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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Heaven: Dear Sine...
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Amanda B. Reckondwythe
Dressed for Church
# 5521
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
Sine, is there any occasion when an priest can wear brown shoes? Any occasion whatsoever?
Provided you are not wearing clerical garb, and provided your shirt, trousers and socks match the shoes, then go right ahead -- but be sure to change before dark. A gentleman never wears brown after dark.
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"I take prayer too seriously to use it as an excuse for avoiding work and responsibility." -- The Revd Martin Luther King Jr.
Posts: 10542 | From: The Great Southwest | Registered: Feb 2004
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
This is one about a pair of perfectly designed brown lizard court shoes (pumps to US Shipmates). Sine, is there any occasion when an priest can wear brown shoes? Any occasion whatsoever?
While I love Cosmo dearly, I'm not sure he is in tune with the allure of a pair of perfectly designed brown lizard pumps. And doubtlessly his advice on the matter might be canonically and liturgically correct but it would not speak to the heart.
And a pair of brown lizard pumps is all about the heart. So while the closest I've gotten to seminary is a brief fling with a pot-smoking Jesuit in the 70s, I would say that any occasion when you can legitimately be carrying a matching brown lizard handbag is appropriate for wearing brown lizard pumps. But not one without the other.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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Dee.
Ship's Theological Acrobat
# 5681
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Posted
Sigh,
Sine...your just so classy...one day...
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Jesus - nice bloke, bit religious
Posts: 2679 | From: Under Downunder | Registered: Mar 2004
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Campbellite
Ut unum sint
# 1202
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Posted
How's that working for you, Sine?
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I upped mine. Up yours.
Suffering for Jesus since 1966.
WTFWED?
Posts: 12001 | From: between keyboard and chair | Registered: Aug 2001
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babybear
Bear faced and cheeky with it
# 34
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
The Amosling has pointed out that if I wear brown shoes even the Bishop of Carlisle (qv) will not suspect that I am demonically possessed.
I can't quite parse that sentence. Does Amosling believe that you are not demonically posessed AND the Bishop of Carlisle (may God bless his little cotton socks) would never dream of thinking that you could be, or does it mean that although you are demonincally possessed the Bishop of Carlisle (mGbhlcs) would not suspect it?
Posts: 13287 | From: Cottage of the 3 Bears (and The Gremlin) | Registered: May 2001
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Corpus cani
Ship's Anachronism
# 1663
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by The Geezer:
-- but be sure to change before dark. A gentleman never wears brown after dark.
Or anywhere except the country. "Shoes of brown, but never in town."
Corpus
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Bishop Lord Corpus Cani the Tremulous of Buzzing St Helens.
Posts: 4435 | From: Trumpton | Registered: Nov 2001
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Lyda*Rose
Ship's broken porthole
# 4544
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Posted
Since my last two priests have tended to wear birkenstocks or birkenstocks, brown lizard pumps sound incredibly classy.
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"Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG... thank you. Thank you for my life." ~from Joe Vs the Volcano
Posts: 21377 | From: CA | Registered: May 2003
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Cosmo
Shipmate
# 117
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Sine Nomine:
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
This is one about a pair of perfectly designed brown lizard court shoes (pumps to US Shipmates). Sine, is there any occasion when an priest can wear brown shoes? Any occasion whatsoever?
While I love Cosmo dearly, I'm not sure he is in tune with the allure of a pair of perfectly designed brown lizard pumps. And doubtlessly his advice on the matter might be canonically and liturgically correct but it would not speak to the heart.
You do me a disservice. I am indeed quite in tune with the allure of brown lizard pumps. However, they may not be worn by any priest, not even a she-priest, whilst said priest in priestly garb. Black and brown are not an attractive combination unless you happen to be an admirer of the SA. On no account may a priest wear anything other than black shoes; not sandals even in summer climes, but shoes.
This comes direct from the heart as is my advice that the brown lizard handbag should be either huge or miniscule. A regular size handbag carried along with the wearing of pumps merely looks as though the wearer has forgotten to put on her shoes.
Cosmo
Posts: 2375 | Registered: May 2001
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Ferijen
Shipmate
# 4719
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Posted
Now I hate sandals. Haven't worn a pair since I was about 10. I detest bare feet - or more specifically, toes, on anybody. Completely and utterly. But I still can't see a proper response to the thought that 'if sandals were good enough for Jesus, they're good enough for x'. Sine, or Cosmo, can you illuminate me as to why priests shoudn't go open toed?
