Episto-party!

Dear Friend(s), 

In keeping with my one-party-per-month goal for 2018, you are cordially invited to a LETTER WRTING PARTY! That’s *write*—snacks, catching up, adult beverages, and all the fixings for writing beautiful letters to friends, lovahs, your mom, or your senator! 

There will be lovely stationary, pretty pens, and stamps provided, along with food and drink. At the end of the festivities, I will pop them in the mailbox! 

WHO: You, me, us (and Tatiana, of course) 
WHAT: Episto-party extraordinaire 
WHEN: Sunday, March 11, from 4pm-whenever 
WHERE: My house!
WHY: Because there is nothing better than getting an an actual letter in the actual mail. :)

RSVP so I can stock up on stamps 

See you soon, letter-writers, 

Al xo

Robert Burns Night

On 25 January every year, Scots and Scots-at-heart come together to celebrate the life and works of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

The first Burns night was celebrated in 1801, when a group of Burns' friends came together at his childhood home to celebrate the life of their friend. In the more than 200 years since then, this tradition continues to grow as the influence of Burns' work has spread across the globe.

Today, people in countries all round the world who have been captivated by his haunting verses come together on his birthday, 25 January, to celebrate his life and works. Traditional Scottish food and drink is blended with some of Burns' best-known poems to create a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

The end of the party: JOY.

Born in Ayrshire in 1759, Robert Burns is Scotland's national bard. Affectionately known as 'the Ploughman Poet', his verses stand as a fitting testament to Scotland's proud literary history. Here's a selection of his greatest works:

A Man's a Man for A' That
Ae fond kiss
Auld Lang Syne
To a Mouse
A Red, Red Rose

And, Robert Burns Night was the very first party of the "one party a month" plan for my 2018 goal. 

Josh playing.

What a way to begin the year! Good food, good whisky, good music, good cheer and good poetry; there's no experience quite like a Burns Night celebration. Whether you're addressing the haggis or the 'lassies', or you dont know your kilts from your ceilidhs, that is a-ok, because all are welcome at Chez AlSilbs.
 

The centrepiece of any good Burns Supper menu is the iconic haggis, or as the bard himself described it, the 'great chieftain o' the puddin'-race'.  And of course, whisky is the usual choice at Burns Suppers, either malts or blends. Contrary to popular belief, adding a little water to your malt may improve rather than dilute the flavour, although some whisky drinkers may not take kindly to watering down their drams! 
 

But the best (and certainly my favorite) part of Burns Night is the traditional poetry recitals. These include Burns classics (above) especially the 'Address to a Haggis' (recited by my dearst Tzeitl WHO FLEW OVER ESPECIALLY FROM SCOTLAND, Frances Thorburn). Other recitals on the evening include contemporary Scots poetry, and of course, traditional music (which filled my home thanks to all the signers, and friends playing the accordion, oboe and cello!)

all the signs of a good party

The One-Party-Per-Month Plan

Welcome, 2018!

My goal for this calendar year (I don't really like the term "New Year's Resolution—it sounds like something is innately broken and requires resolving. Goals are go-get-em and all-positive) is to have one party or gathering in my home per month. I know I know. It sounds a little overwhelming but hear me out.

I have hinted on this blog about my health journey, and though I am nearly ready to share its depths, I can share a bit  that one of the overall woes was the sensation that my life was getting smaller and smaller. It was a necessity of sorts—my wonderful little haven of an apartment (along with Tatiana's healing cuddles) became a kind of cocoon for my daily restoration.

However, I sensed a need to break open once more.

That said, I still have my limitations (not to mention my introvert nature!)—and I realized that going from fetal position to CLUBBING ALL NIGHT was not really going to be trajectory when it came to "getting back out into the world." (Plus, let's be frank: I'm in my thirties, Y'all. I don't "club" as a verb. Ever. And I didn't at any age but that's not even the point.) Anyway! My goal was to open my life, my heart, re-introduce myself to the world again, on my own terms.

The solution?

Use my own wonderful home! The place that has served me so well as a place of healing and womb-like restoration, can now be a place to gather friends old and new. I vow to throw one gathering or party in my home per calendar month, for every month of 2018. This will allow me to socialize meaningfully, in my own space, at my own pace, filling this previously closed off space with loving energy and new energy, for the purpose of opening my life again.

Here's to open hearts and open homes.

from The Hanukkah Hoedown