Wednesday, October 6, 2010

When a Dish Is More Than A Dish

Last week was one of the busiest I remember since the days of wedding planning. But that was not the original plan. Beloved was out of town and I had a total “me” week planned….sushi and ice cream on alternate days for dinner, lots of blogging, lots of reading, lots of blissful nothing. That was not to be. Unplanned events popped up all week.

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One of my daughter’s very best friends called me and said she needed a little of my time. I could sense this young working mother of two toddlers needed more than a visit and a latte at Starbucks. So, I put the butter pecan back in the freezer and set the table….for two.

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I think all mothers instinctively know when someone they care very much about needs pampering, a hug, or even the wisdom of experience. I knew this busy mother who often lives in a world of chicken nuggets on the run would appreciate a pretty table set just for her. I’ve known her since she was twelve and she likes dishes too :)

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Nothing was fancy…no fine china; no good silver.

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So I lit the candles for the special occasion of two women caring for and supporting one another. We held hands and said grace together as we have many many times before….. and we talked.

Sometimes a tablescape is more than dishes….

Thanks for visiting. I hope you’ll click the TT button on the sidebar to visit Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch. I’ll be back tomorrow with the dinner recipe—Shrimp Portofino. See you then!

32 comments:

  1. Susan, how sweet of you to be able to bring that comfort and encouragement to one in need.
    Makes setting the table well worth it! Girl, I've got to tell you when I saw the first pic pop up - I gasped! Those green salad plates are just like my brown ones I found at Tuesday Morning, a few weeks ago. I found 4 salad & 4 dinner. I would love to find some more. I have searched on internet already. I love them!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Karen

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  2. So very true. The very best tablescapes are made up the people around the table. I am quite sure she treasured that time with you
    xoxo Pattie

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  3. Susan what a lovely post! It is so true that a table with loved ones' sitting around it is so much more important then what is on it! Of course it does look lovely as always!!

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  4. I really love this post. I think our society is suffering from depression because we have allowed our demanding schedules to keep us from what matters most in life, relationships. The memories of sitting on a porch swing snapping beans with someone I loved gave me more gratification than anything in my bank account has or ever will. Your daughter's friend is one lucky gal to have a dear friend shower her with so much love by making a lovely tablescape and lunch.

    Gigi

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  5. Lovely table, I'm so glad you were there to offer dinner and your ear:@)

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  6. Very pretty table, Susan. Love the plaid napkins. I am sure your guest enjoyed her visit and meal with you.

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  7. How sweet of you to pamper from the inside out. You're a great friend and I'm sure she appreciated the extra special care you took. Lovely.

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  8. What a sweet thing to do for a young busy mom. You are a special lady. I love the tablescape...so simple and yet so nice. Come link up to centerpiece Wed. today on my blog.

    Karin

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  9. And THAT is what is important. I am sure it was very soothing for her to sit at that pretty table and have a kind listener!

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  10. What a lovely post. Sometimes I think we may just be a shallow group of women who have bonded in their dish sickness, and then a beautiful thought is expressed, such as yours and I realize exactly that: a tablescape is more than just dishes. It is hospitality, love, and welcome.
    Linda

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  11. I think it says so much when your children's friends trust you. It also says so much that you made the time to help the young woman feel special for a little while. The table is lovely, the sentiment...priceless.

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  12. Wonderful post and thoughtful friend!

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  13. That says so much about you, that your child's friend comes to you for advice/emotional support or just a shoulder - especially when your child's friend is an adult. You must be a special person to her.

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  14. Hi Susan,

    What a wonderful and special Lady you are, in giving this busy young Mum some pampering and love. She would have appreciated all your kindness and support.

    Happy Thursday
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  15. Susan,
    Wonderful post. Your kindness was very much appreciated I am sure.

    Carol

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  16. What a wonderful example of a Titus 2 relationship! I'm sure the pretty tablescape was appreciated, but the support even more so.

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  17. Lovely. I think it is really special to have close friendships like that with your children's friends. I am sure your lovely table and comforting presence gave her just what she needed.

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  18. This is a nice tale for a comforting visit!

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  19. I think that setting a pretty table, such as yours, is too more than as one commenter said, "shallow women who love dishes." I think it says that I care about you to set a nice table and I hope you relax and enjoy our time together. Your table for two is pretty and so seasonal. The green dishes are beautiful. Joni

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  20. What a wonderful friend you are to your daughter's friend! I know she appreciated your time and the special touches on your table.

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  21. One of the many reasons I love you.

    You said it ALL with this post, Susan. Bravo!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  22. Susan, this lovely post puts life in perfect perspective!
    Millie ^_^

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  23. What a wonderful table you set for a friend in need of a bit of pampering. This is so pretty and shows your beautiful heart.

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  24. You could feel your warmth in your words. I love this post. I love the table too. Bless you.

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  25. What a lovely post! This tablescape is much more than dishes. You love and caring concern for this young friend shines through each of your thoughtful gestures from the beautiful table to the meal for two.
    You are a dear! ~ sarah

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  26. Oh, those creamy plates!!!! Gorgeous!!! The design is just lovely! It was very sweet of you to postpone your solitude in favor of lending an ear to a friend in need. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  27. What a beautiful table, it's as though you can feel the warmth! I can see why this young Mother felt comfortable calling you for a chat! Thanks for visiting and your kind comments. To answer your question, it kept it well at room temp, but it came with an insert for ice and works well at keeping things very cold. Have a great weekend.
    Sandy

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  28. Oh, bless your heart for being there for your daughters friend. I'm sure the warm colors in your precious tablescape and your company warmed her heart.

    All the Best,

    Requi

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  29. How touching, Sue! What a good friend you are!
    Your table is lovely...very warm & inviting. I'm sure she greatly appreciated it.

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  30. Hi Susan, nice post & great blog, i think u must try this website to increase traffic. hope you have a nice day !!!

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  31. Oh Susan, I think sitting at your table and saying grace with you would be enough to calm the most worried soul. How wonderful that you gave up your "me" time to give this young mother what she needed. God bless you. laurie

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