[ 19. October 2005, 11:08: Message edited by: ferijen ]
Posts: 3259 | From: UK | Registered: Jul 2003
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Corpus cani
Ship's Anachronism
# 1663
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by ferijen:
8<...can you illuminate me as to why priests shoudn't go open toed?
People would notice that all clergy have webbed feet. Thus would escape the details of the planned domination of the world by giant alien lizards.
Corpus
[who only ever wears black Oxfords in town.]
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Bishop Lord Corpus Cani the Tremulous of Buzzing St Helens.
Posts: 4435 | From: Trumpton | Registered: Nov 2001
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Alfred E. Neuman
What? Me worry?
# 6855
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Cosmo:
[...] On no account may a priest wear anything other than black shoes; not sandals even in summer climes, but shoes.
Somehow, I just can't get my mind around the image of Jesus strolling in sand wearing black oxfords.
(or black anything for that matter)
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--Formerly: Gort--
Posts: 12954 | Registered: May 2004
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teddybear
Shipmate
# 7842
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Posted
Dear Sine,
Speaking of shoes... I will be in Italy for the Christmas holidays and one of my goals is to buy a pair of nice shoes. My question is how do I know a pair of nice shoes when I see one? Does one go on comfort alone? Does one choose what is in fashion in Italy or what would be in fashion here in flyover land? I don't want to make a faux pas, so help me please!!!!
Teddy
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My cooking blog: http://inthekitchenwithdon.blogspot.com/
Posts: 480 | From: Topeka, Kansas USA | Registered: Jul 2004
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Amos
Shipmate
# 44
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
The Amosling has pointed out that if I wear brown shoes even the Bishop of Carlisle (qv) will not suspect that I am demonically possessed.
I can't quite parse that sentence. Does Amosling believe that you are not demonically posessed AND the Bishop of Carlisle (may God bless his little cotton socks) would never dream of thinking that you could be, or does it mean that although you are demonincally possessed the Bishop of Carlisle (mGbhlcs) would not suspect it?
Oh bb! That is a carefully couched ambiguity you're unveiling! Sometimes she thinks the one thing and sometimes the other.
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At the end of the day we face our Maker alongside Jesus--ken
Posts: 7667 | From: Summerisle | Registered: May 2001
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by teddybear:
I will be in Italy for the Christmas holidays and one of my goals is to buy a pair of nice shoes. My question is how do I know a pair of nice shoes when I see one? Does one go on comfort alone? Does one choose what is in fashion in Italy or what would be in fashion here in flyover land?
You will be visiting Florence, won't you? Of course you will. So you go here and have a pair custom made. That way they will be both stylish and comfortable. Plus they will then have your last on file and you can order from them for the rest of your life.
When friends ask you where you get your shoes you can reply "Oh I have them made at a little place outside of Florence." That's hard to beat for a drop-dead throwaway line.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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Twilight
Puddleglum's sister
# 2832
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Gort:
Somehow, I just can't get my mind around the image of Jesus strolling in sand wearing black oxfords.
But Jesus lived in a sandy country while British priests live in an oxey, fordy country.
Posts: 6817 | Registered: May 2002
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Lamb Chopped
Ship's kebab
# 5528
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Posted
quote:
When friends ask you where you get your shoes you can reply "Oh I have them made at a little place outside of Florence." That's hard to beat for a drop-dead throwaway line.
Except that in fly-over country, most people will assume that you mean Florence, Missouri.
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Er, this is what I've been up to (book).
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!
Posts: 20059 | From: off in left field somewhere | Registered: Feb 2004
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Sioni Sais
Shipmate
# 5713
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
quote:
When friends ask you where you get your shoes you can reply "Oh I have them made at a little place outside of Florence." That's hard to beat for a drop-dead throwaway line.
Except that in fly-over country, most people will assume that you mean Florence, Missouri.
Irthlingborough is outside of Florence too. Not just outside but they do make shoes there, including some of mine.
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"He isn't Doctor Who, he's The Doctor"
(Paul Sinha, BBC)
Posts: 24276 | From: Newport, Wales | Registered: Apr 2004
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KenWritez
Shipmate
# 3238
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Irthlingborough is outside of Florence too. Not just outside but they do make shoes there, including some of mine.
