being a great guest and being a great host are both on my mind. we’ve just enjoyed several nights of my parent’s masterful hospitality on the brogden road. meanwhile, back in atlanta, the finer details of guest spaces over on stovall street are coming into focus. i’m not sure if it’s god or the devil who dwells in the details, but i’m sure that mastery of detail makes for great hospitality.
Continue reading guesting/hosting (lessons from the brogden road)
my younger brothers and i came home early to help mom set up. we’re the world’s most opinionated catering crew, a well-oiled machine. we spent hours pulling from inventory and debating this rough draft layout of a table and its setting. it would surely seem unhinged to any observer. luckily there aren’t any.
the house was built a hundred years ago by my great great uncle. mom and dad have lived here nearly thirty years. boxwood, camellia, and magnolia grow close around.
the brogden road runs through eastern north carolina past fields where tobacco once grew. now it’s mostly soybeans.
our family has lived on or near this land since the 1760’s.
no surprise: i am a person who plans, who believes deeply in lists, in rituals, and in process.
hauling the mini off to the shop was not part of the pre-thanksgiving checklist, especially not the week after buying four new tires.
man plans; god laughs. best make your plans in such a way that you can laugh along.
the rain has stopped, but luther still finds the muddy spots.
of course he does.
a few weeks back, i posted 50 things i’ve learned in 50 years.
i enjoyed gathering life lessons, but many didn’t fit in that list format. so here’s a different take: the stories behind what i’ve learned, and the people and places that taught me.
#51-54: the house at 709 lexington avenue (part one).
Continue reading lessons #51 to 54 (things i learned on lexington avenue)
luther joined us a month after kip left.
Continue reading lutherin’