous when I realized I was that ninth person, but the group of 8 already seated told me to pull up a chair and join their table instead. And then, as more and more people arrived, we continued to extend the invite until 15-20 interns were all seated together around a table for 8! As the youngest and least experienced intern, this attitude of there always being room for one more at the table left a huge impression on me and it’s something that I always try to replicate in social situations!
That is so sweet and charming! Crowded tables are one of my favorite things! They always seem to be filled with love and laughter.
I went to volunteer for a day at a lighthouse on an island to help with yard work and other projects. After talking and getting to know the lighthouse keepers they invited me to stay the night with their nieces joining. I had only packed a day bag but they shared all the necessities I need. We ate dinner outside together and we raised a toast to “saying yes!” I can still feel how that night felt and was in awe how they made room for me at the table and I didn’t have to do or give anything, just be. That generosity healed something in me!
A few months ago, my dad was out of town, and he received an invitation for a baby shower. (His second-cousin was expecting) I knew that he wasn’t going to be able to attend, so I went ahead and let the hostess of the party know. She responded to my message inviting me to come instead, even though she hadn’t seen me since I was a child. The night before the party, she let me know that my boyfriend could come as well! The party hadn’t happened yet, and I was already feeling immensely cared for and welcomed.
Fast forward to the next night, and my date and I walk into a crowded venue. There were a few people I recognized as distant relatives, but more that I didn’t. Luckily, a group of relatives that I knew decently well happened to be crowded together near the door, and they quickly noticed us, embraced us, and pointed out other relatives who I did know. It meant the world to me!
A little while later, my date and I were standing at a table away from the crowd, and a sister of the mother-to-be approached us. Until then, I had never met her, but I knew of her because the previously mentioned relatives pointed her out. What stood out about our interaction was that our conversation lasted more than five minutes. It didn’t feel rushed, nor did it feel surface-level. It made me feel like I belonged at the party, which was invaluable.
Of course, at every family gathering, there are the ultra-extroverted aunts, and this party was no different. Although they can be a little wild, they never fail to make one feel welcome. When my date and I greeted them, they immediately hugged us, chatted excitedly, and pulled my date onto the couch beside them to enthusiastically interrogate him. It was a fun, light-hearted moment, and although it was overstimulating, it meant so much to us!
Toward the end of the party, the father-to-be announced that a family picture would be promptly taken outside, so my relatives all started urging me and my date to go out with everyone else (meanwhile, I was worried about where I’d leave my food!). When we got outside, the grandpa-to-be told my date to get in the picture. Simple as that gesture was, it communicated a huge message that they wanted him to feel as though he was a member of our family.
Needless to say, I’m honored to be related, even if distantly, to such fabulous hosts!
I was talking to a very nice customer at work. Casual small talk, what do you do? How was your day? etc. He mentioned that he was the director of the jazz band at my college. I expressed that I’ve always wanted to sing jazz and he immediately let me in. When I learned that I had schedule conflicts with rehearsal time, he took time out of his office hours to be with me while I practiced. When the performance was right around the corner, the rhythm section used their own free time to rehearse with me too. Throughout our private lessons, his kindness stood out to me. He was gentle with his critiques and enthusiastic with his praise. He recognized my previous singing experience and worked that language (I normally sing classical) into his advice. And when it came time for me to start improvising during solos, he acknowledged my apprehension and allowed me to write my solos beforehand without having to truly improvise. He truly made me fall in love with music again and introduced me to the world of jazz in a patient way. He emphasized that we are performing for the love of music and jazz, rather than perfection. I’ve never felt more welcome into an ensemble before.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect tablecloth for like a year! Any suggestions of places to look? 😊
Ooo this is a great question! Honestly, I have not found a favorite yet. I have one...but wouldn't recommend. I'm very curious about the brand Hawkins New York, because they have some beautifully timeless designs!
Oh I love Edith Schaeffer! I read The Hidden Art of Homemaking last year, and it was such a delightful read. Encouraged me to do things for the joy of it and to do it for others. 💕
She is a treasure. I love how she does her own funky illustrations too.
I lived in Southwest Florida through middle/highschool the amount of added stress the humidity levels added to my life was unthinkable. I'd remember wanting to pull out all my hair :) every :) other :) day. I think my hair is still recovering from my straightening "techniques" LOL
So frizzy!
I am so team real plates!! I think it does make a difference!
Right!?
Jenna, this piece arrived at just the right time for me. thank you for putting language to something I've felt but never quite articulated <3
AH! I am so happy to hear that.
Hi! Im excited to subscribe via the sale, but subscription cost still says $50?
By trial and error, we figured out it works best on desktop for current subscribers! So sorry for the inconvenience, I have no control over it, but wish it was mobile app too!
Love this. When does the $25 go into effect?
It’s live now! :) It seems like it works best on desktop rather than the app, as some readers have shared they’ve had some trouble in app. Here is the link: https://www.feelingthemagazine.com/subscribe?coupon=e6381f56