Yeah, but for anyone outside your immediate area, when friends ask you where you get your shoes, and you reply, 'Oh I have them made at a little place in "Earthlingburrow,'" your drop-dead throwaway line shatters on their look of dull incomprehension as you have to explain "Earthlingburrow" yet again.
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"The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be a shepherd." --Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction
My blog: http://oxygenofgrace.blogspot.com
Posts: 11102 | From: Left coast of Wonderland, by the rabbit hole | Registered: Aug 2002
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Autenrieth Road
Shipmate
# 10509
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Posted
Dear Sine,
The rector at my church has taken to occasionally wearing his stole upside down. I can tell because the cross at the nape of his neck is upside down. Apart from denouncing him to the vestry as a satanist, or embroidering "L" and "R" on the stole ends so he can easily check by looking down, what should I do?
Autenrieth
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Truth
Posts: 9559 | From: starlight | Registered: Oct 2005
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Niënna
Ship's Lotus Blossom
# 4652
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by teddybear:
Dear Sine,
Speaking of shoes... I will be in Italy for the Christmas holidays and one of my goals is to buy a pair of nice shoes. My question is how do I know a pair of nice shoes when I see one? Does one go on comfort alone? Does one choose what is in fashion in Italy or what would be in fashion here in flyover land? I don't want to make a faux pas, so help me please!!!!
Teddy
Florence (Fierenze) is the best place in Italy to buy shoes. Both times I bought shoes in Florence (at difference stores) and the shoes are still good-looking and comfortable years later. Their leather is the highest quality and durability. The first time I bought shoes in Florence was at fancy small shoe shop and the second time was a mom and pop store. I was really amazed at the good price and the fact that my shoes are still wonderful now. You can't go wrong shopping for shoes in Florence.
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[Nino points a gun at Chiki]
Nino: Now... tell me. Who started the war?
Chiki: [long pause] We did.
~No Man's Land
Posts: 2298 | From: Purgatory | Registered: Jun 2003
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
Apart from denouncing him to the vestry as a satanist, or embroidering "L" and "R" on the stole ends so he can easily check by looking down, what should I do?
Snicker quietly to yourself unless you're a member of the altar guild or his wife. Either of those categories can just go up to him and say "Bob, your stole's upside down again. You're losing it." But then they're entitled ex officio to make personal commments.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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John Donne
Renaissance Man
# 220
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Posted
Dear Sine,
I didn't know where else to put this, but I wanted you to know that I bought an Emporio Armani blazer for $2 from the Op Shop yesterday. It's in perfect condition except one of the buttons is chipped. As they are ordinary looking black ones, I reckon I replace it with look alikes and no-one will tell the diff.
I also bought a brand new tux - it seriously looks like it has just come off the rack and has never been worn, the facings are crisp and the clasps shiny. It's a shawl collar and I would've preferred a notch but one can't have everything for $5. Only prob is it's a bit tight... ah well. Something to aim for.
I know it's a bit peasanty, but a chap has to start somewhere. I knew you'd be happy for me.
![[Axe murder]](graemlins/lovedrops.gif)
Posts: 13667 | From: Perth, W.A. | Registered: May 2001
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by The Coot:
I know it's a bit peasanty, but a chap has to start somewhere. I knew you'd be happy for me.
Peasanty? I think not. Only a fool pays retail.
My very favorite sportcoat - the one I get the most compliments on - came from the Goodwill Store. Normally it would have been $10.00 but from noon til one on Saturday all clothing is half price so I was able to purchase it for a much more reasonable $5.00.
That said, I am extremely particular about ties and will pay any amount of money for just the right tie to with some jacket I got at the consignment shop. It makes all the difference in the world.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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Left at the Altar
Ship's Siren
# 5077
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Posted
Dear Sine
What is the most socially acceptable way to deal with a runny nose that will not respond to medical treatment?
Do I simply lock myself in a dark room until it stops?
Thank you in advance.
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Still pretty Amazing, but no longer Mavis.
Posts: 9111 | Registered: Oct 2003
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
You say "excuse me" a lot, try to at least turn away from other people when blowing your nose, and don't examine your snot like it was precious jewels afterwards.
At least that's how we do it in North America. Possibly the rules are different in the Antipodes.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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jlg
What is this place?
Why am I here?
