Last night we had a friend over for dinner. It's the first time we've done that in a while, not because we are unwilling, but mainly because we forget to invite anyone to come and eat with us. It was fun.
Whenever I'm around Ben I'm reminded of the really great hanging-out that was done during my college years. Very good memories.
On a Thursday night my friend Jenny would call me on the phone to see if I wanted to come over. Most Thursday nights I'd get to her apartment and my friends Jeremy and Steven would already be there. We'd spend the evening sitting on the floor, watching tv and conversing with whoever else might happen to come by. Usually several other people would come by. I miss those days of casual socialization.
Other favorite memories.
Sitting outside on the porch of the Chi Alpha Girl's House, either in Chanda's cool leather chair or the swing, reading, listening to music, talking to Ken about deep-seated things until 3:00 in the morning. The Spade's games that used to go on until all hours, those were not my favorite times, but sweeping off the front porch, being outside, feeling cool breezes coming in off the street, and hearing the noises of cars going by, these were some really beautiful times. I loved that kind of atmosphere, when you never knew who might show up at your door. I loved my tiny white room at the Girl's House, and the window unit (both heat and cool) that kept my personal living space snug. I have happy memories that involve Mavis coming to my room to bring me sliced apples while I worked on some huge Interior Design project, bringing them because we'd just had an argument. I miss the sort of communal living that is possible in college as it is at no other time.
Whenever I'm around Ben I'm reminded of those times.
I wish sometimes that I could foster that sort of casual communal spirit in my life as a wife and mother, but I haven't figured out yet how practically to do so. And community isn't a talent I particularly have.
3 comments:
That was nice reading. Thanks.
I long for days of casual relating, too. I understand what you mean about community. We have to be very intentional to have any part of that in this fast-paced society!
I've been away from blogland a long while, so I was scanning down your blog quickly, thinking how adorable Parker is in all those photos, and then completely startled by the picture of Ben! unexpectedly hilarious.
Ben specifically asked that I mention him on my blog, thus the picture. I'm glad it made you laugh (not obviously because Ben looks funny, but because he isn't Parker). Good to see you last night too. Seems like forever.
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