About Me
Hospitality.
The definition-
hos·pi·tal·i·tyˌhäspəˈtalədē/
noun
- 1.
the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
| synonyms: | friendliness, hospitableness, warm reception, welcome, helpfulness, neighborliness, warmth, kindness, congeniality, geniality, cordiality, courtesy, amenability, generosity, entertainment, catering, food “we found nothing but hospitality among the local inhabitants” |
My love language. It’s just a part of who I am. Perhaps that’s why I have two home economics degrees. Over 30 years of teaching Family and Consumer Sciences with a “National Teacher of the Year” award brought me joy to see those in my classroom learn, apply and flourish in their applications of things in life.
I love feet under my table and laughter in my home.
In identifying what on earth I would have to blog about…a friend asked what made me happy. I immediately responded, “feet under my table.” And she proceeded to say, “that’s who you are and the name of your blog.”
Why is it that the things that come so natural to us, make us believe those are not our strengths? It’s so much a part of us, we often don’t recognize it as something special? We often think everyone thinks like we do and have difficulty understanding when people don’t. And this noun, “hospitality”, is one of those words that becomes an action word, a verb, “more often than not” in my life.
Let me explain. If someone is ill…or a death has occurred…food is the first gift that comes to mind. I realize it’s bred into those of us raised in the south, but other ways to comfort don’t pop up first. And if family or friends need a place to stay while in town, even if I am out of town, they know there will be fresh sheets in the guest rooms and where to obtain a key.
Perhaps this is the DNA of who I am and a learned behavior. I spent a great deal of time growing up with friends on a farm. They were an older couple who would scoop me up after church and take me and my little travel case with them for a few days. It was delightful. And welcoming. Warm. Full of comfort and a kitchen table that overflowed with home cooked meals (and lots of love) three times a day.
To introduce myself, I am lover of life, God, and family; a believer in prayer; a giver; a friend; a teacher; and, as I have been told, a “gardener” of people. I am a nurturer; a wife; a Mom to two incredible sons and their amazing wives; a “CC” grandmother to four; and an aunt and great aunt with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
I am a lover of design and creativity. Of home, hospitality and gathering of family and friends around my table. Of new beginnings and restoration of people, buildings, and things. Of good food prepared with love and laughter.
Lots of things happen around a table…laughter, tears, conversation, creativity, projects, food, fun…the list could go on. I hope you will value time at your table and mine as I share conversations, recipes, projects, and life in the pages of this blog. And perhaps, maybe joy will overflow from my home to yours.
This blog took on much laboring and self-doubt, and yet, constant confirmation, encouragement from others—family, friends, and strangers—who saw in me an identity as a blogger. And, I finally listened and began to write. This transformation has already been a journey. Thank you for having your feet under my table and joining the adventure.
I look forward to hearing back from you in the comments,
–Leslie