# 98
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Posted
Here in New England saying "exuse me" every time would only draw unwanted attention. One is expected to deal with the nasal or chest secretions as quietly and discreetly as possible (and sometimes this means giving in to a big honking snort and/or cough as the lesser evil to a continuous sniffing, snuffling, and/or loud throat-clearing). It is very important under these circumstances to make sure that one's supply of tissues and/or cough drops is stashed in an easily available location (a simple outside pocket rather than one velcro tab and two zippers inside a purse/backpack adorned with various jingly bits) and if packaged it isn't garbed in noisy wrappings.
ETA: The key to it is wearing clothes with lots of readily accessible pockets. Some designated for clean hankies/tissues, others for the soiled ones (until you can get to a waste can). The bottom line being keeping everything out of sight except for the actual moments when it is being used.
[ 22. October 2005, 02:23: Message edited by: jlg ]
Posts: 17391 | From: Just a Town, New Hampshire, USA | Registered: May 2001
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RainbowKate
Shipmate
# 9331
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Posted
Dear Sine,
I am dealing with a tricky situation at work. Since begining work there (4 years ago) I have shared an office with Sue. Most of the time it's been fine and we've gotten along well. There is an interconnecting door between our office and my boss'.
Sue is extremly loyal to our CEO (not his real title, but it will do), while most of the staff (and indeed most of his clients) think he's an incompetant idiot. So he's been ousted. Sue carries on day and night about the injustice of it all. At times she clearly expects a response from me, but what do I say? The CEO doesn't leave until February so I can't say what I really think about him just yet.
We've requested she be moved to her own office closer to the people she works with directly, but this will not happen until the new year. What do I do in the meantime? She's also angry that she's got to move office and thinks we want to get rid of her (we do, as it happens).
I'm not sure what to say to her that is both honest but not cruel (and moreover won't get me in trouble).
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Coffee is the answer
Posts: 1227 | From: Left at the loophole | Registered: Apr 2005
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R.A.M.
Shipmate
# 7390
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Posted
"It is a shame this has to happen," you say - after all it is; it's a great shame that your boss is an idiot and no-one on the office likes Sue.
"But whatever I think, theres nothing I can do," I assume this is the case.
"I'd rather not dwell on it I am afraid, of course I wish you and CEO the best in your new locations/jobs/whatever. However it might be best not to discuss it to much."
Thats my suggestion anyway, people might not respect a fear of authority(which you can pretend) but they wopn't think its rude. A good apologetic shoulder shrugging and a request not to talk about it should get her of your back.
If it doesn't you may have to start being less subtle.
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Formerly Real Ale Methodist
Back after prolonged absence...
Posts: 1584 | From: (Sunshine on) Leith | Registered: Jun 2004
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
I think Real Ale Methodist has some good suggestions. I'd add one more:
"It's all very distressing."
When people try to suck me into Office Drama, I generally will make a short, non-committal remark such as the above and then immediately turn back to my computer and start typing madly, even if it's just an imaginary email. Frequently they will try to keep the "conversation" going. I turn back around make another non-committal comment and return to my electronic correspondence. After about three times most people get the picture.
After all you are there to work, and if you're working away ostentatiously it generally makes other people feel a little guilty that they're not.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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RainbowKate
Shipmate
# 9331
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Posted
Thanks! I will have to try those out on Monday.
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Coffee is the answer
Posts: 1227 | From: Left at the loophole | Registered: Apr 2005
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babybear
Bear faced and cheeky with it
# 34
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Left at the Altar:
Dear Sine
What is the most socially acceptable way to deal with a runny nose that will not respond to medical treatment?
Do I simply lock myself in a dark room until it stops?
Thank you in advance.
You are one very fortunate lady! There are two little short films produce by the Central Office of Information.
This should be of great assistance to you.
Posts: 13287 | From: Cottage of the 3 Bears (and The Gremlin) | Registered: May 2001
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Twilight
Puddleglum's sister
# 2832
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Posted
RainbowKate, you might also suggest that Sue watch Shattered Glass for it's many warnings against misplaced office loyalty. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posts: 6817 | Registered: May 2002
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Miffy
Ship's elephant
# 1438
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Posted
To further add to the advice re LATA's runny nose - some advice from one who knows (through bitter experience) all there is to know about how do conduct oneself in church.
Now that it's open season on coughs and sneezes, I make a point of:
a) Designating separate coat pockets for clean and used tissues
b) Endeavouring to remember which is which. (see also c) below) ![[Ultra confused]](graemlins/confused2.gif)
c) Reminding myself of the golden rule of successful mopping up of bodily fluids - Always blow with your left hand Else you could end up passing on rather more than The Peace. ![[Hot and Hormonal]](icon_redface.gif) By that token it also follows that left pocket is for dirties, right for clean hankies.
c) When receiving communion - always intincting. (Though as I do this with my right hand, it sort of defeats the object of a) and b).
