Friday, October 12, 2007

Royalty

David was watching a show on Windsor Castle and Her Majesty. It was all about the preparations for a large dinner that she was hosting. It was interesting to see just how many details there were to worry about. Just watching them set the table was amazing. Everything had to be absolutely PERFECT. Even the chairs were lined up at an exact distance from the table. As I was watching this, all I could think of was the contrast between attending a dinner at Windsor Castle and the chance I had to go to a get-together (book club) at Dory's house last night. If I HAD to go to a royal dinner (it's not something I would aspire to do) I would worry about looking right, saying the right things, using the right utensils or glass (and they literally had 5-6 glasses per place setting! More than I've ever seen!) I don't think that I would feel like I could be myself, or that I would feel like a welcome friend.
On the other hand, when I walked into Dory's house she made me feel welcome and at home. It was great to be together with so many of the sisters I love, and some I look forward to getting to know better. Everyone was comfortable and able to speak about whatever came up. There was no formality, no stilted manners, no pomp and circumstance. Just good old-fashioned fun and comraderie. I don't think that Jacques Cherac had a better time with the Queen of England than I did last night!
So, would I trade my night at Dory's for a chance to dine with Her Majesty? Not a chance!! In my mind my sisters ARE royalty- the very best!! What the world values is NOT what is the most important- and you all seem to have internalized that and you show through your actions that true grace comes from loving others, not from having everything perfect.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next book club meeting! (And hoping that invite from the Queen gets lost in the mail!)

7 comments:

Mama D said...

I wouldn't be comfortable in the Queen's presence, sitting at her table with such a place setting! And yet, last night was great and comfortable and fun. It's great to be able to be yourself in the presence of friends!!

Papa D said...

I'm crushed; I'm not expecting an invitation to either.

Seriously, thanks for putting that together and attending, ladies. It was a great thing for my wife, and I really do appreciate it - since when Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

Steve and Jamie said...

I was so glad you were there last night. I know I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Leslie said...

Personally, I think we should invite the Queen to our next get together -- you know, show her a TRULY good time. She'd never be the same.

Dory said...

Wow Patty, you make me feel so good. I just love this blog thing! I'm really glad everyone had a good time. I really needed the girl's night and I love having discussions on things that matter. OK, so maybe vampires don't have a lot to contribute to world peace or anything but the discussion they led to can. Thanks again everyone.

Louann and Bari said...

Wait a minute.....I thought I was the Queen. Yea--I'm sure of it, I have at least 2 princesses living in my house. Doesn't that make me the queen? Then again, I have a couple of Drama Queens too.......

chelle said...

HAHA Patty that is soo how I feel. If I was the richest person in the world I am not sure I could habg with that in crowd. My manners leave soemthing to be desired. And to tell you the truth..I rather like them that way. Life is not fun being so stuffy. BLah! Let me hang in my sweats and eat using one fork for the whole meal and am happy :D