Of course, I could receive with the left hand, I hear you say. Well, yes... But then I'd run the risk of committing the worst faux pas of all - dropping the lot.
Is it all worth it, I ask myself?
Posts: 4739 | From: The Kitchen | Registered: Oct 2001
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maleveque
Shipmate
# 132
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Posted
Twilight - ooh, oooh, Steve Zahn plays my cousin in that movie!! Biggest difference is that Zahn has a big ol' square jawline, and my cousin, well, doesn't.
Miffy - intincting just spreads the germs. I don't care what hand you do it with. When you have a cold, flu, plague, whatever, the best course of action is to receive the Blessed Sacrament in one kind only, the body of Christ, and know that you are receiving the fullness of grace especially since you aren't spreading your lovely germs to everyone else.
Man, I HATE it when people intinct, and about half of our parishioners do, no matter what they're told about it spreading germs.
You have SO many more germs on your hands than on your lips.
Anne L.
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Life isn't all fricasseed frogs and eel pie.
Posts: 1496 | From: Washington, DC or thereabouts | Registered: May 2001
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Twilight
Puddleglum's sister
# 2832
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Posted
Maleveque's cousin is Adam Penenberg! I'm way impressed! That whole journalistic world is just fascinating to me. Maybe we could all do that movie for the SoF film thread sometime. (hint hint)
Posts: 6817 | Registered: May 2002
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Eliab
Shipmate
# 9153
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Posted
Dear Sine,
I have, in these pages, sought your wise advice concerning the eternal power struggle between Mrs Eliab and her mother, and I hope you will allow me to share with you and your readers a recent modest triumph for my wife.
The Wife’s Mother was visiting for the weekend as we were hosting a Christening party for our infant. We have a lot of preparation to do, and ask the WM to keep an eye on the (sleeping) baby for a couple of hours. But she is in the middle of an attention-seeking invalidity ploy, and is having none of it.
“Look after a baby? With my back/neck/legs/head/bowels? The doctor says he’s never seen such…”
Mrs E then cuts her off deftly. “No, of course not. Don’t worry, I can ask Eliab’s mum to take care of him”.
The threat of being side-lined in favour of the Other Granny, slipped in with every appearance of concern, was simply masterful. I’ve never seen the WM U-turn so fast. Of course she wanted to look after the imp. No problem at all.
Anyway, I know that as a man, I’m strictly a spectator of these mysteries, but I do like watching anything done well. And when Mrs E gets one over on her mother – against the weight of shameless manipulation and cunning – I’m proud of her.
So my question is – is there an accepted way that I can show my appreciation of a hand well played? Jumping to my feet and yelling “Ha! In your face, Granny!” would have seemed both socially unacceptable and tactically unwise.
Eliab
(BTW – this weekend I learned that “Jesus’s goblin” is not the correct mode of address for the newly baptised. Your readers may find this helpful in avoiding domestic disharmony).
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"Perhaps there is poetic beauty in the abstract ideas of justice or fairness, but I doubt if many lawyers are moved by it"
Richard Dawkins
Posts: 4619 | From: Hampton, Middlesex, UK | Registered: Mar 2005
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Lyda*Rose
Ship's broken porthole
# 4544
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Posted
"Jesus's Goblin" sounds adorable, especially in this season.
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"Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG... thank you. Thank you for my life." ~from Joe Vs the Volcano
Posts: 21377 | From: CA | Registered: May 2003
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babybear
Bear faced and cheeky with it
# 34
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Eliab:
And when Mrs E gets one over on her mother – against the weight of shameless manipulation and cunning – I’m proud of her.
So my question is – is there an accepted way that I can show my appreciation of a hand well played?
Have you considered waiting until your mother-in-law has left the room, and then falling at your wife's feet, with due reverence and honour?
Posts: 13287 | From: Cottage of the 3 Bears (and The Gremlin) | Registered: May 2001
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KenWritez
Shipmate
# 3238
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Posted
Dear Sine;
I want to host a dinner party for four friends, something of "casually elegant comfort" feels about right. I want my guests to be comfortable and the attention to be on the people first and the food and conversation second, rather than on the place settings or the decor.
Any suggestions as to how to achieve this without going broke or insane? Without having to buy out Williams-Sonoma or Bed Bath & Beyond? Can I have a "theme" without resorting to Stewartian heights of nubby-fingered production, baublery and effort?
What is your Dinner Party Wisdom™?
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"The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be a shepherd." --Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction
My blog: http://oxygenofgrace.blogspot.com
Posts: 11102 | From: Left coast of Wonderland, by the rabbit hole | Registered: Aug 2002
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welsh dragon
Shipmate
# 3249
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Posted
Hi
I don't know your cultural references, Ken. But I think candles, semi darkness (so the emphasis is off the decor), some sort of gentle music if poss, maybe some flowers on the table, aromatic cooking smells as I am sure would be the case and general bonhomie will win the day.
Oh and a plentiful supply of drinkable wine as well...
Posts: 5352 | From: ebay | Registered: Aug 2002
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Left at the Altar
Ship's Siren
# 5077
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Posted
Dear Sine
Help! My nine year old son is pestering me to let him get a mullet (hairdo, not fish). He is quite insistent.
What should I do?
Many thanks
LATA
PS. He really does need a haircut, so this is of some urgency.
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Still pretty Amazing, but no longer Mavis.
Posts: 9111 | Registered: Oct 2003
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Lyda*Rose
Ship's broken porthole
# 4544
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Posted
LATA, rent and watch Joe Dirt with him, and then ask him if he still wants a mullet. If he does, you'll just have to face the fact that someone dropped a little redneck in your nest. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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"Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG... thank you. Thank you for my life." ~from Joe Vs the Volcano
Posts: 21377 | From: CA | Registered: May 2003
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by KenWritez:
I want my guests to be comfortable and the attention to be on the people first and the food and conversation second, rather than on the place settings or the decor.
Can I have a "theme" without resorting to Stewartian heights of nubby-fingered production, baublery and effort?
Simple doesn't mean easy. In fact simplicity can be extremely hard to achieve.
What you're after, I think, is the deceptively simple. Like Marie Antoinette's Hameau at the Petit Trianon.
A rustic stew, but it took you two days to prepare and mellow it and you used a wonderful wine to flavor it. A peasant tart, but with the best apples you could find. What you're thinking here is Richard Olney, if you're familiar with him.
As to a "theme" - that's easy. "Autumn". I don't know why but people are always bowled over by dead leaves and a few gourds on the table. Go figure. And buy some unusual napkins. But don't fold them into weird shapes.
If you want the attention on the guests don't serve too much to drink. Well, that is if you want attention in a good way.
Keep the focus on the conversation. Don't you try to be clever or insightful. Encourage your guests to be. Don't be afraid to steer the table talk back into more interesting chanels if it flags. Put your elbows on the table and lean forward with breathless interest when someone else is talking. Don't pay too much attention to your food while you're eating. Keep your eyes on your guests.
The balance you're after is to make your guests feel they're at a Special Occasion, but not so special that they're intimidated.
p.s.:
Don't have "background music".
Don't have a clock in the room.
Ruthlessly cut off any mention of politics, money, or ailments.
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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Sine Nomine
Ship's backstabbing bastard
# 66
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Left at the Altar:
My nine year old son is pestering me to let him get a mullet (hairdo, not fish). He is quite insistent.
If it will make him look cool among his peers let him have it. Who cares what adults think? It's his classmates who count. What are they wearing?
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Precious, Precious, Sweet, Sweet Daddy...
Posts: 16639 | From: lat. 36.24/lon. 86.84 | Registered: Dec 2002
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Left at the Altar
Ship's Siren
# 5077
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Posted
Well, all the sons of criminals are wearing mullets.
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Still pretty Amazing, but no longer Mavis.
Posts: 9111 | Registered: Oct 2003
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Corpus cani
Ship's Anachronism
# 1663
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Posted
Do we mean the same thing by "mullet"? Lots of frizzy, permed hair on top and down the back, hanging below the collar (uurgh!) but quite short at the sides without being a 'buzzcut'?
Then your problem is solved. Next time he asks, just say, "Great idea! That cut was fashionable when I was young. Everyone had them in the eighties. It'd be great to see you with "my sort of haircut". >whistful sigh.<
He'll want a short back and sides before you can blink.
Corpus
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Bishop Lord Corpus Cani the Tremulous of Buzzing St Helens.
Posts: 4435 | From: Trumpton | Registered: Nov 2001
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